tool:laser_cutter:operation_manual
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tool:laser_cutter:operation_manual [2013/11/22 21:04] – jarrett | tool:laser_cutter:operation_manual [2019/07/31 19:37] (current) – chad.leaman_gmail.com | ||
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+ | ======= Laser Cutter Operation Manual ======= | ||
- | ====== Laser Cutter Operation Manual ====== | ||
- | |||
- | |||
- | ==== RULES FOR USE ==== | ||
+ | ====== RULES FOR USE ====== | ||
* **Always** follow any posted notices. | * **Always** follow any posted notices. | ||
* **Do not** use if there is an out-of-order sign posted, even if everything *looks* OK. | * **Do not** use if there is an out-of-order sign posted, even if everything *looks* OK. | ||
* **Always** wear the correctly-rated laser safety goggles. | * **Always** wear the correctly-rated laser safety goggles. | ||
- | * **Only** use materials on the Approved Materials List. If something you want to cut is not on the list, ask a member of the Laser Cutter Committee *first*. Most likely if it's not on the list, it is *TOXIC* or *CORROSIVE*! | + | * **Only** use materials on the [[tool: |
- | * **Do not** operate when the lid or any hatches are open. | + | * **Do not** operate when the lid or any hatches are open. Do not attempt to defeat |
- | * **No alcohol** in the laser cutter room, and do not use the laser cutter after drinking. | + | * **Do not** leave the laser cutter at any time while the laser cutter is in operation, for any reason. It must be carefully observed to mitigate and suppress fires, which are a frequent occurrence. |
- | * **Do not** leave the laser cutter | + | * **No alcohol** near the laser cutter, do not use the laser cutter after drinking. |
* **Do not** attempt to use materials that may splutter or explode (e.g. anything with high water content). | * **Do not** attempt to use materials that may splutter or explode (e.g. anything with high water content). | ||
* **Do not** use for scarification or laser tattoos. | * **Do not** use for scarification or laser tattoos. | ||
- | * **Do not** attempt any repairs, calibration, | + | * **Do not** attempt any repairs, calibration, |
* **Do not** use the Emergency Stop button to power-off the laser cutter in non-emergency situations. | * **Do not** use the Emergency Stop button to power-off the laser cutter in non-emergency situations. | ||
* **Do not** use more heat (a combination of power and speed) than is necessary to accomplish a cut or etch. | * **Do not** use more heat (a combination of power and speed) than is necessary to accomplish a cut or etch. | ||
+ | * **Do not** allow un-trained users to operate the laser. | ||
+ | * **Do not** use the control panel on the machine. Incorrect use of this panel can damage the machine and/or cause injuries. | ||
- | ==== BACKGROUND INFORMATION ==== | + | ====== BACKGROUND INFORMATION |
- | The laser cutter is a RedSail model CM1080; it has a bed area of 100cm x 80cm (1000mm x 800mm, approx 3.2ft x 2.6ft, 39& | + | The laser cutter is a [[tool: |
- | The Laser Cutter Committee oversees its usage and ensures correct maintenance. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a member of the LCC. | + | The [[committees: |
- | ==== SAFETY | + | ====== SAFETY ====== |
+ | The [[tool: | ||
- | The laser cutter is a piece of industrial machinery. | + | The laser cutter is not a printer, it is not an appliance, and it is not a peripheral. It must be treated as such; a potentially very dangerous device. You must remain within |
From Adafruit: | From Adafruit: | ||
- | We know of four people who have had to essentially replace their laser cutting machine because it caught on fire unattended. | ||
- | One person had their entire shop burned down because they cut acrylic and left it. | ||
- | **There is a zero-tolerance policy around leaving the laser cutter | + | "We know of four people who have had to essentially replace their laser cutting machine because it caught on fire unattended. |
+ | One person had their entire shop burned down because they cut acrylic | ||
- | The single most important aspect of safety when it comes to machinery | + | **There |
- | Laser cutters work by heating the material to the point of burning or vapourization. Your job can change in seconds with the accumulation of energy (heat) in your material. **Always monitor your lasing job!** | + | The single most important aspect of safety when it comes to machinery is respecting the machine. This means taking care of it, being careful in your configuration, |
+ | |||
+ | Laser cutters work by heating the material to the point of burning or vapourization. Your job can change in seconds with the accumulation of energy (heat) in your material. **Always monitor your lasing job!** | ||
At 80W, this is considered a Class 4 laser device - the most dangerous rating possible. It is in fact 160x the minimum rating for a Class 4 device. This is very, very powerful and dangerous. | At 80W, this is considered a Class 4 laser device - the most dangerous rating possible. It is in fact 160x the minimum rating for a Class 4 device. This is very, very powerful and dangerous. | ||
