VE-810 Engraver Operations Manual Vision Engraving & Routing Systems 17621 N. Black Canyon Hwy. Phoenix, AZ 85023 www.visionengravers.
Copyright 1999 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 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 5 SAFETY................................................................................................................................................
iv VE810 Engraver Manual
Chapter 1 - Before You Begin 5 Chapter 1 - Before You Begin Introduction About This Manual This manual is designed to provide you with information about your Vision VE-810 engraver, 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.
VE810 Engraver Manual Ø Be sure to hold the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting the controller from an electrical socket or power source. Ø 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 controller air filter.
Chapter 1 - Before You Begin 7 Check to see that all of the items are included. Should any of the contents be missing, damaged, or of the incorrect type, please call your sales representative or Vision immediately. Step 2: Prepare a clean, level surface to put the engraving machine on. Carefully lift the machine out of the carton and place it on the table. Step 3: After unpacking the machine, make sure that you SAVE THE CARTON, FOAM PACK and ANY OTHER BOXES.
VE810 Engraver Manual DEFINITION OF TERMS (see Figure 1.1) 1. X-Axis Leadscrew - The screw that drives the left to right motion of the machine. 2. X-Axis Linear Rails - The 1/2” round rails that the carriage assembly rides on. 3. Y-Axis Linear Rails - The 1/2“ round rails that the t-slot table rides on. 4. Y-Axis Leadscrew - The screw that drives the front to back motion of the machine. 5.
Chapter 1 - Before You Begin (Figure 1.1) The VE-810 top view 1. X-Axis Leadscrew 10. Spindle Motor Pulley 2. X-Axis Linear Rails 3. Y-Axis Linear Rails 4. Y-Axis Leadscrew 9. Spindle 8. Table Home Position 5. T-Slot Table 7. Quick Lock Vise 6. Front Panel 11. Spindle Up/Down Knob - This knob raises and lowers the spindle when the power is off. You will see it turn as the spindle moves up and down while engraving. 12.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 1.2) The VE-810 carriage view 11. Spindle Up/Down Knob 12. Down Pressure Spring Adjust 13. Spindle Pulley 14. Spindle Micrometer 15.
Chapter 2 - Installation 11 Chapter 2 - Installation Software Installation The VISION installation program guides you step-by-step. All the information you need appears on the screen as you install the program. Read each screen carefully and follow all prompts. If you make an error in the installation, do not panic. All setup information can be changed later from within VISION. While running Windows, insert the VISION CD-ROM into the CD drive.
VE810 Engraver Manual Click on OK. The installation process will now begin. Click on Next.
Chapter 2 - Installation Select Vision Engraving Software and click Next. Note: You can install a demo version of Vision Pro at a later time if you would like. This will allow you to evaluate the Vision Pro program. Select which version of Vision you would like and click Next. The choices are Vision Windows or Vision Dos. The Vision Software installation will now continue. Click on Next.
VE810 Engraver Manual The Vision Software License Agreement will now be shown. In order to continue the Vision Installation, you must click Accept. Select a folder or leave the default folder as is and click Next. Note: If you install Vision to a directory or drive other than the default (C:\VisWin), you will need to edit one of the Vision program files to reflect this change after Vision is installed.
Chapter 2 - Installation Select Complete Installation and click Next Select the type of system you have and click Next.
VE810 Engraver Manual Select a Program Group Name or leave it as it is and select Finish The software installation is now complete. Select OK To run the Vision software, select the Vision icon from the desktop or from the Start Menu - Programs - Vision Engraving Software group.
Chapter 2 - Installation 17 Connecting the Table There are two connections that must be made to the VE-810 engraver. The power input and the serial connection (See Figure 2.1) (Figure 2.1) The VE-810 rear view 1. Serial Number Tag 2. Power Input 3. Fan 4. Serial Connection The power input is where you plug the power cord into the VE-810. The VE-810 can accept 110 volt or 220 volt power depending on which the machine is set for.
VE810 Engraver Manual Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Locking tab Fuse and voltage “select” cartridge Fig. 3 Locking tab Fig. 4 Connector housing Fuse holder Voltage selection cartridge Voltage selector window The serial connection is where you connect the computer to the VE-810. The VE-810 accessory box contains a white serial cable. Connect one end to the VE-810 and screw in the thumbscrews. The other end connects to your computer.
