¶ ONELASER Cobra - Machine Installation and User Guide
This manual has been designated as the ONELASER Cobra machine installation and user guide.
The manual is divided into five chapters, including general information instructions, safety instructions, the key components of every laser cutting systems and the installation steps, operation instructions and maintenance instructions from ONELASER Kraft Engineering Crop.
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Important Notice:
For safe operation and optimal performance of your Cobra machine, you MUST strictly follow all specifications and ONELASER's installation requirements.
Failure to do so may result in:
- Reduced performance and poor results
- Shortened machine lifespan
- Higher maintenance costs
- Serious machine damage
- Potential safety hazards
This manual provides the essential installation specifications. We strongly advise that all users read and fully understand every instruction and warning in this guide before installing or operating the machine.
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues during installation, contact our technical support team immediately.
¶ Contents
- Chapter 1. Safety Information
- Chapter 2. Introduction
- Chapter 3. Installation
- Chapter 4. Operation
- Chapter 5. Maintenance
¶ Chapter 1. Safety Information
¶ 1.1 Disclaimer
Read this disclaimer carefully BEFORE use.
1. As-is
This product(s) is sold 'as is' and without any express or implied warranties, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
2. Product Modifications
Any modifications or alterations to Onelaser products void any warranties and may result in damage or injury. Onelaser shall not be liable for any damages resulting from such modifications or alterations.
3. Compliance with Laws
Customers shall be liable for ensuring that the use of Onelaser products complies with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions. Onelaser assumes no responsibility for any violations of laws or regulations resulting from the use of its products.
4. Correct Use
Always use the product(s) only as directed in the accompanying manual. Failure to follow instructions may result in injury or damage.
Always ensure the operation, installment, maintenance, and repair of the product(s) is carried out by a competent person.
Always make maintenance regularly throughout the product lifecycle, you have the liability to keep the product operating as intended.
Always wear appropriate protective gear.
5. Third-Party Products
Onelaser shall not be liable for any damages or losses resulting from the use of third-party products in conjunction with our products. Customers should refer to the third-party's guidelines or/and warranties (if any) for any third-party products used.
6. Limitation of Liability
Onelaser shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, or consequential damages to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of our product(s). In no event shall Onelaser’s liability exceed the value of the product(s) sold.
This disclaimer states the entire obligation of Onelaser with respect to the products. If any part of this disclaimer is determined to be void, invalid, unenforceable, or illegal, including, but not limited to the warranty disclaimers, liability disclaimers, and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
Your engraver may differ somewhat from those shown in this manual due to options, updates, etc. Please contact us if your engraving machine comes with an outdated manual or if you have any other questions.
¶ 1.2 Designated Use
This laser engraver is intended for engraving signs and logos on consumer products or applicable substrates. Its laser can process a wide variety of materials including wood and cork, paper and cardboard, most plastics, glass, cloth and leather, and stone.
The system must be operated, maintained, and repaired by personnel familiar with the field of use and the dangers of the machine and the material being engraved including its reflectivity, conductivity, potential for creating harmful or combustible fumes, etc.
¶ 1.3 Symbol Guide
The following symbols are used on this machine’s labeling or in this manual:
¶ 1.4 General Safety Instructions
• Your device should come with instruction labels in the following locations:
If any of these symbols is missing, illegible, or becomes damaged, it must be replaced.
• ALWAYS follow federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations concerning the use of laser marking machinery.
• ALWAYS use this machine in accordance with this manual and the manual for the engraving software included with it.
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
• ALL personnel involved in the installation, operation, and maintenance of this machine MUST read and understand this manual and the separate engraving software manual, particularly the safety instructions. Some components are extremely high voltage and/or produce powerful laser radiation. Substandard performance and longevity, property damage, and personal injury may result from not knowing and following these instructions.
Ensure that this manual and the separate engraving software manual are both included with this machine if it is ever given or sold to a third party.
• ALL personnel involved in the installation, operation, and maintenance of this machine MUST be familiar with the field of use, the dangers of the machine, and the characteristics of engraving materials, including its reflectivity, conductivity, potential for creating harmful or combustible fumes and so on.
• DO NOT allow minors, untrained personnel, or personnel suffering from physical or mental impairment that would affect their ability to follow this manual and the separate engraving software manual to install, operate, maintain, or repair this machine.
• Any untrained personnel who might be near the machine while it is in operation MUST be informed that it is dangerous and be fully instructed on how to avoid injury during its use.
• ONLY use this product for its intended purpose, engraving signs and logos on consumer products or applicable substrates. Use of this machine for non-designated purposes or materials is not permitted.
• Limit access to the area where the engraver is in use.
• ALWAYS use special protective eyewear when the laser is in use. The active laser is invisible to the human eye and could cause potentially permanent injury.
• ONLY touch the components of this product with ONE HAND at a time during use to reduce the risk of electric shock.
• It is recommended to use 10–75% of the rated power to enjoy optimal performance and longevity for most applications.
Constantly running your laser above 80% of its rated power can significantly SHORTEN the service life of this product.
• DO NOT operate this machine continuously for more than 4½ hours. Stop for at least 30 minutes between uses.
• DO NOT leave this machine unattended during operation.
Observe the machine throughout the operation. If anything seems to be operating strangely, immediately cut off ALL power to the machine and contact either our customer service or your dedicated repair service.
• NEVER use this machine while any cover is open to avoid potentially permanent injury. The active laser is invisible to the human eye.
• NEVER operate the engraver without any of the water cooling system and exhaust system operating properly. The water cooling system and exhaust system are both essential to the safe use of this device. Water should always be kept clean and around room temperature, and the exhaust system should always comply with all applicable laws and regulations for workplace and environmental air quality.
• Ensure the machine is FULLY turned off in the correct order after each use.
• ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher, water hose, or other flame-retardant system nearby in case of accidents.
• Ensure that the local fire department’s phone number is displayed nearby.
• In the case of a fire, cut electrical power before dousing the flame. Familiarize yourself with the correct range for your extinguisher before use. Take care not to use your extinguisher too close to the flame, as its high pressure can produce blowback.
¶ 1.5 Laser Safety Instructions
When used as instructed, this machine is a CLASS I laser product safe for users and bystanders. It complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for conformance with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3., as described in Laser Notice No. 56, dated May 8, 2019.
However, it includes a CLASS IV laser system and some components remain EXTREMELY dangerous. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure, which can cause serious property damage and personal injury including but not limited to the following:
• The laser will easily burn nearby combustible materials.
• Some working materials may produce radiation or harmful gases during processing.
• Direct exposure to the laser will cause bodily harm including serious burns and irreparable eye damage.
As such, please be aware of the following:
• ONLY use this engraver if its automatic shutoffs are working properly. When you first get this engraver and if you subsequently notice any problems, test them (see below) before undertaking any other work. Do not continue use if the shutoffs do not occur. Turn off the device and contact customer service or your repair service. Never disable these shutoffs.
• NEVER leave any part of the cabinet open during operation except (when needed) the pass-through doors.
• NEVER interfere with the laser beam.
• DO NOT place any part of your body under the laser lens during operation. Take measures to protect yourself from potentially reflected laser beams including the use of screens or personal protective equipment (PPE) such as protective eyewear.
• When using the pass-through doors or otherwise risking exposure to the laser beam, take measures to protect yourself from potentially reflected laser beams including the use of personal protective equipment such as protective eyewear specially designed to filter the specific wavelength of your engraver’s laser with an optical density (OD) of 5+.
• NEVER attempt to view the laser directly without protective eyewear. ALWAYS wear safety goggles or glasses designed to filter the specific wavelength of your engraver’s laser with an optical density (OD) of 5+. As even seemingly matte materials can produce harmful reflected beams, care should be taken to keep anyone without protective eyewear from observing the machine during operation.
DO NOT stare or allow others to stare continuously at the laser beam during the operation EVEN WHEN the cover is closed and/or you are wearing protective eyewear.
Exercise caution with the red dot positioning light as well, as its direct beam is a CLASS 1 laser in its own right.
• DO NOT stare or allow others to stare continuously at the laser beam during operation even when the cover is closed and/or wearing protective eyewear.
• ONLY use this machine as described in the Material Safety section of this manual. The laser settings and engraving process must be properly adjusted for specific materials.
• DO NOT leave potentially combustible, flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials nearby where they could be exposed to the direct or reflected laser beam.
• DO NOT use or leave sensitive EMI equipment nearby. Ensure the area around the laser is free of strong electromagnetic interference during any use.
• DO NOT modify or disable this device’s provided safety features. DO NOT modify or disassemble the laser and do not use the laser if it has been modified or disassembled by anyone except trained and skilled professionals. Dangerous radiation exposure and other injury may result from the use of adjusted, modified, or otherwise incompatible equipment.
• Keep the area free of airborne pollutants, as these might pose a similar risk of reflection, combustion, and so on.
• DO NOT use generic coolant or antifreeze in your cooling water, as they may leave corrosive residues and solidify inside your hoses and piping, causing malfunctions and even explosions. Use custom laser-safe formulations or use and store your engraver in a climate- controlled area.