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To make matters worse, CO2 lasers emit completely invisible IR (infrared) laser beams at 10,640nm. There is no way to know where the beam itself nor any reflections are going. The only thing you can do is completely avoid any possibility that the laser energy will leave the laser cutter. | To make matters worse, CO2 lasers emit completely invisible IR (infrared) laser beams at 10,640nm. There is no way to know where the beam itself nor any reflections are going. The only thing you can do is completely avoid any possibility that the laser energy will leave the laser cutter. | ||
- | At 80W, it will instantly vaporize the cornea, lens, and/or retina of your eye. You will instantly and permanently lose your eyesight - and while it scars over it will be complete agony. It will boil your eyeball. According to Wikipedia, | + | At 80W, it will instantly vaporize the cornea, lens, and/or retina of your eye. You will instantly and permanently lose your eyesight - and while it scars over it will be complete agony. It will boil your eyeball. According to Wikipedia, |
To reiterate, this laser cutter is 160 times as powerful as the maximum safety-class that is worth differentiating between; well and truly into the realm of lethality if mistreated. | To reiterate, this laser cutter is 160 times as powerful as the maximum safety-class that is worth differentiating between; well and truly into the realm of lethality if mistreated. | ||
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In short, this is a very dangerous device and must be treated with utmost respect and care. It is absolutely the most dangerous tool most people will ever use. | In short, this is a very dangerous device and must be treated with utmost respect and care. It is absolutely the most dangerous tool most people will ever use. | ||
- | ==== SAFETY AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT ==== | + | ===== SAFETY AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT |
- | === Safety glasses === | + | ==== Safety glasses |
We have special safety glasses that are specifically rated for use with CO2 lasers. They are completely transparent to visible light, but are opaque to the band of infrared light that the laser cutter operates on. Do not use any other safety glasses with the laser cutter, as they will not provide any protection. | We have special safety glasses that are specifically rated for use with CO2 lasers. They are completely transparent to visible light, but are opaque to the band of infrared light that the laser cutter operates on. Do not use any other safety glasses with the laser cutter, as they will not provide any protection. | ||
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It is important that the safety glasses remain functional, so please be very careful with their care and handling. Always replace them in their protective cases, and never put them lenses-down. These are not typical, cheap safety glasses, and must be ordered online (and still aren't cheap!). | It is important that the safety glasses remain functional, so please be very careful with their care and handling. Always replace them in their protective cases, and never put them lenses-down. These are not typical, cheap safety glasses, and must be ordered online (and still aren't cheap!). | ||
- | === Spray bottle === | + | ==== Spray bottle |
Small flare-ups while cutting material is common, and for flare-ups that don't self-extinguish quickly, the spray bottle is the first line of defense. | Small flare-ups while cutting material is common, and for flare-ups that don't self-extinguish quickly, the spray bottle is the first line of defense. | ||
- | === Fire extinguisher === | + | ==== Fire extinguisher |
If the spray bottle is insufficient for extinguishing a fire, the fire extinguisher should be used. | If the spray bottle is insufficient for extinguishing a fire, the fire extinguisher should be used. | ||
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- | ==== SOFTWARE ==== | + | ====== SOFTWARE |
- | The software used for interfacing to the laser cutter is called | + | The software used for interfacing to the laser cutter is called |
- | Corel Draw is available on the laser cutter PC, and is very useful for converting between file formats. Do not use the laser cutter PC for design work however, as that will stop others from being able to use the laser cutter. | + | The Laser Cutter Computer |
- | === For CUTTING: === | + | ==== For CUTTING: |
- | EasyCut takes primarily | + | LaserCAD is able to import two file types: |
* AI: | * AI: | ||
- | * Use Corel Draw to convert the source .ai file from recent versions of Illustrator to one that EasyCut | + | * Use Corel Draw to convert the source .ai file from recent versions of Illustrator to one that LaserCAD |
* If you must use Illustrator to save the .ai file, save as pre-CS, no compression, | * If you must use Illustrator to save the .ai file, save as pre-CS, no compression, | ||
- | | + | |
