How to use the Epilog Laser Mini: Difference between revisions

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==Overview ==
{{languages|Epilog_Laser}}


The Epilog laser is a laser cutting and engraving device. It can load thing materials such as wood, Plexiglas or cardboard and cut out various shapes and sizes from them. Aside from this it has a very powerful raster mode. The machine can take plates of up to 60 by 30 centimeters. Any vector design in the PDF file format can be cut out by the machine.


==How to laser cut ==
== How to laser cut ==
First you need a vector graphics file (PDF) of the shape you want to cut or engrave. You can do this with programs such as Inkscape, Coreldraw or Adobe Illustrator.<br>




'''Step 1'''
'''Step 1''' <br>
Turn on the machine. (Epilog mini24)


First you need a vector graphics file. You can make these files with programs such as Inkscape, Coreldraw or Adobe Illustrator. Make sure you save files as .pdf. Lines that you want cut should be 0.01mm thick.  
 
Everything else will be rastered. Open the Document in Adobe PDF reader on the computer.
'''Step 2''' <br>
[[File:4_icelandic_how-to-work-the-lasercutter.jpg|200px]] Press the [X/Y OFF] button followed by the green [GO] button.
 
 
'''Step 3''' <br>
Place material in the machine.<br>
You can use the arrow buttons [up] and [down] to lower the bed, if necessary.  
 
 
'''Step 4''' <br>
[[File:5_icelandic_how-to-work-the-lasercutter.jpg|200px]] Press the [POINTER] button to see the lasers position.<br>
Proceed to move the laser (by hand) to where you want to start.
 
Bear in mind, that by default, the machine starts at the top left corner of your design file.
 
 
'''Step 5''' <br>
[[File:7_icelandic_how-to-work-the-lasercutter.jpg|200px]]  If you are satisfied with the position you can press [SET HOME] and then [RESET].
 
 
'''Step 6''' <br>
Setup your print file.<br>
Open the Document in Adobe PDF reader on the computer. Press the [CTRL]+[P] on the keyboard to print.
 
 
'''Step 7''' <br>
In the printer dialogue, select the right printer name, set the scaling to 'actual size' and keep the rotation on 'portrait'.
 
 
'''Step 8''' <br>
Click on the [PROPERTIES] tab to set the laser cutter's options.
 
[[File:8_icelandic_how-to-work-the-lasercutter.jpg|200px]] Here you will need to determine the settings that correspond with the material you have placed in the laser cutter.
 
 
'''Step 9''' <br>
When ready click on ok of the properties menu and print menu. The job will be waiting in the laser cutter display.
 
 
'''Step 10''' <br>
[[File:11_icelandic_how-to-work-the-lasercutter.jpg|200px]] Switch on the air pressurizer. And then hit the green [GO] button on the machine.
 
When running the job, DD NOT leave them machine unsupervised.<br>
When display say's 'done", please wait 10 - 30 seconds before opening machine (ventilation time).
 
 
 
 
=== Properties menu ===
[[Image:Image-01.png|left]]
*  Resolutionː      will influence job time greatly when rastering. (Recommend default 400 DPI). 
*  Job Typeː        to define the job style. 
*  Raster settingsː  to define heat settings of engraving job.
*  Vector settingsː  to define heat settings of cutting job.
*  Piece sizeː      enter size of your piece of material (max 600 x 300 mm).
*  Optionsː          define custom starting point (center engraving) and automatic focusing of lens laser (auto-focus).
 
 
Look in the Epilog manual for recommended settings, when adjusting the speed, power and freq options.
 
 
To prevent the autofocus pin from getting trapped, do NOT use with with the honeycomb bed.
There is a metal clip available to set the focus point by hand. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
=== Color Mapping  ===
 
[[Image:Image-001.jpg|left]]
 
Color mapping is used to define multiple settings within 1 design file. The speed, power and frequency work in the same as in the general options.
 
