Multi Axis Engraver Operations Manual Vision Engraving & Routing Systems 17621 N. Black Canyon Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85023 www.visionengravers.
Copyright 2005 Vision Computerized Engraving & Routing Systems (A Division of Western Engravers Supply, Inc.) All Rights Reserved This publication is protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted by any means or in any form, without prior written consent from Vision.
Table of Contents iii Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 - BEFORE YOU BEGIN 5 About This Manual ........................................................................................................................................5 Safety ...............................................................................................................................................................5 Unpacking and Taking Inventory..................................................................................
iv Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual CHAPTER 5 - MAINTENANCE 35 Removing Chips ........................................................................................................................................... 35 Lubrication................................................................................................................................................... 36 Changing the Motor Belt .................................................................................................
Chapter 1 - Before You Begin 5 Chapter 1 - Before You Begin About This Manual This Manual is designed to provide you with information about your Multi Axis Engraver (known as MAX), beginning with unpacking the machine and continuing through installation and lifetime machine maintenance. This manual does not attempt to teach you how to engrave, how to use a computer or how to use your engraving software. Some previous knowledge of engraving terms and the engraving process is assumed.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual Place the machine in a location with low humidity and a minimum of dust. Avoid placing the equipment in direct sunlight or in locations with excessive heat. Follow the maintenance instructions for proper cleaning of the Vision Series 3 Controller air filter, which is contained in the controller manual.
Chapter 2 - Installation 7 Chapter 2 - Installation Hooking up the table There are two connections that must be made on the MAX Engraver table. One is a large 25 pin table cable and the other is a 9 pin cable for the rotary axis. There are also two connections that must be made on the Vision Series 3 Controller. For detailed instructions on the connections for the Vision Series 3 Controller, please see the controller manual. Locate the table cable connection box shown in figure 2.1 below. (Figure 2.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual Locate the rotary axis cable that comes off the back of the MAX Engraver as shown in figure 2.3 below. (Figure 2.3) The rotary axis cable Connect the table cable and rotary axis cable to the back of the Vision Series 3 Controller as shown in figure 2.4 below. The serial cable shown below is the connection to your PC. For more information on this, please see the Vision Series 3 Controller manual.
Chapter 2 - Installation The MAX Engraver is now ready to engrave.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
Chapter 3 - Operations 11 Chapter 3 - Operations Machine Description & Terminology This chapter briefly describes the major components of the MAX Engraver. The figures below show labeled drawings of the MAX Engraver. This chapter will help you identify the parts of your table discussed elsewhere in the manual. *Optional equipment such as clamps, fixtures or vacuum systems may have been included with your system. For information regarding this equipment, see the individual instructions for these options.
10) Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual Vice Tightening Handle - Turning this handle clockwise will tighten the vice and turning this handle counterclockwise will loosen the vice. (Figure 3.1) The MAX Engraver components See Figure 3.2 below 1) Gib Adjustment Screws - These screws are used to adjust any play that may appear in the base of the vice. These are adjusted properly at the factory but can be adjusted for wear by the end user.
Chapter 3 - Operations 13 (Figure 3.2) The MAX Engraver components See Figure 3.3 below 1) Head Stock - This is where objects to be rotary engraved will be placed. This is the end that actually drives the motion. 2) Tail Stock - This is the end where the bottom of your material will be placed. This end is free wheeling and will follow the motion of the head stock. Different jigs may be used depending on the shape of the object you are engraving. (Figure 3.3) The MAX Engraver components See Figure 3.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual (Figure 3.4) The optional T-Slot table Flat Engraving Flat Objects - Initial Setup When setting up to engrave flat material, you must first adjust the distance between the bottom of the spindle nose cone and the material you are engraving. To do this, the following procedure is required: 1) Make sure that the light on the 4th Axis button on the Vision Series 3 Controller is red.
Chapter 3 - Operations 3) 15 If the distance is greater than 1 1/2”, loosen the height adjustment screw shown below in figure 3.6. Then raise or lower the vice until the spacing is approximately 1 1/2“ and tighten the height adjustment screw. (Figure 3.6) The height adjustment knob 4) Open the vice up so that the spindle nose cone will fit inside. Then press the Z jog down button until the spindle is down inside the clamp. (see figure 3.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual (Figure 3.7) Lowering the spindle into the clamp 5) Loosen the vice slide adjustment screw shown below in figure 3.8. (Figure 3.8) The vice slide adjustment screw 6) Push the clamp assembly forwards or backwards to align the spindle up in the center of the clamp. Once the clamp is centered around the spindle, tighten the vice slide adjustment screw. 7) Press the goto home button on the Vision Series 3 Controller.