- | * DXF has no concept of scale, and you have to select a scale when you *export* DXFs. The laser software | + | * DXF: Save as R13/LT95 or R14/ |
+ | * DXF has no concept of scale, and you have to select a scale when you *export* DXFs. The laser software assumes a millimetre scale. In other words, a DXF will give a unit-less dimension of 1.0; and that could be 1 inch, 1m, 1ft, or 1mm for all the DXF format and/or reading software knows. I've never had scale issues when using mm for export from various CAD packages. | ||
- | === For ENGRAVING: === | + | ==== For ENGRAVING: |
- | EasyCut | + | LaserCAD |
=== General Usage === | === General Usage === | ||
- | Corel Draw is a good choice for creating files for use on the laser cutter, or converting existing files into formats that can be used, due to its wide variety of import and export formats. Adobe Illustrator may also be used, but it has limited capability for exporting to the older versions of file formats that EasyCut | + | Corel Draw is a good choice for creating files for use on the laser cutter, or converting existing files into formats that can be used, due to its wide variety of import and export formats. Adobe Illustrator may also be used, but it has limited capability for exporting to the older versions of file formats that LaserCAD |
- | The most time-consuming, | ||
- | * Use different colours to indicate different layers. Layers are automatically added and removed as colours are selected. | ||
- | * Set the layer order in EasyCut to go from small -> large details, ending with the outline cut (if any). | ||
* Do not remove the protective film/paper from acrylic before cutting or etching, as the smoke will ruin the finish. | * Do not remove the protective film/paper from acrylic before cutting or etching, as the smoke will ruin the finish. | ||
+ | ===== TRAINING AND SETUP ===== | ||
+ | ==== Complete VHS Laser Cutter Training ==== | ||
+ | To use the Laser Cutter, you must be a [[http:// | ||
- | ==== OPERATING THE LASER CUTTER | + | ==== Setup Authentication |
+ | Upon successful completion of the training, your membership account on the VHS Membership Management System will be granted Laser Access. If you haven' | ||
- | === Getting Started === | + | - Log-in to the membership management system (http:// |
+ | - Under User Profile, find the Access tab. | ||
+ | - Click the name of the account you want to link | ||
+ | - Enter your credentials for that account. | ||
+ | - Authorize the Open Authorization connection. | ||
- | Some experimentation | + | If successful, your User profile |
- | Always bring extra scrap material with you that has identical properties (type, thickness, colour, etc) to what you want to finally lase. Use this scrap to test and verify that the laser cutter, your material, and your designs setup are behaving as you expect. | + | ====== OPERATING THE LASER CUTTER ====== |
- | + | ===== Preparation ===== | |
- | * Check for instructions posted | + | * Wake up or turn on the Laser Cutter Computer (it should be left on) |
- | * Make sure that the Emergency Stop button is not activated. If so, twist it gently to de-activate it. | + | |
- | * Make sure that the main power key on the top-right of the laser cutter is in the off (turned counter-clockwise) position. | + | |
* Clear the top, bed, and catchment tray of material. | * Clear the top, bed, and catchment tray of material. | ||
- | * Close the lid. | + | * Check that the flare-up water bottle is full. |
- | * Turn the power switch of the transformer box, located in the bottom-right of the laser cutter cabinet, to On. The water cooler should beep as it starts, the air-assist pump will start, and the exhaust fan will also start. | + | * Check that the fire extinguisher |
- | * Wait at least 5 minutes after power-on as the water cooler must get the water chilled and evacuate all air bubbles from the laser tube (**this | + | |
* Put on the laser-rated safety goggles. | * Put on the laser-rated safety goggles. | ||
- | * Turn the main power key on the top-right of the laser cutter clockwise to turn the laser cutter on. | ||
- | === Running | + | Ventilation |
+ | The VHS Laser Cutter has a fume extraction system, but it can be helpful to setup additional ventilation within the Hack Space to minimize odors. It is considered best practice to do the following: | ||
+ | * Open the window | ||
+ | * Plug in and turn on the exhaust fan | ||
+ | * Open the main doors | ||
+ | * Position additional fans to direct air into the space from the main doors | ||
- | * Wear the laser-rated safety goggles! | + | ===== Authentication ===== |
- | | + | The laser cutter has a software-controlled Laser Access System for restricting access to trained members and automatically controlling power to the laser and peripherals. The Laser Access System has an on/off switch and lights which indicate the status. |
- | | + | |
- | * **Do not** use any other buttons on the control panel, and especially do not ever adjust | + | Using a smartphone or laptop: |
- | * Open the lid. | + | |
- | * Place the material | + | |
- | * Use the focus gauge to correctly | + | - Select which Linked Account you would like to use for authentication |