To remove a color just mark it and hit the [–] button. To Add a color you hit the [+] button. You can also move the color up and down the list using the arrows. The color that is at the top is the one that is going to get cut first.




'''Step 2'''


Turn on the machine, the ventilation and the air pressurizer.




'''Step 3'''


Choose your material. It is always best to make a dummy version in cheap cardboard first, to see if you got your measurements and settings right.
Put the material in the machine and make sure its straight and flat, and press the [X/Y OFF] button followed by the green [GO] button. Now proceed to move the laser to where you want it to start cutting. Bear in mind the machine starts at the top right corner of your design. If you are satisfied with the position you can press [SET HOME]. If you need help aiming press the [POINTER] button to get a red dot on the lasers position.




'''Step 4'''


Go back to the .pdf file and press the [CTRL]+[P] buttons to print. Click on the [PROPERTIES] tab to get the laser cutter's options. You will be taken to a special printing screen. Here you will need to determine the settings that correspond with the material you have chosen. See below for a table.
Make sure you have [AUTO FOCUS] and [VECTOR SORTING] selected.




'''Step 5'''


Now select either [RASTER], [VECTOR] or [COMBINED] from the selection in the top center. Raster means engraving only, vector means cutting only, combined means both.
The next step is to set the size of your design. You can select [PROPERTIES] from the [FILE] menu in Adobe PDF reader to check if you forgot.
The last step is to set the raster and vector settings in the right side of the dialog window. Below you will see a table with the settings for the materials we use in the FabLab. When this is done you can press the [OK] button and then the green [GO] button on the machine.






[[Image:Image-01.png]]
=== Print options ===


Here are the Epilogs printing options.  Here you chose what resolution you want, if you want raster(engraving) or vector(deeper cutting) cutting.  When you are going to adjust the speed, power and freq, options look in the manual for the best settings.
Then you choose the piece size, this is the size that you want you picture to be, NOT the size of material that is going to be cut. You also will need to choose a focusing option. Auto focus is the easiest.


=== Color Mapping ===


[[Image:Image-001.jpg]]


When you use color mapping you can set different options to different colors.
=== Good to know  ===
To remove a color just mark it and hit the – button. To Add a color you hit the + button. You can also move the color up and down the list, the color that is at the top is the one that is going to get cut first. The speed, power and frequency options works in the same way, as in the general options.
The laser cutter cuts by burning away a little bit of the material. The laser follows the center of your vector line (drawing) and will burn away 0.1 mm of material on each side of the vector. Beware! Different materials and different heat settings can influence how much material exactly is lost. It is recommended to first test joinery designs before cutting the whole sheet.  


=== Things to watch out for ===
[[File:laser-cutting-example.jpg|400px]]
Before you start cutting, open the glass door and turn on the pointer. Then you click print. If the red dot hit one of the ruler you need to adjust the x an y.
# Press X/Y OFF
# Press GO to disable X and Y axis (Press STOP to cancel and send the carriage back to its Park position if you change your mind!)
# Move the lens assembly by hand to your desired location (remember to turn the Red Diode Pointer on as a visual allocator aid)
# Press SET HOME to establish your new home position. After you have set home, pressing the RESET button will move the carriage to its park position a short distance (approx.1/2 inch (12 mm)) to the front of where you set home.
# Once you are finished with your temporary home position, and want to restore the carriage to the upper left corner of the machine, press the Set Home key and the Reset key simultaneously. Press the GO key and the carriage will move back and to the left to its normal upper left corner Park position.


== Good to know ==
If you are making press fit with acrylic on the laser it can be good to have extra 0,5 mm space so it will fit well together.


== Safety ==
'''The burning away 0.2 mm of material is a guideline, not a golden rule.'''
* Main article: [[Lab Safety]]




=== Fire safety ===


=== Safety  ===
*Main article: [[Portal:Safety|Safety]]
   
   


# '''NEVER''' let the Laser system operate if it will be unattended.
: '''NEVER''' leave the Laser running unattended.
# '''KEEP''' the area around the machine clean and free of clutter, combustible materials, explosives, or volatile solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or gasoline.
 
