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full_spectrum_laser_pro_36x24_intro_and_quick_start [2017/01/25 22:43] – elaboration santiagoricoyfull_spectrum_laser_pro_36x24_intro_and_quick_start [2024/01/21 14:32] (current) – [WARNINGS] santiagoricoy
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 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
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-**Date:** Last modified on 1/24/17+**Date:** Last modified on 2/4/17
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 **Keywords:** laser cutter engraving etching burning cutting vector raster **Keywords:** laser cutter engraving etching burning cutting vector raster
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-**Photo here!** 
  
-The photo above depicts our lab's laser cutter engraving a logo in raster mode. This tutorial's main focus is to have a machine that has been sitting/neglected, up and running a raster engrave. Other items will be touched on, including vector cuts. The importance of this lies in having a quick-reference for lab members to quickly learn to use and innovate with the laser cutter.+{{ :sricoy:laser_cutter:etching.jpg?nolink&500 |}} 
 + 
 +The photo above depicts our lab's laser cutter engraving a logo in raster mode (can't tell easily, as it's moving). This tutorial's main focus is to have a student with near zero prior knowledge, up and running a raster engrave on our laser cutter. Other items will be lightly touched on, including vector cuts. The importance of this lies in having a quick-reference for lab members to quickly learn to use and innovate with the laser cutter.
  
  
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 ===== WARNINGS =====  ===== WARNINGS ===== 
 <fs large><fc red>PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY</fc></fs> <fs large><fc red>PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY</fc></fs>
 +The most important button on the laser cutter is the large red emergency stop button. If you are ever worried, unsure, or overall unconfident that the laser cutter is operating properly, please push down the large red button.
  
   * **NEVER** leave the system unattended during operation   * **NEVER** leave the system unattended during operation
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 =====Familiarizing with Controls===== =====Familiarizing with Controls=====
  
-<fc blue>Control Panel Picture Here</fc>+{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:closecontrolpanel.jpg?nolink&500|}}
  
 **Note:** This panel uses capacitive touch sensors on its control buttons, so there is no physical actuation to be felt. It is quite sensitive, and therefore can be activated whenever in contact or near contact with skin; this means they can activate via contact through clothing (like a T-shirt). Please **BE CAUTIOUS** when leaning over the laser cutter around this area for these reasons. **Note:** This panel uses capacitive touch sensors on its control buttons, so there is no physical actuation to be felt. It is quite sensitive, and therefore can be activated whenever in contact or near contact with skin; this means they can activate via contact through clothing (like a T-shirt). Please **BE CAUTIOUS** when leaning over the laser cutter around this area for these reasons.
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 +
 +There are 4 main areas of focus on the machine's LCD display. 
 +  - The first is the top line, displaying the current mode (after boot, it also shows the IP address, and displays the file in file selection). 
 +  - The bottom left displays shorthand for the current mode (FX means Fast XY, SX means Slow XY, etc.). 
 +  - The bottom middle (justified to the left) is the reading of the current power setting, from 0 to 255, which can be changed with the up and down arrow buttons during a job on the fly. 
 +  - The bottom right area depicts with one letter whether the machine set its own IP address or it was set by DHCP (A for self-set and D for DHCP) and the last 3 digits of the IP address. 
  
 ---- ----
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 1.) **Water Chiller**: 1.) **Water Chiller**:
-<fc blue> 
-WATER CHILLER PICTURE 
-</fc> 
  
 +{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:waterchiller.jpg?500|}}
  
 The water chiller circulates water through the laser tube of the machine. This is important because the plasma arcs generated within the tube can create a lot of heat, which needs to be removed. The water chiller circulates water through the laser tube of the machine. This is important because the plasma arcs generated within the tube can create a lot of heat, which needs to be removed.
  
-Our main concern with the chiller is ensuring that all of its connections are secure with no leaks, and that while it is running, no air bubbles are cycled through the laser tube.+{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:tubesbackoflaser.jpg?nolink&500|}} 
 + 
 +Our main concern with the chiller is ensuring that all of its connections are secure and going to the correct places with no leaks, and that while it is running, no air bubbles are cycled through the laser tube.
  
