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Vision Engraving & Routing Systems Express User Manual

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Vision Express User
Manual
© 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
Revised: 8/19/2015

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  • Page 1 Vision Express User Manual © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems Revised: 8/19/2015...
  • Page 2 Vision Express User Manual © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without the written permission of the publisher.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    7 Profile Cutting ........................... 72 Example Job 4 - Profile Cutting ................................74 8 Vectorizing Bitmaps and Creating Vector Fills ........................... 85 Vectorizing a Bitmap in Vision Express 9 Software ................................85 Vector (Hatch) Fills ................................87 9 Advanced Operation ........................... 94 Setting and Using Custom Home Positions ................................
  • Page 4 Vision Express User Manual 4 Changing the Motor Brushes ........................... 119 Part VI Optional Accessories 1 Vacuum Chip Removal System ........................... 120 2 Quick Lock Vise ........................... 121 © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...

  • Page 5: Part I Introduction

    Introduction About This Manual This manual is designed to provide you with information about your Vision Express engraver. Beginning with unpacking the machine and continuing through installation, operation and lifetime machine maintenance, this manual does not attempt to teach the user how to become an expert in engraving, computer usage, or engraving software usage.

  • Page 6: Disclaimer And Warranty Information

    Vision Express User Manual Disclaimer and Warranty Information Limits of Liability / Disclaimer of Warranty The information contained within this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate, however, Vision makes no representations or warranties for this manual, and assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions that may be contained within this manual.
  • Page 7 Introduction Vision does not warrant any product, component, or part not manufactured by Vision that was not supplied by Vision. (Third-party items, including but not limited to software, are subject to their own manufacturer’s warranties.) Vision does not warrant defects caused by a failure to provide a suitable environment for the system, by unauthorized attachments, by modifications or repairs other than by Vision, by use of the System for other than its original intention, or by other misuse or abuse of the System.

  • Page 8: Safety Precautions

    Vision Express User Manual Safety Precautions Ø Keep hands clear of the bottom of the spindle during operation. Ø Always stop the machine before making any adjustments. Ø Do not operate the machine with the covers removed. Ø Wear safety glasses when cutting any materials that emit chips.

  • Page 9: Part Ii General Information

    General Information Unpacking and Taking Inventory The Vision Express engraving system has been shipped in one carton, unless other accessories have been ordered with the machine that will not fit in the box. Examine the condition of the box for external damage.

  • Page 10: Machine Description & Terminology

    Vision Express User Manual Machine Description & Terminology This chapter briefly describes the major components of the Vision Express engraver and will help you identify the parts of your engraver which are discussed elsewhere in this manual. SPECIFICATIONS: Z-Axis Clearance: 1.25 inch (31.75 mm)
  • Page 11 General Information DEFINITION OF TERMS (see Figures below) 1. Front Panel - Allows the user to start, pause, and resume operation. A green LED indicator signals when the machine is ready, if a job has been loaded or if a job has completed. For details on the indicator light, see the Operation section.
  • Page 12 Vision Express User Manual Figure 1.3 10. Spindle - Holds various cutters and allows for cut depth adjustments. 11. Motor Belt - Supplies rotary motion to the spindle. 12. Spindle Motor Pulley (not shown)- Behind the spindle, and attached via the motor belt, the motor pulley drives the spindle rotation when rotary engraving or cutting.

  • Page 13: Part Iii Installation

    Vision Express. The first is a direct cable connection from the Vision Express to your computer via the network port. There is a special "crossover" cable supplied with the machine for this connection type. This configuration is for a stand alone computer that is NOT connected to a WIRED network or internet.

  • Page 14: Computer Requirements

    Vision Express User Manual Computer Requirements Minimum System Requirements CPU: Dual Core (2.0GHz or higher) Hard Drive: 500 GB free space RAM: 1GB + OS Requirements Operating System: Windows 10 - 32 Bit & 64 Bit Windows 8 & 8.1 - 32 Bit & 64 Bit Windows 7 - 32 Bit &...

