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Universal Laser Systems VLS3.60 User Manual

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  • Page 1: User Guide

    User Guide www.ulsinc.com...
  • Page 2 ©2008 Universal Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Universal Laser Systems logo and name, and VersaLASER are registered trade- marks, and High Power Density Focusing Optics, Quick Change, Rapid Reconfiguration, SuperSpeed are trademarks of Universal Laser Systems, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
  • Page 3 Should you have any questions during your installation, please contact your local representative or Universal Laser Systems’ Customer Service Team at 480-609-0297 (USA), +43 1 402 22 50 (Austria), +81 (45) 224-2270 (Japan) or e-mail us at support@ulsinc.com. Again, thank you for choosing Universal Laser Systems.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16 Chapter 3 - User Manual Laser System Operation The Universal Control Panel (UCP)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………24 VLS2.30, VLS3.50, VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 System Tab…………………………………………………………………………29 PLS3.75, PLS4.75, PLS6.75 and PLS6.150D System Tab…………………………………………………………………………………31 ILS9.75, ILS9.150D, ILS12.75 and ILS12.150D System Tab………………………………………………………………………………33 Material Database Printer Driver………………………………………………………………………………………………………………39 The VersaLASER Keypad………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………42...
  • Page 5 Professional Laser System PLS3.75, PLS4.75, PLS6.75 and PLS6.150D…………………………………………………………………………………184 Industrial Laser System ILS9.150D and ILS12.150D……………………………………………………………………………………………………191 ULS REFERENCE GUIDE BOOKLET Your Universal Laser Systems Reference Guide Booklet contains the following documentation: Software Installation CD Your Reference Guide contains the Software Installation CD. Please follow the instructions for proper installation.
  • Page 6 User Guide Laser System Specifications Chapter 1 - Laser System Specifications Link to Table of Contents...
  • Page 7 User Guide Laser System Specifications VersaLASER VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 System Operating Environment Requirements (User Provided) VLS3.60 VLS4.60 VLS6.60 Operating Well-ventilated office (recommended) or clean, light-duty manufacturing Environment Operating 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º C) capable Temperature 73ºF (22ºC) to 77ºF (25º C) for best performance Storage Temperature 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º...
  • Page 8 User Guide Laser System Specifications Model System Specifications VLS3.60 VLS4.60 VLS6.60 CO2 Laser, Interlocked Safety Enclosure = Class 1 Laser Safety Red Diode Pointer = Class 3R 24 x 12 in 24 x 18 in 32 x 18 in Work Area* (609.6 x 304.8 mm)