- | | + | - If necessary, enter you login credentials for the Linked Account. |
- | * Close the lid. | + | |
- | * In EasyCut: | + | - Click the ' |
- | * Click the Calculate | + | |
- | * Click Download | + | Using the Laser Cutter computer: |
- | * **Do not use Download Config!** | + | - (Turn the computer on and login) |
- | * Click Download current. | + | - Navigate to http://laser.vanhack.ca or open the "Laser Access" |
- | * Close the Stand-alone file manager. | + | - Select which Linked Account you would like to use for authentication |
- | * Click Run Box just above and to the left of the Download button. The laser head will move in a box at the maximum extents of the job. | + | - If necessary, enter you login credentials for the Linked Account. |
- | * Be prepared to hit the Emergency Stop button | + | - Authorize the connection |
+ | - Click the ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | You now have ~30 second to toggle the switch on the Laser Access System | ||
+ | |||
+ | **NOTE:** If you are using the laser cutter directly after another member, you can perform the authorization step as soon as they switch the system off. There is no need to wait for the system to power down. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== System Power-up ===== | ||
+ | The Laser Access System will automatically turn on the Fume Extraction System, the Chiller, the Air Compressor, and the Laser Cutter. If the HVAC system in the space is currently running, the fan will be shut off. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If the system is off, the power for the laser cutter is over by the fridge in the lounge area | ||
+ | |||
+ | Be aware that when the Laser Cutter is first powered, the head and gantry will move to the home position automatically. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Setup Job ===== | ||
+ | Once the laser is powered up, there are a number of steps required to setup a particular job. These include importing the design, setting up the cutting | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Transfer and Import Design ===== | ||
+ | Designs can be copied to the Laser Cutter Computer by using USB, the Network Drive, or using an internet browser. Using a USB stick or transferring to the network drive is preferred because it is faster. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Save any designs to a folder with your name on it in the Laser User Files folder. Files saved on the desktop or anywhere elsewhere will be deleted. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In LaserCAD, go to File > Import... | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Setup Operations ===== | ||
+ | Once you have imported a design, you need to setup one or more lasing operations | ||
+ | |||
+ | In LaserCAD, different operations are controlled on a per-layer basis, where an unique colour is considered to be a layer (i.e. all parts that are red have the same settings and are cut together, and all parts that are blue may have different settings and also are cut together). | ||
+ | |||
+ | The order is specified by the order the layers appear in a list (the top layer will cut first), and may be re-arranged as required. Generally when you're setting up a job, you will want to cut the smaller and more intricate/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Use different colours to indicate different layers. Layers are automatically added and removed as colours are selected. In LaserCAD, select the lines in your design first, than select a color along the bottom bar. Ideally, designs should already have color when you import them. | ||
+ | | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Select Operation Settings ===== | ||
+ | The default settings for each operations almost always need to be changed. To change | ||
+ | |||
+ | Some experimentation is often required to get the desired results. Refer to the [[tool: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Power ==== | ||
+ | The power setting controls the power of the laser beam and ranges from 0-60%. The power output is limited in software to a maximum of 60% to meet the recommended maximum current rating of the laser tube. Higher values | ||
+ | |||
+ | LaserCAD lists a maximum | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Speed ==== | ||
+ | The speed setting controls the maximum speed of the laser head and ranges from 0-300 mm/s. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Position Design and Material to be Lased ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Positioning where the design should be relative to the material can be challenging on this machine. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Position Material ==== | ||
+ | * Use the directional controls in LaserCAD to move the laser head to the home position | ||
+ | * Open the lid | ||
+ | * Place the material to be lased on to the cutting | ||
+ | * If necessary, clamps or weights can be used to prevent the material from moving or to ensure it lies flat. Ensure | ||
+ | * | ||
