Laser Safety and Laser Classification Laser Safety ............................... Laser Classification and Additional Safety Requirements ................Assembly and Installation of AP Lazer Unpacking the AP Lazer and Accessory Packages .................... Assembly of Carriage Cart ..........................Unboxing of the Machine ..........................Contents of Tool-Box ............................
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Select the Processing Mode ..........................Select the Parameters for Engrave Mode ......................Select the Parameters for Cut Mode ........................ Download the File to the AP Lazer ........................Rotary Tool Settings ............................Setup and Placement of the Rotary Tool ......................File Setup for Rotary Tool Operation ........................
The AP Lazer system also includes and utilizes a red dot diode laser for visual aid. The Red Dot Diode is a Class II laser product with a power of 1mW and wavelength of 650nm.
Chapter 1: Laser Safety and Laser Classification Other plastics may be successfully engraved, but orderly experimentation on a sample piece is recommended. Bakelite is said to be easily laser-engraved; some hard engineering plastics work well. Expanded plastics, foams and vinyl, however, are generally candidates for routing rather than laser engraving.
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Do not start or operate the AP Lazer without proper grounding. The ground wire of the AP Lazer and laser power supply must be connected with the earth. It cannot be connected on objects such as doors, windows, water pipes, and so on.
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Chapter 1: Laser Safety and Laser Classification caution for the safety of personnel and equipment. Our expert Laser Technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 844-364-8211.
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The AP Lazer Machine is shipped in a large crate with a short crate on top. The short crate (A) on top contains the components of the AP Lazer Carriage Cart. The large crate (B) contains the whole machine including laser head, Z table (NOT for 1812), and peripheral components including laptop.
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – List of required items before setting up the laser. Phase 1- Unleash your Bob-the-Builder (Assembly)
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – 1. Uncrate the shorter crate and layout each part separately to simplify the assembly process.
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – a. You will be provided with minimum of 12 short and 16 long Bolts b. You will need total of 16 short screws and 12 long screws.
UNPACKING THE AP LAZER AND ACCESSORY PACKAGES The AP Lazer comes shipped in a large crate with a shorter crate on top. The short crate on top contains the components of the AP Lazer carriage cart. Please disassemble this crate and remove all components prior to accessing the large crate.
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – a. To simplify the assembly process, it is recommended to first lay out the components of the carriage as seen in the image above. The sides of the components with the most holes are the rear side of the carriage.
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – Once you have inserted the bolts on the first rail, continue to assemble the second rail. Leave the bolts of the rails loose until all other parts have been installed. (Figure 2-4 Front Rail and Side Panel Assembly) After installing both rails, proceed to install the corner gussets (2).
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – Figure 2-5.1 Long screw placement-above) Figure 2-5.2 Short Screw placement -above) After installing the gussets left and right side of the rear rail, B rails or the short rails are placed in the inserts. The diagram below demonstrates the proper orientation of the B-Rails (Figure 2-6). The longer portion of the B rails should be placed towards the front while the corner gussets are placed in the rear.
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Z-Table. This configuration will leave the laser in a closed cabinet configuration while still allowing for easy levelling. If you wish to purchase a carriage cart for utilization of the AP Lazer’s patented open cabinet system, please contact our sales department for your options.
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – Wrenches (12- and 14-mm) [14]...
Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – Before and After Uncrating [15]...
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1. Unwrap the plastic and foams around it. Unwrapping the Plastic and foam 2. Your back of AP Lazer machines will consist of various accessories as per your purchase. Down Below you can see all of them. NOTE: All these accessories come with the AP lazer machines except Chuck Rotary and Lens Kit as those are additional accessories.
Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – a. Open the pack-slip from the Toolbox and check list all your provided tools b. The toolbox looks like the picture below (Toolbox) The Pack Slip contains the accessory content which comes with the machine along with the toolbox: A.
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – The Contents of the tool box will vary based on the model and configuration of AP Lazer ordered.Listed below are common items included in most tool box configurations. 4. Go back to the machine: Observe and check for damage or missing part because of shipping.
Power Source Unit (Circuit tester not included) How to Set Up Coupler on Your AP Lazer Machine a. For installation of the ventilation system and coupler, assistance from another person will simplify the installation.