  • Page 9: Chapter 2 - Glossary Of Terms

    User Guide Glossary of Terms Chapter 2 - Glossary of Terms Link to Table of Contents...
  • Page 10 User Guide Glossary of Terms #2 Mirror – A mirror located at the far left side of the X-Axis Arm (within the #2 mirror cover) used to direct the horizontal laser beam from the Beam Window into the Focus Carriage. #3 Mirror –...
  • Page 11 Universal offers a Class 4 compliant option for its ILS Series models and requires a signed agreement of understanding from the prospective Class 4 user. For further information, please refer to the Universal Laser Systems’ Safety Manual. Computer Controlled Air Cleaner/Cart – An accessory for VersaLASER models VLS2.30 and VLS3.50 that provides a self-contained, computer-controlled exhaust filtration system when used with the Materials Database driver only.
  • Page 12 User Guide Glossary of Terms Engraving Field – The horizontal work area (24” x 12” or 610 x 305mm) that is accessible by the laser beam for engrav- ing and cutting – equal to the maximum “page” size for your laser system. Engraving area may vary based on speeds and thruput.
  • Page 13 User Guide Glossary of Terms Fume Extraction (Exhaust) Blower – A radial-vane motorized blower that generates high vacuum to pull exhaust air through the enclosure. Must be properly installed and connected with ducting. Gear – A toothed pulley that is secured to the motor drive shaft. The gear drives a belt. Graphics Program –...
  • Page 14 Print Driver – Software that is the link between a computer and the laser system. The Print Driver for a ULS laser system is proprietary software written by Universal Laser Systems. It has screens to allow selection of laser settings and to show system status and configuration.
  • Page 15 User Guide Glossary of Terms Universal Control Panel (UCP) – The software supplied by Universal Laser Systems used to operate the laser system. This software program allows the user to view, store and execute jobs. Accessed by clicking the diamond-shaped Icon in the System Tray.
  • Page 16 User Guide Glossary of Terms Y-Axis – The front to back direction in the Main Enclosure. Also, the mechanical system used to move the X-Axis Arm front to back in the enclosure. Y-Axis Bearings – The bearings on the ends of the X-Axis Arm that guide it along the Y-rails. Y-Rails –...
  • Page 17 User Guide User Manual Chapter 3 - User Manual Link to Table of Contents...
  • Page 18 User Guide User Manual LET’S GET STARTED! The User Guide is designed to provide you with information on how to operate your Universal laser system. The Users Guide section will walk you through System Operation, Accessories, and Basic Maintenance. Laser System Operation From the Universal Control Panel menus and buttons to the laser system keypad and basic printer driver features, this section describes many of the features of the laser system.
  • Page 19 User Guide User Manual Viewer Tab System Controls • The green START button begins the engraving process. • Clicking the PAUSE button stops the engraving process and clicking the PAUSE button again resumes the engraving process where it was last stopped. •...
  • Page 20 User Guide User Manual Focus View (drop down list) The Focus View allows you to move the focus carriage to a desired position on the laser system table. • To have a full range of motion of the X-Axis arm, verify that you are zoomed out in the preview window by right-clicking on the mouse before entering the manual focus window.
  • Page 21 User Guide User Manual Relocate View (drop down list) The Relocate feature gives you the opportunity to move the image on the UCP into another area of the engraving field. This feature does not modify your original file’s image location. When this feature is activated, the image is surrounded by nine small white squares (anchor points) allowing you to move it around the basic view screen.
  • Page 22 User Guide User Manual File Management File Management displays the name of the current job, the number of jobs stored, the date and time the job was stored on your hard drive and the run time near the top of the window. Once the Print Cache reaches the maximum number of jobs, the printer driver deletes the oldest jobs as newest jobs enter the cache.

  • Page 23: Vls2.30, Vls3.50, Vls3.60, Vls4.60 And Vls6.60 System Tab

    User Guide User Manual VLS2.30, VLS3.50, VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 SYSTEM TAB The System Tab allows you to configure certain features of the laser system. Not all features will appear on the System Tab. • The PRINT CACHE number is adjustable. It indicates the maximum number of print jobs that you would like to be stored on your hard drive.
  • Page 24 If you would like the laser system to re-home before it engraves a job, select ‘Home XY Before Engraving. ’ • Universal laser systems contains an Air Pressure detection switch. This feature is only present when you use Manual Air Assist. To enable this feature, check the DETECT AIR PRESSURE box. If sufficient air pressure (1.5 psi) is not present, then an error message is displayed.
  • Page 25 User Guide User Manual VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 DIAGNOSTICS TAB The Diagnostics Tab displays important information about your laser system and personal computer. This information can be used for troubleshooting purposes. • ENGRAVER shows the current Firmware and FPGA version being used. It also displays the Serial Number of your laser system.

  • Page 26: Material Database Printer Driver

    User Guide User Manual Materials Database Printer Driver This tab of the printer driver is for the beginning user and automatically calculates the appropriate power and speed settings according the material selected. Category List This section allows you to choose from eight original types of material categories.
  • Page 27 User Guide User Manual Material Code The Material Code box will automatically display a new material code number when making a new material and category. You can add a custom Material Code from 9000-9999 if desired. Taper This drop down menu is activated when Print Mode is set to Rubber Stamp. This feature is similar to the one in the Raster sub-tab for Rubber Stamping.

  • Page 28: Material Thickness

    User Guide User Manual How to create a new Category and Material Select one of the existing Categories on the left and click on the NEW button. From the Category drop down menu list on the left, select ‘**New Category. ’ The Material Category window appears allowing you to type a name of the new category in the blank space.

  • Page 29: The Versalaser Keypad

    The doors are closed The VersaLASER is off The front, top or back door is open The VersaLASER is on VLS2.30 VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS3.50 VLS6.60 POWER: This button turns the VersaLASER on, only if the computer is powered on, booted into Windows, the Universal Control Panel is running and the USB cable is connected from the computer to the VersaLASER.