  • Page 15: Machine Connections

    Installation Machine Connections On the rear of the Vision Express, there are three connection ports. The power cord, the network cable (or crossover cable) RJ-45 ethernet port, and the remote on/off port for optional equipment. Vision Express (rear view) Connect the power supply cord to a 110 - 220 VAC source, then plug the power cable into the port on the back of the machine.

  • Page 16: Direct Connection To Computer

    Once the machine is connected directly to your computer's network port with the crossover cable (the gray colored cable), turn the machine on. The power switch for the Vision Express is located on the power supply box for the machine. Once the machine has initialized (an audible "bump" will indicate that initialization is complete), plug the supplied Vision USB drive into an available USB port on your computer.
  • Page 17 Installation Locate the file named Start and double click on the file to start the installation. The screen below shows Start.exe, but your computer might not show the .exe portion. Select Step 1 - Setup Machine. This installs the Vision Connectivity Manager software. ©...
  • Page 18 Vision Express User Manual When the software is installed, select Finish. The Connectivity Manager will search for available Vision devices. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 19 Installation The computer's IP address will need to be set. NOTE - this should not cause any conflicts with your computer's wireless IP address, which is determined by the computer's wireless network card. To set the computer's IP address, open the Window's Control Panel. Depending on how you have this folder set, you will either see Network and Internet, or you will see the Network and Sharing Center immediately.
  • Page 20 Vision Express User Manual Then, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Then select Properties. Select Use the following IP address: and enter 192.168.5.100 as shown. Then click in the Subnet Mask area, which will populate the correct location of 255.255.255.0, then select OK and close any other network configuration windows.
  • Page 21 The IP address of the machine will need to be set to set up the connections properly. Select the + box next to the machine now listed in the window to expand the information. Then select Configure Vision Express Engraver at the bottom of the screen. Select Use Static IP.
  • Page 22 Vision Express User Manual Set the IP address (as shown) to 192.168.5.101, then select OK. This sets the machine's IP address. The configuration is complete at this point. Close the Machine Tools Discovery window and return to the Main Installation Screen to proceed with the Vision software installation in the next section.

  • Page 23: Network Connection

    Once the machine is connected to your network, turn the machine on. The power switch for the Vision Express is located on the power supply box for the machine. Once the machine has initialized (an audible "bump" will indicate that initialization is complete), plug the supplied Vision USB drive into an available USB port on your computer.
  • Page 24 Vision Express User Manual Locate the file named Start and double click on the file to start the installation. The screen below shows Start.exe, but your computer might not show the .exe portion. Select Step 1 - Setup Machine. This installs the Vision Connectivity Manager software.
  • Page 25 Installation When the software is installed, select Finish. The Connectivity Manager will search for available Vision devices. The configuration is complete at this point. Close the Machine Tools Discovery window and return to the Main Installation Screen to proceed with the Vision software installation in the next section. ©...

  • Page 26: Using A Network Hub - Only

    Once the machine is connected to a hub or router, and the hub or router is connected to your computer's network port, turn the machine on. The power switch for the Vision Express is located on the power supply box for the machine. Once the machine has initialized (an audible "bump" will indicate that initialization is complete), plug the supplied Vision USB drive into an available USB port on your computer.
  • Page 27 Installation Locate the file named Start and double click on the file to start the installation. The screen below shows Start.exe, but your computer might not show the .exe portion. Select Step 1 - Setup Machine. This installs the Vision Connectivity Manager software. ©...
  • Page 28 Vision Express User Manual When the software is installed, select Finish. The Connectivity Manager will search for available Vision devices. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 29 Installation The computer's IP address will need to be set. To set the computer's IP address, open the Window's Control Panel. Depending on how you have this folder set, you will either see Network and Internet, or you will see the Network and Sharing Center immediately. If you see Network and Internet, select View Network Status and Tasks (which opens the Network and Sharing Center).
  • Page 30 Vision Express User Manual Then, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Then select Properties. Select Use the following IP address: and enter 192.168.5.100 and set the Subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 as shown. Then select OK and close any other network configuration windows.
  • Page 31 Installation The IP address of the machine will need to be set to set up the connections properly. Select the + box next to the machine now listed in the Discover Machine Tools window to expand the information. Then select Configure (Your Machine) at the bottom of the screen. Select Use Static IP.
  • Page 32 Vision Express User Manual Set the IP address (as shown) to 192.168.5.101, then select OK. This sets the machine's IP address. The configuration is complete at this point. The new IP address should appear in a few seconds in the Discover Machine Tools window.