 There is also a connection for the chiller alarm; the connection is next to the water tubes. There is also a connection for the chiller alarm; the connection is next to the water tubes.
 +
 +{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:tubesbackofwc.jpg?nolink&300|}}
  
 There are two tubes coming from the chiller. Make sure that these are: There are two tubes coming from the chiller. Make sure that these are:
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   * Not leaking at any point on their lengths   * Not leaking at any point on their lengths
  
-<fc blue>LASER TUBE PICTURE</fc>+{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:tubepic.jpg?nolink&300|}}
  
 The chiller directs water continuously through the laser tube and maintains the water at or near room temperature. However, to maximize the life of the laser tube, we must make sure that heat is removed evenly from the tube by ensuring there are no air bubbles present. Air bubbles create local hotspots along the tube, which will ultimately reduce the tube's life over time. The chiller directs water continuously through the laser tube and maintains the water at or near room temperature. However, to maximize the life of the laser tube, we must make sure that heat is removed evenly from the tube by ensuring there are no air bubbles present. Air bubbles create local hotspots along the tube, which will ultimately reduce the tube's life over time.
  
-<fc blue> Picture of bubbles</fc>+{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:laser_bubble.jpg?nolink&300|}} 
 +{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:no_laser_bubble.jpg?nolink&300|}}
  
 After turning on the water chiller, often bubbles can be observed entering and leaving the laser tube. Watch all of these bubbles leave, and search for smaller bubbles (they generally get caught at the ends of the tube). There may be some minuscule debris inside the tube, along with persistent bubbles of similar size, that we cannot remove without specialized equipment, but its impact is relatively small; thus it can be ignored.  After turning on the water chiller, often bubbles can be observed entering and leaving the laser tube. Watch all of these bubbles leave, and search for smaller bubbles (they generally get caught at the ends of the tube). There may be some minuscule debris inside the tube, along with persistent bubbles of similar size, that we cannot remove without specialized equipment, but its impact is relatively small; thus it can be ignored. 
  
-For other bubbles, (generally identified as those that appear to "wiggle" in the current) they can usually be moved by gently squeezing one of the input or output tubes, and quickly releasing it. The sudden slowdown and rush of water can dislodge most if not all bubbles that can be moved. +For other bubbles, (generally identified as those that appear to "wiggle" in the current) they can usually be moved by gently squeezing one of the input or output tubes, and quickly releasing it. The sudden slowdown and rush of water can dislodge most if not all bubbles that can be moved. You can see the bubbles present in one photo, and gone in the other above.
  
-\\ 
-\\ 
- 
-\\ 
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 2.) **Air Assist**: 2.) **Air Assist**:
  
-<fc blue>AIR ASSIST PICTURE </fc>+{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:aircompress.jpg?nolink&500|}}
  
  
 Our air assist compressor provides a steady stream of air that projects from the laser head onto our cutting surface. It allows the laser to make cuts that would otherwise ignite the working material. While the air assist should always be used, it does have one downside. When working with lighter materials, the stream of air very easily blows away parts intended for cutting. Our air assist compressor provides a steady stream of air that projects from the laser head onto our cutting surface. It allows the laser to make cuts that would otherwise ignite the working material. While the air assist should always be used, it does have one downside. When working with lighter materials, the stream of air very easily blows away parts intended for cutting.
  
