Instructions For Specific Materials - Omtech USB3020A User Manual

Step 10. Once the laser has stopped, examine the quality of your first run and adjust the laser parameters on the control
panel or in your software as necessary to create the desired effect.
During repetitive engraving and cutting, periodically check your temperature gauges to maintain a water
temperature between 60–70°F (15–20°C) and a power supply temperature below 100°F (38°C). If these
temperatures are approached, stop work and allow your device to cool before further use.
Step 11. When you have finished engraving, close your engraving software and then turn off your machine in the
following order: laser power supply (using the Laser ON/OFF button), the control panel (using the main
ON/OFF switch), any ventilation device, the water cooling system, and the emergency power button.
Step 12. Fully clean the workbed and main bay. For best results, disconnect your laser engraver from its power supply
between uses. Unplug it or turn off its intermediary surge protector.

4.3 Instructions for Specific Materials

The following instructions are suggestions to help speed safe work with a range of materials. The user should research
the specific safety and engraving requirements of their specific material to avoid the risk of fire, hazardous dust,
corrosive and poisonous fumes, and other potential problems. Once the product is known to be safe or appropriate
protective equipment has been set up, it can be helpful to engrave a test matrix of small boxes produced at various speed
and power settings to discover the ideal settings for your design. Alternatively, start with low power and fast speed
settings and rerun your design as many times as needed, using progressively greater laser intensity.
4.3.1 Ceramics
When engraving on ceramics, generally use moderate to high power. Using more loops rather than higher power and
lower speed can help avoid cracking the material during work. Be mindful of the health risk posed by dust generated
from ceramic engraving, especially for repetitive industrial applications. Depending on the material and amount of
work, a fan or even a full ventilation system may be required to address the problem. Similarly, operators and others in
the work area may need to use breathing PPE such as masks and respirators.
4.3.2 Glass
When engraving glass, generally use high power and low speed. As with ceramics, it can be helpful to run more loops
at lower settings to avoid cracks. Care must be taken when engraving fiberglass and carbon fiber to avoid combinations
of settings that produce a laser intensity great enough to damage the structural integrity of its component fibers,
producing blurry marking. PPE should be worn to avoid exposure of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin to the dust
produced by working with either material, especially for repetitive industrial applications. Clothing worn while
working with fiberglass should be washed separately afterward.
4.3.3 Leather
When engraving leather products, generally use low to moderate power at high speed. Be especially attentive to the
possibility of fire, as well as the dust produced in repetitive applications.
Description
Power
Speed
Thickness of Leather
1 mm
25 mA
20%
23
2 mm
20 mA
22%
3 mm
15 mA
25%