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – b. Open the main door on top of the laser head. Then, insert the coupler through the pre- cut hole from the inside of the acrylic window. c. The rubber gasket should be between the acrylic window and the metal flange of the coupler.
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Extend the flexible duct to the intake of the exhaust blower. The blower should NOT be plugged into the outlets on the AP Lazer. It is recommended to plug the exhaust blower into a separate circuit than the AP Lazer.
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – k. Excess ducting can be cut off and used to connect the output of the exhaust blower to the external ventilation connection. (Schematic Diagram of Ventilation System) SETTING UP LIFT CART a. Cut the steel bands and open up the cardboard box. b.
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There are several methods which can be utilized for safe placement of the AP Lazer head unit. A forklift is often the safest method when proper caution is utilized. When a forklift is not available, you may require the assistance of three additional people (total of 4) depending on the size of the AP Lazer.
When there is concern over the safety of the laser tube, please contact the AP Lazer Technical Support Hotline at 844-364-8211 for instructions to safely remove the laser tube while placing the laser head.
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AP Lazer.*** With the laser in place, unlock the rear cabinet of the AP Lazer. The keys to the rear cabinet are located in the included toolbox. Once the cabinet is open, carefully remove all foam packing from around the glass laser tube.
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – system will use approximately half a gallon of coolant. Unscrew the threaded plastic cap on the water reservoir. If the cap is tight, you can use lens removal tool to loosen the cap. After the cap is removed, add water to the water reservoir until it is close to full (quarter inch from the top) After initially filling the reservoir, insert the key into the ON/OFF key switch.
Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – Accordion- the magnetic strip between the Upper Body and Lower Body (Z table) Phase 4: Software Soft a. Corel Draw [27]...
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Assembly and Installation Chapter 2 – Your Credentials should have been set up before you have received the machine. If you do not have the credentials set up, please call AP LAZER at +1 517-366-4315 [49]...
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Powering On the AP Lazer (All Models) The AP Lazer runs with basic US 110v AC power. The AP Lazer can be plugged into any standard US AC Power outlet, though it is recommended it be plugged in to a 15 amp to 20 amp protected circuit. While the AP Lazer will only pull 6-13 amps of current during normal operation, it is important to compensate for any irregular power surges;...
Level the AP Lazer Leveling the AP Lazer is performed by levelling the laser head to the Z-Axis base unit or to the material to be engraved. For initial levelling during the setup process, level to the Z-Axis base unit. After initial levelling, it will be important to level to the material being engraved.
Directions to Start a Downloaded File with the Control Panel The following directions will explain the process of setting up the AP Lazer to run a downloaded file with the control panel. Follow each step, in the order they are listed, for the easiest and most efficient process. Each step is of equal importance to obtain correct results when engraving or cutting.
Chapter 3: Basic Operations and Configuration of AP Lazer (Fig. 3.5a File Select) (Fig.3.5b File Select) Work Time Preview While in the file selection menu, there is an option to preview the estimated work time of the file. If not in the file selection menu, press file on the control panel.
Using the focal gauge, verify that the laser is in focus. If necessary, adjust the levelling leg in the rear-left of the AP Lazer to obtain proper focus.
Prior to starting the work piece, verify your origin and placement by framing the image. Press frame on the control panel of the AP Lazer and watch the red dot of the laser head carefully to ensure proper placement and origin.
Beam Alignment of the AP Lazer Prior to initial use, it will be necessary to check and adjust the beam alignment of the AP Lazer. Follow the instructions in this section to achieve proper beam alignment. If the optional red dot combiner is installed on the AP Lazer, please disable the red dot to prevent any confusion during the alignment process.
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Chapter 4: AP Lazer Beam Alignment After adjusting the proper settings, place the crosshair alignment tool into the laser head (Fig. 4.4a) then cover the crosshair alignment tool with a piece of masking tape. (Fig. 4.4b) When aligning an SN-1812, the laser head is different (Fig.
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Chapter 4: AP Lazer Beam Alignment ***If the point of impact is too low and the top screw is out of adjustment to angle the mirror up, turn both bottom screws equally clockwise to angle the mirror up. After Aligning position 1 and position 2, check the alignment between position 2 and position 3. Adjustments required during this step will be made using the mirror on the x-axis rail, Mirror Position 2.