-Please check that the air assist is connected to the correct input port. It automatically turns on when plugged into an electrical socket. +Please check that the air assist is connected to the correct input port. It turns on when plugged into an electrical socket. 
-\\ + 
-\\+
 3.) **Exhaust fan**: 3.) **Exhaust fan**:
-<fc blue> EXHAUST FAN PICTURE </fc>+ 
 +{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:exhaustfan.jpg?nolink&500|}}
  
 The exhaust fan blows away smoke and other potentially harmful vapors created while cutting. Simply slide the blue exhaust tube from the back of the laser unit onto the exhaust fan's input port, and route the output tubing outdoors. The exhaust fan blows away smoke and other potentially harmful vapors created while cutting. Simply slide the blue exhaust tube from the back of the laser unit onto the exhaust fan's input port, and route the output tubing outdoors.
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 4.) **Alignment**: 4.) **Alignment**:
-<fc blue>picture of realignment process</fc> 
  
-After many uses (perhaps prolonged periods of disuse), or after moving the laser cutter, the mirrors may come out of alignment, and though it may not always be obvious, the cut quality will suffer. If the laser has not been operated for an extended period of time,+**OPTIONAL:**
  
-Fortunately there is a fairly simple process for realigning the mirrors, and it is found in the manual, which is included in the "required items" section of this tutorial. +After many uses (perhaps prolonged periods of disuse), or after moving the laser cutter, the mirrors may come out of alignment, and though it may not always be obvious, the cut quality will suffer. If the laser has not been operated for an extended period of time, quickly run a check to see if the laser is still in alignment. 
 + 
 +Fortunately there is a fairly simple process for checking and realigning the mirrors, and it is found in the manual, which is included in the "required items" section of this tutorial. 
  
 The method of realigning mirrors requires thermal paper, but I used old receipts for this purpose. You may consider storing thermal paper or old receipts in one of the compartments on the laser unit for this eventual purpose. The method of realigning mirrors requires thermal paper, but I used old receipts for this purpose. You may consider storing thermal paper or old receipts in one of the compartments on the laser unit for this eventual purpose.
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 ===Powering On=== ===Powering On===
  
-<fc blue> Image(s) of Power Sequence</fc>+ 
 +Note that the peripheral devices will likely all be plugged into one surge protector, so some of these steps may be redundant.
  
 Machine power-on steps: Machine power-on steps:
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 The RetinaEngrave3D software is the cutting software made by Full Spectrum Laser. Through it, we get our design files onto the laser cutter. It is here that we specify power, speed, layers, etc.. The RetinaEngrave3D software is the cutting software made by Full Spectrum Laser. Through it, we get our design files onto the laser cutter. It is here that we specify power, speed, layers, etc..
  
-<fc blue> Image of RetinaEngrave </fc>+RetinaEngrave3D can generate rasters from .bmp, .jpg, .png, and .tiff by dragging and dropping. However, other file types require being saved as an .xps file, or can be directed into RetinaEngrave3D through the Full Spectrum Engineering Driver, which is the primary way images are put into RetinaEngrave3D.
  
-RetinaEngrave3D can generate rasters from .bmp, .jpg, .png, and .tiff by dragging and dropping. However, other file types require being saved as an .xps file, or can be directed into RetinaEngrave3D through the Full Spectrum Engineering Driver. +{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:fsedpic.png?nolink&300|}}
  
-<fc blue> FSED print process picture </fc>+ 
 +{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:keychaincolors.png?nolink&300|}}
  
 The process is simple. From whatever program you are using, go to print and select "Full Spectrum Engineering Driver" from the options. Your file will appear in the RetinaEngrave3D software, allowing you to manipulate its size, settings, and other options to begin your cut. The process is simple. From whatever program you are using, go to print and select "Full Spectrum Engineering Driver" from the options. Your file will appear in the RetinaEngrave3D software, allowing you to manipulate its size, settings, and other options to begin your cut.
 +
 +{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:randnewdesigncircles.png?nolink&500|}}
  
 RetinaEngrave3D has the option to create simple images within the program that do not require any special changes to run as a raster or vector cut. I recommend this option if you only need a simple shape/text in a predetermined size. RetinaEngrave3D has the option to create simple images within the program that do not require any special changes to run as a raster or vector cut. I recommend this option if you only need a simple shape/text in a predetermined size.
  