¶ 1.6 Electrical Safety Instructions
• ONLY use this machine with a compatible and stable power supply with less than 5% fluctuation in its voltage.
• DO NOT connect other machines to the same fuse, as the laser system will require its full amperage. DO NOT use with standard extension cords or power strips. Use only surge protector rated over 2000J.
• ONLY turn on the power to this machine when it is well grounded, either via a firm connection to a 3-prong outlet or via a dedicated grounding cable firmly connected to the proper slot on the back of the control cabinet. Do not use with an ungrounded 3-to-2 prong adapter. The machine’s grounding should be checked regularly for any damage to the line or loose connections.
• Turn the machine on and off using its key and power buttons in the correct order. The mainboard, galvanometer (galvo), and laser have separate power supplies that are grounded in order. Activating everything at once, too quickly, or in the wrong order may send electrical current to an ungrounded component, causing short circuits and other electrical hazards.
• ONLY touch the components of this product with ONE HAND at a time during use. The laser is powered by an extremely high voltage connection and placing two hands on the machine at one time during operation has the potential to create a closed circuit with the human body, resulting in electrical shock.
• The area around this laser marking machine should be kept dry, well-ventilated, and environmentally controlled to keep the ambient temperature between 40℉–95℉ (5℃– 35℃). For best results, keep the temperature at 75℉ (25℃) or below. The ambient humidity should not exceed 70%.
• Adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the electrical components of this machine must be done ONLY by trained and skilled professionals to avoid fires and other malfunctions, including potential radiation exposure from damage to the laser components. Because specialized techniques are required for testing the electrical components of this marking system, it is recommended such testing only be done by the manufacturer, seller, or repair service.
• Unless otherwise specified, ONLY undertake adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the machine when it is turned off, disconnected from its power supply, and fully cooled.
• DO NOT handle the water pump (not included) or the water in which it is submerged while the pump is attached to its power supply. Place it in water before connecting it to power and disconnect it from power before removing it.
¶ 1.7 Material Safety Instructions
• Users of this marking machine are responsible for ensuring that every person present during operation has sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to avoid any injury from emissions or byproducts of the materials being processed. In addition to the protective laser eyewear discussed above, this may require masks or respirators, gloves, and other protective outer clothing.
• Users must exercise special caution when working with conductive materials as the buildup of their dust and ambient particles may damage electrical components, cause short circuits, or produce other effects including reflected laser radiation.
• Users of this marking machine are responsible for confirming that materials to be processed can withstand the heat of a CLASS 4 laser and will not produce any emissions or byproducts either harmful to people nearby or in violation of any local or national laws or regulations.
• DO NOT ever under any circumstances use this laser engraver if the exhaust system is not working properly. Always ensure that the exhaust fan can remove the dust and gas produced by the engraving process in accordance with all applicable local and national laws and regulations. Immediately stop use if the exhaust fan or vent pipe malfunctions. Periodically check the air assist intake filter to ensure it stays free of any dust or debris.
• This machine CAN be safely used with the following materials:
Plastics
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Nylon (Polyamide, PA, etc.)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE, PEHD, etc.)
- Biaxially-Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (BoPET, Mylar, Polyester, etc.)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG, PET-G, etc.)
- Polyimide (PI, Kapton, etc.)
- Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA, Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite, etc.)
- Polyoxymethylene (POM, Acetal, Delrin, etc.)
- Polypropylene (PP, etc.)
- Styrene
Others
- Cardboard
- Ceramics, including Dishes, Tile, etc.
- Glass
- Leather
- Paper & Paperboard
- Rubber
- Stone, including Marble, Granite, etc.
- Textiles, including Cotton, Suede, Felt, Hemp, etc.
- Wood, including Cork, MDF, Plywood, Balsa, Birch, Cherry, Oak, Poplar, etc.
For the recommended parameters for the most commonly engraved materials.
• This machine CANNOT be used with THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS OR WITH ANY MATERIALS WHICH INCLUDE THEM:
- uArtificial Leather containing Hexavalent Chromium (Cr[VI]), due to its toxic fumes
- Astatine, due to its toxic fumes
- Beryllium Oxide, due to its toxic fumes
- Bromine, due to its toxic fumes
- Chlorine, including Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl, Cintra, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
- Fluorine, including Polytetrafluoroethylenes (Teflon, PTFE, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
- Iodine, due to its toxic fumes
- Metals, due to their conductivity and reflectivity
- Phenolic Resins, including various forms of Epoxy, due to their toxic fumes
- Polycarbonate (PC, Lexan, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
For all other materials, if you are unsure about its safety or laserability with this device, seek out its material safety data sheet (MSDS). Alternatively, contact our support department for further guidance.
Pay especial attention to information about safety, toxicity, corrosiveness, reflectivity, and reaction(s) to high heat. Never operate the laser on any (such as PVC, teflon, and other halogen- containing substances) that can produce corrosive, hazardous, or even deadly fumes.
¶ 1.8 Machine Nameplate
The manufacturer's information is located on the rear of the unit (see diagram below). Retain all data plate information for future reference. You may be required to provide the serial number when contacting our support team.
¶ Chapter 2. Introduction
¶ 2.1 General Information
Your laser engraver works by emitting a powerful laser beam from a glass tube filled with excited carbon dioxide (CO₂), catalyzing nitrogen (N₂), and insulating helium (He), reflecting that beam off three mirrors and through a focus lens, and using this focused light to cut and etch designs into certain substrates.
The first mirror is fixed near the end of the laser tube, the second mirror travels along the machine’s Y axis, and the third mirror is attached to the laser head that travels along the X axis. Because some dust from the engraving process settles on the mirrors, they require frequent cleaning. Because they move during operation, they also require periodic readjustment using their attached positioning screws to maintain the proper laser path.
With low-intensity use, the provided laser tube has an average lifespan around 12,000 hours before requiring replacement. However, constantly running your laser above 70% of its maximum rated power can significantly shorten its service life. It is recommended to use settings from 10%–70% of the maximum rated power to enjoy optimal performance and longevity.
Note that this is a high-voltage device and, as a safety precaution, it is recommended to only touch its components with one hand at a time during use. Further note at its rated voltage this device and its components can draw over 30 amps at their maximum settings. Use separate 20 A circuits for the machine’s power cord and the water chiller’s power cord. Prepare a robust dedicated circuit for the machine ahead of time, or carefully use lower settings to avoid drawing too much power at one time.
