Introduction; General Information - Omtech PRO 2440 User Manual

1. Introduction

1.1 General Information

This manual is the designated user guide for the installation, setup, safe operation, and maintenance of your cabinet
laser engraver. It is divided into seven chapters covering general information, safety instructions, installation steps,
operation and adjustment instructions, maintenance procedures, and contact information.
ALL personnel involved in the installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and repair of this machine should read
and understand this manual, particularly its safety instructions. Some components are extremely high voltage and/or
produce powerful laser radiation. Substandard performance and longevity, property damage, and personal injury may
result from not knowing and following these instructions.
Your laser engraver works by emitting a powerful laser beam from a glass tube filled with excited carbon dioxide
(CO₂), catalyzing nitrogen (N₂), and insulating helium (He), reflecting that beam off three mirrors and through a focus
lens, and using this focused light to cut and etch designs into certain substrates. The first mirror is fixed near the end
of the laser tube, the second mirror travels along the machine's Y axis, and the third mirror is attached to the laser
head that travels along the X axis. Because some dust from the engraving process settles on the mirrors, they require
frequent cleaning. Because they move during operation, they also require periodic readjustment using their attached
positioning screws to maintain the proper laser path.
This laser is powerful enough to engrave and even cut most forms of steel. Avoid attempting to cut highly reflective
metals such as pure aluminum. Only use this laser with nonreflective metal while using the correct laser nozzle
in "Follow" mode and while using a source of pure oxygen (O₂) at the correct pressure. Pure oxygen is extremely
flammable and explosive and should be used with extreme care. Use the standard laser nozzle in "Normal" mode and
the regular air assist with all other materials.
With low intensity use, the provided laser tube has an average lifespan around 11,000 hours before requiring
replacement. However, constantly running your laser above 70% of its maximum rated power can significantly
shorten its service life. It is recommended to use settings from 10–70% of the maximum rated power to enjoy optimal
performance and longevity. Note that this is a high-voltage device and, as a safety precaution, it is recommended
to only touch its components with one hand at a time during use. Further note at its rated voltage this device and
its components can draw over 30 amps at their maximum settings. Use separate 20A circuits for the machine's two
power cords, prepare a robust dedicated circuit ahead of time, or carefully use lower settings to avoid drawing too
much power at one time.
The water cooling system or its equivalent must be used with this engraver to dissipate the heat produced by the laser
tube. Similarly, an exhaust system—typically either an external vent or a dedicated air purifier—must be used with
the provided fan to remove the dust and gases produced by the engraving process. Never operate the engraver without
both of these systems operating properly. The cooling liquid should always be kept clean and below 104°F (40°C), and
the exhaust system should always comply with all applicable laws and regulations for workplace and environmental
air quality. The small amount of refrigerant in the integrated chiller should not be dangerous under normal use, but
only use this machine in well-ventilated areas and be careful to avoid any sharp impacts, especially during transport
and movement.
Finally, note that the active laser is invisible to the human eye. This device should never be used while any cover is
open to avoid potentially permanent injury.
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