  • Page 30: Manual Control Printer Driver

    User Guide User Manual Advanced Laser System Operation From the PPI and speed settings to Rubber Stamp and Image Enhancement settings, this section covers how each feature of the Manual Control Printer Driver funtions for the advanced user. Note: When adjusting the printer driver settings in the Manual Control Tab, it is highly recommended that you practice engraving or cutting on a scrap portion of that material in case the settings need to be re-adjusted to obtain the desired results.
  • Page 31 User Guide User Manual Available settings are 1 to 1000. The laser beam is always pulsing and never “on” continuously even though it may appear that way. The PPI setting indicates how many laser pulses, per linear inch, the laser cartridge will emit.

  • Page 32: Set Button

    User Guide User Manual Flow (Computer Controlled Air Assist only) This feature will not appear if you do not have the Computer Controlled Air Assist option. If you do have Computer Controlled Air Assist, but are not using it, you MUST leave the setting to OFF, otherwise your system will hesitate up to 10 seconds after you press the start button on the machine.

  • Page 33: Raster Sub-Tab

    User Guide User Manual Raster Sub-Tab Print Special Effects In this dropdown list, you can choose from four different printing modes, Normal (default), Clip art, 3D and Rubber Stamp. Clip Art This control simulates laser printer output and is very useful if using a drawing with many colors, shades of gray or many outlines.
  • Page 34 User Guide User Manual This is what we call the “nominal” power setting. Over-powering the material will produce poor results. In your graphics software, create a series of five rectangles that are about ¼ inch high and 6 inches wide as in the following diagram: Starting with the top rectangle, set the power setting to a value that you know will be too low.
  • Page 35 User Guide User Manual Setup Button When you click this button, the ULS 3D Power Calibration screen will appear. Notice that there are 16 slider bars representing the 16 shades of gray of the calibration scale. The 00 and the 15 are not adjustable as they represent white and black.
  • Page 36 User Guide User Manual Image Options Invert Page This converts all black objects into white and all white objects into black for the entire page. This is very useful for engraving a full sheet of rubber stamps. CAUTION: When using the “Invert Page” feature you may need to reduce your page size so that the entire work area is not engraved.
  • Page 37 User Guide User Manual Image Density (DPI) settings will also have an effect on vector quality and vector speeds when vectoring lines other than straight horizontal or vertical lines. For example, a circle is made up of very small straight-line segments linked together at very small angles. If you choose a high quality setting such as 6 (1000 DPI), then these segments are as small as possible and they are high in quality.
  • Page 38 (in between the dotted lines), as the following diagram illustrates: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Within this effective area, using too little CONTRAST may cause some parts of the letters to appear thin, faint, fuzzy or even non-existent.
  • Page 39 Refer to the following diagram: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Setting this parameter too low may cause the effective part of the graphic to appear thin, faint, fuzzy or non-existent.
  • Page 40 6 inches long and that the string includes punctuation marks, spaces and lower and upper case letters as in the following example: Universal Laser Systems, Inc. produces the “BEST” laser systems in the world! Engrave the sample text with the settings determined in step 1, but this time ENABLE Image Enhancement and set CONTRAST to 0, DEFINITION to 0, DENSITY to 100 and the TUNING value to +4.
  • Page 41 User Guide User Manual this procedure for all your materials and save your parameters. This may sound like a big job, but the additional productivity and engraving quality that your system is capable of producing is well worth the small amount of time spent. Vector Sub-Tab Vector Optimizer The four available selections apply to vector...

  • Page 42: Engraving Field Sub-Tab

    User Guide User Manual CAUTION: Do not attempt to use the vector-scaling feature when your graphic extends out to the absolute edge of the engraving field. You may accidentally cause the driver to attempt to print past the edge of the maximum allowable page size. Unexpected results may occur.

