How to use the Epilog Laser Mini

Converting your file to CorelDraw

 * 1) If your file is already in CorelDraw format, skip this section.
 * 2) If your file is not in a CorelDraw format, open your drawing (we used Solidworks) and make sure it shows the part and lines you're cutting, and nothing else. Delete any lines and elements you don't want cut, such as through-hole indicators.
 * 3) Make sure your drawing can fit within your laser cutter.
 * 4) * At the MSI, the laser cutter can take material up to 12"x24".
 * 5) Save the Solidworks drawing as a .dwg file. (File > Save As > Save as type: ".dwg")
 * 6) Place the file on a thumbdrive and transfer it to the computer you will be printing your part from.

Opening the file
On a computer with CorelDraw...


 * 1) Double-click on the file. Your computer may not recognize the file type (it will pop up a "Do you want to open this file?" dialog). If it gives you this dialog, click 'Open.'
 * 2) You may get another dialog that says that your computer doesn't recognize the program to open this file with. Go to 'Select program' and select CorelDraw, then click 'Open.'
 * 3) You should have a window pop up that says 'Import AutoCAD.' The settings should be as follows when you click 'OK.'
 * 4) * 3D Projection: Top
 * 5) * Scaling: Automatic
 * 6) * Auto-Reduce nodes: Checked
 * 7) CorelDraw will open and you'll see your part on the screen.

Resizing the part

 * 1) Select the whole drawing by dragging out a rectangle that contains the entire part (click the mouse above the upper-left corner of the part, drag to the lower-right corner, and release).
 * 2) Group the part together so the entire drawing can be selected at once. (Arrange > Group)
 * 3) Resize the part as needed. (Usually you won't need to resize your part.)
 * 4) Make sure your document is set to the right page size (in the MSI, it must be less than 12"x24". (Layout > Page Setup, then adjust the Width and Height settings)
 * 5) Drag your drawing so that the entire part is within the page you will be printing.
 * 6) Save your drawing (File > Save As) in the appropriate location in the CorelDraw (CDR) file format.
 * 7) * For the MSI Fab Lab, you'll want to save it in the D: drive, "msi-fablab".

Printing the part
On the computer you want to print from...


 * 1) Open the drawings for all the parts you want to print in CorelDraw.
 * 2) (If you are only printing one part, you can skip this step.) Copy-paste all the parts you want to print into the same image file.
 * 3) Print the file (File > Print) being sure to select the laser printer as the printer you are printing to.
 * 4) That's it!

Epilog file format
Epilog lasers have a very simple file format that specifies their activity. See Epilog Laser language.

Fire safety

 * 1) NEVER let the Laser system operate if it will be unattended.
 * 2) KEEP the area around the machine clean and free of clutter, combustible materials, explosives, or volatile solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or gasoline.
 * 3) ALWAYS keep a properly maintained and inspected fire extinguisher on hand. Epilog recommends a Haltron fire extinguisher. Since it discharges a clean, easily removable substance that is not harmful to the mechanics or the wiring of the laser system.
 * 4) ALWAYS use air assist when vector cutting.
 * 5) BE CAREFUL many materials have the potential to suddenly burst into flames. Always monitor the machine when its operating.
 * 6) KEEP you laser system clean and free of debris. Regularly remove the vectorgrid to clean any small pieces that have fallen through the grid.

Laser safety.

 * 1) DO NOT disassemble the machine or remove any of its protective covers while the unit is plugged in.
 * 2) DO NOT attempt to defeat the door interlocks.
 * 3) DO NOT view directly into the beam of the laser diode pointer (red dot pointer)
 * 4) DO NOT operate the Laser Diode Pointer without the machine's focus lens in place. If the unfocused beam strikes a reflective surface, it could be directed out of the cabinet.

Electrical Safety

 * 1) DO NOT open any of the machine's access panels while the unit is plugged in. Opening a penal may expose the operator to the unit's AC input power.
 * 2) DO NOT make or break any electrical connections to the system while the units is turned on.