User guide

Link to Table of Contents
User Guide
19
Glossary of Terms
Gear – A toothed pulley that is secured to the motor drive shaft. The gear drives a belt.
Graphics Program – The software used to create bitmap and vector artwork executed by the laser system. CorelDRAW
and Adobe Illustrator are examples of graphics programs. Engineering software packages, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks
and DesignCad, and engraving software programs, such as LaserType and EngraveLab, can also be used to drive a laser
system. A ULS laser system can also be driven as a printer from virtually any Windows software (word processing programs,
for example).
Home – The initial reference position of the lens carriage at one corner of the engraving eld. When the system is
powered on, the motion system “homes” the lens carriage to the upper right hand corner by moving it to engage
sensors in the X and Y directions. The home location is a reference point for the motion system to know the location
of the beam precisely. The user can “home” the system at any time from the print driver control screen. The system can
also “home” the Z-Axis.
Interlock – The safety mechanism that prevents the laser beam from being emitted when any enclosure door is opened.
Laser (Cartridge or Tube) – The CO
2
laser device that generates the beam used to cut and engrave the work piece.
Leveling – A procedure in which the feet of the laser system are adjusted in order to have the engraving table parallel to
the focus carriage for optimal engraving. This procedure is performed with a Focus Tool or calipers to accurately gauge the
distance from the lens carriage to the engraving table at all four corners. The distance should be the same.
Main Enclosure – The “box” in which the X-Y-Z motion system moves and the work piece is engraved or cut. The enclosure
has interlocks and viewing window designed for laser safety, as well as air inlet and exhaust ports for fume extraction.
Motion System – The mechanical/electrical system that receives commands from the CPU and moves the lens carriage
in X – Y raster or vector fashion. The motion system also controls the Z-Axis vertical location and turns the Rotary Fixture
when it is in use.
Operating System – The software that runs your computer. ULS laser systems are compatible only with a 32-bit Windows
operating system such as XP or Vista.
Optic – Any optical element such as a beam window, mirror or lens.
Fume Extraction (Exhaust) Blower – A radial-vane motorized blower that generates high vacuum to pull exhaust air
through the enclosure. Must be properly installed and connected with ducting.