¶ 2.2 Specifications
Mechanics
|
|
Cobra |
|
Max. Speed |
1500mm/s |
|
Max. Acceleration |
2G |
|
DPI |
1000 |
|
Laser Type |
Glass CO2 Laser Tube |
|
Z Axis Distance |
Cobra 8: 150mm；Cobra 10/14: 280mm |
|
Workspace Area |
Cobra 8: 800*500mm |
|
Machine Size (W x D x H) |
Cobra 8: 58*41*26inch（147cm×104cm×67cm） |
|
Net Weight |
Cobra 8:180kg； Cobra 10:270kg； Cobra 14:350kg |
|
Standard Head |
2inch / 2.5inch |
|
Max. Lifting Capacity |
Cobra 8:20kg； Cobra 10:30kg； Cobra 14:50kg |
|
Mirror Diameter |
φ25mm*3mm |
Outer Dimensions
|
|
Cobra |
|
Package Size (W x D x H) |
Cobra 8: 53*52*34inch（135×131×87cm） |
Control System
|
|
Cobra |
|
Interface Hardware |
USB: connect to PC Ethernet: connect to PC WI-FI：connect to PC |
|
Interface Software |
MakerBoost, RDWorks, LightBurn |
Electricity, Power, Breaker
|
|
Cobra |
|
Electricity Requirement |
110V / 60Hz
|
|
Power Consumption |
Cobra 8:1200W； Cobra 10:1250W； Cobra 14:1450W |
Ambient Conditions
|
|
Cobra |
|
Ambient Temperature |
+15°C to +35°C / 59°F to 95°F |
Laser Safety
|
|
Cobra |
|
Laser Class |
Machine is Class I. It includes a Class IV laser system. |
¶ 2.3 Components
¶ 2.3.1 Package List
| No. | Item | Qty. |
| A | Exhaust Fan |
1 |
| B | Exhaust Pipes, 150 mm Diameter and 1.5 m Long |
2 |
| C | Power Cord |
1 |
| D | USB Cable |
1 |
| E | Ethernet Cable |
1 |
| F | Pipe Clamps, 150 mm Diameter |
3 |
| G | Laser Keys with A Focal Length Ruler |
2 |
| H | Access Keys |
4 |
| I | USB Flash Drive with Engraving Software Included |
1 |
| J | Focus Lens Repair Tools |
2 |
| K | A Set of Hex Wrenches |
1 |
| L | Flat-head Screwdriver |
1 |
| M | Phillips-head Screwdriver |
1 |
| N | Water Inlet Hose for Water Cooling Systems (Blue) |
1 |
| O | Water Outlet Hose for Water Cooling Systems (White) |
1 |
| P | Water Chiller Alarm Cable |
1 |
| Q | Reverse Compensation Card |
1 |
| S | Double-sided Tape |
1 |
| T | Silicone Sealant |
1 |
| U | Water Hose Clamps |
2 |
| V | Ceramic testing Resistor |
1 |
| W | Tool Box |
1 |
¶ 2.3.2 Main Parts
| No. | Item | Brief Description |
| A |
Cover |
Provides access to the main bay for placing and retrieving materials, as well as fixing the laser path alignment and other maintenance. Power to the laser is automatically cut when the cover is opened. |
| B |
Viewing Window |
Protects you and others from the laser and its reflection, allowing monitoring of the engraving process. However, you should never stare continuously at the laser during operation, even through the window. |
| C |
X-Axis Rail |
Holds Mirror 2, supports the movement of the laser head left and right across the workbed. |
| D |
Y-Axis Rail |
Supports the movement of the X-axis rail up and down across the workbed. |
| E |
Laser Head |
Holds Mirror 3, the focus lens, and the air assist outlet. |
| F |
Workbed |
Can be adjusted in height to fit thinner and thicker materials, as well as adjusted between the aluminum and honeycomb platforms. |
| G |
Pass-Through Doors |
Opens to allow larger pieces of material to be fed through the workbed. Additional care must be taken to avoid seeing or suffering exposure to the laser beam and its reflection, and avoid the heavy material falling down to your feet when taking it out. |
| H |
Front Access Door |
Provides access to the area below the workbed for easy cleanup. The power of this machine will be automatically cut off for safety when opening this door. This is also where the accessories are located when the engraver first arrives. |
| I |
Feet |
Can be rotated down to help anchor the machine in place. |
| J |
Control Panel |
Provides hands-on control of the engraving process, including manual movement of the laser head and firing of the laser. |
| K |
Laser Key |
Controls the power supply to your laser tube and air assist pump. Turn it on after the control system power and turn it off before. |
| L |
Emergency Stop |
For saving energy, the air assist pump only starts during the working process, and after the work is completed, the air assist pump will automatically shut down with a 15-second delay, and the exhaust fan will shut down after a 30-second delay. |
| M |
Control System Power |
For your own safety and that of passersby, this engraver can be locked shut using the laser key. It is recommended that you use it to lock the machine between sessions, preventing any unauthorized operation of the machine. |
| N |
Indicator Lights |
Stops the machine instantly by pressing it down in an event of emergency. Turning it clockwise releases the button. Due to risks of fire and other hazards during engraving, this engraver includes this large and easy-to-reach emergency stop button on the control panel. |
| No. | Item | Brief Description |
| A |
Top Right |
Provides access to the control panel, buttons, and sensors for maintenance at the front rear, and sides and repair. |
| B |
Connection Inputs |
Includes the machine’s ports for its USB, computer, and Ethernet connections. |
| C |
Top Right |
Provides access to the mainboard, motor drivers, and control power supply. |
| D |
Left Top |
Provides access to the second mirror for maintenance and repair. |
| E |
Left Bottom Access Door |
Provides access to the Z axis rail lifting motor and air pressure sensor for maintenance and repair. |
| F |
Caster Wheels |
Moves or anchors the machine. The front wheels include locks to anchor the engraver in place. |
| G |
Top Rear Access Door |
Opens to the laser bay, holding the laser tube and its connections. |
| H |
Laser Tube |
Produces your engraving laser safely with helium, nitrogen, and CO₂ gas and water cooled filled inside. Its connection to the laser power supply is extremely high voltage and extremely dangerous. |
| I |
Water Ports |
Connects to your water pump or chiller to keep your laser tube cool and stable. |
| J |
Back Left |
Provides access to the laser source for maintenance and repair. |
| K |
Back Right Access Door |
Backup access door for maintenance and repair. |
| L |
X Axis Rail |
Moves along the Y axis, with its movement controlled by limit switches. |
| M |
3rd Mirror |
Transfers the laser from Mirror 2 to the focus lens. Can adjust its angles. |
| N |
Focus Lens |
With a diameter of 20 mm, directs and focuses the laser beam to its point of contact with the engraving material. |
| O |
Laser |
The engraving laser itself is invisible but highly dangerous, thus avoid any direct exposure to your skin or eyes. |
| P |
Air Assist |
Blows pressurized air to kill sparks and blow away gas and debris as you engrave. |
| Q |
Workbed |
Holds the target material, moves the material up and down. You can use the provided focal length ruler (G) to get the correct height for perfect focus for any thickness of material. |
¶ 2.3.3 Connection Inputs
| A |
Camera |
Connect the camera module on the machine to your control computer and engraving software. |
| B |
Ethernet to PC |
Connect to your control computer and engraving software via an Ethernet cable. |
| C |
Flash Drive |
Allows you to directly load and save designs and parameters from a USB drive to the engraving machine. |
| D |
USB to PC |
Connect to your control computer and engraving software using a dual USB cable. |
| E |
Main Power Port |
Provides a standard aviation-plug main power cable for primary power supply. |
| F |
Exhaust Fan |
Provides power to an exhaust fan. |
| G |
Grounding |
Connects to the dedicated grounding cable for safety if applicable. |
| H |
Chiller Alarm |
Connects to the water chiller alarm cable. |
| I |
Air Assist Intake |
Connects to the air assist pump with a hose of 6 mm diameter. |
| J |
Water Inlet |
Connects to the outlet of a water cooling system. |
| K |
Water Outlet |
Connects to the inlet of a water cooling system. |
¶ 2.3.4 Right Bottom Access Door
| A |
Mainboard |
Controls the engraving process, responding to commands from your engraving software or the machine’s control panel. |
| B |
Y-Axis Driver |
Moves the X rail along the Y rail. |
| C |
X-Axis Driver |
Moves the laser head along the X rail. |
| D |
Control Power Supply |
Powers the machine’s control panel. |
| E |
Z-Axis Driver |
Moves the workbed up and down. |
| F |
Alternating Current Contactors |
Controls the flow of electricity to a load by making and breaking electrical connections between the load and the power source. |
| G |
Smart Card |
Automatically controls the exhaust fan (will be turned off 30s after powering off) and air pump (will be turned off 15s after powering off), featuring energy saving; also controls the temperature sensor to realize the temperature alarm. |
| H |
EMI Filter |
Helps protect the sensitive electronics in the mainboard from interference from the power supply. |
| I |
Circuit Breaker |
Controls the whole power supply. |
| J |
Buzzer |
Emits a continuous alarm sound when the temperature sensor detects a temperature exceeding 70℃ . |
| K |
Cooling Fans |
Cools electrical components inside the cabinet. |
| L |
Terminal Block |
Provides convenient connection for multiple circuit wires for easy detection and maintenance. |
| M |
Relays |
Transmit control signals. |
¶ 2.3.5 Back Left Access Door (Laser Power Supply)
| A |
High-Voltage Wire |
Connects to the laser tube’s anode or positive end, providing high-voltage current to power the laser. |
| B |
Mounting Holes |
Allows simple installation and removal. |
| C |
Digital Display |
Provides the real-time current value to the laser tube in milliamps. |
| D |
Laser Indicator Light |
Illuminates when current is being sent to the laser tube. |
| E |
Main Power Terminal |
Holds the power supply’s connection to the engraver’s grounding (FG) and to the main power supply (AC). |
| F |
Test Button |
Tests fire the laser when troubleshooting problems. If the laser fires successfully, the problem will usually be with the control panel or its connections. |
| G |
Connection Terminal |
Holds the connections to the high (H) and low level output (L), the water protection switch (P), another ground (G), and two laser signal controls (IN & 5V). |
| H |
Water Indicator Light |
Illuminates the water cooling system is operating when connected. |
| I |
Laser Signal Indicator Light |
Illuminates when the laser tube is in operation. |
| J |
Ethernet Port |
Allows you to connect the laser power supply to an external ammeter. |
¶ 2.3.6 Panel Screen
Main Interface
When the system completes power-on initialization and reset, the main interface is displayed, as shown below:
1.Graphic Display Area:
This area is used for file preview and for rendering the machining graphics during processing.
2.Parameter Display Area:
Displays the current machining file name, part count (current file count | total file count), speed value, and power value (Channel 1 | Channel 2).
3.Coordinate Display Area:
Displays the coordinate values of the X, Y, Z, and U axes.
4.System Status Area:
Displays the system status (Idle, Pause, Complete, Running, Feeding), machining time, and machining progress.
5.Menu Area:
Manual: Enters the manual operation interface.
Auto: Enters the automatic operation interface. This is the default interface after system power-on.
Menu: Enters the system menu interface.
File: Enters the file management interface.
6.Function Area:
Frame: Runs the file boundary (frame tracing).
Start: Starts machining.
Stop: Stops machining.
Keyboard Lock: When the system time area is tapped, the interface can be locked, and a lock icon ( ) will be displayed on the screen.
7.Network Connection Status:
When the system is connected to a network cable, a network status icon ( ) is displayed on the screen.
8.Positioning Indicator:
Displayed after pressing the positioning button in the manual interface.