  • Page 43: Adobe Illustrator Cs3

    User Guide User Manual Third-Party Graphic Software Configuration Choosing the right graphics software program to run the laser system is essential for maximum usage and control of the laser system. Not all software can be used to run the laser system because many have limitations. Setting up your software correctly is essential to running the laser system properly.
  • Page 44 User Guide User Manual Adobe Illustrator CS or CS2 Note: Adobe Illustrator CS or CS2, in combination with the new ULS printer driver version 5.24.38 or later, is now capable of both raster and vector output as well as full-field engraving capability. The following procedure assumes that you are familiar with the use and operation of Windows XP and Adobe Illustrator CS or CS2.
  • Page 45 User Guide User Manual Adobe Illustrator CS3 Part 1: Setting the Default Workspace Start Illustrator CS3 from your Windows XP/Vista compatible PC. • Illustrator CS3 Preferences box will open. Select FILE CREATE NEW BASIC RGB DOCUMENT. • The new document options box will open. Make the following settings: Set Units to inches.
  • Page 46 User Guide User Manual Part 3: Editing the Swatch Palette Open your Swatch Palette as follows: • Main Menu Window Swatches Left Click “OK” • Delete all swatches that are not basic RGB or gray scale by left clicking to select them and then clicking the “Delete Swatch”...
  • Page 47 User Guide User Manual AutoCAD 2000i, 2002 and 2004 Note: AutoCAD version 2000 is not compatible with ULS laser systems. You must upgrade to version 2000i or higher. Also, we recommend installing ULS printer driver version 5.24.38 or higher. Make sure the ULS Printer driver is installed prior to setting up AutoCAD. If AutoCAD is already installed and you are simply upgrading ULS printer drivers: •...
  • Page 48 User Guide User Manual AutoCAD LT 2007 & 2008 Note: These instructions are for plotting from “Model Space. ” Also, we recommend installing ULS printer driver version 5.24.38 or higher. SET DRAWING LIMITS From the Main Menu select FORMAT DRAWING LIMITS This will allow you to enter the model space limits of your Universal laser system work table size.
  • Page 49 User Guide User Manual ADD NEW PLOTTER Select FILE PLOTTER MANAGER Select ADD-A-PLOTTER WIZARD and click NEXT. Select System Printer and click NEXT. Select your Universal Laser System (i.e. VLS6.60) and click NEXT. Click the Edit Plotter Configuration button and select Modify Standard Paper Size (Printable Area). Select User-Defined LANDSCAPE (Modify) and change the margin values to zero.
  • Page 50 For example, 12 inches (305 mm) for a VLS3.60. If you would like the scale to be displayed in tenths, choose “10 per Tick”...
  • Page 51 User Guide User Manual While still in the “Options” dialog box, double-click on “Global” to expand the list. Double-click on “Printing” to expand the list. Now click on “Driver Compatibility. ” Make sure that the laser system name is displayed in the printer drop-down list.

  • Page 52: Graphic Page Configuration For Rotary (Coreldraw)

    User Guide User Manual Graphic Page Configuration for Rotary (CorelDRAW) Note: If you are using the Material Database printer driver to engrave on an object, you do not need to change the page size of your graphic software. If you are using the Manual Control printer driver, please follow the steps below. With your graphics software open, proceed immediately to “Printer”...
  • Page 53 User Guide User Manual Activate the Rotary feature on the printer drive, by clicking on “Enable” box. Type the diameter of the object under “Diameter. ” Notice that while typing the diameter, the height dimension changes automatically. Remember or write down this new dimension.

  • Page 54: General Software Set-Up

    User Guide User Manual General Software Set-up There are many software programs that you can purchase off-the-shelf that will work with the laser system. Some of them can access more features of the laser system than others may. Whichever program you choose, it must be set up to work with the laser system, otherwise unexpected results may occur.
  • Page 55 User Guide User Manual If using a color other than the exact colors listed above, the driver will attempt to match it to a color in the driver that it most closely resembles. The driver will then use that color’s power setting and apply a halftone pattern to represent the original color’s shade.
  • Page 56 User Guide User Manual Hidden Vector Lines in Artwork The driver does not automatically filter out outlines that are overlapped by engraved objects such as fills. If there are filled objects with some hidden outlines underneath, the laser system will engrave the fill and cut the hidden outline on top of the fill.
  • Page 57 User Guide User Manual you may want to experiment by using your bitmap image-processing program to make the conversion. These software programs usually have more options for controlling the size, angle, shape and the amount of black and white dots (pixels) created when converting the image. Experiment with all of the controls to see which looks the best.

  • Page 58: Chapter 4 - Accessories - Installing And Operating

    User Guide Accessories - Installing and Operating Chapter 4 - Accessories - Installing and Operating Link to Table of Contents...

