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Universal Laser Systems VLS3.60ES User Manual

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ULS – Draft Copy
DRAFT Version 3
October 2024
VLS Desktop User Guide
VLS3.60ES
www.ulsinc.com
Revision 2024.07.12

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Summary of Contents for Universal Laser Systems VLS3.60ES

  • Page 1 ULS – Draft Copy DRAFT Version 3 October 2024 VLS Desktop User Guide VLS3.60ES www.ulsinc.com Revision 2024.07.12...
  • Page 2 ©2024 Universal Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Universal Laser Systems logo and name are registered trademarks, and High Power Density Focusing Optics, Rapid Reconfiguration, 1-Touch Laser Photo, Laser Interface + and SuperSpeed are trademarks of Universal Laser Systems, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
  • Page 3 Universal Laser Systems an integral part of their business. Universal Laser Systems is committed to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction and support. To ensure your satisfaction, we urge you to read the documentation provided with your equipment.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Chapter 1 – Specifications Chapter 2 – Safety Chapter 3 – Installation Chapter 4 – Operation Chapter 5 – Accessories Chapter 6 – Maintenance Software Software and other documentation can be downloaded at www.ulsinc.com/support/technical-downloads Warranty Warranty documents pertaining to your purchase were included with the laser system when it shipped from the factory.

  • Page 5: Chapter 1 - Specifications

    Chapter 1 - Specifications...
  • Page 6 VLS3.60ES Operating Well-ventilated office (recommended) or clean, light-duty manufacturing Environment Operating 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º C) capable Temperature 73ºF (22ºC) to 77ºF (25º C) for best performance Storage Temperature 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º C) Operating Humidity Non-condensing Single Phase 110/240V AC, 10/5 Amp, 50/60 Hz...
  • Page 7 SPECIFICATIONS* VLS3.60ES Material Processing Area (W x H) 24 x 12 in. (610 x 305 mm) Maximum Part Size (W x H x D) 26.75 x 14.6 x 4 in. (679 x 370 x 102 mm) System External Dimensions (W x H x 34 x 14 x 25 in.

  • Page 8: Chapter 2 - Safety

    Chapter 2 - Safety...

  • Page 9: Description Of Appropriate Use

    Description of Appropriate Use This device is designed for laser cutting and engraving in an office, laboratory, workshop or light duty manufacturing environment. Materials to be processed must fit completely inside the system for proper operation. CAUTION: This device is not designed, tested, intended or authorized for use in any medical applications, surgical applications, medical device manufacturing or any similar procedure or process requiring approval, testing or certification by the United States Food and Drug Administration or other similar governmental entities.
  • Page 10 SAFETY REGULATIONS UNDER EN60825-1. CDRH is the Center for the Devices of Radiological Health division of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA. No guarantees of suitability or safety are provided for any use other than those specified by Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Laser Safety...
  • Page 11 MODIFIED, DISABLED OR REMOVED. This may lead to accidental exposure to invisible CO laser radiation which may cause severe eye damage and/or severe burns to your skin. • Always use caution when operating a laser system. *An enclosure which does not permit human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible emission limits of Class 1 for the applicable wavelength and emission duration.

  • Page 12: Safety Labels

    If the labels become damaged or have been removed for any reason, do not operate the laser system and immediately contact Universal Laser Systems, Inc. at 480-609-0297 (USA), +43 1 402 22 50 (Austria), +81 (45) 224-2270 (Japan) or e-mail us at support@ulsinc.com...
  • Page 13 Front View...
  • Page 14 Back View...
  • Page 15 Back view with laser cover removed...

  • Page 16: Eu Declaration Of Conformity

    EU Declaration of Conformity Product Identification: All ULS Laser Systems Manufacturer: European Office: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Universal Laser Systems GmbH 16008 N. 81st St. Lerchenfelder Guertel 43 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 A-1160 Vienna/Austria The manufacturer hereby declares that the equipment specified below...