9.Screen Origin Position:
The graphic display area uses this coordinate point as the reference origin for rendering graphics.
Manual Functions
On the main interface, tap the “Manual” button to open the interface shown below:
This interface is mainly used for manual debugging and operation, including axis movement, pulse firing, positioning, I/O diagnostics, frame tracing, homing, and system reset.
Tap the “Auto” button to return to the main interface.
Menu Functions
On the main interface, tap the “Menu” button to enter the menu interface, as shown below:
The menu functions include the following submenus:
- System Settings
- Language Settings
- User Parameters
- Manufacturer Parameters
The buttons at the bottom of the interface correspond to the function settings of each submenu.
File Management
On the main interface, tap the “File” button to open the file management interface, as shown below:
After entering this interface, if files are stored in internal memory, their names will be displayed in the file list. The selected file is previewed in the preview area on the right.
When multiple files are available, use the Up and Down buttons on the left to scroll through the file list. Tapping a file selects it and displays its graphic in the preview area.
Tapping “Select” indicates that the file is selected for processing.
The Memory and U Disk buttons in the lower-left corner allow switching between the internal memory interface and the USB disk interface, enabling file reading from both sources.
At the bottom of the interface are the file operation buttons:
- Copy - Copies the selected file to the USB disk
- Delete - Deletes the selected file
- Select - Selects the currently highlighted file as the processing file
- Delete All - Deletes all files stored in internal memory
- Clear - Quickly clears internal memory
- Format - Formats the internal memory
- Memory: Switches to the internal memory interface to browse files.
- U Disk: Switches to the USB disk interface and reads files from the USB disk.
¶ Chapter 3. Installation
¶ 3.1 Selecting a Location
The location should meet all of the following requirements:
• The location meets all of the requirements mentioned in §1 Safety Information on Page 1.
• The location should be stable, level, dry, and climate-controlled to ensure an ambient temperature of 40℉-95℉ and an ambient humidity under 70% . In particular, the temperature and humidity together should not be close to the dew point.
• The location should be free of dust and other airborne pollutants and well-ventilated enough to process any fumes produced by the engraving process in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Depending on the materials to be processed, this may require the construction of a dedicated ventilation system.
• The location should be away from children; combustible, flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials; and sensitive EMI machines.
• The main power cable should be plugged into a compatible and stable power source via a grounded 3-prong outlet. No other item should be drawing current from the same fuse.
• The location has fire-fighting equipment nearby and the local fire department s phone number clearly displayed.
• It is recommended to use a windowless room or to use blinds and/or curtains to avoid exposure to the potential additional heat of direct sunlight.
• It is highly recommended to have an extra work table nearby to avoid placing objects on or directly adjacent to the machine, which could become a fire or laser hazard.
¶ 3.2 Grounding the Machine
This machine employs a CLASS 4 laser which is extremely high voltage and potentially dangerous. Therefore, users MUST securely ground it to avoid the buildup of static electricity.
Execute one of the following depending on your situation:
Notice: If applicable, execute both grounding methods.
• Connect the main power cable to a standard 3-prong outlet firmly.
• Connect the grounding cable (not included) from the grounding port on the machine to a dedicated grounding cable.
The far end of the dedicated grounding cable should be securely connected to a metal rod driven at least 8 feet (3 m) deep into soil located at least 5 feet (1.5 m) from the machine. The resistance along the line should be no greater than 5Ω .
• Do not use with an ungrounded 3-to-2 prong adapter. The machine’s grounding should be checked regularly for any damage to the line or loose connections.
• Poor grounding WILL cause equipment failure and create a serious electrical shock hazard. The manufacturer and/or seller bear(s) no responsibility and assume(s) no liability for any damage, accidents, or injuries caused by bad grounding connections.
¶ 3.3 Installing the Machine
• Make sure that you understand all the instructions before installation to execute a proper setup and achieve safe laser performance. If you have any installation questions or problems, contact our technicians and customer support team.
A complete working system consists of the laser engraving cabinet, an exhaust system, a water cooling system (not included), all applicable connection cables, and the laser and access keys.
You can also configure other additional accessories, such as an industrial water chiller, purifier, or rotary axis, to suit your needs. But exercise caution to use only the hardware, wiring, and power sources that came with or are compatible with this device. Installing equipment that your device is not designed to work with can lead to poor performance, shortened service time, increased maintenance costs, property damage, and personal injury.
¶ 3.3.1 Installing the Water Cooling System (Not Included)
A water cooling system—typically a water pump or chiller— MUST be used with this engraver to absorb the heat produced by the laser tube. The water cooling system is essential to your engraver’s performance and longevity. Without a properly maintained cooling system, the glass laser tube WILL explode from excess heat.
For an engraver with such high power, it is recommended to use an industrial water chiller for better cooling performance, especially when you are using the machine for a long time.
Though the power sockets on the back of the machine look luring, do not use them for powering your water chiller. They can’t handle the electric draw of your chiller or pump.
For instructions, see the manual of your water cooling system. But keep in mind:
• Connect the water OUTLET of your water cooling system to the water INLET of the engraver.
• Connect the water INLET of your water cooling system to the water OUTLET of the engraver.
¶ 3.3.2 Installing the Air Assist Pump
Connect your air assist outtake port on the air assist pump to the air assist intake port on the machine via a hose.
¶ 3.3.3 Installing the Exhaust System
An exhaust system—typically either an external vent or a dedicated air purifier—MUST be used to remove the dust and gases produced by the engraving process.
1. Connect one of the provided exhaust pipes between the machine and the inlet port of the exhaust fan. The pipe can be expanded to a full length of about 5 feet (1.5 m).
2. Connect the other exhaust pipe between the outlet port of the exhaust fan and a dedicated purifier or, if the fumes are not hazardous and meet local and national air safety standards, place the other end out of a window.
3. Insert the power cable of the exhaust fan into the exhaust fan port on the machine.
4. Ready to use after powering on the device.
• Do not start the machine without an adequate exhaust system.
¶ 3.3.4 Connecting to Power Supply
• Use a dedicated circuit for the engraver. Make sure the circuit has an easily accessible circuit breaker.
• The circuit MUST be 3-core, with each wire being at least 14 AWG.
• Under NO circumstances should you switch on the device if the voltages do not correspond.
1. Confirm that the label beside the connection socket on the machine matches your power supply.
2. Connect one end of the power cord to the socket on the machine and the other end into a compatible and stable power source via a grounded 3-prong outlet.
¶ 3.4 Connecting to Your Control Computer
The control computer can be connected in any of the two ways:
• Via the provided USB cable (via the port marked “USB Cable”).
In this way, the control computer is directly connected to the engraver, so it should not be placed more than 15 feet (4.5 m) away in order to avoid possible interference to the signal on its line.
• Via the provided Ethernet cable (“Ethernet Cable”) using the internet.
The cabinet can use designs provided by the enclosed engraving software by direct or internet connection with your computer; it can also engrave designs loaded directly from a flash drive.
Familiarize yourself with the software’s image design features and laser control settings before using it to operate the laser. For details on the requirements for the control computer, see the software manual.
¶ 3.4.1 Computer Requirements
The following recommendation represents the minimum requirements. When using a more powerful computer the graphics are generated and displayed faster and the computing times and the data transfer to the laser are reduced. To use the newest software version, you might have to abide other requirements.
Minimum system requirements (based on Qt 6.8.3 program):
|
|
MacOS |
Windows |
|
Operating System |
macOS 12 or later |
Windows 10 ( 64 bit ) or later
|
|
RAM |
4GB or higher |
4GB or higher |
|
Processor |
Apple M series |
x86 64 architecture,Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD 64-bit processor or higher |
|
Display |
1400 x 1050 or higher monitor resolution |
1400 x 1050 or higher monitor resolution |
|
Storage |
At least 1 GB of available space |
At least 1 GB of available space |
|
Connectivity Interfaces |
1 free USB interface (for supporting external devices) |
1 free USB interface (for supporting external devices) |
Recommended configuration (for a smoother experience):
|
|
MacOS |
Windows |
|
Operating System |
macOS 13 or later |
Windows 11 ( 64 bit )
|
|
RAM |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Processor |
Apple Ml / M2 series or higher |
Intel i5 8th Generation / AMD Ryzen 5 or higher |
|
Display |
1920 x 1080 or higher monitor resolution |
1920 x 1080 or higher monitor resolution |
|
Storage |
SSD, with at least 2GB of available space |
SSD, with at least 2GB of available space |
|
Connectivity Interfaces |
1 free USB interface (for supporting external devices) |
1 free USB interface (for supporting external devices) |
• Perform the connections exactly in the order described; otherwise electrostatic charging can damage your computer and the electronics of the laser system.
¶ Chapter 4. Operation
You should start your machine and test the functions below before conducting ANY other work with your machine for safety.
¶ 4.1 Starting the Machine
• Make sure your water cooling system, air assist pump, and exhaust system have been installed.
1. Flip your circuit breaker up.
2. Turn on your water cooling system.
3. (Optional) Turn on your additional ventilation system (such as a dedicated purifier).