  • Page 59: Air Assist Back Sweep

    User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories VersaLASER VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 There are optional accessories, not included with the basic laser system, that are available at additional cost. Instructions on how to use these accessories are included in this section. The user can purchase and install all accessories, except Air Assist, which is a factory installed option only.
  • Page 60 User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories Use a thumbscrew (1) to hold the Back Sweep in place. Adjust the Back Sweep’s height by loosening the thumbscrew (2) and adjusting it up or down. Tighten the thumbcrew once it is at the correct height. To adjust the angle of the air flow, turn the screw (3) in small increments to direct the air to the desired position over the material.
  • Page 61 User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories Air Assist Compressor The Air Assist Compressor option is a 60 PSI @ 2.5 cfm (4.1 bar @ 4.25 cubic meters/hour) source for oil-free, water-free and particulate free compressed air. It contains a sound insulated air compressor, water dryer (desiccant) and coalescent particulate filter.
  • Page 62 User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories Removal, Cleaning and Replacement of the Filter Turn the Air Compressor OFF and unplug it. Unscrew the cover by turning it 1/8 turn counterclockwise like you were unscrewing a jar, and pull down.

  • Page 63: Air Assist Cone

    User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories Air Assist Cone To install the cone, insert the cone (1) into the cone base completely until it bottoms out. Tighten the setscrew on the side of the cone base (2) until it is snug. To remove the cone, simply loosen the setscrew (2) and pull the cone straight down.

  • Page 64: Cutting Table

    Remove the strip(s) from the exhaust plenum(s) (1) with an Allen wrench. There is one exhaust plenum on the VLS3.60 and VLS4.60 and two on the VLS6.60 laser system (as the diagram indicates). Before installing the cutting table in the laser system, loosen the screws on the side of the cutting table just enough to allow the adjustable manifold to slide in and out.
  • Page 65 (32 in, 0 in) (813 mm, 0 mm) position for the VLS6.60 or (24 in, 0 in) (610 mm, 0 mm) position for the VLS3.60 and VLS4.60. Adjust the right side of the X-Axis ruler until it is lined up with the diode. Tighten down the right side screw of the X-Axis ruler.
  • Page 66 Finally, position the red diode pointer at the: (0 in, 18 in) (0 mm, 457 mm) position for the VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 or (0 in, 12 in) (0 mm, 305 mm) position for the VLS3.60 1) POSITION DIODE HERE 2) THEN HERE...
  • Page 67 User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories HPDFO High Power Density Focusing Optics (HPDFO) produces a smaller, focused laser beam “spot” than a standard laser beam delivery optical system. Depending on the type of material being processed, and the desired effect, the effective spot size produced by this option can be as small as 1/4th the size of a standard 2.0 focusing lens.
  • Page 68 User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories Manual Air Assist Manual Air Assist consists of a nozzle that attaches to the focus carriage, Optics protection adapters, tubing, mounting brackets, needle valve and pressure gauge. The purpose of this system is to force air or other types of gases directly onto the surface of your material to reduce the burning effects of the laser beam and help disperse the smoke and gases created when cutting or engraving materials.
  • Page 69 User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories How it Works The Quick Release Fitting (1) is the entry point into the rear enclosure of the laser system. From there, the air lines branch off into two paths: the optics protection path and the cone path. The optics protection path is a direct path from the quick release fitting (1) to the #2 mirror (4) and the #3 mirror (5).

  • Page 70: Rotary Fixture

    User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories Rotary Fixture Rotary Fixture designed engrave cylindrical objects. Two attachments come with the fixture: a cone shaped disk attached to the motorized end of the fixture and an inverted cone shaped disk attached to the adjustable end of the fixture.
  • Page 71 User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories With the power to the system still OFF, connect the 7-pin Rotary Fixture control cable to the receptacle on the laser system (6). Loading Material Before loading the glass into the fixture, measure the diameter (1) of the glass in the area where the engraving is to be located by using a caliper or similar measuring device.
  • Page 72 User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories Power ON the laser system. The rotary will run through a self test and will slightly rotate. This movement is normal. If you are using the rotary for the first time or replaced the laser system’s CPU, rotary calibration is needed, so proceed to the next step.
  • Page 73 User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories Use the Focus Tool to focus on top of the flat surface of the concave metal fixture with the focus tool. Do not focus on top of the black metal cover that is located on the left hand side of the rotary.

  • Page 74: Printer Driver Settings

    User Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Accessories Printer Driver Settings With your graphics software open, proceed immediately to “Printer Setup” and open the printer driver. In the printer driver, click on the Engraving Field sub-tab within the Manual Control Tab.
  • Page 75 User Guide Maintenance Chapter 5 - Basic Maintenance Link to Table of Contents...