  • Page 17: Fcc Compliance

    Recycling By placing the above symbol on our products and accessories, Universal Laser Systems is indicating that we are committed to helping reduce the amount of waste electronics ending up in municipal landfills. Therefore, Universal Laser Systems urges consumers to recycle this product and its accessories. Universal Laser Systems is equipped to recycle any of its electronic products and accessories and will assist our customers with their recycling options.

  • Page 18: Chapter 3 - Installation

    Chapter 3 - Installation...
  • Page 19 Damage to the laser system due to inadequate or improper installation or operation is not covered under the Universal Laser Systems (ULS) Warranty. See the ULS Warranty for additional information. A ULS Warranty document is supplied with your laser system. Should you require a copy of the Warranty, please contact the ULS Customer Service Team at 480-609-0297 (USA), +43 1 402 22 50 (Austria), +81 (45) 224-2270 (Japan) or e-mail us at support@ulsinc.com.
  • Page 20 interference if plugged into the same outlet. It may be necessary to attach the laser system to a dedicated electrical line to resolve the problem. 4. The laser system is designed as a Class I, Group A, pluggable device. It is also designed for connection to IT Power systems which provide the most flexibility to the user.

  • Page 21: Exhaust System

    Exhaust System (User Supplied if not using optional Exhaust Air Filtration Unit) 1. We recommend you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety and building code requirements. 2. The exhaust system must be capable of supplying a minimum of 250 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow while under a load of 6 inches of static pressure (425m3/hr at 1.5kPa).
  • Page 22 1. Exhaust blower mounted outside* (User Supplied) 2. Weatherproof shield (User Supplied) 3. Rigid ducting matching the diameter of the blower inlet (User Supplied) 4. Shut-off or air-flow gate (User Supplied) 5. Adapter to the hose reduces from 4” to 3” (User Supplied) 6.

  • Page 23: Software Installation

    Step 2: Computer Requirements and Software Installation Your computer is a critical component in the operation of your laser system. In fact, you cannot operate the laser system if it is not connected to your computer and running the Laser System Manager (LSM) software. You can only run one laser system per computer.
  • Page 24 2. Once the installation package has been successfully downloaded, launch the LSM software installer and agree to the licensing terms to start the installation. 3. At some point during the installation process, the installer will offer to install the LSM printer driver. The printer driver enables printing design files to the LSM software for laser material processing.
  • Page 25 Step 3: Assembling and Connecting Your Laser System Familiarize yourself with the instructions before getting started. The final step in installation is to assemble your laser system, install the laser cartridge, make final connections and perform a beam alignment check. Do not power up your laser system until the final step, “Checking Beam Alignment.”...
  • Page 26 5. Bend and connect the short exhaust hose (1) provided with the air filtration unit to the exhaust port on the back of the laser system and secure it with the provided hose clamps. Once the hose is attached, install the provided sheet metal cover over the exhaust hose. 6.
  • Page 27 3. The laser cartridge for your laser system may be shipped separately. If the laser cartridge is not already installed in the VLS laser system, locate the laser and follow these instructions to install it, otherwise skip to the next numbered step. a.
  • Page 28 c. Locate the “V” grooves along the upper (3) and lower (2) part of the laser cartridge base plate and the alignment plate (1) at the end of the base plate.
  • Page 29 d. Pick up the laser cartridge by the ends and mount the cartridge onto the mounting blocks shown in step b by placing the upper “V” groove on top of the mounting blocks. Slide the cartridge to the right or left as necessary until the mounting holes (1) in the top of the laser line up with the mounting holes in the top of the laser mounting blocks.
  • Page 31 6. After connecting the USB cable, launch the LSM software. The LSM will launch and indicate that the laser system is disconnected or powered off. 7. Press the Power button on the VLS desktop laser system to turn the laser system on. The laser system should connect to the LSM software and after initializing and homing the motion system, the laser system should be ready to operate and the LSM should look like this.
  • Page 32 Checking Beam Alignment As a final step in the installation process, you need to check your beam alignment. You do this using the red alignment pointer built into the laser cartridge. 1. Launch the LSM software, if it is not already running, and turn the laser system on by pressing the power button on the keypad.
  • Page 33 (0.5 mm) thick anodized aluminum test card supplied with your laser system. For additional test cards please contact Universal Laser Systems’ Customer Service Team at 480-609-0297 (USA), +43 1 402 22 50 (Austria), +81 (45) 224-2270 (Japan) or e-mail us at support@ulsinc.com.
  • Page 34 4. The test file should import and appear in the upper left corner of the system operation page of the LSM as shown. 5. Measure the thickness of the material (a digital calipers is recommended for this task). 6. Press the process settings button in the upper right corner of the system processing page to view the process settings for the control file you imported into the LSM.
  • Page 35 Step 4 – Starting the Process 1. Turn on the exhaust and laser system if not already on. Note: Laser system cooling fans are variable speed and may speed up and slow down during operation as needed to cool the lasers. 2.

