Troubleshooting guide

OPERATION AND PRINTER DRIVER CONTROLS
Section 3-8
When using the Z Position method, it is best to first calibrate the Focus position of the focus lens installed.
This will insure that the focus position is correct. To do this, open the System Options Menu, and select
Home Z-axis. Make certain that there is nothing under the Z-table that could obstruct the table motion.
Select XY/Z and use the Motion Control buttons to position the focus carriage to the focus tool. Again
using the XY/Z button to select Z, move the Z-axis Table up or down and set the focus position directly on
top of the engraving table. Once you are satisfied that the focus height is exactly correct, open the
System Options menu and select Set Lens Focus. Set the current calibrated position as the lens focus.
Periodically you should check if the Z POSITION method is calibrated with your focus tool. Since your
focus tool is your absolute reference, make sure that you do not lose it. The Set Lens Focus option is
used to recalibrate the Z POSITION method.
Once the calibration is set, the focus can be set in the print driver. In the driver, select
Z-axis Auto. For each color used in the layout it will be necessary to specify the material thickness by
either using the z-axis slider, or entering the thickness value directly into the Z-axis text box. When
executing the file, the system will automatically compensate for the specified material thickness by
positioning the Z-axis accordingly.
See Auto Z / Set Lens Focus.
Auto Focus (Sensor)
Auto Focus will allow you to place your material to be engraved under the focus lens. By pressing the
Auto Focus Button on the display the system will focus on to the material using a sensor. See Allow
Auto Focus.
Printer Driver Controls
Definitions and Terminology
Vector Graphic: An image generated from mathematical descriptions that determine the position,
length, and direction in which lines are drawn. Vector graphics are composed of fills and/or outlines.
Fill: A color, bitmap, fountain, or pattern applied to the interior area of a vector graphic.
Outline: The line that defines the shape of a vector graphic.
Bitmap: An image composed of grids of pixels or dots.
Motion System: The mechanical/electrical system that delivers the laser beam by moving the
focusing lens directly above the application material.
Laser Beam Delivery Method (Mode): Three distinct ways the laser system can deliver the laser
beam to the application material called raster engraving, vector marking, and vector cutting.
Raster: The process where the laser beam makes a series of bi-directional,
horizontal scan lines to produce an image. Fills and Bitmaps are automatically
raster engraved by the laser system.
Vector: The process where the laser beam follows the path of the outline (if
present) of the graphic.
Marking: Setting the laser power low enough to only penetrate the surface
of the material.
Cutting: Setting the laser power high enough to cut all the way through
the material (if the material can be cut).