Chapter 2 - Installation (Figure 2.2) The 9 pin and 25 pin plug Configuring the Computer In order for the VE-810 to run properly, you must configure your computer’s serial port. To do this, follow this sequence: Right mouse click on the My Computer icon on your Windows desktop. Go to properties. Click on Device Manager. Double click on Ports and then double click on the serial port that the engraver is connected to. Click on Port Settings. The settings should look like the picture below.
VE810 Engraver Manual Click on OK twice and then re start Vision. Your computer is now configured to run Vision with the VE-810 Engraver.
Chapter 3 - Operations 21 Chapter 3 - Operations The Front Panel The front panel controls all of the movement and speeds of the VE-810. Below is a picture of the front panel. x-y speed spindle speed + Z Set Surface Z HOME Save BackUP ABC STOP + START HOME Cancel PAUSE x-y speed + 1. X-Y Speed - This knob controls how fast the VE-810 will engrave. Turning the knob clockwise will increase the speed and turning the knob counter clockwise will decrease the speed.
VE810 Engraver Manual You would change the RPM of the engraving spindle depending on the type of material you are engraving or for different sizes of engraving cutters. The harder the material you are using, the higher the RPM you would use. Also, the larger the cutter you are using, the higher the RPM you would use. A rule of thumb for setting the spindle speed is to start out at a higher RPM. You can gradually lower the RPM while the machine is working.
Chapter 3 - Operations 23 Note: The typical home position of the VE-810 is the upper left corner of the T-slot table. If you are using this standard home position, you MUST use the left jog key to move the spindle all the way to the left and use the up jog key to move the T-slot table all the way to the back, otherwise you engraving may not be in the correct position. Z Z 7. Z Jog buttons - The z jog buttons are used to move the spindle up and down.
VE810 Engraver Manual Also, if you press the home save button after a job is completely finished, the VE-810 will re-engrave the entire plate that was previously engraved. It will load the job back into the machine and you will just have to press start to run the job. HOME Cancel 11. Home Cancel - The home cancel button is used to send the engraver back to it’s home position and cancel the job. When this is pressed, the current job will be cancelled out of the VE-810.
Chapter 3 - Operations 25 change the engraving material, simply loosen the quick lock vise handle, remove the engraved material, put the new material in and tighten up the quick lock handle. Note: For larger pieces of material, you may need to put a small piece of double-sided tape on the T-slot table in the middle of the engraving material. This will keep the material from bowing in the center. The quick lock vise will only work on square or rectangular material.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 3.1) The VE-810 spindle with diamond drag adapter Spindle Pulley Spindle Housing Pointer 10 Retainer Ring Nose Cone Micrometer Diamond Drag Adaptor To install the diamond drag adapter, you must first remove the retainer ring and nose. To do this, unscrew the retainer ring from the micrometer. Next, screw the diamond drag adapter onto the micrometer. Turn the VE-810 Engraver on by flipping the switch on the back right side of the machine.
Chapter 3 - Operations 27 Since we are using a diamond drag, we do not need to have the spindle rotate, so click on Diamond Drag from the Execute Layout screen and then click OK. You will see that the green light near the start button will start to flash. This means that there is a job in the VE-810. Before you press the start button, press the left X jog button until the spindle is all the way to the left and press the Y up jog button until the T-slot table is all the way to the back. Now press start.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 3.2) The VE-810 spindle with rotary cutter Spindle Pulley Spindle Housing Pointer 10 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 so that the pointer points to 0. Insert the cutter into the spindle and screw the cutter knob completely in. Note that the cutter will screw in counterclockwise looking down from the top of the spindle.
Chapter 3 - Operations 29 Turn the VE-810 Engraver 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. (For more information on this, see the Vision Engraving Software manual.) Put the material on the T-slot table as described in the previous section. Use the X & Y jog keys to move the spindle out over the material. Next, press and hold the Z up jog button until the spindle reaches the highest point.
VE810 Engraver Manual Burnish Engraving In this section, we will set up to engrave with a burnishing cutter. Figure 3.3 below shows the VE-810 spindle with a burnishing cutter and an optional ”EZ Rider“ burnishing adapter. (Figure 3.3) The VE-810 spindle with burnishing cutter Spindle Pulley Spindle Housing Pointer 10 Micrometer Retainer Ring Nose Cone Burnishing is different than standard rotary engraving mainly because you do not use the nose cone to set the depth of cut.