  • Page 33: Vision Software Installation

    Installation Vision Software Installation From the Main Installation Screen, Select Step 2 - Install Vision Software. The Windows Installer will prepare the installation. Select Next. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 34 Vision Express User Manual Select Install. The installation will proceed. Select the appropriate language and select OK. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 35 Installation Installation will proceed. Select Next to begin the installer. Select Accept the license agreement, then select Next. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 36 Vision Express User Manual Select Next (or change the destination folder - not recommended). Select Next to create the folder. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 37 The installation will continue. Select the Vision Express by placing a check mark in the box to the left of Vision Express in the Manufacturer list on the left side of the page, then select Next. Note - this is the default for Vision Express software after installing the Connectivity Manager in the previous section.
  • Page 38 Vision Express User Manual Select Continue to install True Type fonts and Vision Engraving Fonts on your computer. The software will look for True Type fonts on your computer and allow the Vision software to use them. Once the True Type fonts are installed, select OK.
  • Page 39 Installation In this step, the software will install any Engraving fonts on your computer. When complete, click on OK. In order to install the fonts on the USB drive, select A Removable drive and from the drop down list, select the drive letter for the USB drive plugged into your computer. ©...
  • Page 40 Vision Express User Manual Select OK to install to the default folder. Select OK. All fonts and clipart have been installed from the USB drive at this time. Select OK to return to the main installation screen. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 41 Installation To complete the installation, select Finish. To close the Software Setup window, select Finish. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 42 Vision Express User Manual Select Exit to close the installer. The Vision manuals icon should now appear on your computer's desktop along with an icon for your version of Vision 9 software. Clicking on the Vision manuals link will give the user access to User Manuals, Installation Guides, Accessories and Training Videos.

  • Page 43: Part Iv Step By Step Operation

    Installation Step by Step Operation The Front Panel The front panel of the engraver is shown below. In order to maintain simplicity of operation, the majority of the machine's settings and controls are through the Vision software interface. The front panel has buttons for Start, Pause and on top of the machine is the Emergency Stop button.
  • Page 44 Re-Home Function In order to verify or Re-Home the Express engraver - 1) If no files have been sent to the engraver, press the Pause Button, or 2) If a file has been sent to the engraver, press the Pause Button once, then press and hold the Pause Button.

  • Page 45: Holding Down Material

    Double-sided tape or Multi Mat material are available from your Vision Distributor or directly from Vision. The quick lock vise is an optional accessory for the Vision Express - see the Optional Accessories section for details.
  • Page 46 Vision Express User Manual Edge Guides: The t-slot table edge guides need to be adjusted to the thickness of material that you are engraving. If they are not adjusted properly, the machine may not engrave characters completely. Edge Guides (Side View) To adjust the edge guides, loosen the edge guide thumbscrews and raise the edge guides to their top position, then lightly tighten the thumbscrews.

  • Page 47: Step By Step Operation

    In the following sections, there are 4 example jobs the user can use to learn the different ways to use the Vision Express. In the first section, the machine will be set up to perform a diamond drag operation on coated aluminum and a simple plate will be engraved. In the second example, engravers plastic will be rotary engraved to make a small sign.