4. On the control panel, slightly rotate the emergency stop button clockwise until it pops up. The laser head should start to move to its origin automatically.
5. Turn on the control system power by pressing the control system power button.
6. Use the key to activate the laser key switch.
7. Wait until the engraver is in standby mode and ready to use.
8. Place a piece of laserable scrap material on the workbed.
9. Close the cover.
¶ 4.2 Pre-use Testing
Do the following tests to ensure your engraver is working properly. If any function is not working, the related part must be replaced or repaired before further use.
| No. |
Test Functions |
Location | Test method |
Desired Effects |
|
1
|
Emergency Shutoff |
|
1. Follow the steps above to fire the laser. 2. Press the button down. |
The laser beam stops immediately. |
|
2 |
Cover Shutoff (Interlock) |
 |
1. Follow the steps above to fire the laser. 2.Open the cover.
|
The laser beam stops immediately. |
|
3
|
Water Shutoff |
 |
1. Follow the steps above to fire the laser. 2. Cut off the flow of water (for example by crimping or tying the two hoses).
|
The laser beam stops immediately. |
| No. |
Test Functions |
Test method | Desired Effects |
|
4 |
Calibrate the Laser Path |
1. Attach a piece of masking tape around the laser aperture, pressing so that a circular mark is left on the tape. 2. Lay the tape right under the laser aperture and on top of the laserable scrap. 3. Follow the steps above to fire the laser. |
A tiny hole has formed at the perfect center of the circular mark. If not right at the center, see §7.3 Laser Path Alignment to calibrate the laser path. |
|
5 |
Air Assist Pump |
Check that it is correctly configured and connected. If any tubing or wiring needs to be reconnected, shut off all power to the machine (including by pressing the emergency stop) before adjusting anything. |
A failed air assist can result in poor engraving quality,overheating,fire hazards,damage to the laser components, and safety risks. |
¶ 4.3 Turning Off the Machine
When you have completed all tests, turn off the machine as below and contact customer service for assistance if any:
1. Close your engraving software, and unplug the USB cable or ethernet cable.
2. Turn and remove your laser key.
3. Turn off the control system power by pressing the control system power button.
4. Press the emergency stop button.
5. Allow time for the ventilation and cooling systems to continue running, cooling the laser and removing any remaining fumes or dust.
6. Turn off the control system power.
7. Turn off the water cooling system.
8. (Optional) Turn off your additional ventilation system (such as a dedicated purifier).
9. Flip down the circuit breaker that you’ve prepared for the engraver.
¶ 4.4 Operation Overview
• Operate this laser engraver only in accordance with all the instructions provided in this manual. Failure to follow the guidelines detailed here can result in property damage and personal injury.
The engraver is operable either through:
• The built-in control panel
• Your control computer
• The engraver’s in-built Wi-Fi module.
Most of the operations are automated. The icons in the control panel can be used to move the laser head along the X and Y-axis guide rails and the can be used to raise or lower the workbed.
More often, you will create designs as graphic files on the control computer, load them on the engraver, and then engrave them. The software can be used to create different layers with different power settings, speeds, and other parameters.
Once everything is perfect, press to autofocus the laser head, press to preview the size of a preset frame around your engraving design, press to begin engraving, and press to stop and reset the laser head back to the origin.
¶ 4.5 Pre-Operation Preparation
¶ 4.5.1 Checking
1. Make sure the power supply is ok.
2. Ensure proper ventilation.
a. Turn on the exhaust system and check its functionality.
b. Make sure that any back-up ventilation systems are in place and running smoothly.
• NEVER operate the laser if the fan and pipes are not working to purify or remove the fumes produced by the target material. Research materials before use and never operate the laser on any (such as PVC, teflon, and other halogen-containing substances) that can produce corrosive, hazardous, or even deadly fumes.
3. Open the engraver’s cover, and confirm the air assist is working well, blowing air through the nozzle.
¶ 4.5.2 Powering on
As described in Step 4.1.
¶ 4.5.3 Preparing Material
1. Open the engraver’s cover.
2. Place a sample piece of your material on the workbed.
The default location of the laser head’s zero position is at the top left corner of the workbed. This can be changed by moving either your design or the engraver’s origin position using the control panel or your engraving software.
• DO NOT insert anything through the pass-through doors other than the material once the laser is active. Pay special attention to the fumes and dust that may be released through these doors. Be sure that your ventilation system is strong enough to pull in all of the byproducts or wear the necessary PPE to ensure the health of users and passersby.
• For heavier pieces of material, be careful to distribute its weight as evenly as possible across reinforced supports. For larger pieces of material, you may open the front and rear pass-through doors.
3. Close the engraver’s cover.
• Exercise caution with your hands when closing the cover.
¶ 4.5.4 Preparing the Engraving Pattern
1. Create the design.
You can do this directly in your engraving software or use any other graphics program, saving or converting the file to a format compatible with the engraver.
2. Customize your design’s contrast and engraving depth by adjusting the parameters in your engraving software or directly through the control panel.
• To increase engraving depth, increase the amount of energy per unit area by increasing the laser’s power or the number of loops or by slowing down the speed parameter. Engraving too deep, however, reduces image quality, especially for coated materials.
• When working with new materials, remember that you should always start on the low end of likely settings. If the effect is not yet strong enough, you can always rerun the design loop several times or rerun it with more powerful settings until you create the effect that you want.
• Resolution should usually be set to 500 dots per inch. Reducing your image resolution can be helpful in some cases, reducing flaming and increasing the energy of the pulse in a way that improves the quality of the resultant image in some materials such as some plastics.
3. Check that your sample material is still on the workbed.
4. Close the cover.
¶ 4.6 Make Connection between PC and Machine
¶ 4.6.1 Software Installation
Lightburn
Please download the corresponding Lightburn at the link below:
https://lightburnsoftware.com/pages/download-trial
If you use USB cable connection, please install the USB driver.
Mac:
Click to download the file. Drag the software on the left into the folder on the right. The software has been downloaded successfully. You can find it in the Launchpad and use it.
Win:
After selecting your options, click "Finish" and then wait for the driver download to complete. You can confirm this and then end the installation process.
A "Lightburn" icon will be automatically added to your Desktop, you are now ready to use the Lightburn.
¶ 4.6.2 Wired Connection
USB Cable Connection
Connecting the Computer and the machine by using the USB cable. Like below (Please use a docking station or adapter to connect for MacOS):
Ethernet Cable Connection
Connecting the Computer and the machine by using the Ethernet cable. Like below (Please use a docking station or adapter to connect for MacOS):
To establish communication between the PC and machine via the above methods, follow these steps:
Lightburn
Make sure that you have your PC connected to the machine via USB cable or Ethernet cable.
Click "Devices" from right bottom corner of the software. Click "Find My Laser" to set up by the Devices setting.
Mac:
Win:
Then follow instructions to complete the connection steps step by step. Select the connection you just created and the display shows "Ready" to indicate a successful connection. Now Lightburn communicates with your laser machine via USB cable or Ethernet cable.
When connecting the machine and the PC for the first time, it may take a few minutes for the operating system to recognize the machine and install the driver.
¶ 4.6.3 Remote Connection
Network Cable Connection
Connect both the Cobra and computer to the network using Ethernet cables.
Critical: Ensure they reside on the same subnet (e.g., 192.168. 1. XXX).
How to Viewing/Modifying Cobra IP Address?
To establish communication between the PC and machine via the above methods, follow these steps:
Lightburn
Click "Devices" from right bottom corner of the software. Click "Create Manually" to set up by the Devices setting.
Mac:
Win:
Then follow instructions to complete the connection steps step by step. Critical: Under Controller Type dropdown, MUST select "Ruida". The entered IP MUST exactly match the Cobra's configured address.
Mac:
Win:
After successful device creation, locate and select the newly created "Cobra" entry in the bottom-right panel (Device List section).
WIFI Connection
The system supports two WiFi modes: Hotspot Mode and Repeater Mode.
1. Hotspot Mode
Connect your computer directly to the Cobra's built-in router:
- SSID Format: [Machine Model] X. (Example: Cobra 8)
- Wifi Mode: 2.4G.
- No Default Password.
Example: The hotspot's default IP subnet is 192.168.20.xxx. Set Cobra's IP address within 192.168.20.xxx. Important: The last octet of the hotspot's IP must differ from Cobra's IP address.
To verify the hotspot subnet on your computer:
①Windows: Open Command Prompt, type "ipconfig", and check the IPv4 address.
②Open WiFi settings, view network details, and locate "IP address".
2. Repeater Mode
Users can bridge the Cobra's WiFi module to their primary router network. This allows both the Cobra and computer to connect remotely via the user's regular WiFi.
Setup Procedure:
1.Select STA mode for WiFi configuration.
2.Bridge setup: Enter the target WiFi's name and password, then click Write.
3.Connect the PC to the unified WiFi network.
The device supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) / Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) protocols. When bridging, the upstream router must not exceed Wi-Fi 5 standards (i.e., cannot use Wi-Fi 6/6E or Wi-Fi 7).
