Installation & Set-up Guide VLS3.60, VLS4.60, VLS6.60 www.ulsinc.
Table of Contents Proper Operating Environment Environment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5 Electrical Power Source………………………………………………………………………………………………………6 Exhaust System..
Installation & Set-up Guide Thank you for choosing Universal Laser Systems®. The Installation & Set-up Guide is designed to provide you with step-by-step instructions for proper installation and set-up of your VersaLASER® system. Before getting started, you should become familiar with each section of this document: Proper Operating Environment Procedures, Software Installation and Requirements, Assembling Your VersaLASER® System and Running Your First Job.
Proper Operating Environment Proper Operating Environment This section will give you step-by-step instructions for site preparation and computer and software setup. Follow the instructions in the order shown. 1. Establishing a Proper Operating Environment 2. Software Installation and Operating System Requirements 3. Assembling Your VersaLASER System 4.
Installation & Set-up Guide Electrical Power Source (User Supplied) 1. For your system’s electrical requirements, please refer to the “INPUT POWER” label near the power inlet. 2. CAUTION: Never remove the ground lead to the electrical cord and plug the VersaLASER system into a non-grounded outlet. A laser system that is not properly grounded is hazardous and has the potential to cause severe or fatal electrical shock.
Proper Operating Environment Note: The following diagram shows a typical exhaust system layout. Use this as a guideline for proper exhaust system installation. Although this diagram serves as an example, we recommend you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety and building code requirements and to also calculate the correct size blower required for your particular installation.
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Software Installation and Requirements Software Installation and Requirements Your computer is a critical component in the operation of the VersaLASER system. In fact, you cannot operate the VersaLASER system if your computer is not connected, powered on, running Windows and running the Universal Control Panel (UCP) software. You can only run one VersaLASER system per computer at a time. You will need to purchase a separate computer for each VersaLASER system you own.
Installation & Set-up Guide Optimizing Windows XP Performance Windows XP, by default, displays many “visual effects” that slow down the computer. We recommend that you turn off these effects by right-clicking on the “My Computer” icon on your desktop, then click “Properties” and then click the “Advanced” tab. In the Performance section, click “Settings,” then click “Adjust For Best Performance” and then click “Apply.
Software Installation and Requirements Universal Control Panel (UCP) Installation CD-ROM At this point you need to install the Windows XP/Vista Universal Control Panel and printer driver. In order to install the software, you need to have administrative privileges on the computer before starting installation. The Software Installation CD-ROM can be found in a pocket on the inside of this manual. 1. Insert the Software Installation CD-ROM into your PC’s CD drive.
Installation & Set-up Guide 2. Select the components you would like to install to your computer, then select the “Next” button. Note: If you choose to install the “Application and Firmware,” you will need to proceed to step 5. 3. If you have selected to install the Printer Driver, you will then be prompted to select the laser system you would like to install on the computer. Once selected click the “Next” button.
Software Installation and Requirements 4. The installation process will proceed as indicated by a progress bar. Be patient. Loading the files can take a few minutes depending on your computer’s processor speed. 5. When the installation process is finished, the “Completing the ULS Software Setup Wizard” window will appear. Read the instructions and make your desired selection. If you Reboot Now, save all your work prior to rebooting.
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Assembling Your VersaLASER System Assembling Your VersaLASER System Familiarize yourself with the instructions before getting started. Depending on which model VersaLASER system you have purchased, assembly of your laser system may be required. Once the system has been assembled, it is necessary to install the laser cartridge on the back of the machine and perform a beam alignment check. Do not power up your laser system until the final step, “Checking Beam Alignment.
Installation & Set-up Guide 4. With the assistance of three or four other people, place the system on top of the cart and loosely install the provided screws that attach the machine to the cart. Be careful not to pinch your fingers. 5. Open front door all the way to ensure that it does not come in contact with the cart legs. If the door should come in contact with the cart legs, gently pull the cart legs apart to ensure there is non-contact between the door and the cart legs.
Assembling Your VersaLASER System System Assembly - VersaLASER VLS6.60 System 1. Unpack the laser system from its packaging. 2. Place the laser system in the desired location for operation. a. If a doorway is not wide enough to pass the laser system through, the system can be detached from the cart stand and carried through the door on it’s side. b.
Installation & Set-up Guide Laser Cartridge Installation 1. Make sure that your power cord to the system is not plugged in at this time. Place your finger in the slotted hole and gently pull back on both sliding latches. Gently fold back the rear cover. Note: Access latches for the laser cover are lockable. However, all systems are shipped from the factory with latches unlocked.
Assembling Your VersaLASER System 3. Observe the “V” groove along the upper (3) and lower (2) part of the laser cartridge base plate and the alignment plate (1) at the end of the base plate. 4. Pick up the laser cartridge by the ends and tilt it at a 30 degree angle as shown (1). Mount the cartridge onto the mounting blocks shown in step 2 (page 18) by placing the upper “V” groove on top of the mounting blocks.