  • Page 36: Chapter 4 - Operation

    Chapter 4 - Operation...
  • Page 37 Important Laser Material Processing Workflow Overview CAUTION: Please refer to the Safety section before operating the laser system. Processing materials on the VLS desktop laser system is a simple five-step procedure outlined in the diagram below. This section details each step including term definition, procedures, and best practices. Design File Creation Create and export design data to compatible design file format...
  • Page 38 system since it does not require installing additional software and works on any OS that supports a modern browser. Printing a Design File To print a design file, a printer driver must be installed on the computer on which the design file is generated.
  • Page 39 3. Process Creation Once a control file is created in the LSM by importing a design file, a process must be defined for each task (i.e. laser cutting, laser marking, laser engraving, laser surface modification, etc.). Default processes When a new design file is imported into the LSM, the material thickness and type must be selected from the ULS Intelligent Material Database.
  • Page 40 processing can be selected independently for each process set up in a control file. Gas/air flow levels can also be programmed per process. Initiating processing Once the control file is properly set up and material is loaded and aligned with the control file data, processing is initiated by pressing the process start button in the LSM.
  • Page 41 Laser System Manager Overview The LSM (Laser System Manager) is the software interface used to control the VLS desktop laser system, manage control files, setup processes, etc. The following Quick Reference Guide provides a brief overview of the functionality of the LSM. Main Menu The Main Menu of the LSM is accessible by pressing the Main Menu Button, three horizontal lines in the upper left-hand corner of the LSM.
  • Page 42 A- System Operation Opens the System Operation Page to control the laser system, setup control files, adjust settings, etc. This page is the default page for the LSM unless no control files exist in which case the Control File Page will appear.
  • Page 44 System Operation Page The primary location for laser system controls is the System Operation Page. The system may be positioned, set up, and run from this page. This default page is the most used in the LSM. The System Operation Page A- Menu Button Opens the Main Menu on the left-hand side of the LSM.
  • Page 45 Opens the Camera View as the current sidebar on the right-hand side of the LSM. For further details, refer to the Camera View Controls section of this manual. G- Settings View Opens the Settings View as the current sidebar on the right-hand side of the LSM. For further details refer to the Settings View Controls section of this manual.
  • Page 46 H- Vertical Rule Provides a vertical position reference in the processing area for the Design File Preview. Units are adjustable in the Systems Configuration Page. I- Horizontal Rule Provides a horizontal position reference in the processing area for the Design File Preview. Units are adjustable in the Systems Configuration Page.
  • Page 47 Focus View Controls These controls are primarily used to position and locate the motion system across each axis, and for positioning the material to be laser processed. Several of these controls are duplicated in other views. When in this view pointing at a position in the preview area with a mouse will move the beam delivery motion system to that location.
  • Page 48 D- Tap Sensitivity Adjustment Button Adjusts the sensitivity of movement of the arrow buttons between Low, Medium, and High on each joystick. The current sensitivity level is indicated by the number of chevrons on the button. More chevrons indicate larger movement distances. E- Home XY Button Simultaneously performs the homing routine on the X and Y Axes, causing the system to move towards the upper right-hand corner of the processing area and reestablish the home position.
  • Page 49 Relocation View Controls This set of controls manages the location, rotation angle and scale of the design file within the Design Preview Area. Design files may be manipulated by dragging the control handles around the design itself in the preview area, or by using the controls provided in the right-hand sidebar. Each type of manipulation (location, rotation, and scale) has its own set of controls selectable as tabs on the sidebar.
  • Page 50 F- Center Design File Buttons Centers the design file in either the vertical or horizontal direction. G- Vertical Min-Max Placement Buttons Moves the design file to the top or bottom of the processing area. The X Axis location of the design file remains unchanged.
  • Page 51 Scale Tab A- Design Colors Improves ability to see design files when superimposed on materials of different colors by temporarily switching the preview of the design to one selectable bright color. B- Scale Form and Button Scales the design file by the specified percentage. C- Rescale Only Button Reverts to the original scale of the design file but preserves location and rotation changes.
  • Page 52 Zoom Tab A- Design Colors Improves ability to see design files when superimposed on materials of different colors by temporarily switching the preview of the design to one selectable bright color. B- Zoom Full Field Button Shows the full extent of the processing area in the Design Preview Area. C- Zoom to Design File Button Shows only the region occupied by the design file in the Design Preview Area.
  • Page 53 Duplication View Controls These controls relate to duplication of a design file within the Design Preview Area. They provide a convenient method to create multiple impressions of a single design file within the LSM. A- Duplicate to Fill Button Generates duplications to fill the field rightwards and downwards from the location of the original design file. To maximize the number of instances, place the original design file in the upper left-hand corner of the processing area before duplication.