  • Page 48: Example Job 1 - Diamond Drag

    In this first example, Diamond Drag engraving will be performed on a 3" x 2" plate. The material used for this example application is black painted aluminum. Starting with a new file in Vision Express software, the first step is to adjust the plate size to match the plate to be engraved.
  • Page 49 Step by Step Operation The Plate Size window will appear with either the last plate size used, or the default size for the Vision Express engraver. Click on the Current Selection drop down list and select Custom. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 50 Vision Express User Manual Enter the plate size to be engraved - for this example 3" x 2". To add text, click on the Text Tools icon. The flyout icons will appear, then select the Text Compose icon. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 51 Step by Step Operation Click somewhere in the drawing to begin typing text. Note that on the top toolbar, the various font editing fields have appeared. The user should become familiar with the various ways fonts can be formatted with the toolbar options. For this example, the only change was for the font height, which was set to 0.500".
  • Page 52 Vision Express User Manual In order to align the text to the center of the plate, select Layout Arrange and Distribute Align to Sign Blank Center (as shown below) from the top toolbar. Note that there are several ways to align objects within the Vision software.
  • Page 53 Step by Step Operation Next, the material should be placed on the engraving table, with the upper left corner of the material positioned in the home position (upper left corner of the engraving table). Note that the Multi Mat material has been placed on the t-slot table in order to hold the engraving material in place.
  • Page 54 Vision Express User Manual The Tool Setup window will appear. Select the appropriate material from the Material Selection drop down list. In this example, the material - Metals(Diamond Drag) is selected. Then click on OK. Since we are running a file for the first time, we will select the Dry Run option from the Cut Toolbox.
  • Page 55 Step by Step Operation Note - keeps hands and other loose objects away from the engraver during operation. Press the Start Button on the engraver to begin the Dry Run. The Dry Run feature will automatically activate the red dot laser pointer and show the user where the machine will engrave. Note - If the spindle turns, or begins to drop toward the material, either press the Pause Button or the Emergency Stop Button on the engraver.
  • Page 56 Vision Express User Manual If the file and material appear to be positioned properly and you are ready to engrave, select the Engrave icon from the left toolbar, turn off the Dry Run option and check to make sure the Proximity Sensor (see the Prox icon below) is enabled, then select the Engrave icon on the Cut Toolbox to send the file to the engraver.

  • Page 57: Rotary Engraving

    Rotary Engraving In this section, we will set up to engrave with a rotating cutter. The figure below shows the Vision Express spindle with a rotary cutter. Vision Express Spindle with Rotary Cutter First, to install the rotating cutter, loosen the set screw on the cutter knob with the supplied cutter wrench and move the cutter knob to about the mid-point of the cutter tool, then lightly tighten the set screw.

  • Page 58: Example Job 2 - Rotary Engraving

    The Vacuum Chip Removal System significantly reduces these problems and provides for a cleaner work area. As with Example Job 1, the first step is to set the plate size in the Vision Express software. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 59 Step by Step Operation Then, we will enter the text using the Frame Text Compose tool as shown below. With this tool selected, text will automatically be centered and have automatic Kerning. In the below example, the font was changed to Casual1, with a height of 1.250 inches and a slant of 19 degrees. The top and center lines are left justified and the bottom is center justified in order to produce a sloping look to the sign.
  • Page 60 Vision Express User Manual Once the file has been set up, select the Engrave Icon from the left toolbar, click on the Tool Setup icon and from the Materials selection drop down list, select Engravers Plastic(Engraving), then click on OK.
  • Page 61 Step by Step Operation NOTE - The design of the Vacuum Chip Removal System is to clear the debris away from the engraved material and prevent the chips from scratching the surface of the material during operation, and/or getting trapped between the nose cone and the material (when using the proximity sensor function) and causing the engraver to not engrave to the proper depth.