# '''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.
: '''DO NOT''' operate the Laser with the machine's focus clip in place. If the unfocused beam strikes a reflective surface, it could be directed out of the cabinet.
# '''ALWAYS''' use air assist when vector cutting.
: '''ALWAYS''' use air assist when vector cutting.
# '''BE CAREFUL''' many materials have the potential to suddenly burst into flames. Always monitor the machine when its operating.
 
# '''KEEP''' you laser system clean and free of debris. Regularly remove the vector grid to clean any small pieces that have fallen through the grid.
: '''KEEP''' the area around the machine free of clutter.
: '''KEEP''' you  Regularly remove the vector grid to clean any small pieces that have fallen through the grid.
=== Laser safety. ===
 
: '''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.  
 
: '''DO NOT''' open any of the machine's access panels while the unit is plugged in.


# '''DO NOT''' disassemble the machine or remove any of its protective covers while the unit is plugged in.
=== Heat Settings  ===
# '''DO NOT''' attempt to defeat the door interlocks.
[https://www.epiloglaser.com/assets/downloads/manuals/legend-manual-web.pdf Full Epilog manual online here]
# '''DO NOT''' view directly into the beam of the laser diode pointer (red dot pointer).
# '''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 ===
'''Settings always need to be tweaked for each machine and can be different from what is stated in the manual. Ask your local machine operator for recommendations.'''  
# '''DO NOT''' open any of the machine's access panels while the unit is plugged in. Opening a panel may expose the operator to the unit's AC input power.
# '''DO NOT''' make or break any electrical connections to the system while the units is turned on.