To verify the hotspot subnet on your computer:
①Windows: Open Command Prompt, type "ipconfig", and check the IPv4 address.
②Open WiFi settings, view network details, and locate "IP address".
To establish communication between the PC and machine via the above methods, follow these steps:
Lightburn
Click "Devices" from right bottom corner of the software. Click "Create Manually" to set up by the Devices setting.
Mac:
Win:
Then follow instructions to complete the connection steps step by step. Critical: Under Controller Type dropdown, MUST select "Ruida". The entered IP MUST exactly match the Cobra's configured address.
Mac:
Win:
After successful device creation, locate and select the newly created "Cobra" entry in the bottom-right panel (Device List section).
¶ 4.6.4 Engraving test
Lightburn
Open Lightburn software. Go to Devices Settings - Enable Scanning Offset Adjustment. Notice: Lightburn cannot read existing device parameters; users must manually enter values.
The particular values are showing with a picture in folder of laser software on the USB flash drive and on the Anodized aluminum piece that came with your machine.
¶ 4.6.5 How to Use the Auto-focus Function
The auto-focus function controls the up-and-down movement of the work platform to ensure the optimal distance between the material and the focusing lens. By using the auto-focus function, users can achieve fast and accurate focusing before cutting or engraving, reducing setup time and delivering better cutting and engraving results.
Please follow the steps below to use the Auto focus function:
Place and secure the workpiece on the work platform → Move the laser head to the processing area → Press the AF button on the control panel.
After that, the needed focus will be set automatically.
Important: Ensure you press the auto-focus button only once per auto-focus operation.
When using the autofocus function, be careful to avoid the workpiece hitting the laser head, otherwise you will damage the machine and the laser head!
¶ 4.7 Engraving Proper
1. Press ‘Start’ on the Panel Screen to engrave your design.
Again, do not stare continuously at the laser even through the protective polycarbonate window. Watch for possible issues like sparks or fires, however, and be prepared to quickly extinguish a fire if necessary.
2. Once the laser has stopped, press to completely stop work, return to the beginning of the design, and reset the laser head back to its origin.
3. Open the cover and check that the engraved pattern is desired. If not, adjust the parameters as needed.
4. Remove the sample material and place the actual material for engraving.
5. Press to engrave your design.
¶ 4.8 Wrapping-up
1. Once you have finished engraving, close your software and then turn off your machine in the following order:
a. Close your engraving software, and unplug the USB cable or ethernet cable.
b. Turn and remove your laser key.
c. Turn off the control system power by pressing the control system power button.
d. Press the emergency stop button.
e. Allow time for the ventilation and cooling systems to continue running, cooling the laser and removing any remaining fumes or dust.
f. Turn off the control system power.
g. Turn off the water cooling system.
h. (Optional) Turn off your additional ventilation system (such as a dedicated purifier).
i. Flip down the circuit breaker that you’ve prepared for the engraver.
2. Fully clean the workbed and check if the lens or any mirrors require cleaning. Use the bottom left access panel to remove, empty, clean, and replace the debris tray. Store everything neatly away.
3. For best results, lock and disconnect your laser engraver from its power supply between uses.
¶ 4.9 Rotary Operation (Optional)
¶ 4.9.1 Installing a Rotary Attachment
1. Remove the steel saw bed or the aluminum knife bed and the support bar of the blade.
2. Place your rotary axis in an open area.
3. Put the material and adjust the position using the rotary axis’ knobs.
4. Check the height of the workbed is appropriate. If necessary, lower the workbed (using the arrow keys) to provide room for the laser head to pass over your axis and material.
5. Connect the rotary axis cord to the rotary port at the back of the main bay.
¶ 4.9.2 Engraving Procedures Proper
1. Check the settings of machine and power on.
2. Prepare your engraved material and designs.
3. Connect the rotating shaft to the device and then perform focusing.
4. Turn on the switch of your rotary attachment. The rotation of the rotary attachment will be controlled by the engraver’s Y axis settings. Set distance per pulse and other rotation parameters.
5. Start your engraving. Remember to turn off the power after it’s over.
Warning: After using the rotary attachment, turn off the switch and reset the machine. Failure to do so may result in a machine collision.
¶ 4.10 Instructions for Specific Materials
The following instructions are suggestions to help speed safe work with a range of materials. The user should research the specific safety and engraving requirements of their specific material to avoid the risk of fire, hazardous dust, corrosive and poisonous fumes, and other potential problems. Once the product is known to be safe or appropriate protective equipment has been set up, it can be helpful to engrave a test matrix of small boxes produced at various speed and power settings to discover the ideal settings for your design. Alternatively, start with low power and fast speed settings and rerun your design as many times as needed, using progressively greater laser intensity.
|
Despcrition |
Acrylic |
Glass |
Leather |
Stone/Tile |
Wood |
||
| Natural | Artificial | ||||||
|
80 W |
Power (%) | 18 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 18 | 19 |
| Speed (mm/s) | 325 | 225 | 400 | 425 | 145 | 200 | |
|
100 W |
Power (%) | 15 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 18 |
| Speed (mm/s) | 350 | 200 | 250 | 425 | 450 | 165 | |
|
130 W |
Power (%) | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 18 | 19 |
| Speed (mm/s) | 375 | 275 | 450 | 475 | 185 | 225 | |
|
150 W |
Power (%) | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 18 | 18 |
| Speed (mm/s) | 375 | 275 | 450 | 475 | 185 | 225 | |
¶ 4.10.1 Ceramics
When engraving on ceramics, generally use moderate to high power. Using more loops rather than higher power and lower speed can help avoid cracking the material during work. Be mindful of the health risk posed by dust generated from ceramic engraving, especially for repetitive industrial applications. Depending on the material and the amount of work, a fan or even full ventilation system may be required to address the problem. Similarly, operators and others in the work area may need to use breathing PPE such as masks and respirators.
¶ 4.10.2 Glass
When engraving glass, generally use high power and low speed. As with ceramics, it can be helpful to run more loops at lower settings to avoid cracks. Care must be taken when engraving fiberglass and carbon fiber to avoid combinations of settings that produce a laser intensity great enough to damage the structural integrity of its component fibers, producing blurry marking. PPE should be worn to avoid exposure of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin to the dust produced by working with either material, especially for repetitive industrial applications. Clothing worn while working with fiberglass should be washed separately afterwards.
¶ 4.10.3 Leather
When engraving leather products, generally use low to moderate power at high speed. Be especially attentive to the possibility of fire, as well as the dust produced in repetitive applications.
|
Despcrition |
Thickness | ||||
| 1/16 in. | 1/8 in. | 1/4 in. | 1/2 in. | ||
|
80 W |
Power (%) | 18 | 28 | 32 | 40 |
| Speed (mm/s) | 25 | 18 | 6 | 4 | |
|
100 W |
Power (%) | 18 | 25 | 30 | 38 |
| Speed (mm/s) | 35 | 23 | 8 | 5 | |
|
130 W |
Power (%) | 17 | 24 | 28 | 37 |
| Speed (mm/s) | 40 | 25 | 9 | 6 | |
|
150 W |
Power (%) | 17 | 23 | 27 | 35 |
| Speed (mm/s) | 45 | 26 | 10 | 7 | |
¶ 4.10.4 Metal
CO₂ laser engravers should not be used for marking, engraving, or cutting metal. They are best suited for working on coatings applied to a metal base, and care must be taken not to attempt to work on the underlying metal itself. A variety of coatings specialized for CO₂ engraving are available, and the user should follow the instructions provided as the parameters vary from product to product and metal to metal. Generally, work on aluminum coatings should be done more quickly at lower power and work on steel coatings can be done more slowly at higher power.
¶ 4.10.5 Paper and Cardboard
When engraving various paper products, generally use low to moderate power and fast speed. Test samples from each batch, as only small parameter differences can separate effects that are too light from those that burn through the substrate. As with leather, be especially attentive of the possibility of fire, as well as the dust produced in repetitive applications.
¶ 4.10.6 Plastics
Plastics for engraving are available in many different colors and thicknesses and with many different coatings and surfaces. The majority of available plastics can be well engraved and cut with the laser. Plastics with a microporous surface seem to give the best result, because less surface material needs to be removed. When engraving plastics, generally use low power and high speed settings. Marking and engraving with too much power or at too low a speed can concentrate too much energy at the point of contact, causing the plastic to melt. Among other problems, this may produce poor engraving quality, noxious fumes, and even fires. High resolution engraving can cause the same problem, so medium to low resolution designs should be preferred for most plastics.
|
Description |
Thickness of Acrylic | |||||||
| 1/16 in. | 1/8 in. | 1/4 in. | 1/2 in. | 3/4 in. | 1 in. | 1-1/8 in. | ||
| 80 W | Speed (mm/s) | 25 | 12 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - |
| Power (%) | 18 | 25 | 35 | 45 | 55 | 60 | - | |
| 100 W | Speed (mm/s) | 25 | 14 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 1 | |
| Power (%) | 18 | 25 | 33 | 43 | 53 | 58 | - | |
| 130 W | Speed (mm/s) | 30 | 15 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Power (%) | 17 | 25 | 30 | 37 | 42 | 55 | 58 | |
| 150 W | Speed (mm/s) | 35 | 16 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | - |
| Power (%) | 16 | 24 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 53 | - | |
¶ 4.10.7 Rubber
The various compositions and densities of rubber cause slightly varying engraving depths. Testing various settings on sample pieces of your specific rubber is highly recommended for best results. When engraving rubber, generally use a consistent high-power setting and create your effects by varying the laser’s speed. Microporous rubber materials require a significantly higher speed than standard rubber. Engraving any kind of rubber produces a considerable amount of dust and gas. Depending on the amount of work, breathing PPE and/or a full ventilation system may be required to address the problem.
