Tools/Laser Cutter: Difference between revisions

# PC on if not already (push button above Dell logo)

# Log into Hacksburg account on PC

#* You may see a pop-up dialog asking if you want to allow LightBurn from an unknown publisher to modify files. Say Yes. TO DO: Fix permissions so it doesn't do this.(May require installing outside of Program Files?)

#* You will need to manually set the intensity and speed for any layer you use. See [[Tools/Laser_Cutter/Cutting Parameters|Cutting Parameters]] page for more info.

#* The factory-suggested default is that layers 1-10 are for cutting, layers 11-14 are for fill, and layers 15-256 are for engraving.

#** Note that the cutter appears to process layers in numerical order. Thus, if you follow the default suggestions, the cuts will happen before the engraving.This may not be what you want.

#** The problem with the factory suggestions is that it is annoying to set up and proof, and ends up cutting before engraving.For simple files without fill, using 1 (blue) and 2 (green) for engraving, and 3 (red) for cutting, is easy to set up, proof, and use.

#** Depending on the last user, some layers may start turned off.Double click the "No" under the Process column to toggle them back on (and, if needed, the No under Visible).

#** Unless you are sure what you are doing, Positioning Mode in LightBurn should be set to Mechanical Origin, and you should use the "Put Graph to Origin" function in LightBurn to align the upper right of your file with the upper right of the work area (and the 0,0 of the laser cutter)

# Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)

# <li value="10"> CamFive voltage regulator on (flip up red switch on regulator, left corner of room) </li>

# Check that white output power bar is on

# Lift cover and load your media; secure if needed; close cover

#* If everything is set correctly, the "Mechanical Origin" 0,0 point is in the upper right of the usable area

#* Check the blue Laser Guides bin for jigs; use the ones labeled 22.5 mm Right and 28 mm Top as needed

#** Note: This is the horizontal knurled brass knob that sticks out straight to the right, with a green rubber cover

#** TO DO: Find a way to better distinguish this knob from others that should not be touched

#* In the software, check that positioning mode is set to Mechanical Origin (unless you are deliberately using Current Point mode)

#* In the software, press Start button under Process

#* Watch the laser head go through your job. Note that the red laser pointer is only an approximation of where the invisible IR cutting laser will go.

#* Unlatch two handles (rotate 1/4 turn CW each) and push out

# Adjust laser power potentiometer (knob labeled "Laser 1") to desired power

# Watch your job progress through the tinted front or top window of the laser cutter. If there are problems, use the Suspend or Stop buttons in the laser cutter software as a first choice, the Start/Pause button on the laser control panel as a second choice. If the Emergency Stop button is used, you should reboot the unit after correcting the problem.

#* In case of minor flare-ups, once the laser is stopped use the green spray bottle of water .Try not to get water onto any of the optical or mechanical components, and make sure everything is fully dry before continuing.

# Remove and return guides, alignment blocks, jigs, etc. to the blue Laser Guides bin or other proper storage location

# Rotate laser potentiometer to 0 (fully CCW)