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We offer E-Mail and Telephone Support on our products. Any questions you may have before, during, or after assembly of our kits will be answered in a timely fashion. Alternately we have created the following FAQ List in which you may find the answer to your question. Please take the time to look through the FAQ before forwarding your question to us. Chances are someone before you has asked the same question and it may already exist in the FAQ. The questions and answers are categorized to make the search easier.

 

Applicability:
Q: Can the system "cut" metal?

A: No. Systems in this power range (~65 Watts) are not suitable for cutting metal of any kind or thickness. This system was designed to cut Wood, Paper, Plastics, Leather, Vinyl, etc.

Q: Can the system "engrave" metal?

A: YES. The system does a great job on Anodized Aluminum as it literally vaporizes the anodizing away leaving the bright aluminum underneath. Works great for lettering. The system also works very well on Steel using the Thermark™ Process in which a marking fluid is used and thermally bonded to the steel from the heat of the laser. The mark is Permanent and this system works with Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Glass and Ceramics.

Q: What is the maximum thickness of material that can be cut using 65 watts?

A: This will of course depend on the material but generally up to 1/4" (6mm) in Acrylic Plastic, and up to 1/4" (6mm) in Plywood. Balsa wood up to 3/8" or even 1/2" thick can be cut.

 

Shipping:
Q: What is the shipping method and how heavy are the boxes?

A: The kit PN: ETI-XYR ships in three parts. The Laser Tube itself ships separate in a special double padded box and will arrive via FedEx Ground. The remainder of the system ships via truck freight. One small (20" x 20" x 20") box will contain the vacuum pump at around 40 Lbs. All other items will be encased in a large wood crate (65" x 45" x 26") at approximately 350 Lbs. It can be delivered to your shipping dock (if applicable) or we can arrange a lift gate truck to bring it to your door.

 

Function:
Q: How is the Feed Rate controlled?

A: (Raster/Vector Version PN: ETI-XYR)
Feed rate is simply specified in the Laser Driver for each line color.

A: (Vector-Only Version PN: ETI-XYF)
The feed rate is set during the conversion of your .dxf file into a G-Code file. At that time the feed rate in Inches/Minute is specified and written to the file. The file can be edited in a standard text editor at any time and the feed rate settings can be changed. Alternately you can also use the Feed Rate Override while the machine is in motion to fine tune the feed rate you desire.

 

Q: How is Laser Power controlled?

A: (Raster/Vector Version PN: ETI-XYR)
Power Percentage is simply specified in the Laser Driver for each line color. In the Raster/Vector version the power is completely adjustable in software from 0 to 100% per line color.

A: (Vector-Only Version PN: ETI-XYF)
The laser power is set using a potentiometer at the front of the laser power supply. The power setting should be pre-set prior to starting the cut. The computer only commands the laser to start and stop as it moves across the work cutting your parts. This requires that you simply keep a log of the required "power setting" and "feed rate" required for each type of material that you will be processing.

 

Q: Can I Cut "and" Engrave on the same part without having to stop and load different files?

A: (Raster/Vector Version PN: ETI-XYR)
Absolutely. In the Raster/Vector version you would simply make your text and markings a different color in Corel Draw and then set that color to a low output power in the Laser Driver. When the file is printed to the laser your markings and text will be process at the low engraving power that you specified, while the outlines will be cut at their specified power and speed.

A: (Vector-Only Version PN: ETI-XYF)
Yes... Create a g-code file for the "cut" process which has the correct feed rate for the material to be cut. Then create another G-code file for the text or symbols to be engraved and specify a fast feed rate. the two G-Code files can then be edited together using a text editor with a "pause" command inserted between the two files. You would have the "Engrave" code at the top of the file. The process would start with the laser adjusted to a minimum power level and the system would "Engrave" and or "Letter" your parts, then Pause waiting on further input. At that point you would simply adjust the laser power setting to the cut position and command the system to continue. It would then "cut" all of your parts. This may sound difficult but in practice it is very easy to do.

 

Cooling:
Q: How is the laser cooled?

A: The laser tube is cooled via flowing tap water. The kit provides a computer-controlled coolant flow valve and fittings for attachment to your water supply. A flow-rate sensor is also supplied which will inhibit the operation of the laser if the coolant is not on. As an Option, we also offer a Closed Loop Chiller System.

 

Q: How are the electronics cooled?

A: All electronics are Air-Cooled via internal fans.

 

Q: What are the Min and max environmental temperatures recommended?

A: Minimum 40° Fahrenheit (5° Celsius)  Maximum 105° Fahrenheit (41° Celsius) NOTE: The Laser Tube will "Break" if exposed to freezing temperatures while it contains coolant.

 

Power Requirements:
Q: What size circuit do I need to run the system?

A: A standard 120 Volt, 20 Amp Circuit will work fine and will operate your computer as well as the laser and vacuum systems.