¶ 4.10.8 Stone
When engraving various kinds of stone, generally use moderate power and moderate to fast speed. As with ceramics and glass, be mindful of the dust created (especially for repetitive industrial applications) and take similar measures to ensure the safety of users and others in the work area.
¶ 4.10.9 Textiles
When engraving textiles like cloth and fleece, generally use low power and fast speed. As with leather, be especially attentive to the possibility of fire and dust.
¶ 4.10.10 Wood
As with rubber, there is a huge variety of woods and testing your specific material is essential to get the best results. In general, wood with consistent grain and coloring engraves more evenly. Knotted wood produces uneven effects, while resinous wood produces greater edge contrast. Some soft woods like balsa, cork, and pine engrave well (albeit with low contrast) at low or moderate power settings and high speed. Others like fir suffer from uneven fibers that usually produce a poor effect no matter what you do. Hard woods like cherry and oak engrave well at high power settings and low speed. Manufactured wood products can vary from brand to brand, mostly based on their glue composition and abundance. MDF works well but creates dark edges when cut.
In addition to the risk of fire with any wood product, extra care must be taken with the fumes from the glue used in plywood and other manufactured woods. Some are too dangerous to work with at all, while others require careful ventilation and the use of breathing PPE for repetitive industrial applications. Wood toxicity should also be examined, as the dust from some natural woods including oleander and yew can also cause nausea and cardiac problems in high enough amounts.
|
Description |
Thickness of Baltic Birch Plywood | ||||||||
| 1/16 in. | 1/8 in. | 1/4 in. | 1/2 in. | 3/4 in. | 1 in. | 1-1/8 in. | 1-1/4 in. | ||
| 80 W | Speed (mm/s) | 25 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | - | - |
| Power (%) | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 43 | 47 | - | - | |
| 100 W | Speed (mm/s) | 30 | 15 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | - | 2 |
| Power (%) | 20 | 25 | 28 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 55 | 55 | |
| 130 W | Speed (mm/s) | 35 | 16 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Power (%) | 18 | 25 | 27 | 32 | 37 | 42 | 47 | 55 | |
| 150 W | Speed (mm/s) | 40 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | - | 4 |
| Power (%) | 18 | 24 | 26 | 30 | 35 | 40 | - | 52 | |
¶ Chapter 5. Maintenance
¶ 5.1 Maintenance Overview
• The use of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous laser radiation exposure.
• Before any cleaning or maintenance work, always switch off the device and disconnect it from its power supply.
• Always keep the system clean, as flammable debris in the working and exhaust areas constitutes a fire hazard.
• ONLY allow trained and skilled professionals to modify or disassemble this device.
• Clean and cool water must be provided to the system at all times.
• The working table must be cleaned on a daily basis.
• Mirror 3 and the focus lens must be checked every day and cleaned if required.
• The other mirrors, exhaust system, and air assist intake filter must be checked every week and cleaned if required.
• The beam alignment should be checked weekly.
• The wiring should be checked every week for loose connections, especially the wiring for the laser tube power supply.
• The guide rails should be cleaned and lubricated at least twice a month.
• The air assist must be checked every month and cleaned if required.
• The whole laser machine including the other components such as the water cooling system must be checked every month and cleaned where required.
¶ 5.2 Cleaning
¶ 5.2.1 Cleaning the Main Bay and Engraver
Cleaning Frequency: Daily, after each use
• Disconnect the engraver from power before cleaning.
• Completely wipe dry the surfaces after cleaning.
• NEVER allow water to come into contact with the electronic elements.
Notice: Depending on what you’ve been engraving, you might need to clean the engraver more or less often. However, we suggest cleaning it after each use for the best results.
Tools Needed:
• Paper towel
• Mild detergent
Viewing Window
Clean with mild cleansers and a lens or cotton cloth. DO NOT use paper towels as they can scratch the acrylic and reduce the cover’s ability to protect you from laser radiation.
Main Bay Interior
Clean thoroughly with paper towels, removing any debris or deposits.
Debris Tray
1. Turn off and unplug the engraver.
2. Slide out the tray.
3. Empty loose waste, rinse dust and fine debris off, dry, and replace the tray.
Other Surfaces
Dust the other surfaces with a soft cloth or clean them using a mild detergent and then wipe clean before further use.
¶ 5.2.2 Cleaning the Water System
See your water system’s manual for reference to ensure that the water used remains cool, clean, and pure.
¶ 5.2.3 Cleaning the Focus Lens
The lens has a durable coating and won’t be damaged by correct and careful cleaning. If not clean, your laser will be less efficient and heat buildup on the oil or dust itself can damage the lens.
Cleaning Frequency: Daily, after each use
Tools Needed:
• Lens-cleaning liquid
• Lens tissue or cloth
• The focus lens repair tool (J)
• Disconnect the engraver from power before cleaning.
• Completely wipe dry the surfaces after cleaning.
• NEVER allow water to come into contact with the electronic elements.
• Be careful in all of the following steps not to directly touch the lens surface with your hands or any dirty, oily, or abrasive surface. Use lens-safe gloves or cloths only.
Detaching the Focus Lens:
1. Move the engraving table to a distance of approximately 4 inches (10 cm) under the lens holder.
2. Move the laser head into the center of the workbed and put a cloth under the lens holder so that the lens will not be damaged if it accidentally falls from its holder.
3. Remove the pressurized air hose by pulling it out.
4. Turn the knob next to the laser head to disassemble the head and remove the focus lens.
Cleaning the Focus Lens and Its O-Ring:
1. Examine the lens surface, remove coarse dust as well as possible by blowing air onto the lens surface and, if necessary, clean it with the lens cleaning liquid and lens tissue or cloth as below.
a. Put the lens on a clean lens-cleaning tissue.
b. Put some lens-cleaning liquid on one side of the lens.
c. Leave the liquid to take effect for approximately one minute.
d. Gently wipe the liquid away with lens-cleaning tissues soaked with lens-cleaning liquid.
e. Dry this side of the lens with dry lens-cleaning tissues/cloth.
2. Repeat the same cleaning process on the other side of the lens.
Notice: NEVER use a cleaning tissue twice. Dust accumulated in the cleaning tissue could scratch the lens surface.
3. Examine the O-ring and, if necessary, clean it with a cotton bud and a lens-cleaning tissue or cloth.
4. Examine the O-ring and lens to ensure they are clean. If any dirt remains, repeat the cleaning process until both are thoroughly clean.
Notice: Do not touch the surface of the lens after cleaning.
Reattaching the Focus Lens:
1. Carefully insert the lens into the lens holder, ensuring that its rounded convex side is facing upwards.
2. Put the O-ring on top of the lens.
3. Carefully reassemble the lens lock ring, the laser guide connection, and the pressurized air hose in reverse order.
¶ 5.2.4 Cleaning the Mirrors and Beam Combiner Lens
The mirrors should be similarly cleaned if there is any debris or haze on their surface. Otherwise, your laser will be less efficient and could have permanent damage on the mirrors.
Cleaning Frequency: Once a week, after each use
Tools Needed:
• Lens-cleaning liquid
• Lens tissue or cloth
This machine has 3 mirrors and one beam combiner lens used during working, for their locations and cleaning methods, see below:
| Mirror Name | Mirror Location | Cleaning Method |
|
Mirror 1 |
In the back left of the machine beyond the far end of the Y axis |
• Avoid press hard enough to grind any debris or cause scratching. • The semitransparent mirror at the end of the laser tube should only be cleaned when the engraver is fully disconnected from power and the tube is fully cooled. • Take care not to touch the surface of any mirror directly. |
|
Beam Combiner Lens |
The end of the laser tube closest to Mirror 1 |
|
| Mirror 2 | On the Y axis at the left end of the X axis | |
|
Mirror 3 |
On top of the laser head on the X axis |
|
|
Clean with lens-cleaning tissue or with cotton wetted with lens-cleaning liquid or isopropyl alcohol in gentle circular motions. The 3 positioning mirrors can be cleaned in place or removed for cleaning by turning them counterclockwise. If any mirrors are removed for cleaning, reinstall them by turning them into place clockwise carefully. |
¶ 5.2.5 Cleaning the Exhaust System
Check and clean the exhaust pipes and fans. The rate of dust accumulation on the exhaust fan and pipe will vary depending on the materials processed and the working environment’s air quality.
