How to use the Epilog Laser Mini: Difference between revisions

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== 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.


'''Step 1''' <br>
'''Step 1''' <br>
First you need a vector graphics file of the shape you want to cut or engrave, and save the file as PDF. You can do this with programs such as Inkscape, Coreldraw or Adobe Illustrator. <br>
Turn on the machine.
Lines that you want cut should be set to 'hairline' size. Everything else the laser will see as engraving.




'''Step 2''' <br>
'''Step 2''' <br>
Turn on the machine and place material in the machine.
[[File:4_icelandic_how-to-work-the-lasercutter.jpg|200px]] Press the [X/Y OFF] button followed by the green [GO] button.
 
Before cutting a full sized project it is good idea to run a test file first, to check the measurements of your design.  




'''Step 3''' <br>
'''Step 3''' <br>
[[File:4_icelandic_how-to-work-the-lasercutter.jpg|200px]] On the machine, press the [X/Y OFF] button followed by the green [GO] button.
Place material in the machine.<br>
 
You can use the arrow buttons [up] and [down] to lower the bed, if necessary.  


You can now use the arrow buttons [up] and [down] to lower the bed for placing thicker materials (and to be able to set up the focus point by hand).


Now proceed to move the laser by hand to where you want it to start cutting.  
'''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.


[[File:5_icelandic_how-to-work-the-lasercutter.jpg|200px]] Also press the [POINTER] button to get a red dot on the lasers position.  
Bear in mind, that by default, the machine starts at the top left corner of your design file.  




Bear in mind 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].
[[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].




<br> '''Step 4'''  
'''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.


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'.  
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.  
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.
[[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.
Do turn off the 'autofocus' if you have set the focus manually.


When ready click on the print button.  The job will be waiting in the laser cutter display.


'''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 5'''


[[File:11_icelandic_how-to-work-the-lasercutter.jpg|200px]] Switch on the ventilation and the air pressurizer. And then hit the green [GO] button on the machine.  
'''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.  


Do not leave them machine unsupervised. When display say's 'done" wait 10 - 30 seconds before opening machine (ventilation time).  
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).  




Revision as of 17:14, 10 June 2016

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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.


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).



Print options


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, first look in the manual for the best settings.


Color Mapping

When you use color mapping you can set different options to different colors. 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.


Things to watch out for

Before you start cutting, open the machine turn on the pointer. If the red dot hits one of the ruler you need to adjust the x an y.

  1. Press X/Y OFF
  2. Press GO to confirm disabling the X and Y axis (Press STOP to cancel and send the carriage back to its Park position if you change your mind!)
  3. Move the lens assembly by hand to your desired location (remember to turn the Red Diode Pointer on as a visual locator aid)
  4. 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.
  5. Once you are finished with your 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 design it is good to test first before cutting your whole design. Per laser cutter machine and per acrylic plate there can be a slight difference (like o.something mm) with is enough to make a pressfit design work or not.


Safety



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 vector grid 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 panel 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.


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

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