  • Page 54 D- Duplication Pitch Form Provides fields to adjust the design file duplication pitch in both the X and Y directions. The pitch is the total spacing from edge to edge of each duplication instance. Changing either the pitch or gap will override any previous pitch and gap settings.
  • Page 55 Camera View Controls If the door mounted camera vision option is installed, this menu provides controls for interacting with the camera. The camera is installed on the top door of the laser system and provides a panoramic view of the laser processing area and allows for manual alignment of design files with materials placed in the processing area.
  • Page 56 B- Superimposed Design File The design file, in this case the text “Universal Laser Systems” is superimposed on the camera image to allow visual alignment of designs with materials placed on the material support surface using the relocation...
  • Page 57 Settings View Controls The Settings View is the primary location used for setup, ordering, and configuration of the various processes that are possible on the VLS desktop laser system. Individual processes are assigned a set of colors that correspond to graphical elements within the design file. A- Control File Name Displays the name of the control file.
  • Page 58 E- Rotary Selector Selects the rotary axis module to process round materials. When selected, a yellow horizontal line will be displayed in the preview area showing the rotational axis. If a control file with rotary selected is started and the rotary fixture is not installed and an error message will be displayed indicating that the rotary fixture must be installed.
  • Page 59 Raster Settings Tab Contains settings common to all raster elements of a design file. A- Processing Direction Determines the direction the raster motion will progress throughout the control file. Down will start at the top of the control file and make its way downward. Up will start near the bottom of the control file and progress upward.
  • Page 60 E- Margin Width Specifies the amount of additional motion system travel beyond the right and left edge of raster image data when raster processing. Adding a non-zero margin may be necessary on some materials to produce even and consistent marking at the right and left edges of a raster marked or engraved process. F- Special Effect Enables selection of special raster modes used in 3D Engraving and Rubber Stamp production as well as a reduction mode that is useful for reducing overmarking which is similar to ink bleeding and can prevent...
  • Page 61 Vector Settings Tab Contains settings common to all Vector Processes set up in the Processes Tab (Database and Custom). A- Processing Order Settings Determines the processing order of the vector graphical element. “As designed” will process vectors in the order they were created in the design software. “Cutout order” will process vectors from innermost to outermost closed shape, which is useful when material is elevated to avoid back reflection when being cut and parts fall out as they are cut.
  • Page 62 DATABASE RASTER AND DATABASE VECTOR MARK SETTINGS Uses the Intelligent Materials Database to generate laser processing settings for a Raster Marking Process. A- Process Type Selector Indicates the process type. The interface above shows the Intelligent Database Raster settings. If changed, the available settings will change to reflect the new process type.
  • Page 63 E- Associated Colors Displays the design file colors assigned to the selected process. Colors may be removed by selecting the X next to the color’s name or added by selecting the + sign. Only colors found in the design file will be available to add to each process.
  • Page 64 DATABASE VECTOR CUT SETTINGS Uses the Intelligent Materials Database to generate laser processing settings for a Vector Cutting process. A- Process Type Selector Indicates the process type. The interface above shows the Intelligent Database Vector Cut settings. If changed, the available settings will change to reflect the new process type. When using intelligent database settings, the LSM will use the rated power level of the installed laser and its wavelength to calculate the appropriate settings for the selected process on the selected material type (and thickness for cutting processes).
  • Page 65 E- Associated Colors Displays the design file colors assigned to the selected process. Colors may be removed by selecting the X next to the color’s name or added by selecting the + sign. Only colors found in the design file will be available to add to each process.
  • Page 66 CUSTOM VECTOR SETTINGS This screen contains the controls needed to configure a Custom Vector Process. This process could be used to cut a material that is not found in the Intelligent Materials Database. A- Process Type Selector Indicates the process type. The interface above shows the Custom Vector settings. If changed, the available settings will change to reflect the new process type.
  • Page 67 H- Repeat Count The number of times to repeat the selected process. I- Focus Mode Determines focus mode used before the process is started. (See Database Raster and Database Vector Mark Settings section above for a description of the available focus modes.) J- Save / Delete / Discard Changes Buttons Select one of these three options: Save the new/changed process settings, Delete entire process and move the assigned colors to the unassigned category (the delete key will not be present when creating new...
  • Page 68 CUSTOM RASTER SETTINGS This screen contains the controls needed to configure a Custom Raster Process. This process could be used to mark or engrave materials that are not found in the Intelligent Materials Database. A- Process Type Selector Indicates the process type. The interface above shows the Custom Raster settings. If changed, the available settings will change to reflect the new process type.