{| width="100%" border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse;"
{| width="100%" border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
|-
| Material|| Engraving || Vector Cutting|| 300 DPI engraving (speed/power) || 400 DPI engraving (speed/power) || 600 DPI engraving ((speed/power) || Vector Cutting (speed/power/frequency)
| Material  
|-
| Engraving  
| Akryl (Plexiglass) || X || X || 100/75 || 100/65 || 100/55 || 3mm – 12/100/5000 <br/>6mm – 5/100/5000
| Vector Cutting  
|-
| 300 DPI engraving (speed/power)  
| Anóðerað ál || X || || 100/100 || 100/90 || 100/80 || Ekki vektorskurður
| 400 DPI engraving (speed/power)  
|-
| 600 DPI engraving ((speed/power)  
| Avonít (harðplast) || X || X || 20/100 || 25/100 || 30/100 || 3mm – 20/100/5000
| Vector Cutting (speed/power/frequency)
|-
|-
| Rock || X || || ? || ? || 25/100 || Ekki vektorskurður
| Akryl (Plexiglass)  
|-
| X  
| Corian (harðplast) || X || X || 20/100 || 25/100 || 30/100 || 3mm – 20/100/5000
| X  
|-
| 100/75  
| Delrin (harðplast) || X || X || 100/70 || 100/60 || 100/50 || 3mm – 60/100/500
| 100/65  
|-
| 100/55  
| Dúkur || X || X || ? || ? || ? || ?
| 3mm – 12/100/5000 <br>6mm – 5/100/5000
|-
|-
| Flísar || X || || ? || ? || ? ||  
| Anóðerað ál  
|-
| X  
| Glass || X ||  || 25/100 || 30/100 || 35/100 ||
|  
|-  
| 100/100  
| Rubber || X || X || 10/100 || 20/100 || 30/100 || 15/100/100
| 100/90  
|-
| 100/80  
| Toasted bread || X || || ? || ? || 45/50 ||
| Ekki vektorskurður
|-
|-
| Hljúpaðir málmar || X || || 15/100 || 20/100 || 25/100 ||
| Avonít (harðplast)  
|-
| X  
| Ceramic || X || || ? || 25/100 || ? ||
| X  
|-
| 20/100  
| Cork || X || X || ? || ? || ? || ?
| 25/100  
|-
| 30/100  
| Plywood || X || X || ? || ? || ? || ?
| 3mm – 20/100/5000
|-
|-
| Leather || X || X || 100/65 || 100/55 || 100/45 || 3mm – 35/50/500
| Rock  
|-
| X  
| Marmari || X || || ? || ? || ? ||
|  
|-
| &nbsp;?  
| Malaðir málmar || X || || ? || ? || ? ||
| &nbsp;?  
|-
| 25/100  
| Melamín (harðplast) || X || X || 40/100 || 50/100 || 60/100 || ?
| Ekki vektorskurður
|-
|-
| Mylar (PET polyester) || X || X || ? || ? || ? || ? || 75 dpi 1 speed,5 power
| Corian (harðplast)  
|-
| X  
| Paper || X || X || ? || ? || ? || 1 mm -40/50/500
| X  
|-
| 20/100  
| Cardboard || X || X || ? || ? || 80/40 ||40/90/2500
| 25/100  
|-
| 30/100  
| Plast ? || X || X || 100/80 || 100/70 || 100/60 || 20/60/5000
| 3mm – 20/100/5000
|-
|-
| Ryðfrítt stál || X || || ? || ? || ? ||  
| Cotton (industrial t-shirt)
|-
| X
| Wood- Cherry – Alder - Walnut|| X || X || 30/100 || 35/100 || 40/100 || 3mm – 30/100/500 <br/>6mm – 7/100/500
| X  
|-
| x
| Trefjagler || X || X || ? || ? || ? ||
| x
|}
| 100/20
| x
|-
| Delrin (harðplast)
| X  
| X
| 100/70  
| 100/60  
| 100/50  
| 3mm – 60/100/500
|-
| Dúkur  
| X  
| X  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?
|-
| Flísar  
| X  
|  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
|  
|-
| Glass  
| X  
|  
| 25/100  
| 30/100  
| 35/100  
|  
|-
| Rubber  
| X  
| X  
| 10/100  
| 20/100  
| 30/100  
| 15/100/100
|-
| Toasted bread  
| X  
|  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| 45/50  
|  
|-
| Hljúpaðir málmar  
| X  
|  
| 15/100  
| 20/100  
| 25/100  
|  
|-
| Ceramic  
| X  
|  
| &nbsp;?  
| 25/100  
| &nbsp;?  
|  
|-
| Cork  
| X  
| X  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?
|-
| Plywood  
| X  
| X  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?
|-
| Leather  
| X  
| X  
| 100/65  
| 100/55  
| 100/45  
| 3mm – 35/50/500
|-
| Marmari  
| X  
|  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
|  
|-
| Malaðir málmar  
| X  
|  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
|  
|-
| Melamín (harðplast)  
| X  
| X  
| 40/100  
| 50/100  
| 60/100  
| &nbsp;?
|-
| Mylar (PET polyester)  
| X  
| X  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| 75 dpi 1 speed,5 power
|-
| Paper  
| X  
| X  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| 1 mm -40/50/500
|-
| Cardboard  
| X  
| X  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| 80/40  
| 40/90/2500
|-
| Plast&nbsp;?  
| X  
| X  
| 100/80  
| 100/70  
| 100/60  
| 20/60/5000
|-
| Ryðfrítt stál  
| X  
|  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
| &nbsp;?  
|  
|-
| Wood- Cherry – Alder - Walnut  
| X  
| X  
| 30/100  
| 35/100  
| 40/100  
| 3mm – 30/100/500 <br>6mm – 7/100/500
|-
| Trefjagler  
| X
| X  
| &nbsp;?
| &nbsp;?
| &nbsp;?
|-
| Granite
| X
| X
| X
| X
| 20/100 X2
|  
|}
 