Chapter 3 - Operations 17 Plates Clamping plates such as name badges, desk plates and trophy plates are very easy on the MAX Engraver. Open the clamping device wide enough to accommodate the material you are trying to engrave. To do this, turn the vice tightening handle counter clockwise to open the vise and clockwise to close the vice. Insert the material into the clamp as shown in figure 3.9 below. (Figure 3.9) Clamping flat plates You must center the material you are engraving on the clamping bars.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual Insert the pen into the V shaped opening in the side of the pen & medallion jig and tighten the clamp. Special Shapes Clamping special objects requires the use of an optional clamp such as the universal pin jig. Mount the universal pin jig onto the clamping device as shown. Open the clamping device wide enough to accommodate the pen you are trying to engrave.
Chapter 3 - Operations 19 4) Press the Y jog buttons on the Vision Series 3 Controller to move the spindle towards the center of the object you are engraving. 5) The distance between the bottom of the spindle and the object you are engraving should be approximately 1 1/2”. If it is not 1 1/2“, loosen the height adjustment knob and raise or lower the clamping device. See figure 3.13 for height distance. (Figure 3.
7) Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual Move the object you are engraving forwards or backwards until the center of the object directly below the center of the spindle. Next, tighten the vertical movement adjustment knob. Level Surface Engraving When engraving round items that have a straight edge to engrave on, you need to make sure that the tilt adjustment is set for straight and not angled at all. To do this, loosen the tilt adjustment knob as shown in figure 3.15 below. (Figure 3.
Chapter 3 - Operations 21 Once the locking screw is tightened, re-tighten the tilt adjustment knob shown in figure 3.15 above. Next, adjust your spindle and cutter. For help with setting the spindle and cutter, please see the section on adjusting the spindle later in this chapter. When you send a job to the engraver from Vision, make sure that you select the MaxR machine driver and when you send the job from Vision Pro, make sure that you select the Max Rotary Engraver machine driver.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual Next, loosen the tilt adjustment lock screw shown below in figure 3.18 screws approximately 1 turn. (Figure 3.18) The tilt adjustment lock screw You will now need to tilt the clamping assembly up or down to align the edge of the material you are engraving with the spindle. See figure 3.19 below. (Figure 3.19) Levelling the engraved object Once the object is parallel to the spindle, tighten the tilt locking knob. Next, adjust your spindle and cutter.
Chapter 3 - Operations 23 When you send a job to the engraver from Vision, make sure that you select the MaxR machine driver and when you send the job from Vision Pro, make sure that you select the Max Rotary Engraver machine driver. Using a driver other than these may result in the object not engraving properly. You must enter in the diameter of the object you are engraving on the engrave screen in Vision or Vision Pro.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual Turn the Vision Series 3 Controller on by flipping the switch on the back right side of the machine. Set up the job you would like to engrave in the Vision or Vision Pro Software. (For more information on this, see the Vision Engraving Software manual or Vision Pro Software manual.) Insert the material you would like to engrave into the MAX Engraver as described in the next section.
Chapter 3 - Operations 25 (Figure 3.22) The MAX Engraver spindle with rotary cutter Spindle Pulley Spindle Housing Pointer Micrometer Retainer Ring Nose Cone The first thing that you need to do when rotary engraving is to zero the cutter. To do this, you must first turn the micrometer all the way up to the top. Then unscrew the micrometer 3 revolutions and stop it when the spindle pointer points to 0. Insert the cutter into the spindle and screw the cutter knob completely in.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual of the nose cone touches the engraving material. Once the nose cone touches the material, press the Z down jog button a little bit more. This will ensure that the depth of cut is consistent. Press the set surface button. The spindle will now move up approximately 1/8“. The distance that the spindle moved up is the distance that the spindle will move up and down between letters.