 Notes: Notes:
-  * It may happen that the print function crashes the image generation software, and does not successfully send your image to RetinaEngrave3D. If you encounter this problem, a retry may work. Otherwise, print to the XPS Document Writer, and then open that file with RetinaEngrave3D or print the .xps file through the Full Spectrum Engineering Driver. +  * It may happen that the print function crashes the image generation software, and does not successfully send your image to RetinaEngrave3D. I personally encountered this a couple times. If you encounter this problem, a retry may work. Otherwise, print to the XPS Document Writer, and then open that file with RetinaEngrave3D or print the .xps file through the Full Spectrum Engineering Driver. 
-  * Vector information is carried along in the .xps, but within the RetinaEngrave manual, there are additional items to consider that are not covered here.+  * Vector information is carried along in the .xps, but within the RetinaEngrave manual, there are additional items to consider that are not covered here concerning the exact manner that the software will decide to cut objects.
  
  
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 ===== Engraving and Cutting ===== ===== Engraving and Cutting =====
  
-<fc>image (video?) of cutting </fc>+{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:retinaengraverasterengrave.png?nolink&500|}} 
 + 
 +Once gone through the print driver, RetinaEngrave gives a few options to manipulate your image on the left. Those options available include rotating the image 90 degrees; mirroring the image vertically or horizontally; dithering to different extents; and resizing the image. Within the vector cut tab, there is also a vector cross-hatching option, but that is beyond the scope of these instructions. 
 + 
 +{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:retinaengrave3dcontrols.png?nolink&600|}} 
 + 
 +At the top are more controls that concern engraving. Below is a brief list of their functions and usefulness. 
 + 
 +  * ** House icon**: homes the laser head 
 +  * **4 corner arrow icon**: runs the laser head through the perimeter (this is helpful to verify the limits of the cut you are about to make) 
 +  * **1 corner arrow icon**: step laser head through perimeter (you can look more closely where each corner is for your cut to be sure it is cutting within your desired area) 
 +  * **9 red dots icon**: object positioning (we can define where the red dot currently points in relation to our image; useful when we want a certain area of an image lined up with a certain part of what we are cutting
 +  * **Laser beam**: fires a test pulse and allows you to change pulse duration 
 +  * **Cylinder icon**: enables settings for rotary attachment (separate tutorial) 
 +  * **Play/Pause/Stop icons**: Allows you to begin, pause, and stop the current job 
 +  * **Pull-down box**: changes between raster, vector, raster then vector, and simulation modes 
 + 
 + 
 +**Before beginning your cut**  
 + 
 +Triple check that the laser head is positioned where you need it. 
 + 
 +You can use the arrow keys in RetinaEngrave to move around the laser head, or with the laser control panel in fast xy or slow xy mode. 
 + 
 +**Focusing:** 
 + 
 +{{:sricoy:laser_cutter:focusrulerlaser.jpg?500|}} 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +For this step, you can use the up/down arrows in the slow-z or fast-z modes on the laser cutter; using fast-z to get close, and then slow-z to reach the final touching point.  
 + 
 +The focusing ruler (pictured above in use) should be sitting behind the left y-axis track in the laser cutter. Use this on the ledge of the laser head, and raise/lower the head until the end of it just touches the surface of your material.   
 + 
 +**Triple Check:** 
 + 
 +Using the option to run the perimeter (4 corner arrow icon) in RetinaEngrave, you can verify the edges of your cut. This should always be done to ensure you've gotten the right scale, or that your cut fits on your material.
  
-The cutting software gives a few options to manipulate your image on the left. To begin your cutpress the start button.+**Beginning the cut:** 
 +Simply press the start button in RetinaEngrave. Your raster engrave will begin almost immediately. If in vector mode, the software will first process the image, and then begin the cut; that mode was not covered here, so if you intended to do a raster engrave, and the machine pauses before cutting, you may want to hit the "C" key to cancel the cut.
  
  
full_spectrum_laser_pro_36x24_intro_and_quick_start.1485413039.txt.gz · Last modified: 2017/01/25 22:43 by santiagoricoy