+ | ==== Position Design ==== | ||
+ | * Designs can be selected and moved in LaserCAD | ||
+ | * It is possible to use the data field boxes to move the design to a particular location. This can be combined with the 'Get Current Position of Laser' to accurately place designs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Adjust Focus ===== | ||
+ | The VHS Laser Cutter has a manual height adjustment on the laser head for controlling the height of the focus. | ||
+ | |||
+ | To adjust the focus height: | ||
+ | - Locate the focus height calibration tool | ||
+ | - Move the laser head over the material | ||
+ | | ||
+ | - Position the focus height calibration tool between the material and the laser head and adjust the height of the laser head | ||
+ | - Tighten the height adjustment screw | ||
+ | - Return the focus height calibration tool to its storage location | ||
+ | |||
+ | Note: **Do not** touch the mirrors or lens of the laser cutter. If they are dirty, please discontinue use of the laser cutter immediately and let the Laser Cutter Committee know. Using the laser cutter with dirty mirrors or lenses could bake the dirt onto the glass and they will then need replacing! | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Download job to Laser Cutter ===== | ||
+ | * In LaserCAD: | ||
+ | * Click the Download | ||
+ | * Click Download | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Test Placement ===== | ||
+ | * Click Run Box. The laser head will move in a box at the maximum extents of the job. | ||
+ | * Be prepared to hit the Emergency Stop button | ||
* If the position of the material needs adjustment, open the lid, move the material, close the lid, and click Run Box again. Repeat until acceptable alignment is achieved. | * If the position of the material needs adjustment, open the lid, move the material, close the lid, and click Run Box again. Repeat until acceptable alignment is achieved. | ||
- | * Ensure that the laser cutter is clear of material, and all equipment is functioning correctly. | ||
- | * When ready, click the Start button in EasyCut. | ||
- | * Watch the laser cutter carefully and be prepared to hit the Emergency Stop button if required. | ||
- | === Shutting Down === | + | * Alternatively, |
- | | + | ===== Sanity Check ===== |
- | * Do not use the Emergency Stop button | + | |
- | * Leave the transformer box (and thus water cooler, ventilation fan, etc.) on for at least 5 minutes | + | |
+ | ===== Start Job ===== | ||
+ | * When ready, click the Start button in LaserCAD. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Monitor Job ===== | ||
+ | * Watch the laser cutter | ||
+ | * Be prepared with the waterbottle to deal with flare-ups (See FAQ entry below) | ||
+ | * Remain within reach of the E-Stop | ||
+ | * If for any reason you need to leave the proximity of the Laser Cutter, press the Pause button. Press it again to continue when you return. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Finish Job ===== | ||
+ | * The laser will beep when the job is finished. | ||
+ | * Allow a few seconds for fumes to clear before opening | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Shutdown | ||
+ | * If you wish, save your files in the appropriate location. | ||
+ | * Exit LaserCAD. | ||
+ | * Close any browser windows, especially if you used them to login or transfer files. | ||
+ | * Toggle | ||
* Clear the laser cutter' | * Clear the laser cutter' | ||
- | * Turn the power switch | + | * Return usable material to the material storage area. Dispose of unusable material scraps in the garbage. |
- | * Turn off the light at the back of the laser cutter room if it is on. | + | * Replace the laser safety goggles into their proper storage case. |
- | * Replace | + | |
- | * When leaving make sure that you lock the door behind you. The laser cutter is the first thing that everyone entering from the back alley sees, and we do get break-in attempts. | + | Notes: |
+ | * Use the Laser Access System to power on/off the machine. There is no need to turn the main power key above the control panel. | ||
+ | * Do not use the Emergency Stop button to power-off the laser cutter. It is for emergencies, | ||
+ | * There is no need to power off the Laser Cutter Computer | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====== LASER CUTTER ETIQUETTE ====== | ||
+ | The Laser Cutter is one of the most popular and heavily-utilized tools at the space. The following tips, tricks, and behaviors may help maximize lasing and minimize frustrations. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Use Time in Front of Laser Effectively ===== | ||
+ | * Setup your design as much as possible on a different computer | ||
+ | * Assign colors in your design file that correspond to different operations before you import to LaserCAD | ||
+ | * Transfer designs to the Laser Cutter Computer using the Network Drive or USB stick, | ||
+ | * Use simulation tool to estimate how long your cutting / engraving will take | ||
+ | * Separate engraves that are separated by whitespace into separate colors/ operations | ||
