Turn the Laser Cutter On
When you turn on the laser cutter, you need to make sure three things are on:
- The laser cutter itself, obviously.
- The air curtain (to the right of the laser cutter.)
- The exhaust system (in the closet to the left of the laser cutter.) The exhaust system is usually left on, but check to make sure.
Send the Job to the Laser Cutter
This is more complicated than it may seem at first glance.
- In Coreldraw, choose Print.
- Choose the Epilog Engraver X64 Zing as your printer.
- Go to the Preferences. Set them according to the manual specifications.
- Choose OK.
- Check to see if there are any Issues in the Print dialogue box.
- Choose Print.
Running a test Job
- Put the material to be engraved into the laser cutter.
- Set the focal point by flipping down the focus gauge (spring unit on the lens assembly) and raising or lowering the table until it is just touching the material.
- Turn on the red pointer light.
- Start the job without closing the door.
- Watch where the pointer goes to make sure that your print is on the material.
- If you are happy with the location, close the door, turn off the red pointer light and start the job again.
- The machine will raster cut first then vector cut.
- Open the door.
- If just vector cutting, run the job again.
- If raster and vector cutting, you can just run the job again but often that will burn out the details on your raster design. It is a better idea to send the job again as a just vector cutting job.
Safety
Fumes can be dangerous!
Before turning on laser cutter:
Materials can be damaging or toxic!
Only cut approved materials.
If you aren’t sure, do not cut!
Fire!
Any material can catch on fire.
Use the correct settings for your material.
Never leave the laser cutter unattended.
Stop the job if you see fire.
Know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it.
You are working with a laser!
Do not open lid during a job.
The beam is contained and should never shine at you. If it does, look away. Stop the job.
Watch the gantry. Make sure it is moving. If it seems to be stuck, stop the job.
Before turning on laser cutter:
- Turn on ventilation system in closet.
- Plug in air curtain blower.
Materials can be damaging or toxic!
Only cut approved materials.
If you aren’t sure, do not cut!
Fire!
Any material can catch on fire.
Use the correct settings for your material.
Never leave the laser cutter unattended.
Stop the job if you see fire.
Know where the fire extinguisher is and how to use it.
You are working with a laser!
Do not open lid during a job.
The beam is contained and should never shine at you. If it does, look away. Stop the job.
Watch the gantry. Make sure it is moving. If it seems to be stuck, stop the job.