  • Page 76: Versalaser Vls3.60, Vls4.60 And Vls6.60

    User Guide Maintenance VersaLASER VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Keeping the laser system clean will ensure the highest quality engraving. A clean laser system is the best performing laser system. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the type of material being engraved, your exhaust system, the operating environment and the amount of laser system usage over a given period of time.
  • Page 77 User Guide Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies • Mild soap solution mixture of 1 tablespoon (14.78 ml) liquid soap and 1 quart (liter) of water in a spray bottle • Window cleaner • Paper towels • Cotton cloth • Denatured alcohol (do not use on any painted surface, plastic or the Top Window) •...
  • Page 78 User Guide Maintenance Optics A visual inspection of the #2 and #3 mirrors, beam window and focus lens should be performed at least once a day. CAUTION: Do not clean an optic that is visually clean. Excessive cleaning can damage the optic.
  • Page 79 User Guide Maintenance Tilt the front cover enough to enable you to apply the lens cleaning solution directly to the #3 mirror and to the focus lens. Flood the reflective surface of the #3 mirror with the solution. If heavy debris is present, let the solution soak in for a minute.
  • Page 80 User Guide Maintenance Exhaust Plenum Power on the laser system and UCP. Using the Z-Axis buttons on the laser system or UCP, raise the Z-Axis table as high as possible. Power the system OFF. Open the front door. Locate and remove the two socket head cap screws found on the inside of the laser system. Using both hands, reach in and grasp the exhaust plenum.
  • Page 81 Wash the element in a soap and water solution, dry and re-install. VLS3.60 and VLS4.60 Note: The VLS6.60 has a total of three large filters: two located on the back and one filter located on the side near the power switch.