Chapter 3 - Operations 31 the material. Next, press and hold the Z up jog button until the spindle reaches the highest point. Press the set surface button. The spindle will move down. Now press and hold down the Z down jog button until the cutter touches the engraving material. Press the Z down jog key a little bit more. This will ensure that the depth of cut is consistent. Press the set surface button again. The spindle will now move to its original position. The surface is now set.
VE810 Engraver Manual
Chapter 4 - Optional Accessories 33 Chapter 4 - Optional Accessories Clamping Devices The optional versa vise is used for holding small or odd shaped items. It can be used as a stand-alone clamp or other clamps can be used with the versa vise. Some of the other types of clamps are explained later in this chapter. For a complete list of holding clamps, please ask Vision for an accessory catalog or visit our web site at www.visionengravers.com. To install the versa vise, you must remove the T-slot table.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 4.2) Mounting the Versa Vise Once the versa vise is mounted, you can set up to engrave using two different home points. One way is to use a top left origin and the other way is to use a top center origin. Figure 4.3 shows the two different origin points. (Figure 4.
Chapter 4 - Optional Accessories 35 If you insert the material in the top left origin, you will set up to engrave the same way that is discussed in Chapter 3. If you set up to engrave as a top center origin, you will need to make some changes. The first thing that you need to do is to place your object into the versa vise. Once it is in, use the X jog key to move the spindle over to the top of the object. Then use the Y jog key to move the spindle over the top edge of the material.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 4.5) The Versa Vise with 9 inch jaws 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 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.
Chapter 4 - Optional Accessories 37 (Figure 4.6) The Versa Vise with Universal Seal & Medallion holder 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 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.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 4.7) The Versa Vise with Pen & Seal jig 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.
Chapter 4 - Optional Accessories (Figure 4.8) The Versa Vise with Seal jig Designed for notary seals of all diameters. Rotating the jaw 180º will allow clamping of both large and small sizes. (Figure 4.9) The Universal Pin Jig This is a true universal clamp designed for holding odd shaped items such as state badges, hearts, and medallions with unusual borders, pet tags, jewelry and more. The dowel pins may be moved anywhere on the jaw to accommodate any odd shape.
VE810 Engraver Manual 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.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance 41 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.
VE810 Engraver Manual 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 - Maintenance 43 (Figure 5.1) Lubricating the VE-810 X-Axis Linear Rails X-Axis Leadscrew Y-Axis Linear Rails Z-Axis Leadscrew Y-Axis Leadscrew 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.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 5.2) Cover Screws Allen Screw Use a 3/32“ Allen wrench to remove the 4 back cover screws shown in figure 5.3. (Figure 5.3) Back Cover Screws Back Allen Screws The top cover can now be pushed to the back. Remove the front spindle cover as seen in figure 5.4.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance (Figure 5.4) Spindle Cover Spindle Cover 0 Remove the four carriage cover screws on each side of the carriage cover using a 3/32” Allen wrench as seen in figure 5.5.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 5.5) Carriage Cover Allen Screws 0 Allen Screws The motor belt is now easily accessible as seen in Figure 5.6. Remove the old belt and put a new one on. (Figure 5.6) The Motor Belt Motor Belt Next, put the three covers that you just removed back on. The motor belt change is now complete.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance Changing the Motor Brushes The motor brushes on the engraving motor should be inspected regularly, and replaced when worn. The motor brushes are worn when the length of the brush is less than 1/8 of an inch. Inspect the brushes for possible replacement annually using the following procedure. Press the X Jog key to move the spindle to the middle of the table.