Chapter 4: AP Lazer Beam Alignment mirror mount. See figure 4.6c. Slightly loosen the two screws just enough to allow movement back and forth. If the impact was to the right of center, carefully nudge the mirror mount forward towards the laser head. If the impact was to the left, then carefully nudge the mirror away from the direction of the laser head.
Chapter 4: AP Lazer Beam Alignment (Fig. 4.7b) (Fig. 4.7c) Red Dot Alignment Once the laser beam alignment is complete, it is necessary to align the red dot to the beam. Move the laser head to the center of the table. Place a piece of masking tape over the cross-hair alignment tool and insert into the opening on the laser head, see (fig.
Chapter : 5 CorelDraw File Preparation CorelDraw File Preparation Setting Up Your Workspace Creating files in CorelDraw is similar to Corel PhotoPaint. Like PhotoPaint, size of the workspace must be defined. Unlike PhotoPaint, objects can be placed outside of the specified workspace. Objects outside of the workspace will save or export when saving the file.
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Chapter : 5 CorelDraw File Preparation Add text to a scene or layout with the Text Tool (Letter ‘A’ in the toolbar). A tool bar will appear above the workspace with options to customize the text. • When creating the Text, simply single click inside the workspace to place a cursor, then type the desired text. DO NOT create a text box.
Chapter : 5 CorelDraw File Preparation (Fig. 5.2f) (Fig. 5.2g) Options for Lasering Text by Itself For Engraving a Solid Burn, use a black uniform fill on the lettering with no outline if engraving as a bitmap. • When engraving as a bitmap, use the following export options: •...
Chapter : 5 CorelDraw File Preparation a. Format Text to desired Font, Size and Style. b. Size the Vector Object to the desired size and position. 2. Remove the fill from the Text/Object and create a Black Hairline Outline. 3. Open the Contour Docker at menu ‘Window -> Dockers -> Contour.’ In the contour window, select ‘To Center’ as demonstrated in Fig.
‘Black and White’ which is the standard file format for the AP Lazer. Click on ‘OK’ to finish saving your file. It is not recommended to export detailed images using this method.
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Chapter : 5 CorelDraw File Preparation • Export Units: Inches • Export Text As: Curves • Export Bitmap As: .BMP Files • Fill Unmapped Fills: Unfilled • Click on ‘OK’ to finish saving the file. (Fig. 5.9a) (Fig. 5.9b) (Fig. 5.9c)
Chapter 5 provides instruction for creating a scene or layout for the laser engraver. There are many methods and techniques which may be employed. This instructional is a recommended process from the AP Lazer design team. Create a New Document When creating a new document, it is recommended to set the dimensions of the material being engraved for a full layout, or the dimensions on the image if the image will be etched separately.
Chapter 6: Corel Photo-Paint Scene Preparation window, select the background layer in the object manager docker. Select the Fill Tool (paint bucket icon), choose black or white as a solid fill color, and then click in the workspace to fill the workspace. •...
Chapter 6: Corel Photo-Paint Scene Preparation Clicking the object layer containing your image in the objects panel will bring up nodes around your image to make additional sizing changes. There are four styles of nodes each with a different function. 8 boxes indicate scale mode for resizing, 4 curved arrows allow you to rotate an image, 4 straight arrows allow you to warp the image, and 4 circles give you the ability to change perspective in 3D space.
Chapter 6: Corel Photo-Paint Scene Preparation In the Cutout Lab, use the highlight tool and trace around the portions of the image to be isolated. Multiple portions of the image can be isolated. For successful isolation, it is important to ensure the path of the highlighter tool is completely connected around each portion to be isolated.
Chapter 6: Corel Photo-Paint Scene Preparation Select the Ellipse Mask tool (It may be necessary to click and hold the box-shaped marquee tool to find this). Draw an oval to cover the desired area for the oval. If the outline disappears, there is an option to make it visible in the ‘Mask’ drop down menu (Make Mask Marquee Visible).
Chapter 6: Corel Photo-Paint Scene Preparation (Fig. 6.11c) Changing the Brightness, Contrast, and Other Image Properties Select the image object layer in the object window. Select menu ‘Adjust -> Image Adjustment Lab’ for access to multiple image property adjustments. In the Image Adjustment Lab, first adjust the saturation to -100. This will remove the color from the image leaving a more accurate gray shade depiction of the image.
