Introduction; General Information; Designated Use - Omtech SH-G1060 User Manual

2 Introduction

2.1 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 six chapters covering general information, safety
instructions, installation steps, operation 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 (CO ₂ ), reflecting that beam off three mirrors and through a focus lens, and using
this focused light to 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. A water cooling system—typically a pump or chiller—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 to remove the dust and gases produced by
the engraving process.
With low intensity use, the provided laser tube has an average lifespan around 12000 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.
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.
Note also that the water cooling system and exhaust system are both absolutely essential to the
safe use of this device. Never operate the engraver without both of these systems operating
properly. Water should always be kept clean and around room temperature, and the exhaust
system should always comply with all applicable laws and regulations for workplace and
environmental air quality.

2.2 Designated Use

This machine is intended for engraving signs and logos on consumer products or applicable
substrates. This laser can process a wide variety of materials including wood, paper, cardboard, many
§ 1.6 Material Safety Instructions
plastics, glass, cloth, leather, and stone (see on Page 6 and
§ 4.6 Instructions for Specific Materials
on Page 50 for further details). The use of this system for
non-designated purposes or materials is not permitted.
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