  • Page 69 Displays the percentage of process speed applied to all colors in the process. H- Focus Mode Determines focus mode used before the process is started. (See Database Raster and Database Vector Mark Settings section above for a description of the available focus modes.) I- Save / Delete / Discard Changes Buttons Select one of these three options: Save the new/changed process settings, Delete entire process and move the assigned colors to the unassigned category (the delete key will not be present when creating new...
  • Page 70 Control Files Page The collection of Control Files stored on the system is managed and selected through this page. To select a control file for processing press the thumbnail or name of the control file and the view will automatically switch to the System Operation Page showing a preview of the selected control file.
  • Page 71 F- Export Control File Button The export Control File Button can be used to export a control file for backup or to import to another ULS laser system. G- Delete Control File Button The delete Control File Button can be used to delete a control file. To delete multiple control files, use the multi-selector check box.
  • Page 72 Recipes Page Recipes are copies of all of the laser processing settings from a particular control file. They provide a convenient method to store and apply process settings for commonly used setups and materials to new control files making setup more efficient. They can also be exported for transfer to other laser systems controlled by LSM software.
  • Page 73 E- Multi-selector for Recipes This checkbox can be used to select multiple recipes to move, delete or export. When one or more recipes in the list is selected, tools will appear in the upper left corner of the page to move, delete or export the selected recipes.
  • Page 74 System Configuration Page This page provides access to system-wide configuration options. A- Language Selection Select desired Language for the LSM. B- Units Selection Select desired unit of measure: Inches or Millimeters. C- Warning Silencer Lists Several warnings that can be silenced if desired. The warnings are defaulted to on with new installations but can be silenced.
  • Page 75 G- XY After Processing Behavior The XY After Processing behavior selector can be used to specify the desired behavior for the beam delivery motion system after processing a control file. The options are: Go Home which moves the beam delivery motion system to the home position, Stay in Place which leaves the beam delivery motion system at the last position it moved to during laser processing of the control file, and Go to Position which allows the user to enter the X and Y coordinates of a desired location for the beam delivery motion system to move to after processing a control file.
  • Page 76 Calibration Page The VLS desktop laser system provides a series of Wizards and Dialogs to aid in system calibration. All system calibration is performed first at the factory, then again during system installation. It is atypical to require use of these options frequently.
  • Page 77 User Login Page When the laser system is configured to require login on startup or to access the VLS desktop laser system from a remote location, this screen will appear. A valid Username and Password will be required to operate the laser system.
  • Page 78 User Details Page A currently logged in user can access a summary of their permissions, log out, or change their password in the User Details Page. A- User Name Indicates the currently logged in user. B- Logout Button Logs the current user out of the system. C- Change Password Button Enables the current user to change the password associated with their account.
  • Page 79 Users Management Page Select this page to manage the users who have access to the laser system, and to indicate various permissions and capabilities specific to each one. At least one user account must be created in order to access the laser system remotely.
  • Page 80 Feedback Dialog This dialog allows users to submit comments or software error reports directly to ULS for review. Error reports include the laser system log files for error diagnostics, but they do not include user’s personal information or control/design files by default to protect privacy. Users can elect to include the currently selected design file which is often very useful in resolving issues as well as the camera images generated and used during camera calibration which are very useful for diagnosing camera related issues.
  • Page 81 Diagnostics Page The Diagnostics Page provides information and diagnostics tools for the various subsystems of the laser system the LSM attached to. Some information is provided on the diagnostics buttons and further information and diagnostics tools for each subsystem can be accessed by selecting each diagnostics button. A- Log File Storage Location This button opens a file explorer window to the location where the log files are kept for the current installation of the LSM.
  • Page 82 F- Carriage This View button provides access to the final focus lens installed in the carriage and the Z position of the focal plane for that lens. The installed lens is not automatically sensed so for proper operation the user is responsible for selecting the currently installed lens on the System Configuration Page.
  • Page 83 Help Page This page provides information useful for addressing system problems should they arise. A- Alarms This section lists any current faults with the laser system connected to the LSM.
  • Page 84 B- Computer This section lists details about the computer the LSM is running on that might be useful for diagnosing issues. It will also indicate any computer specifications that are considered marginal for running the LSM. C- Version This section lists the version of the LSM that is currently running and provides tools for downloading new versions.
  • Page 85 Remote Diagnostics Remote Diagnostics enables a user to initiate a remote session with ULS Support to aid in system troubleshooting. During a remote session, the system must maintain a robust connection to the internet. A- Remote Access Controls Enables a user to initiate a session that gives a ULS Service Technician remote access to the laser system for troubleshooting purposes.