<br>
 
== How to get Epilog laser running on net with Ubuntu  ==
 
*System -&gt; Administration -&gt; Printing -&gt;
*Server-&gt;New Printer
*Select Devices -&gt; Network Printer
*Host 192.168.12.236
*Queue queue -- Forward
 
*Select printer from database -&gt;Generic -- Forward
*Models Raw queue --Forward
*Printer name laser -- Apply
 




== How to get Epilog laser running on net with Ubuntu ==
== Useful links  ==


*System -> Administration -> Printing ->
*[http://www.epilogfiles.com/mini_helix_manual.pdf Epiloglaser handbook]
*Server->New Printer
*[http://www.epilogfiles.com/ Hugmyndagallerí fyrir Epilog laserskera, dæmi um möguleika á notkun]
*Select Devices -> Network Printer
*[http://www.epiloglaser.com/electronic_brochures.htm Electronic_brochures from Epilog Laser]
* Host 192.168.12.236
*[http://www.epiloglaser.com/tl_creating_3d_artwork.htm Creating_3d_artwork]
* Queue queue -- Forward
*[http://wiki.daap.uc.edu/groups/infocenter/wiki/b4dd5/ what materials you can use for laser]
*[http://www.epiloglaser.com/downloads_minihelix.htm Mini helix information and drivers and so]
*[http://www.epiloglaser.com/laser-knowledge-base.htm Epilog laser technical support.]


* Select printer from database ->Generic  -- Forward
* Models Raw queue --Forward
* Printer name laser -- Apply


== Useful links ==


* [http://www.epilogfiles.com/mini_helix_manual.pdf Epiloglaser handbook]
[[Category:Tutorials]] [[Category:Machine_Tutorials]] [[Category:Laser_Cutter]]
* [http://www.epilogfiles.com/ Hugmyndagallerí fyrir Epilog laserskera, dæmi um möguleika á notkun]
* [http://www.epiloglaser.com/electronic_brochures.htm Electronic_brochures from Epilog Laser]
* [http://www.epiloglaser.com/tl_creating_3d_artwork.htm Creating_3d_artwork]
[http://www.epiloglaser.com/downloads_minihelix.htm Mini helix information]

Latest revision as of 18:22, 10 June 2016


How to laser cut

First you need a vector graphics file (PDF) of the shape you want to cut or engrave. You can do this with programs such as Inkscape, Coreldraw or Adobe Illustrator.


Step 1
Turn on the machine. (Epilog mini24)


Step 2
Press the [X/Y OFF] button followed by the green [GO] button.


Step 3
Place material in the machine.
You can use the arrow buttons [up] and [down] to lower the bed, if necessary.


Step 4
Press the [POINTER] button to see the lasers position.
Proceed to move the laser (by hand) to where you want to start.

Bear in mind, that by default, the machine starts at the top left corner of your design file.


Step 5
If you are satisfied with the position you can press [SET HOME] and then [RESET].


Step 6
Setup your print file.
Open the Document in Adobe PDF reader on the computer. Press the [CTRL]+[P] on the keyboard to print.


Step 7
In the printer dialogue, select the right printer name, set the scaling to 'actual size' and keep the rotation on 'portrait'.


Step 8
Click on the [PROPERTIES] tab to set the laser cutter's options.

Here you will need to determine the settings that correspond with the material you have placed in the laser cutter.


Step 9
When ready click on ok of the properties menu and print menu. The job will be waiting in the laser cutter display.


Step 10
Switch on the air pressurizer. And then hit the green [GO] button on the machine.

When running the job, DD NOT leave them machine unsupervised.
When display say's 'done", please wait 10 - 30 seconds before opening machine (ventilation time).



Properties menu

  • Resolutionː will influence job time greatly when rastering. (Recommend default 400 DPI).
  • Job Typeː to define the job style.
  • Raster settingsː to define heat settings of engraving job.
  • Vector settingsː to define heat settings of cutting job.
  • Piece sizeː enter size of your piece of material (max 600 x 300 mm).
  • Optionsː define custom starting point (center engraving) and automatic focusing of lens laser (auto-focus).