  • Page 62: Burnishing

    Burnishing In this section, we will set up to engrave with a burnishing cutter. The figure below shows the Vision Express spindle with a burnishing cutter and an optional EZ Rider burnishing adapter. The Vision Express spindle with burnishing cutter Burnishing is different than standard rotary engraving mainly because the nose cone is not used to set the depth of cut.
  • Page 63 Step by Step Operation Select Connect to enable communication with the engraver, then click on the move arrows to move the cutter over the material that was placed on the t-slot table. Lower the cutter/spindle with the Z Down button until the tip of the burnishing cutter comes in contact with the material. Once the burnishing cutter just touches the material, move the Z Down approximately 0.03 - 0.05 inches (0.5 - 1.0 mm) to preload the EZ Rider spring.

  • Page 64: Example Job 3 - Burnishing

    Vision software will automatically format the imported text. Begin by selecting the Plate Size Icon and setting the engraving area to the standard Vision Express 8 x 6 inch area.
  • Page 65 Step by Step Operation Adjust the number of plates to 1, leave spacing at 0.000 inches, width and height to 2.500 and 1.25 inches, set the page margins to 0.250 inches as shown, then click on Apply. Note that the page margins on the toolbar are located such that the top field is for the top margin, the left field is the left margin, etc.
  • Page 66 Vision Express User Manual Click in the middle of the Plate Object. Enter any text in the format you wish to use. In this example, two lines of text are entered as variables (it does not matter what you type. The text entered is only for formatting and will be replaced with the text imported from the .txt file).
  • Page 67 Step by Step Operation Each line of text can be independently set for font and size. Highlight the text to be changed, then from the font list on the top toolbar, choose the font to be used for the selected text and double click on the font name.
  • Page 68 Vision Express User Manual Change the settings to Always compress or expand text to fit width, Method: Width compress/expand, and Apply to: Each Line Individually. Deselect Word Wrap, then select OK. For a detailed description of all the font modifications possible, refer to the Vision software help or user manual.
  • Page 69 Step by Step Operation In this example, a text file was created in order to copy and paste the variables into the Vision software. Highlight the text and select copy from the edit menu (or right click and select copy). Note that in this example, the two variables are entered as subsequent lines in the text file and that there may be difficulties when importing from other file formats.
  • Page 70 Vision Express User Manual Click in the center of the plate. After clicking in the center of the plate, all fields are merged and multiple plate objects will be created based on the number of text variables selected. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 71 Step by Step Operation Also, if there are more variables than can be fit into one plate in the Vision software, multiple plates (or pages) are automatically generated for individual output to the engraver. The lower right corner of the Vision software screen allows the user to view the individual pages.

  • Page 72: Profile Cutting

    In this section, we will set up to engrave with a standard engraving cutter and cut completely through engraver's plastic with a cutter/beveler. The cutter/beveler is used to create a contrast on the edge of the cut material. The figure below shows the Vision Express spindle with a rotary cutter/beveler. Vision Express Spindle with Rotary Cutter/Beveler...
  • Page 73 Step by Step Operation nose cone is lowered on top of the second piece of material (near its edge) and the cutter is adjusted downward until it touches the top of the material to be cut. This, in effect, sets the cut depth to match the material thickness.