+ | * Let next member login and setup operations while you finish clean up | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Treat the Laser Safety Goggles With Respect ===== | ||
+ | * Case or Face - don't leave them lying around | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Keep things clean and tidy ===== | ||
+ | * Return usable material to storage | ||
+ | * Dispose of unusable material in the garbage, breaking | ||
+ | * Clean out the catchment tray | ||
+ | * If necessary, clean accumulated dust of the exhaust mesh using the dish scrubber brush | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Minimize Nasty Fumes ===== | ||
+ | * Let the fumes clear for a few seconds after cutting before opening the lid to reduce fumes | ||
+ | * Open the back window, turn on the exhaust fan. Use other fans at main entrance to blow air into the space | ||
+ | * Clean the mesh screen in the bottom of the laser cutter | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Use material effectively ===== | ||
+ | * Use the coordinate placement trick to accurately position your designs relative to the material | ||
+ | * Position multiple designs close together, or use packing software (e.g. http: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====== FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ===== | ||
+ | **Can I book the Laser Cutter?** | ||
+ | There is currently no scheduling system for the laser and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, good etiquette includes working as efficiently as possible | ||
+ | |||
+ | **How do I move the Laser Cutter head?** | ||
+ | Use the directional controls within LaserCAD on the Laser Cutter Computer. Do not use the control panel on the laser cutter. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | **Why won't LaserCAD import my design?** | ||
+ | LaserCAD can't handle certain elements | ||
+ | * Ensure all entities are converted to paths. No objects. | ||
+ | * Ungroup all entities. | ||
+ | * Ensure text is represented as a path | ||
- | === Dealing with Flare-ups === | ||
+ | **How do I deal with Flare-ups? | ||
Flare-ups happen frequently when using a laser cutter; it's simply the nature of the tool. Most flare-ups will self-extinguish as soon as the laser beam (the heat source) has moved away from the area being cut, or if the laser is turned off (by completing the cutting job, the Stop or Pause buttons being pressed, or by pressing the Emergency Stop button). | Flare-ups happen frequently when using a laser cutter; it's simply the nature of the tool. Most flare-ups will self-extinguish as soon as the laser beam (the heat source) has moved away from the area being cut, or if the laser is turned off (by completing the cutting job, the Stop or Pause buttons being pressed, or by pressing the Emergency Stop button). | ||
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- | ==== WHEN ISSUES ARISE ==== | + | ====== TROUBLESHOOTING ====== |
- | | + | **The laser cutter isn't powered** |
+ | * Make sure that the main power key above the control panel on the right hand side of the machine is in the on (turned clockwise) position. | ||
+ | * Make sure that the Emergency Stop button is not activated. If so, twist it gently to de-activate it. | ||
+ | * If neither of these steps work, notify the LCC. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **The work area is full of smoke** | ||
+ | * Check the screen in the bottom of the laser cutter workbed. If it's clogged with ash and dust, and if use a brush to clean it off | ||
+ | * If cleaning the screen doesn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | **The laser isn't cutting effectively or requires more power than normal** | ||
+ | * Check to see if the focus is adjusted properly | ||
+ | * If correcting focus doesn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | **The laser is cutting very differently depending on the location within the workbed** | ||
+ | * Likely a problem with the optics. Notify the LCC. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Beyond the steps described above, | ||
* Stop using the laser cutter immediately, | * Stop using the laser cutter immediately, | ||
* Follow the normal shutdown procedures above. | * Follow the normal shutdown procedures above. | ||
- | * Put a sign on the laser cutter that says "OUT OF ORDER - DO NOT USE" | + | * Put a sign on the laser cutter that says "OUT OF ORDER - DO NOT USE". |
- | * Email the VHS members list to let everyone know that the laser cutter is out of order. Include the following information at a minimum: | + | * Notify |
* What is wrong with the laser cutter. | * What is wrong with the laser cutter. | ||
* What you were doing at the time it stopped working. | * What you were doing at the time it stopped working. | ||
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* What you think needs to be done to fix it. | * What you think needs to be done to fix it. | ||
- | + | ====== FURTHER INFORMATION | |
- | ==== FURTHER INFORMATION ==== | + | |
* [[tool: | * [[tool: |
tool/laser_cutter/operation_manual.1385154261.txt.gz · Last modified: 2015/12/12 14:31 (external edit)