Chapter 3 - Operations 27 Spindle Pulley Spindle Housing Pointer Micrometer Retainer Ring Nose Cone Burnishing is different than standard rotary engraving in that you do not use the nose cone to set the depth of cut. Burnishing does not actually cut deep into metals; rather it cuts the lacquered surface off of the coated brass and aluminum material. To effectively burnish, it is recommended to use an optional ”EZ Rider“ burnishing adapter.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual machine is engraving. Now press start. The job should now engrave. If there are any problems, press the stop button immediately. Non Nose Riding Rotary Engraving In this section, we will set up the spindle to engrave with a rotating cutter and not use the nose cone for depth control. Figure 3.25 below shows the spindle with a rotary cutter. (Figure 3.
Chapter 3 - Operations 29 Turn the Vision Series 3 Controller on by flipping the switch on the back right side of the machine. Set up the job you would like to engrave in the Vision Software or Vision Pro Software. (For more information on this, see the Vision Engraving Software manual or Vision Pro Software manual.) Insert the material you would like to engrave into the MAX Engraver as described in the next section.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
Chapter 4 - Optional Accessories Chapter 4 - Optional Accessories Clamping Devices Below are some optional clamping devices that may be necessary for holding certain types of objects. (Figure 4.1) The Universal Clamping Bars These clamping bars are specially designed to hold both 1/16“ and 1/8” thick materials and allow engraving up to the edge of the material without nosecone interference. Other uses include holding metal engraving stock, name badges or other rectangular shapes.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual These jaws enable engraving on all types of pens and other small cylindrical objects. Rotating the jaws 180º allows engraving on medallions, notary seals, pet tags and other round objects. The part number for this holder is 200106-00. (Figure 4.4) The Seal jig Designed for notary seals of all diameters. Rotating the jaw 180º will allow clamping of both large and small sizes. The part number for this holder is 200107-00. (Figure 4.
Chapter 4 - Optional Accessories 33 Vacuum Chip Removal System The optional vacuum chip removal system is designed to simplify the engraving process and minimize wear and tear on the engraver. The vacuum chip removal system uses a vacuum nose cone to remove chips created during the engraving process before they have the chance to create problems. The quiet pump, coupled with the micro fine-layered filters assures that your unwanted chips are whisked away effortlessly.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
Chapter 5 - Maintenance 35 Chapter 5 - Maintenance Removing Chips Vision strives for the highest quality in their manufacturing process to provide you with the most cost effective, reliable engraving machine in use today. Please remember that proper maintenance and care is necessary to achieve maximum product life expectancy. The engraving environment generates small plastic and metal chips as well as other particles during operation.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual Cleaning the Vacuum Filter (only with the vacuum chip removal option) On systems with a vacuum chip removal system, frequent cleaning of the vacuum filter is necessary for proper performance. When engraving with the vacuum filter system, the filter should be checked and cleaned several times a day, depending on the amount of engraving done. If the vacuum does not appear to be functioning efficiently, clean the filter more frequently as needed.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance DO NOT use any lubricant other than silicone, as it may become sticky and cause a buildup that can cause mechanical failure. (Figure 5.2) The Lubrication Areas (Figure 5.3) The Lubrication Areas What not to lubricate Many of the bearings and assemblies in your engraving machine are sealed and/or coated using special low-friction methods and should not be lubricated. DO NOT attempt to lubricate the spindle or the spindle bearings.
Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual Changing the Motor Belt Over a period of time, the MAX Engraver motor belt will wear. When the motor belt wears it will stretch and cause the spindle to slip or stall. When this happens, the motor belt generally needs to be changed. Make sure that the Vision Series 3 Controller is turned off before changing the motor belt. Pull the old motor belt off and replace with a new one. The motor belt is shown below in figure 5.4. (Figure 5.
Index Index —A— About This Manual, 5 Angled Engraving, 21 —B— Burnish Engraving, 26 —C— Changing the Motor Belt, 38 Clamping Devices, 31 —E— Engraving - Burnishing, 26 Engraving - Non Rotating, 23 Engraving - Rotary, 24, 28 —H— Hooking up the table, 7 —I— Initial Setup, 14, 18 —L— Lubrication, 36 —M— Machine Description & Terminology, 11 Maintenance, 35 —N— Non Nose Rotary Engraving, 28 —P— Pens, 17 Plates, 17 —R— Removing Chips, 35 Rotary Engraving, 24 —S— Safety, 5 Special Shapes, 18 Specifications, 6 St
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Index 41