VE810 Engraver Manual The top cover can now be pushed to the back. Remove the front spindle cover as seen in figure 5.9. (Figure 5.9) Spindle Cover Spindle Cover 0 Remove the four carriage cover screws on each side of the carriage cover using a 3/32“ Allen wrench as seen in figure 5.10.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance (Figure 5.10) Carriage Cover Allen Screws 0 Allen Screws Locate the motor brush caps. See figure 5.11 (Figure 5.11) Motor Brush Caps Motor Brush Cap Motor Brush Cap Use a flat blade screwdriver to loosen the motor brush cap. Inspect the motor brush for length. If the length is under 1/8 of an inch, the motor brush needs to be replaced. See figure 5.12.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 5.12) Motor Brush & Cap Motor Brush Motor Brush Cap Motor Brush Cap If the motor brush is over 1/8 of an inch, put the existing brush back into the motor and replace the motor brush cap. Next, put the three covers that you just removed back on. Cleaning the Fan Filter Weekly preventative maintenance should be performed to ensure reliable operation of your VE-810.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance 51 (Figure 5.13) Cooling fan Pop Fan Cover Open Here Fan Replacing the External Fuses If none of the lights on the VE-810 are illuminated, it is possible that one of the external fuses are blown. Follow the procedure below to change the external fuses. 1. Unplug the power cable that goes into the back of the VE-810. 2. Use a small flat blade screwdriver to pop the fuse and voltage select cartridge open. See Figure 5.14, Step 1. 3.
VE810 Engraver Manual (Figure 5.14) External Fuses Step 1 Step 2 Fuse and voltage “select” cartridge Locking tab Step 3 Fuse holder Replacing the Internal Fuse If the internal fuse ever blows, you will need to change it. Follow the procedure below to change the internal fuse. 1. Unplug the power cable that goes into the back of the VE-810. 2. Use a 3/32 of an inch Allen wrench and remove the 4 screws on the back of the VE810. See figure 5.15. (Figure 5.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance 5. Remove the fuse shown in figure 5.16 and replace it with a new 1-amp fuse. (Figure 5.16) Internal Fuse Internal Fuse 6. Slide the tray back in and replace all six of the Allen screws.
VE810 Engraver Manual
Chapter 6 - Troubleshooting 55 Chapter 6 - Troubleshooting Engraving Problems Problem: Engraving on the plate is ”slanted“. Possible solutions: 1. Check material for squareness. Maybe your shear did not cut squarely. 2. Check to see if the material on the table is indeed at a true home and is square to your T-slot edge guides. 3. Check to insure that the T-slot edge guides are secure and flush to your T-Slot table. Hint: Always inspect your job before removing your plate from the system.
VE810 Engraver Manual Problem: ”Shadowing“ occurs while engraving certain materials. Possible solutions: 1. Leave the protective film on the engraving material during engraving. 2. Use a plastic nosecone instead of a metal one. 3. The nosecone may be damaged. Inspect for burrs or roughness. Try using an emery cloth to polish the nose. 4. Back off on the spring pressure. Excessive down pressure will leave a rub mark on almost any plastic material.
Chapter 6 - Troubleshooting 57 Problem: Poor letter quality. Possible solutions: 1. You may be engraving too fast. Engraving quality improves with the right engraving and spindle speeds. 2. If you are diamond drag engraving, you have too much down pressure or you are engraving too deep. Also, check the grain of the material; it should be left to right. 3. You may have a worn or dull cutter. 4. Your material is not securely fastened to the table. Problem: Ragged Type. Possible solutions: 1.
VE810 Engraver Manual Mechanical Problems Problem: No X, Y or Z-Axis movement. Possible solutions: 1. Check that the controller power is on. 2. Check the power cable to make sure it is plugged in properly to the VE-810. 3. If the power cord is plugged in to a power strip, make sure that the power strip is working properly and turned on. 4. Check to make sure that the X-Y Speed knob on the front panel is turned all the way clockwise. 5.
Chapter 6 - Troubleshooting 59 Problem: Spindle is hot. Possible solutions: 1. Ensure that the nose cone area is free of debris. Check the vacuum system (if used) for clogging. 2. Inspect the spindle for other obstructions that may prevent proper rotation. 3. The spindle bearings may need to be replaced. Problem: Spindle motor will not come on. Possible solutions: 1. Make sure that the Engraving Motor option is selected on the Vision Engrave Screen (F9). 2. Check motor brushes. See chapter 5.
VE810 Engraver Manual
Index 61 Index C M Changing the Motor Belt ......................................... 43 Changing the motor brushes .................................... 47 Cleaning the Fan Filter ............................................ 50 Configuring the Computer ....................................... 19 Connecting the Table ............................................... 17 Machine Description & Terminology ......................... 7 Maintenance ............................................................
VE810 Engraver Manual