Installation & Set-up Guide 5. Slowly rotate the laser cartridge, making sure that the alignment plate is centered in the gap in the alignment fork. As you slowly release the weight of the laser, you should feel it lock itself smoothly into place. Never force the laser into position. If the laser does not install smoothly, check for obstructions such as pinched wires or hoses or a binding laser latch. Once installed, verify that the alignment plate is centered within the alignment fork. 6.
Assembling Your VersaLASER System Laser System Leveling 1. Place a bubble level (1) across the front (2) and rear cart legs (3). Adjust the caster height using the adjustment screw (4) until both the rear part and the front part of the cart legs are level with respect to each other. Once the system is level, secure all casters by tightening the nut (5) up against the cart leg. 2. Open the top door and remove the rubber band that is securing the arm in place. 3.
Installation & Set-up Guide 4. Manually move the Focus Carriage by hand to the upper left corner. 5. Place the focus tool* against the black lens plate (focus carriage) so that the flat edge of the focus tool rests against the front side of the focus carriage as illustrated. Take note of the fit of the focus tool (it should look like the diagram to the right) in the upper left corner of the system. This corner will be your reference point. *Alternate leveling method available. See page 24.
Assembling Your VersaLASER System 6. Using the upper left corner as a reference point, move the focus carriage by hand to each corner and take note of any differences between the fit of the focus tool in the upper left corner of the field and the fit of the focus tool in each of the other corners.
Installation & Set-up Guide 7. If one or more of the other corners does not match the upper left corner, adjust the caster directly underneath that corner up or down until the focus tool fit at that corner matches the fit at the upper left corner. First loosen the lock nut (1), then turn the adjusting screw (2) in 1/8 turns. Once the foot is at the correct height, tighten the lock nut (1). When you are done the focus tool fit at all four corners should be the same. 1 2 8.
Assembling Your VersaLASER System Finalizing the Connections Make the following connections in the order described, otherwise static electricity can potentially damage the computer and/or the laser systems electronics. 1. Connect the 4-inch flexible rubber exhaust system to the rear of the laser system if you have not already done so. 2. Connect the laser system’s power cord and your computer’s power cord to a grounded electrical outlet.
Installation & Set-up Guide 5. USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (Only) The laser system comes equipped with a high quality, 6-foot (2 meters) USB 2.0 certified cable. We recommend you use this provided cable. CAUTION: Do not use any adapters, extension cables, USB cable longer than 6 feet (2 meters), or other devices between the computer’s USB port and the port on the laser system, or sporadic or unpredictable behavior may result. a.
Assembling Your VersaLASER System c. Select “Install the software automatically.” Then Click “Next” to continue. You do not need to insert the Software Installation CD-ROM. d. A warning message will appear. Select “Continue Anyway.” Do not be concerned. Installing the ULS Firmware will not harm your computer in any way. The firmware will begin to load.
Installation & Set-up Guide e. Click “Finish” to close the Wizard. f. Another set of New Hardware Wizard windows may appear after the initial USB connection. Follow the same instructions as mentioned previously. Once completed, your new hardware is installed and ready to use.
Assembling Your VersaLASER System Checking Beam Alignment Note: You will not engrave anything at this time. 1. Open the top door. 2. Place a small piece of masking tape across the 3/4” hole in the focus carriage (1). Gently rub the tape around the edge of the hole so that you can see the outline of the hole through the tape (2) . 3. Power on your computer and verify that the Universal Control Panel (UCP) icon is present on the taskbar.
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Running Your First Job Running Your First Job We will now illustrate how to use your laser system to engrave on a piece of anodized aluminum from start to finish. In this example, you will raster engrave a Test Card on a 2 by 3.5 inch (50.8 by 89 mm), 0.0195 inch (0.49 mm) thick piece of anodized aluminum. Note: For this example we will be using CorelDRAW X3 and the CorelDRAW sample file provided on the software CD. Install CorelDRAW, but do not start a new project.
Installation & Set-up Guide Step 3 – Printing to your VersaLASER System (Materials Database Tab) You are using the Materials Database Tab in the printer driver. Other graphic software programs may differ. 1. Verify that the UCP is running in the taskbar. 2. When you are ready to print the job, click FILE and then click PRINT.
Running Your First Job Step 4 – Starting the Process 1. Turn on the exhaust and VersaLASER system. Note: Laser system cooling fans are variable speed and may speed up and slow down during operation as needed to cool the lasers. 2. Make sure the material is positioned correctly within the engraving area. 3. Close the top door. 4. Click the green START button on the UCP to begin laser processing (Figure 6 on previous page). CAUTION: Observe that the laser system is functioning as desired.
Installation & Set-up Guide ©2008 Universal Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Universal Laser Systems logo and name, and VersaLASER, are registered trademarks of Universal Laser Systems, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Universal’s laser systems are protected under one or more of U.S.
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