PHOENIX ENGRAVING TABLE Table of Contents OPERATING MANUAL Table Of Contents Liability Statement ................................................................ 2 Safety ........................................................................... 3 Chapter 1. Unpacking and Taking Inventory .................. 5 Chapter 2: Table Description ........................................ 7-9 Chapter 3: Setting Up The Table .................................... 11 Chapter 4: Table Adjustments .............
Copyright 1999 Vision Computerized Engraving & Routing Systems (A Division of W estern Engravers Supply Western Supply,, Inc.) All Rights Reser ved 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.
Safety Precautions for The Phoenix Engraver Safety !Keep hands clear of the spindle belt during operation. !Keep hands clear of the bottom of the spindle during operation. !Always stop the machine before making any adjustments. !Disconnect the table cable before servicing. !Do not operate the system with covers removed. !Wear safety glasses when cutting any materials that emit chips. Use of the optional vacuum system will remove most chips !Use extreme caution when inserting or removing cutters.
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Chapter 1: or Unpacking and TTaking aking In Invvent entor oryy Chapter 1 The engraving system has been shipped in more than one carton. Examine the condition of all containers for external damage. In the event of apparent external damage, notify your carrier upon receipt, and call your sales representative or Vision immediately. Note: The shipping containers are considered reusable and should be stored for use in the event of service need or upgrade. Step 1. Open the foam packed shipping cartons.
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Chapter 2: Table Description Chapter 2 This chapter briefly describes the major components of the Phoenix table. Figure 2.1 shows a labeled drawing of the Phoenix Engraver. This chapter will help you identify the parts of your table discussed elsewhere in the manual. *Optional equipment such as accessory vises, clamps, fixtures or vacuum systems may our sys or inf ormation regar ding this eq uipment, see the ha information regarding equipment, havve been included with yyour systtem.
Chapter 2 (Figure 2.1) The Phoenix 1212 (non-moving T-slot table) 9. Engraving Motor 6. Carriage Assembly 5. Gantry Assembly 2. X-Axis Linear Rails 13. Spindle Up/Down Knob 3. X-Axis Stepper Motor 8. Y-Axis Stepper Motor (Dual) 10. Quick Lock Vise 8. Y-Axis Stepper Motor (Dual) 11. Stantions (risers) 7. Breakout Connector 4. T-Slot Table 1. Table Base Plate 6. Carriage Assembly. The carriage assembly houses the engraving spindle, Z-Axis mechanism and engraving motor.
Chapter 2 13. Spindle Up/Down Knob. Raises and lowers head when power is off the the stepper motor (Figure 2.
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Chapter 3: Se tting U p The TTable able Setting Up Chapter 3 Connection of Power, Cables, and Controllers Additional boxes may have been shipped along with your table, depending on the system ordered. These will typically include a control unit and associated cables. The proper connection of these cables is essential. Check the appropriate user’s manuals for your controller before attempting to connect them it to the table.
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Chapter 4: Table A djustments Adjustments Chapter 4 All Phoenix Table models include one of the following spindles: (Figure 4.2) Top-and-Bottom Loading Collet Spindle (Figure 4.1) Top-Loading Spindle 12. 1. 11. 6. 2. 10. 9. 3. 8. 4. 5. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Pulley Spindle Housing Micrometer Retainer Ring Nose cone Draw Bar 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Chapter 4 Zeroing Cutters for Top-Loaded Spindles (see figure 4.1) 1. Turn the micrometer to zero. This provides a starting point and reference for setting the depth accurately. It’s important to note that the micrometer should be threaded onto the spindle housing sufficiently to prevent excessive play in the micrometer and nosecone. If there are too few threads holding the micrometer in place it will move during the engraving process. The best starting position is 3 or 4 complete revolutions from the top.
Chapter 4 Diamond Engraving To install a diamond drag adapter, remove the retainer ring and nose cone from the bottom of the spindle and replace with the diamond drag adapter. (See fig.4.4) For diamond drag cutting, the engraving motor is turned off and the cutter “drags” across the material. This is accomplished with the motor on/off switch in the “off” position.
Chapter 4 (Figure 4.5) Front Angled View of Phoenix Table Showing the location of hex head shoulder bolts stantions (4) (Figure 4.5a) Close Up side view of a stantion hex head shoulder bolts (4) Replacing The Stantions For Additional Clearance (see fig.4.5 and 4.6) This procedure will allow the user to lower the t-slot table for fixturing of taller objects.
Chapter 5: Table Maint enance Maintenance Chapter 5 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.
Chapter 5 Without a vacuum chip removal system you should remove the cutter before attempting to clean the nose cone. The nose cone retainer ring, the nose cone, and the micrometer collar should all be removed and cleaned using a vacuum or blowing air. The three nose cone components should be removed and cleaned at least every day, and as frequently as necessary. Failure to clean the nose cone regularly will result in premature spindle failure.
Chapter 5 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. If you suspect lubrication problems, call your dealer/representative for instructions, as further lubrication may harm the machine. DO NOT oil the X or Y stepper motors. The only motor that requires lubrication is the Z-motor and lead screw combination.
Chapter 5 The motor brushes on the engraving motor should be inspected regularly, and replaced when worn. Two brush assemblies are included with the accessories package. (One for each side of the motor.) Inspect the brushes for possible replacement annually using the following procedure (see figure 5.3). The engraving motor is located under the sheet metal top cover. Remove the cover to gain acces to the engraving motor. CAUTION: Disconnect the gray table cable from the Phoenix table.