  • Page 74: Example Job 4 - Profile Cutting

    As with Example Job 2, the Vacuum Chip Removal System is highly recommended for this application and is shown in this example. First, the plate size will be adjusted to the standard Vision Express 8 x 6 inch area. A single Plate Object will be created (from the top toolbar menu - Layout...
  • Page 75 A Clip Art image will be added to the badge. The image is GENE0038.CDL from the Vision software clip art in the General folder (installed as C:\Vision Express 9\ClipArt\GENERAL). To import the clip art, simply browse the folder in Windows Explorer and drag the file to the engraving area on the plate within the Vision software.
  • Page 76 Vision Express User Manual Next, three text fields are entered with the Text Compose tool. At first, when clicking in the middle of the Plate Object, the text field is set to centered within the plate and auto sized. We will adjust the text frame size and location using text Frame mode.
  • Page 77 Step by Step Operation Two more text fields are entered in the same manner, re-sized, and fonts are changed. At this point, we need to change the two fixed text fields to graphics, so that when we import the text file for multiple badges, the correct text is replaced.
  • Page 78 Vision Express User Manual The two text fields are now non-editable graphics and will not be replaced when importing a text file with variable text. Next, copy the list of text variables from a Notepad text file and select Paste Clipboard Into Plate, then click in the middle of the Plate Object.
  • Page 79 Step by Step Operation Lastly, before we send the file to the engraver, we will separate the graphics into two different colors, one for engraving and one for cutting. This is necessary so that two files can be sent to the engraver independently and a cutting tool change can be performed after engraving.
  • Page 80 Vision Express User Manual If you try to send this file to the engraver at this point (by clicking on the Engrave icon), a warning screen may appear as below. In order to engrave by color, from the toolbar menu select Engrave Engraving Defaults (Note that the Cut Order Warning screen refers to the "Plotting Defaults", but the menu item is "Engraving Defaults"),...
  • Page 81 Step by Step Operation In order to send the engrave file to the engraver, select the Engrave icon from the left toolbar, at which time the Filter by Color window will appear. Select the color to send to the engraver in the Filter Layer drop down box.
  • Page 82 Vision Express User Manual After selecting OK, the Dry Run job file is sent to the machine. Place the material on the table and make sure the engraver is set up as in Rotary Engraving section before running the file. If the Dry Run shows proper job setup, send the job to the machine with the Dry Run turned off.
  • Page 83 Step by Step Operation Select the Engrave icon from the left side toolbar, then select the color for cutting in the Filter Layer drop down box in the Filter by Color window (select Red for this example). The screen will show only objects in the color selected in the Filter by Color window.
  • Page 84 Vision Express User Manual The page selection screen will re-appear, for this example, choose Current Page and select OK. The file will be sent to the engraver. Make sure you have installed the cutter/beveler tool for this process and set up the cutting depth as described in the previous section.

  • Page 85: Vectorizing Bitmaps And Creating Vector Fills

    If the image has been printed and the user needs to scan it before importing it into the Vision Express 9 software, the image must be scanned at a recommended 300 dpi, then saved as a .bmp file format.
  • Page 86 Vision Express User Manual Using the drop down menu for Files of type, select Vectorize bmp (*.bmp), then choose the file and select Import. The next screen has only one adjustment - Alignment Bitmap Density. There is a slider bar for darkening or lightening the image to show more or less detail.

  • Page 87: Vector (Hatch) Fills

    When an outline of an object needs to have the interior, or sections of the interior engraved, the Hatch Fill tool is used. As an example, if a simple circle is drawn in the Vision Express 9 software, but the user wants to engrave the entire circle, not just the outline, a hatch fill is used to create the vector fill path for the engraver to follow.
  • Page 88 Vision Express User Manual Click, hold and drag a circle, then select the Hatch Fill icon from the Stroke and Fill Tools flyout menu. After selecting the Hatch Fill icon, the selected circle will be vector filled with the default settings. Note that on the top toolbar menu, tool options are now shown and the Tool width is set to 0.015 inches, Fill...
  • Page 89 Step by Step Operation Once the Hatch Fill has been adjusted, select Close from the toolbar menu. The image is ready to be sent to the engraver. You may want to change the hatch fill color to match the color of the outline, although it is not necessary.
  • Page 90 Vision Express User Manual Before filling text, the user must first select the text with the Select Tools icon. Click on the Select Tools icon and select the text to apply the hatch fill to. Select the Hatch Fill icon.
  • Page 91 Step by Step Operation As with the previous example, the hatch fill is applied. Adjust the Tool width, Tool angle, Tool style and color as desired, then select Close. The file is ready to be sent to the engraver. Complex Hatch Fills Some graphics have portions that do not need to be engraved and are within the boundaries of outside vector outlines.
  • Page 92 Vision Express User Manual Next, we will need to create a path. The Vision Express 9 software has an intelligent path tool that will automatically detect portions of the graphic that are within outside vector lines and will create a hatch fill with the center portions left as unfilled.
  • Page 93 Step by Step Operation If this looks correct, select the Hatch Fill icon. The hatch fill will be applied. Adjust the tool options as desired and select Close from the toolbar menu. The file is ready to be sent to the engraver. ©...