Look in the Epilog manual for recommended settings, when adjusting the speed, power and freq options.


To prevent the autofocus pin from getting trapped, do NOT use with with the honeycomb bed. There is a metal clip available to set the focus point by hand.




Color Mapping

Color mapping is used to define multiple settings within 1 design file. The speed, power and frequency work in the same as in the general options.

To remove a color just mark it and hit the [–] button. To Add a color you hit the [+] button. You can also move the color up and down the list using the arrows. The color that is at the top is the one that is going to get cut first.










Good to know

The laser cutter cuts by burning away a little bit of the material. The laser follows the center of your vector line (drawing) and will burn away 0.1 mm of material on each side of the vector. Beware! Different materials and different heat settings can influence how much material exactly is lost. It is recommended to first test joinery designs before cutting the whole sheet.


The burning away 0.2 mm of material is a guideline, not a golden rule.


Safety


NEVER leave the Laser running unattended.
DO NOT operate the Laser with the machine's focus clip in place. If the unfocused beam strikes a reflective surface, it could be directed out of the cabinet.
ALWAYS use air assist when vector cutting.
KEEP the area around the machine free of clutter.
KEEP you Regularly remove the vector grid to clean any small pieces that have fallen through the grid.
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.
DO NOT open any of the machine's access panels while the unit is plugged in.

Heat Settings

Full Epilog manual online here

Settings always need to be tweaked for each machine and can be different from what is stated in the manual. Ask your local machine operator for recommendations.


Material Engraving Vector Cutting 300 DPI engraving (speed/power) 400 DPI engraving (speed/power) 600 DPI engraving ((speed/power) Vector Cutting (speed/power/frequency)
Akryl (Plexiglass) X X 100/75 100/65 100/55 3mm – 12/100/5000
6mm – 5/100/5000
Anóðerað ál X 100/100 100/90 100/80 Ekki vektorskurður
Avonít (harðplast) X X 20/100 25/100 30/100 3mm – 20/100/5000
Rock X  ?  ? 25/100 Ekki vektorskurður
Corian (harðplast) X X 20/100 25/100 30/100 3mm – 20/100/5000
Cotton (industrial t-shirt) X X x x 100/20 x
Delrin (harðplast) X X 100/70 100/60 100/50 3mm – 60/100/500
Dúkur X X  ?  ?  ?  ?
Flísar X  ?  ?  ?
Glass X 25/100 30/100 35/100
Rubber X X 10/100 20/100 30/100 15/100/100
Toasted bread X  ?  ? 45/50
Hljúpaðir málmar X 15/100 20/100 25/100
Ceramic X  ? 25/100  ?
Cork X X  ?  ?  ?  ?
Plywood X X  ?  ?  ?  ?
Leather X X 100/65 100/55 100/45 3mm – 35/50/500
Marmari X  ?  ?  ?
Malaðir málmar X  ?  ?  ?
Melamín (harðplast) X X 40/100 50/100 60/100  ?
Mylar (PET polyester) X X  ?  ?  ? 75 dpi 1 speed,5 power
Paper X X  ?  ?  ? 1 mm -40/50/500
Cardboard X X  ?  ? 80/40 40/90/2500
Plast ? X X 100/80 100/70 100/60 20/60/5000
Ryðfrítt stál X  ?  ?  ?
Wood- Cherry – Alder - Walnut X X 30/100 35/100 40/100 3mm – 30/100/500
6mm – 7/100/500
Trefjagler X X  ?  ?  ?
Granite X X X X 20/100 X2


How to get Epilog laser running on net with Ubuntu

  • System -> Administration -> Printing ->
  • Server->New Printer
  • Select Devices -> Network Printer
  • Host 192.168.12.236
  • Queue queue -- Forward
  • Select printer from database ->Generic -- Forward
  • Models Raw queue --Forward
  • Printer name laser -- Apply


Useful links