Differences

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--- tool:laser_cutter:operation_manual [2017/10/06 00:06] – jdmc
+++ tool:laser_cutter:operation_manual [2019/07/31 19:37] (current) – chad.leaman_gmail.com
@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 The [[tool:redsail_cm1080_laser_cutter|VHS Laser Cutter]] is an industrial machine that has the potential to cause serious injury and damage.
-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 1 meter of the Emergency Stop button at all times. It must never be left unattended, even for a minute. Fires in laser cutters are very common, the operator must be ready at all times to extinguish a fire as soon as it occurs.
+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 1 meter of the Emergency Stop button at all times. It must never be left unattended, even for a minute. Fires in laser cutters are very common, the operator must be ready at all times to extinguish a fire as soon as it occurs.
 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.
+"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 for leaving the laser cutter unattended while in operation. Laser cutter privileges will be revoked immediately.**
@@ Line 116: / Line 117: @@
 If successful, your User profile will now list the linked account.
-===== OPERATING THE LASER CUTTER =====
+====== OPERATING THE LASER CUTTER ======
-==== Preparation ====
+===== Preparation =====
   * Wake up or turn on the Laser Cutter Computer (it should be left on)
   * Clear the top, bed, and catchment tray of material.
@@ Line 131: / Line 132: @@
   * Position additional fans to direct air into the space from the main doors
-==== Authentication ====
+===== 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.
@@ Line 154: / Line 155: @@
 **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 ====
+===== 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.
@@ Line 163: / Line 166: @@
 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 or etching operations, positioning the material, and adjusting the focus.
-==== Import Design ====
+===== Transfer and Import Design =====
-Importing a new design into LaserCAD can be challenging.
+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 ====
+===== Setup Operations =====
 Once you have imported a design, you need to setup one or more lasing operations (e.g. cut, etch). Simple designs may only have a single operation, while more complex designs can have many operations. It is necessary to indicate which parts of the design correspond to which operation, and to indicate in which order they should be performed.
@@ Line 217: / Line 224: @@
 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 ====
+===== Download job to Laser Cutter =====
   * In LaserCAD:
-    * Click the Download button. This will open a dialog box.
+    * Click the Download button in the Machine Control panel. This will open the Download Document dialog box.
-    * Click Download. The job will be downloaded and the laser cutter will beep if successful.
+    * Click Download Document. The job will be downloaded and the laser cutter will beep if successful.
-==== Test Placement ====
+===== 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 is going to collide with the extent of the work bed or a clamp.
@@ Line 247: / Line 254: @@
 ===== Shutdown and Clean Up =====
   * 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 the Laser Access System switch to 'OFF'. This will automatically start powering down the laser cutter and the peripherals. The fume extraction system and chiller will continue to run for several minutes.
   * Clear the laser cutter's top, bed, and catchment tray of any material.
@@ Line 266: / Line 274: @@
   * 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, if possible.
   * Use simulation tool to estimate how long your cutting / engraving will take
   * Separate engraves that are separated by whitespace into separate colors/ operations
@@ Line 277: / Line 286: @@
   * Dispose of unusable material in the garbage, breaking it up if necessary.
   * Clean out the catchment tray
+  * If necessary, clean accumulated dust of the exhaust mesh using the dish scrubber brush
+{{:tool:laser_cutter:laser_cleaning.jpg|}}
 ===== Minimize Nasty Fumes =====
@@ Line 303: / Line 315: @@
-**How do I deal 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).
@@ Line 321: / Line 333: @@
 **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
+  * 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't improve the smoke removal, there's likely something wrong with fume extractions. Cease operations and notify the LCC.
+  * If cleaning the screen doesn't improve the smoke removal, there's likely something wrong with fume extractions. Cease operations and notify the LCC.
 **The laser isn't cutting effectively or requires more power than normal**