  • Page 94: Advanced Operation

    It can be challenging to correctly position text and/or graphics. Odd shaped items, which are difficult to measure or locate on the engraving table, pose the biggest problem to most users. The Vision Express has features to help with positioning items and graphics. Two of these features are Setting a Custom Home Position, and using the Jogger and Red Dot Laser Pointer together.
  • Page 95 Step by Step Operation In the Vision 9 software, begin by making the plate size the same as the engraving area (2 inches x 1 inch as shown below). Add text and/or graphics: The Frame Text Compose icon will center and adjust text sizing to fit the plate/ engraving area.
  • Page 96 Vision Express User Manual To set the home position of the machine to the upper left corner of the engraving area, place the material (in this example, the cell phone cover) on the engraving table and secure it. Install a cutter and set it so that the cutter tip extends below the nose cone and can easily be seen.
  • Page 97 Step by Step Operation The pictures below show the cutter tip positioned in the upper left corner of the engraving area. To set this point as the Home Position, you must select a home position number other than 0 in the Jogger window.
  • Page 98 Vision Express User Manual When sending the job to the engraver, select the Engrave icon from the left toolbar, but before selecting Engrave from the Cut Toolbox, you MUST choose the new home position from the Tool Setup window. Select the Tool Setup options icon (which looks like three dots) from the Engrave Menu Bar, as show below.
  • Page 99 Step by Step Operation Send the job to the engraver as a dry run to determine whether or not the job is positioned correctly. If it is, you are ready to engrave the item. If the positioning is not correct, you can either adjust the graphics within the Vision 9 software, or correct the custom home position.

  • Page 100: Using The Red Dot Laser Pointer For Positioning

    Vision Express User Manual 4.9.2 Using the Red Dot Laser Pointer for Positioning A common and easy way to position text and graphics is to use the Red Dot Laser Pointer in addition to an outline of the area to be engraved drawn in the Vision 9 software. The following example will walk the user through this process.
  • Page 101 Step by Step Operation In the Vision 9 software, we will now draw guidelines using the measurements we wrote down. To add a guideline, click with the right mouse button anywhere within the plate area. The Edit Guides window will appear.
  • Page 102 Vision Express User Manual Select the Shape Tools icon from the left toolbar, then select the Circle tool (or the Rectangle tool for rectangular areas). Click, hold and drag a circle (or rectangle) of any size. When using a circle, enter the radius of the circle (1.50 for this example) in the Circle Radius field on the top toolbar.
  • Page 103 Step by Step Operation You should see one of the two figures below. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 104 Vision Express User Manual You can now use the Text Compose tool to type in text, or import graphics, then size and locate them within the circle (or rectangle) you have drawn. Since we are engraving on acrylic in this example, we will now mirror the text so that it will be reverse engraved.
  • Page 105 Step by Step Operation The graphics should appear as shown below. In order to make sure the engraving will be located properly, we will send this file to the engraver as a Dry Run. The Red Dot Laser Pointer will show where the outline of the engraving area and the graphics will be engraved.

  • Page 106: Adjusting Spindle Pressure

    Vision Express User Manual 4.9.3 Adjusting Spindle Pressure In some cases, the pressure applied by the spindle (when engraving with the proximity sensor), will need to be adjusted. Behind the spindle, there is a Spindle Pressure Spring Adjustment knob that can be turned to increase or decrease the amount of pressure.
  • Page 107 Step by Step Operation To change the engraving pressure, the knob must be rotated, which changes the preload on the spring, and therefore the amount of pressure applied by the cutter tip on to your material. This is normally performed for diamond drag engraving only. More pressure will produce a deeper engraving. To increase the engraving pressure, the knob must be rotated clockwise (when viewed from the top of the machine).