Cleaning Frequency: Weekly
Tools Needed:
• Dust brush
• Mild cleanser
• Vacuum
• Soft cloth
• Water
• Caulk
• Disconnect the engraver from power before cleaning.
• Allow the fluid used for cleaning to dry completely before reusing.
1. Check the exhaust fan and surrounding pipes for excessive accumulation of dust and debris.
a. Use a brush, vacuum, or compressed air to remove large accumulation of dust and debris.
b. Use mild cleansers and soft rags or paper towels to fully clean the fan and its blades.
2. Check the seams and joints of the pipes for any damage or leaks. If any found, immediately repair them. Caulk or special-purpose aluminum foil tape generally works best if available; standard duct tape can deteriorate over time, especially near heated components.
¶ 5.3 Laser Path Alignment
Having a perfectly aligned laser path is paramount to your engraver’s overall performance. Each of the pro-line series went through a complete beam alignment before shipping. Upon first arrival and about once a week during normal operation, however, it is recommended that the alignment be checked. Refer to the diagram below for the basics of the alignment.
The normal alignment procedures are as below:
• Performing a beam alignment can expose the operator to small amounts of radiation if performed carelessly. Follow these procedures correctly and always take caution when performing a beam alignment.
1. Place a piece of tape at each stage of the laser path. DO NOT place the tape directly onto the mirror.
2. Turn on the machine.
3. Set the Max. Power (not Min.) parameter to 15% or lower. Any higher percentage will cause the laser to ignite the testing tape instead of marking it.
4. Press Pulse to manually fire the laser and confirm that the stages remain correctly aligned.
When it is not, use the laser tube’s brackets or the setscrews on the back of the misaligned mirror to correct the problem.
Notice: Once the provided tape runs out, we recommend masking tape as it is easy to manage and use.
¶ 5.3.1 Laser Tube Alignment
The laser tube is where the laser beam is generated. Once emitted from the tube, the laser hits Mirror 1 first. Follow the steps below to check the laser hits Mirror 1 right in the center.
• Wear safety goggles during the entire aligning process.
• Avoid attaching the tape directly to any of the mirrors.
• Less than 15% of the maximum power (not Min.) should be sufficient to leave a clear mark without setting the testing tape on fire.
• Always make sure the path is clear between the laser and its target. Never allow foreign objects between the laser and its target. Always close the cover before firing the laser. Do not look directly at the active laser through the cover during this procedure.
To test the alignment of the laser tube with Mirror 1:
1. Cut out a piece of masking tape and place it on the mirror’s frame. DO NOT place the tape directly onto the mirror.
2. Turn on the machine.
3. Set the Max. Power (not Min.) parameter to 15% or lower.
4. Press Pulse to manually fire the laser and observe if the laser mark is centered on the tape as below. If so, then the laser tube is aligned with Mirror 1; if not, continue to step 5.
Notice: You should be able to see a small mark on the tape. If it is not noticeable, press Pulse again.
• Pressing Pulse activates the laser. Always make sure the path is clear between the laser and its target. Never allow foreign objects between the laser and its target. Take care not to leave any part of your body in the laser path while pressing the Pulse button.
5. Loosen the setscrews on its stand to adjust the laser tube in its brackets. Be careful not to over-loosen the setscrews and not to overtighten them. Only adjust one stand at a time.
6. Repeat steps 5 until the burnt hole is at the perfect center of the masking tape.
8. Retighten the setscrews.
¶ 5.3.2 Mirror 1 Alignment
After ensuring the laser is well aligned between the laser tube and Mirror 1, check the alignment between Mirror 1 and Mirror 2.
1. Use the direction arrows on the control panel to send Mirror 2 to the back of the bed along the Y axis.
2. Place a piece of masking tape on Mirror 2’s frame.
Notice: DO NOT place the tape directly onto the mirror.
3. Press Pulse to manually fire the laser and observe if the burnt hole is at the center of the masking tape on Mirror 2. If so, Mirror 1 and Mirror 2 are aligned; if not, continue to step 4.
4. Adjust Mirror 1,s set setscrews accordingly.
a. Loosen the nut on the setscrew.
b. Slightly turn the setscrew either clockwise or counterclockwise.
• Each screw adjusts a different position or angle.
• Keep track of which screw you are adjusting and the direction of adjustment.
• Do not turn the screw more than ¼ turn at a time and, especially at first, test the position of the laser after each adjustment so that you learn the effect of each change.
5. Use the direction arrows on the control panel to send Mirror 2 to the front of the bed along the Y axis.
6. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 until the beam is well aligned.
7. Retighten the nuts on the setscrews.
¶ 5.3.3 Mirror 2 Alignment
After ensuring the laser is well aligned between Mirror 1 and Mirror 2, check the alignment between Mirror 2 and Mirror 3.
1. Use the direction arrows on the control panel to send Mirror 3 to the left of the bed along the X axis.
2. Place a piece of tape on Mirror 3’s frame.
Notice: DO NOT place the tape directly onto the mirror.
3. Press Pulse to manually fire the laser and observe if the laser is at the center of the masking tape on Mirror 3. If so, Mirror 2 and Mirror 3 are aligned; if not, continue to step 4.
4. Adjust Mirror 2’s set setscrews.
5. Use the direction arrows on the control panel to send Mirror 3 to the right of the bed along the X axis.
6. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 until the beam is well aligned.
7. Retighten the nuts on the setscrews.
¶ 5.3.4 Mirror 3 Alignment
After ensuring the laser is well aligned between Mirror 2 and Mirror 3, check the alignment between Mirror 3 and the workbed.
1. Unplug the air assist hose from the laser head.
2. Place a piece of masking tape across the bottom of the laser head and press it onto the nozzle with some force. This will leave a ring mark that can help you check the accuracy.
3. Lay the tape right under the laser aperture and on top of the laserable scrap.
4. Press Pulse to manually fire the laser. You should be able to see a small mark on the tape. If it is not noticeable, press Pulse again.
If the burnt hole is at the center of the masking tape, Mirror 3 and the workbed are aligned; if not, continue to step 4.
5. Adjust Mirror 3’s setscrews accordingly as in §7.3.2 Mirror 1 Alignment on Page 74.
6. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 until the hole is at the center of the masking tape.
7. Retighten the nuts on the setscrews.
¶ 5.4 Lubrication
¶ 5.4.1 Rail
Lubrication Frequency: Every two weeks
Tools Needed:
• Cotton cloth
• White lithium grease
1. Disconnect the engraver from power.
2. Gently move the laser head out of the way.
3. Wipe away all dust and debris along the X and Y axis rails with a dry cotton cloth until they are shiny and clean. Do the same to the Z axis screws.
4. Lubricate both the rails and screws with white lithium grease.
5. Gently move the laser head and X axis to coat the lubricant evenly along both rails.
6. Raise and lower the workbed to distribute the lubricant evenly along the screws.
¶ 5.4.2 Workbed Elevation Bolts
Lubrication Frequency: Every two weeks
Tools Needed:
i. Cotton cloth
ii. White lithium grease
• KEEP YOUR HAND CLEAR OF THE MOVING WORKBED WHILE APPLYING GREASE.
1. Disconnect the engraver from power.
2. Open the rear access door to access the ball screws.
3. Clean any contaminated grease off the ball screws using a piece of cloth.
4. Apply some new lithium grease at the middle of the ball screws.
5. Move the workbed along its full stroke of motion along the ball screws to distribute the lubricant evenly along the ball screws.
¶ 5.5 Parts Replacement
• Be sure only to use identical or compatible replacement parts with this engraver. Contact your vendor or our technicians if you have any questions about fitment. Using incompatible components is highly dangerous and waives all the manufacturer’s liability for any damage or injury caused.
• ALWAYS completely disconnect the engraver from its power supply before replacing any parts.
The engraver should not be modified or disassembled by anyone except trained and skilled professionals, but some consumable parts may require replacement after prolonged use.
Take special care when replacing the laser tube or its power supply, as both have extremely high voltage connections.
If you replace the power supply with an identical model, you will be able to use the same screw terminal blocks as a unit. If you change to a different laser power supply, refer to the following diagram:
FG: Ground Wire for the Mains and Case
AC1: Neutral Wire to the Main Power
AC2: Live Input from the Main Power
H: Connection for Active-High Devices
L: Connection for Active-Low Devices (like this machine)
P: Line to the Trigger, Water, & Other Systems (like the door switch)
G: Ground Wire for the Control System, PWM Level Shifters, Potentiometers, &c.
IN: Input Power for PWM Level Shifters or Potentiometers
5V: 5V Connection for Digital Signals
¶ 5.6 Reverse Compensation Settings
If the default data for the reverse compensation settings in the engraving software are accidentally lost, refer to the reverse compensation card (Q) for instructions on configuring the reverse compensation values.
¶ 5.7 Disposal Instructions
Electrical products should not be disposed of with household products. In the EU and UK, according to the European Directive 2012/19/EU for the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment and its implementation in national laws, used electrical products must be collected separately and disposed of at the collection points provided for this purpose. Locations in Australia, Canada, and the United States may have similar regulations.