  • Page 86: Software Update

    Software Update Software updates are routinely released to continuously improve the Laser System Manager (LSM) and laser system operation as well as add new features and laser material processing parameters to the Intelligent Materials Database. Software updates can be downloaded from this section of the help menu. A- Currently Installed Software Version Displays the current software version installed on the system.

  • Page 87: Control Panel

    Control Panel The control panel on your laser system provides the functions necessary to manually focus and initiate laser processing on your laser system. A- Emergency Stop Button This switch can be depressed in an emergency to cut power to the laser system, instantly stopping laser processing.
  • Page 88 Keys Power: This button turns the Laser system ON and OFF, but only if the Laser system is connected to a computer with the LSM installed on it. The Laser system cannot power ON and function independently of the computer and LSM software. To power the Laser system OFF, the power switch must be held down for about five seconds.
  • Page 89 Loading and Processing Materials Before laser processing material, you will need to load material into the laser system and then focus the laser system onto the top surface of the material. Loading Material Open the top door to the laser system and place material to be laser processed onto the material support table. You may need to manually move the support table down to allow clearance to fit thicker materials into the machine.
  • Page 90 The second focusing method is to measure the thickness of the material (use a calipers for accuracy) to be laser processed; enter the material thickness into the “total thickness” control in the process settings of the control file you plan to run; select the “focus on surface” method within each process in the control file. The Z axis will move up or down to the appropriate height when you press the start button to initiate laser processing of the selected control file.
  • Page 91 As a rule of thumb try to set the page orientation in your software of choice to Landscape and the page size to 24 x 12 in to match the VLS3.60ES desktop laser system processing area.
  • Page 92 AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Vector output Line widths for printing from AutoCAD products are controlled by plot styles. Make sure you set the first eight pens in the plot style you use to .001” (.0254 mm) or less in order to ensure vector objects are output. Placement of Graphics The easiest way to control placement of graphics in the processing field when using AutoCAD is to create a non-printing rectangle with a width and height equal to the processing field in the VLS desktop laser system:...