Chapter 6: Corel Photo-Paint Scene Preparation (Fig. 6.13a) (Fig. 6.13b) (Fig. 6.13c) Other Options Assembling a Scene Adding additional images over a backdrop follows a similar process to isolating an image. Create a duplicate layer of the object you’re going to add to the scene. Run this layer through ‘Image -> Cutout Lab’...
Chapter 6: Corel Photo-Paint Scene Preparation (Fig. 6.15) Advanced Tools Tone Curve Tone Curve works similarly to the Highlight, Shadow, and Midtone sliders from the image adjustment lab, but offers slightly more room for finessing. It can be accessed by going to menu ‘Adjust -> Tone Curve’ while the layer to be altered is selected.
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Chapter 6: Corel Photo-Paint Scene Preparation values to dodge or burn. A soft brush set to high transparency is recommended to make changes more subtly. (Fig. 6.18a) (Fig. 6.18b)
• After starting the program for the first time, there will be a prompt for machine defaults. ▪ Select the appropriate AP Lazer Machine size then select ‘OK’ to continue. (Fig. 7.1) • Activate the Software using the following steps.
Chapter 7: PhotoGrav Settings (Fig. 7.2d) (Fig. 7.2e) Processing an Image in PhotoGrav • Use the Tool Bar in the software to process an image. Work from left to right on the tool bar. (Fig. 7.3) Open Image • Click on the Open Image button •...
Chapter 7: PhotoGrav Settings (Fig. 7.5a) (Fig. 7.5b) Interactive Mode • PhotoGrav versions 3.1 and later will require minimal or no adjustments. In most cases, this step can be skipped with those versions. If adjustments are necessary, this section will demonstrate some common settings for black granite that have proven to work well.
Chapter 7: PhotoGrav Settings (Fig. 7.7a Interactive Mode PhotoGrav version 3.1) (Fig. 7.7b Interactive Mode PhotoGrav version 3.5) Final Process • Prior to saving the file, it is necessary to run the Final Process. Click the ‘Final Process” Button. (Fig. 7.8) Save Images [83]...
• After Final Process is complete, the file can be saved in four different formats. The format used for the AP Lazer is Engraved. Simulated images are recommended for proofs of the engraving. • Click on the Save Images button.
• When working with an image/portrait type file, select the .BMP file listed with (ENG) in the name else select the .DXF for the vector file. Portrait type files may appear inverted from the original files. While other file types are compatible with the AP Lazer system, .BMP and .DXF are the recommended file types for maximum compatibility.
Power should be set equal to Max Power when changing power settings. The suggested speed and power settings can be found in the Appendix of this manual. Ensure that the proper power setting guide is being used for your AP Lazer. The available guides are 40 Watt, 80 Watt, 90/100 Watt, and 130 Watt guides.
The suggested speed and power settings can be found in the Appendix of this manual. Ensure that the proper power setting guide is being used for your AP Lazer. The available guides are 40 Watt, 80 Watt, 90/100 Watt, and 130 Watt guides.
• Turn off the power to the AP Lazer. • Place the Rotary Tool into the work space of the AP Lazer with the black step motor in the top left corner for proper orientation. • Plug the Rotary Tool into the receptacle on the inside of the machine on the right side.
Creating Multiple Layers in RD Works It is sometimes necessary, or desired, to use multiple layers with the AP Lazer. Multiple layers can be assigned unique functions as well as unique speed and power settings. Layers are mostly utilized when working with vector files, or various combinations of vector files and bitmaps.
***Adding the controller to a network is done at the risk of the owner/consumer. All network and IP settings are the responsibility of the owner. AP Lazer is not able to assist with Network Configuration. AP Lazer and its representatives are not liable or responsible for any network issues or conflicts caused with this feature.
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Press ‘Test’ to verify the connection is successful. (The AP Lazer must be powered on during this process.) • Select ‘OK’ after configuration is complete. • Prior to downloading to the AP Lazer, select the AP Lazer configured in the Device Drop Down. (Fig. 8.19f) [91]...
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Chapter 8: RD Works Settings and Operations (Fig. 8.19f) [92]...
Some companies use only 3-In-1 Oil, as it is sufficient when used frequently enough. Heavier oils or greases can also be employed for lubrication. If the AP Lazer is in an environment subject to large amounts of dust or airborne debris, it is recommended that a lower viscosity lubricant such as 3-In-1 Oil be used to prevent said debris from collecting in the bearings.