  • Page 82: Maintenance Schedule

    User Guide Maintenance Maintenance Schedule Since the maintenance requirements of the laser system are dependent on the type of material being run, the quantity of material being removed, the hours of operation and the quality of the exhaust blower, you should define your own schedule.
  • Page 83 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Chapter 6 - ULS Reference Guide Books Link to Table of Contents...
  • Page 84 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Installation & Set-up Guide: VersaLASER VLS3.60, VLS4.60 and VLS6.60 Link to Table of Contents...
  • Page 85 CAUTION: Damage to the VersaLASER system due to inadequate or improper operating environment is not covered under the Universal Laser Systems (ULS) Warranty. See the ULS Warranty for additional information. The ULS Warranty can be found in your Reference Guide booklet.
  • Page 86 We recommend you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety and building code requirements. The exhaust system must be capable of supplying a minimum of: • VersaLASER VLS3.60 and VLS4.60 - 250 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow while under a load of 6 inches of static pressure (425m3/hr at 1.5kPa) 500 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow while under a load of 6 inches of static •...
  • Page 87 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Note: The following diagram shows a typical exhaust system layout. Use this as a guideline for proper exhaust system installation. Although this diagram serves as an example, we recommend you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety and building code requirements and to also calculate the correct size blower required for your particular installation.
  • Page 88 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Software Installation and Requirements Your computer is a critical component in the operation of the VLS system. In fact, you cannot operate the VLS system if your computer is not connected, powered on, running Windows and running the Universal Control Panel (UCP) software. You can only run one VLS system per computer at a time.
  • Page 89 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Optimizing Windows XP Performance Vista Performance Windows XP, by default, displays many “visual Windows Vista, by default, displays many “visual effects” that slow down the computer. effects” that slow down the computer. recommend that you turn off these effects by recommend that you turn off these effects by clicking right-clicking on the “My...
  • Page 90 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Universal Control Panel (UCP) Installation CD-ROM At this point you need to install the Windows XP/Vista Universal Control Panel (UCP) and printer driver. In order to install the software, you need to have administrative privileges on the computer before starting installation. The Software Installation CD-ROM can be found on the inside of this manual reference guide.
  • Page 91 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book The installation process will proceed as indicated by a progress bar. Be patient. Loading the files can take a few minutes depending on your computer’s processor speed. When the installation process is finished, the “ Completing the ULS Software Setup Wizard”...
  • Page 92 (secure motion system and doors before lifting). Bodily injury may occur if improper lifting techniques are used or the system is dropped. System Assembly - VersaLASER VLS3.60 and VLS4.60 systems: Page 226 System Assembly - VersaLASER VLS6.60 system: Page 228 System Assembly - VersaLASER VLS3.60 and VLS4.60 Systems...
  • Page 93 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book With the assistance of three or four other people, place the system on top of the cart and loosely install the provided screws that attach the machine to the cart. Be careful not to pinch your fingers.
  • Page 94 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book System Assembly - VersaLASER VLS6.60 System Unpack the laser system from its packaging. Place the laser system in the desired location for operation. If a doorway is not wide enough to pass the laser system through, the system can be detached from the cart stand and carried through the door on it’s side.
  • Page 95 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Laser Cartridge Installation Make sure that your power cord to the system is not plugged in at this time. Place your finger in the slotted hole and gently pull back on both sliding latches. Gently fold back the rear cover. Note: some laser systems are shipped with keyed locks.
  • Page 96 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Observe the “V” groove along the upper (3) and lower (2) part of the laser cartridge base plate and the alignment plate (1) at the end of the base plate. Pick up the laser cartridge by the ends and tilt it at a 30 degree angle as shown (1). Mount the cartridge onto the mounting blocks shown in step 2 (page 229) by placing the upper “V”...
  • Page 97 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Slowly rotate the laser cartridge, making sure that the alignment plate is centered in the gap in the alignment fork. As you slowly release the weight of the laser, you should feel it lock itself smoothly into place. Never force the laser into position.
  • Page 98 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Laser System Leveling Place a bubble level (1) across the front (2) and rear cart legs (3). Adjust the caster height using the adjustment screw (4) until both the rear part and the front part of the cart legs are level with respect to each other. Once the system is level, secure all casters by tightening the nut (5) up against the cart leg.
  • Page 99 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Place the focus tool* against the black lens plate (focus carriage) so that the flat edge of the focus tool rests against the front side of the focus carriage as illustrated. Take note of the fit of the focus tool (it should look like the diagram to the right) in the upper left corner of the system.
  • Page 100 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book If one or more of the other corners does not match the upper left corner, adjust the caster directly underneath that corner up or down until the focus tool fit at that corner matches the fit at the upper left corner. First loosen the lock nut (1), then turn the adjusting screw (2) in 1/8 turns.
  • Page 101 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Finalizing the Connections Make the following connections in the order described, otherwise static electricity can potentially damage the computer and/or the laser systems electronics. Connect the 3-inch (76.5 mm) flexible rubber exhaust system to the rear of the laser system if you have not already done so.
  • Page 102 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (Only) The laser system comes equipped with a high quality, 6-foot (1.82 meters) USB 2.0 certified cable. We recommend you use this provided cable. CAUTION: Do not use any adapters, extension cables, USB cable longer than 6 feet (1.82 meters), or other devices between the computer’s USB port and the port on the laser system, or sporadic or unpredictable behavior may result.
  • Page 103 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Select “Install the software automatically. ” Then Click “Next” to continue. You do not need to insert the Software Installation CD-ROM. A warning message will appear. Select “Continue Anyway. ” Do not be concerned. Installing the ULS Firmware will not harm your computer in any way.
  • Page 104 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Checking Beam Alignment Note: You will not engrave anything at this time. Open the top door. Place a small piece of masking tape across the 3/4” (19 mm) hole in the focus carriage (1). Gently rub the tape around the edge of the hole so that you can see the outline of the hole through the tape (2) .
  • Page 105 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Running Your First Job We will now illustrate how to use your laser system to engrave on a piece of anodized aluminum from start to finish. In this example, you will raster engrave a Test Card on a 2 x 3.5 inch (50.8 x 89 mm), 0.0195 inch (0.49 mm) thick piece of anodized aluminum.
  • Page 106 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Step 3 – Printing to your VersaLASER System (Materials Database Tab) You are using the Materials Database Tab in the printer driver. Other graphic software programs may differ. Verify that the UCP is running in the taskbar. When you are ready to print the job, click FILE and then click PRINT.
  • Page 107 User Guide ULS Reference Guide Book Step 4 – Starting the Process Turn on the exhaust and VersaLASER system. Note: Laser system cooling fans are variable speed and may speed up and slow down during operation as needed to cool the lasers. Make sure the material is positioned correctly within the engraving area.

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