  • Page 93: Chapter 5 - Accessories

    Chapter 5 – Accessories...
  • Page 94 Air/Gas Assist System Air/Gas assist is employed with a coaxial or lateral gas assist attachment to direct air flow onto the material being processed during laser material processing. This feature also provides compressed air to the optics (mirrors and lenses) in the system, reducing contamination. Air assist aids in removing smoke and debris from the laser processing area and directing it to the exhaust.
  • Page 95 3. Adjust the angle of the nozzle as necessary by loosening the thumbscrew (1), rotating the bracket and re- tightening the thumbscrew. A convenient way to align the air flow is to focus on the material to be processed and then align the nozzle using the angle and height adjustments toward the red target laser which is on when the laser system is powered on and the top door is open.
  • Page 96 Installation 1. Remove (if present) the plug screw with a flat bladed screwdriver. 2. Using the provided 3/16 nut driver, attach the needle valve to the port from which you removed the plug. Be careful not to cross-thread the small fitting when installing and do not over tighten it (the needle valve will be left permanently installed on the carriage from this point forward).
  • Page 97 Air Flow adjustment The needle valve can be used to adjust air flow for different applications. It is best to start with the needle valve at maximum flow (turn the needle valve counterclockwise until it seats), then adjust as necessary. Removal Loosen the thumbscrew and pull the attachment downwards.
  • Page 98 ULS Computer Controlled Compressed Air Unit The ULS Computer Controlled Compressed Air Unit provides a 50 PSI max pressure and 2.0 cfm free air flow (3.2 bar and 3.2 cubic meters/hour) source of clean, dry, oil free compressed air for air assisted laser material processing.
  • Page 99 Connect the provided communications cable between one of the laser system Serial ports and the Serial port on the ULS compressed air unit. Controls The ULS Computer Controlled Compressed Air Unit functions automatically when connected to the laser system and no operator intervention is necessary. Controls and indicators on the unit are for diagnostics and provide the following information: Link light –...

  • Page 100: Filter Replacement

    Exhaust Air Filtration Unit The exhaust air filtration unit provides exhaust flow to remove the smoke and fumes generated during laser processing of materials. It also contains a three stage filtration system to clean the exhaust air removed from the laser system. The three stage filtration system consists of a pre-filter to remove coarse particulates, a HEPA filter to remove fine particulate and an activated charcoal filter to remove fumes and odors.

  • Page 101: Cutting Table

    Cutting Table The cutting table is used to support material when cutting so that exhaust flow is redirected both above and below the material for clean cuts. Without it, smoke and debris can build up underneath the material causing the surface of the material to be damaged.
  • Page 102 Locate the self-aligning electrical connector (1) and two alignment holes (2) on the underside of the cutting table. Using the thumbscrews as handles (1), install the cutting table into the machine (the cutting table is hot swappable so it is not necessary to turn power off to switch between table and cutting table) and adjust it until it engages the connector and alignment pins.
  • Page 103 +/- 0.140” (3.5 mm) making it much less sensitive to flatness of material and accuracy of focus, but with the trade off of a larger spot size. Contact Universal Laser Systems customer support for help in choosing the right lens for your application.
  • Page 104 Automation Kit The Automation Kit provides six inputs to initiate various laser system functions using signals from external devices, such as PLCs and provides two outputs for polling laser system status. The automation kit is automatically detected upon power-up and is configured from the Automation page in the LSM. If the automation kit is not present, the controls for the automation kit in the LSM will not be visible.