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6. Removing the buildup of dust and debris from the back cabinet will help preserve the life of the vital components and electronics of the AP Lazer. It is important to have the power source removed from the AP Lazer while performing this step for safety reasons. The recommended process for cleaning is to use a can of compressed air.
These unfavourable results have many possible causes. The common causes listed in this section are simply the most common causes but are not all inclusive. If a resolution is not found in this section, please contact AP Lazer 24-hour Technical Support at 844-364-8211.
Corner Power for a successful cut. The Corner Power is the power used in the corners. The AP Lazer will identify a corner as part of a file that does not run parallel with the X or Y Axes on the AP Lazer.
The most common cause of horizontal banding is user or spectator interference. It is very difficult to not observe the AP Lazer while it is running. While watching the AP Lazer run is completely acceptable and encouraged, when done so with proper safety measures, it can also be a common cause of banding issues.
Chapter 10: Troubleshooting (Engravings and Cuts) • Vertical banding may also be caused by the properties or make up of the material. Some materials may be made with flaws; natural materials may be formed with flaws in the surface of the materials. •...
Vector files have fill options as well as outline options. There are occasions where there will be a fill applied to a vector file though not an outline. While engraving, the AP Lazer may read a filled vector file much differently that an outlined vector file. When there is a vector file that is filled but not outlined, the controller will more than likely used fewer node points or axis to create a fill or cut.
When placing the Rotary Device into the AP Lazer, it is important to correctly orientate the Rotary Tool in the proper direction. The proper orientation is to lay the Rotary Device inside the AP Lazer, from left to right, with the Motor (black portion with wires) in the tope left corner of the AP Lazer.
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Chapter 10: Troubleshooting (Engravings and Cuts) • Not enough extend space – This error message is displayed when the machine senses that the side of the machine is too close to engrave/cut. This error can be cleared up in most cases by slowing down the speed and/or changing or double checking your laser origin.
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Appendix I: Suggested Power Settings for 30-Watt AP Lazer (RDWORKS V. 8.01.26-Inches) Engrave Settings (30W) Material Speed Min/Max Material Speed Min/Max (Inches) Power (Inches) Power Plexiglass/Acrylic (Sheets) Granite Leather Plexiglass/Acrylic (Painted & Mirrored) AlumaMark LaserFlex Anodized Aluminum Marble Ceramic Tile...
PLEASE ENSURE PROPER TESTING TO PREVENT UNECESSARY WASTE. Running the AP Lazer at speeds above the recommended settings may result in damage to the drive system. Any damage resulting from unauthorized use may not be covered under warranty.
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PLEASE ENSURE PROPER TESTING TO PREVENT UNECESSARY WASTE. Running the AP Lazer at speeds above the recommended settings may result in damage to the drive system. Any damage resulting from unauthorized use may not be covered under warranty.
PLEASE ENSURE PROPER TESTING TO PREVENT UNECESSARY WASTE. Running the AP Lazer at speeds above the recommended settings may result in damage to the drive system. Any damage resulting from unauthorized use may not be covered under warranty.
It will be necessary to have a Fork Lift or a similar lifting ability to place the AP Lazer head unit on the carriage or Z-table. Some models may be handled by multiple persons.
There are a few items you may desire to have on hand for training and production purposes. Straight edge rulers and square tools can be great tools for the AP Lazer. Canned air is great to assist in keeping the optics (lens & mirrors) clean on the AP Lazer.
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Appendix VI: Focal Lenses and Applications Focal Lenses and Applications This appendix will explain the different focus lenses available and the practical application of each lens. Each focus lens is the same diameter; the size references the focal length. The focal length of each lens is the distance to the point of highest concentration for the laser beam.
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Appendix VI: Focal Lenses and Applications (anodized metals, Cermark™* applications, coated The diameter of the focal point on this lens allows for metals, powder coat, sanded or finished woods, intricate cuts on lightweight materials. acrylics) The intensity of this focal lens is optimal for Cermark™* applications.
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1709 Thompson St. #311 Lansing, MI 48906 www.aplazer.com 800-585-8617 / 517-627-0297 aplazer@aplazer.com...
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