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--- documentation:machines:fablasermini [2022/03/01 14:53]
daniele
+++ documentation:machines:fablasermini [2022/03/01 16:09] (current)
daniele
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Fab Laser Mini ======
-[[https://visicut.org/]]
+In this a brief introduction on how to use Fab Laser Mini.
-[[https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/download/]]
+===== General information =====
+Specifications:
+  * Cutting area of 600x400mm
+  * 40W CO2 laser
+  * window interlocks
+  * max speed of 400mm/s
+  * 12mm linear guides
+  * frame made of aluminum profiles
+  * compatible with Visicut
+In the picture below the the system setup of Fab Laser:
+{{:documentation:machines:all_system.jpeg?800|}}
+  * The air assist compressor is needed to supply an air stream to the laser head, to avoid small flames to appear while cutting.
+  * The chiller is required to cool down the water for the laser tube water cooling.
+  * The air filter is used to clean the air from the cut.
+Fab Laser Mini requires a computer to be operated. The laptop in the picture has all the software.
+If you wish to run the machine directly from your computer, you need to download the following software:
+  * [[https://visicut.org/]]
+  * [[https://winder.github.io/ugs_website/download/]]
+To work with Visitcut, it is necessary to import the Fab Laser mini settings.
+You can download the settings here:
+{{ :documentation:machines:fablasersettings.vcsettings.zip |}}
+===== Operating Procedure =====
+First of all make sure the machine is switched on.
+You can switch on the machine from the main switch on the backside.
+Check also that the emergency button is lifted up.
+{{:documentation:machines:main_switch.jpeg?400|}}
+In the image below the software we will use for this instructions:
+  * Inkscape
+  * Visicut
+  * UGS Platform
 {{:documentation:machines:software.png?400|}}
+First of all you need to design something you would like to cut.
+In this test we are using Inksacpe, which is one of the recommended software for compatibility.
+In image below a test design. This design has been made by using different color for the stroke and fill.
+As we will see in Visicut, the usage of different colors is useful to separate different laser settings for specific areas of the deisgn.
+In particular, it is possible to separate each color for different settings (color mapping).
+It is also possible to use layers instead of colours and to assign to each color different settings.
 {{:documentation:machines:text_ink.png?400|}}
+After finishing your design, you can save it as SVG. Inkscape SVG format is recommended.
 {{:documentation:machines:save_ink.png?400|}}
+After saving your design, we can open Visicut software, and import the design into it.
+Using the import function of Visicut, allows to import multiple design into a single laser job.
+Using the Open function will instead delete the currently open design and only open the last one.
 {{:documentation:machines:import_visicut.png?400|}}
+After importing the design, we need to align it to the bottom left of the cutting area.
+This is because Fab Laser Mini has the origin point into the bottom left of the bed.
+It is possible to drag around the design just using the mouse.
 {{:documentation:machines:visicut_origin.png?400|}}
+Also, using the surrounding dashed line, it is possible to resize and rotate the design as desired.
 {{:documentation:machines:visicut_resize_move.png?400|}}
+After the initial adjustments of the position and of size of the design have been made, we can now apply the desired mapping.
+A mapping defines how the different layers/colours/items of the SVG will be divided and assigned to different laser settings.
+As shown in the image below, we are selecting the mapping for stroke color for our test.
 {{:documentation:machines:visicut_stroke_color.png?400|}}
+Once the mapping has been selected, Visicut shows a small menù where is possible to:
+  * select or deselect a specific area (selected areas will be considered for the job, not selected will be ignored)
+  * order the selections (the processing is from top to bottom)
+  * select the job type for each selection
+It is important to note the available job types:
+  * cut
+  * mark
+  * engrave
 {{:documentation:machines:order_visicut.png?400|}}
+In our test we will makr the green writing and cut the rest, as you can see in the image below.
+{{:documentation:machines:visicut_selected.png?400|}}
+After sorting up the selection it is necessary to input the laser settigns.
+Those are defined per different kind of job and they are expressed in % from 1 to 100.
+To note that here there is not PPI or laser frequency settings.
+The settings shown below are used for 4mm poplar wood.
 {{:documentation:machines:visicut_settings.png?400|}}
+After applying the settings is possible to click on the "Calculate" button, to generate the GCode and estimate the job length.
+Once the GCode has been generated, it is possible to export the GCode from Visicut.
 {{:documentation:machines:export_laser_code.png?400|}}
+It is important to note the GCode file must be saved with *.nc extension to be compatible with UGS Platform.
+{{:documentation:machines:lasercode_nc.png?400|}}
+UGS Platform is the software used to operate Fab Laser mini directly, and to launch GCodes.
+The first step is to load the previously generated file into the sofware (see open button on top left).
 {{:documentation:machines:ugs_open.png?400|}}
+The is it necessary to connect to the machine by selecting the right serial port and a baud rate of 9600.
+You should see the writings populating the console, as confirmation of a successful connection.
+{{:documentation:machines:ugs_connect.png?400|}}
+Before starting the cut, it is necessary to turn on different accessories.
+You can turn all the accessories on in one go, by using the foot switch located under the table where the machine stands.
-{{:documentation:machines:visicut_selected.png?400|}}
 {{:documentation:machines:foot_switch.jpeg?400|}}
+You can directly check the correct operation of the accessories.
+The chiller has an alarm if the temperature is too high or something is blocking the flow of the water.
+{{:documentation:machines:chiller.jpeg?400|}}
+The air filter must be set manually to the maximum power.
+You can do that by pushing the filter button until the light becomes red.
+{{:documentation:machines:filter.jpeg?400|}}
+{{:documentation:machines:filter_max.jpeg?400|}}
+The air assist compressor will start automatically. You can check it by seeing it vibrate or if there is air coming out of the laser head.
+If not please check if the compressor is connected to the electricy.
+{{:documentation:machines:air_assist.jpeg?400|}}
+Once all these pre-check have been done is tome to operate directly with the machine.
+First check the focus distance with the focus tool.
+The distance between the laser head and the material should correspond to the focus tool as shown below.
+{{:documentation:machines:focus_tool.jpeg?400|}}
+If it is not the case you can remove the air assist pipe, unlock and rotate the head until it reaches the right distance.
+Once done you must lock again the head, and reconnect the air assist pipe.
+{{:documentation:machines:focus_adjustment.jpeg?400|}}
+Now you can move, freely by hand, the laser head to the bottom left of the desired laser stock.
+The origin is in the bottom left, below is an example of the origin position in relation to the cut example.
+{{:documentation:machines:position.jpeg?400|}}
+Once the head has been positioned correctly, it is possible to close the lid.
+To start the job in UGS Platform:
+  - Push the "Reset Zero" button
+  - Push the play button
+{{:documentation:machines:result.jpeg?400|}}

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