  • Page 108: Part V Maintenance

    Vision Express User Manual Maintenance Vision strives for the highest quality in their manufacturing process to provide you with the most cost effective, reliable engraving machine in use today. Please remember that proper maintenance and care is necessary to achieve maximum product life expectancy.

  • Page 109: Lubrication

    Maintenance Lubrication Materials Needed 3-in-1 oil Teflon-free Silicon Spray Allen Wrench Set Paper Towels Isopropyl Alcohol Procedure Portions of this procedure are illustrated with the top cover installed. Although it is not necessary to remove the cover for cleaning and lubrication, it will make access to the various motion system components much easier.
  • Page 110 Vision Express User Manual Top Cover Removal Power off the machine, remove the power cable and network plug from the rear of the machine. Remove the 2 Allen Screws on the left side and 2 on the right side of the top cover. Slide the top cover up and back to remove it from the machine.
  • Page 111 Maintenance Cleaning NOTE - With the machine POWERED OFF, you can move the carriage, table and spindle manually to access areas for cleaning and lubricating the machine. To move the table, press on the front or rear edge. To move the carriage, press on the left or right side of the carriage cover.
  • Page 112 Vision Express User Manual Apply isopropyl alcohol to a paper towel and wipe down the X-Axis (carriage) leadscrew and the stainless steel rail for the carriage. Move the carriage and spindle to access all areas of the leadscrew and rail.
  • Page 113 Maintenance Lower the spindle down to access the upper sections of the spindle rail. The rail is located behind the spindle. Apply isopropyl alcohol to a paper towel and wipe down the sides and front of the spindle rail. Then raise the spindle and wipe down the lower portions of the spindle rail. ©...
  • Page 114 Vision Express User Manual NOTE - The Z-Axis leadscrew is protected from debris by the carriage cover and is less likely to become contaminated by debris. It will require periodic cleaning and lubrication. To access the Z-Axis leadscrew, remove the top cover and the carriage cover, then lower the spindle. This will expose the leadscrew, which is located between the spindle and the motor.
  • Page 115 Maintenance In the below picture showing the Z-Axis leadscrew, both the top cover and the carriage cover have been removed. © 2015 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems...
  • Page 116 If you suspect lubrication problems, call your dealer/representative or the service department at Vision. DO NOT oil the X or Y stepper motors. None of the motors on the Vision Express require lubrication. Oiling the stepper motors can permanently damage them.

  • Page 117: Changing The Motor Belt

    Maintenance Changing the Motor Belt In order to change the motor belt, it is recommended to remove the spindle cover, top cover and the carriage cover. Power off the machine, slide the spindle cover up and remove. Remove the top cover screws and top cover, then remove the carriage cover screws and carriage cover.
  • Page 118 Vision Express User Manual To remove the motor belt, roll the front edge of the belt up and over the top of the spindle. To install the new belt, position the belt in the groove of the motor pulley and pull the belt toward the top of the spindle.

  • Page 119: Changing The Motor Brushes

    Maintenance Changing the Motor Brushes Motor brushes are a wear item on the engraver and will eventually require replacement. Motor brushes experience wear during rotary engraving or cutting operations. The life of the motor brushes will depend on the usage of the machine and they will typically last for several years. NOTE - Unplug the machine from its power source before attempting this procedure.

  • Page 120: Vacuum Chip Removal System

    Vision Express User Manual Optional Accessories Vacuum Chip Removal System The process of engraving or cutting plastics, acrylics, sign foam and wood, produce a significant amount of debris that can clog the nose cone and/or get trapped between the nose cone and the material, which will cause engraving/cutting depth inconsistencies as well as potentially scratch the surface of the material.

  • Page 121: Quick Lock Vise

    Optional Accessories Quick Lock Vise The Quick Lock Vise is used to clamp rigid materials against the top Edge Guide in order to prevent movement. This is an alternate method for holding down materials. Put the material you would like to engrave on the t-slot table and push it to the home position corner. Next, loosen the quick lock vise locking screw and slide the quick lock vise so that there is about 1/16th inch gap between the edge of the vise and the material.

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