  • Page 105: External Wiring

    External Wiring The automation kit connector J2 is used to wire external signals to six programmable inputs which can initiate various laser functions. To trigger a function, supply between 5V DC to 24V DC to one of the input pins as shown below.
  • Page 106 Example Connection for PNP mode Example Connection for NPN mode...
  • Page 107 Automation Page This page is used to configure the Optional Automation Interface to communicate with other equipment through the optional automation module. This module must be installed to see this page. A- Input Pin Displays the pin number corresponding to the input wiring connection on the optional automation module. Connections may be accessed under the top laser cover on the back of the laser system.

  • Page 108: Rotary Fixture

    Rotary Fixture The Rotary Fixture allows the laser system to engrave and mark on cylindrical objects. The Rotary fixture is equipped with an external cone shaped fixture mounted to the fixed, motorized end and an internal cone shaped fixture attached to the adjustable end allowing the fixture to hold a variety of objects such as wine glasses, mugs, cups, etc.
  • Page 109 Rotary Position Calibration a. Raise the Z-Axis platform to the top of its travel (engraving table should be removed first). b. In the LSM calibration, select rotary calibration, use the joystick controls to move the carriage manually and center red alignment pointer on the right side rotary alignment pin show below. c.
  • Page 110 Lower the laser system engraving table enough to install the rotary fixture. Make sure the motion system will clear the top of the rotary fixture. On the underside of the Rotary Fixture locate the self-aligning electrical connector (1) and two alignment holes (2).
  • Page 111 Rotary Focus Calibration a) In the LSM calibration page select rotary calibration. Using the joystick controls in the LSM move the carriage manually and center red alignment pointer over the top of the internal cone fixture. Use the focus tool and manually focus on top of the internal cone fixture as shown. b) Next, Press the Z position SAVE button ONLY to save the Z position of the rotation axis of the rotary fixture.

  • Page 112: Loading Material

    Loading Material Before loading material into the fixture, measure the diameter (1) of the material in the area where the engraving or marking is to be located, by using a caliper or similar measuring device. A wine glass is used for illustrative purposes here.
  • Page 113 Determining Graphic Placement The next step is to align the graphics to be printed with the material inserted in the rotary fixture. Again, a wine glass is used for illustration. You can use the X axis ruler or to be more precise use the Red alignment Laser and the X-Y coordinate display in the LSM to position the graphics in the X axis.

  • Page 114: Chapter 6 - Maintenance

    Chapter 6 - Maintenance...

  • Page 115: Motion System Components Diagram

    Overview Accumulation of dirt and debris on the motion system components will cause uneven or rough engraving, loss of engraving position and premature failure. Accumulation of smoke or dirt on optics can result in loss of laser power and premature failure. It is important to keep your laser system as clean as possible to ensure trouble free operation and best results from laser processing.

  • Page 116: Cleaning And Maintenance Supplies

    Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies  Mild soap solution mixture of 1 tablespoon (14.78 ml) liquid soap and 1 quart (liter) of water in a spray bottle  Window cleaner  Paper towels  Cotton cloth  Denatured alcohol (do not use on any painted surface, plastic or the Top Window) ...
  • Page 117  Dampen a cotton swab or cotton cloth with soap solution and clean the Y axis v-groove shown below. Slide the X-Axis Arm toward the front or rear of the device as necessary to gain access to the entire length of the Y-axis v-groove.
  • Page 118 Inspect the #2 mirror and clean it only if there is debris present. To clean the #2 mirror with a cotton swab, moisten the cotton swab with the lens cleaning solution supplied with the laser system. Do not use other types of cleaners or solutions.

  • Page 119: Exhaust Plenum

    Beam Window The Beam Window (1) is located where the laser beam enters into the processing area. It is located in the upper left hand corner of the engraving area against the back wall and is yellow in color. It is only necessary to clean the front side of the beam window.

  • Page 120: Maintenance Schedule

    Maintenance Schedule We recommend the following schedule: As necessary Every month  Clean engraving table  Clean cooling fan filters  Clean main enclosure  Clean Z-Axis lead screws with white lithium  Clean top door window grease  Check for X-Axis and Y-Axis belt wear. Every 8 hours of engraving Replace as necessary.
  • Page 121 www.ulsinc.com...