Chapter 5 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Following is a suggested maintenance schedule. Remember that in conditions of prolonged use, unusual environments, or unusual applications, maintenance items may need to be performed more frequently than suggested in this schedule. Frequency Maintenance Items As needed 1. Vacuum and/or brush 2. Clean vacuum canister filters Every Day 1. Remove chips form the spindle if you do not have a vacuum chip removal assembly. Every Week 1.
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Chapter 6: Optional Accessories and Uses Chapter 6 Versa Vise This low profile vise features a fixed top jaw and a moveable bottom jaw. Total opening is 3.5”. It adapts to most systems with at least 1” clearance under the spindle. This vise is designed to be directly mounted to many engraving tables and includes T-nuts to allow quick placement on Tslot tables. The jaws will hold a variety of clamps and jigs to secure odd shaped or difficult-tohold items. (Figure 7.
Chapter 6 Universal Seal / Medallion Holder This universal clamp will hold 1-3 round objects at a time. It also has a place for the “eye” of a medallion or tag. This clamp may be used to any diameter of notary seal. These clamps will fit the Versa Vise or can be used directly on most T-slot table surfaces. They will also fit Pantographs and other computerized systems that use the dowel pin system. (Figure 7.
Chapter 6 Adjustable Pen Jig Designed specially for pens and cylindrical items whose shape is not symmetrical. The adjustment allows the capture of the small tapered diameter of pens or odd shaped items. These jaws will fit the Versa Vise or can be used directly on most T-slot table surfaces. They will also fit Pantographs and other computerized systems that use the dowel pin system. (Figure 7.6) Adjustable Pen Jig (Figure 7.
Chapter 6 TYPICAL VERSA VISE COMBINATIONS (Figure 7.9) Versa Vise with 9” Jaws (Figure 7.
Chapter 6 (Figure 7.11) Versa Vise with Seal Jig (Figure 7.
Chapter 6 The 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 microfine-layered filters assures that your unwanted chips are whisked away effortlessly.
Chapter 6 VACUUM CHIP REMOVAL SYSTEM ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION (approximate installation time = 10-15 minutes) You should have: 1 Vacuum Pump System (silver with a box, and power cord attached) 1 Elbow pipe connector (black metal with USA stamped on it) 1 Vacuum filter canister (blue metal, with 3 wing-nut fastners) 1 Vacuum hose connector (white plastic, 2 pieces) 1 Vacuum hose (white/clear spiral, 3/4" diameter) 10' 1 Vacuum hose (clear, 2") 1 Vacuum nose (large or small) Also included are 2 Hose clamps
Chapter 6 (Figure 7.14) Attaching the Vacuum Hose to the Phoenix Carriage Right Side of Phoenix Carriage a b vacuum nose cone To Install: 1. Remove two screws from carriage (a & b). 2. Spread apart plastic clamps (c) and place around hose (d) 3. Place lock washer on the new longer screw & insert through holes in the clamp (e). 4. Screw clamp (with hose inside) onto carriage using the supplied hex wrench. 5. Put new vacuum nosecone on spindle (adjust micrometer if needed). 6.
Chapter 6 Spindle Options Increase your profits and engraving quality with the split collet spindle (see fig 7.15). Designed to be extremely accurate and durable, the collet spindle is simple to use. This collet retracts around the cutter gripping it at the bottom, while firmly holding on the top. By holding the cutter in two places the cutter is virtually vibration-free and nearly eliminates play and runout.
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Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Chapter 7 ENGRAVING PROBLEMS Problem: Engraving on the plate is “slanted”. Possible solutions: 1. Check material for squareness. Maybe your shear does not cut squarely. 2. Check to see if the material on the table is indeed at a true home and is square to your scale bars or stops. 3. If your table is equipped with scale bars insure that they are secure and flush to your T-Slot table. Hint: Always inspect your job before removing your plate from the system.
Chapter 7 Problem: You are not using a nosecone and you have uneven engraving. Possible solutions: 1. Switch to a nose-riding method. 2. Use a different method of holding the material. If you use double sided tape, it may be thick enough to change your surface flatness by a few thousandths. 3. Parcel the job if possible so that you can have more direct control over the depth of each specific area. This may be effective if you have uneven material or a large engraving bed. 4.
Chapter 7 This could be in the gap between the cutter and the spindle shaft. Maybe the shaft is worn or the spindle bearings need to be replaced. Once a shaft starts to wear and a cutter is loose, the problem can worsen quickly. 2. The spindle is loose in the housing or block. 3. The carriage is loose or has excessive play, check the z-axis bearings or slide. 4. Lubricate lead screws with recommended lubricant. Problem: My baseline is off. Possible solutions: 1.
Chapter 7 Problem: System has no movement in any one axis. Possible solutions: 1. Try to jog the problem axis using the X/Y/Z jog keys on the control unit. If OK, retry the job. 2. Check the table cable for a solid connection. 3. Call service technician for further instructions. Problem: Unusually loud noises during the engraving process. Possible solutions: 1. Isolate the cause of the unusual noise by: a. Remove the cutter. b. Turn the engraving motor to OFF. c.
