LaserPro Venus User Manual

NOTICE

For Firmware (V1.1 and later version), when under the

Single File Mode, the file can be repeated if you choose

to redo it. After the work is completed, the machine

will be back to the “STOP” status. The same file will

be processed again if you press the “START” key again.

One thing that has to take into consideration is that the

file size has to be smaller than 15.9 MB (if memory

buffer for your machine is 16 MB) or 63.9 MB (if the

memory buffer you have is 64 MB). If you choose to

start with a new file, you would have to press the “DEL

FILE” button twice to clear out the memory. Then the

machine will be ready to receive new data again.

2

Content

UNPACKING

QUICK MENU
LENS and MANUAL FOCUS GAUGE

I. INTRODUCTION

Principles of CO

2

Laser ---------------------------------- 7

Safety ------------------------------------------------------- 7

Front View ------------------------------------------------- 9

Back View ------------------------------------------------- 10

Motion System -------------------------------------------- 11

II. RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION

Computer--------------------------------------------------- 13
Scanner ----------------------------------------------------- 13
Software ---------------------------------------------------- 13

III. HARDWARE INSTALLATION

Cabling Connection--------------------------------------- 14
Exhaust Vent----------------------------------------------- 15

IV. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION---------------------- 16
V. OPERATION

Environment ----------------------------------------------- 17
Flexible Utility of Your Memory Buffer--------------- 17
Multiple File Mode / Single File Mode ---------------- 18
Start to Operate-------------------------------------------- 19
Control Panel ---------------------------------------------- 20
Software Operation -------------------------------------- 39

VI. BASIC MAINTENANCE ------------------------------ 50
VII. TROUBLE SHOOTING ------------------------------- 53

APPENDIX

I. Specification

II. Tip for 3D Application

3

UNPACKING

Caution:

! The weight of LaserPro VENUS is about 32 kg (70 ponds).

! Please save the original shipping carton in case any returning service is needed.

! Please inspect what you have received from the shipped carton by comparing

with the following listed items.

I. Unpacking inspection

Your package should contain the following items:

ITEM QUANTITY

Cleaning Set

cotton swab

lens cleaner

lens tissue (lint free)

1 pack

1

1

1.5” Manual Focus Gauge (blue color)

1

AC Power Cord

1

Print Port Cable

1

LaserPro VENUS Driver

1

Mirror (for Mirror#2, #3)

1

Engraving Samples 1 pack

4

QUICK MENU

1. Connect air exhaust system.

2. Setup computer and connect with engraving system properly.

3. Turn ON host computer system.

4. Install the Venus Driver. (for the first time use only)

5. Use Windows-based program (such as CorelDRAW, PhotoShop, PhotoPaint,

Illustrator, CASmate, Signlab, EasySign, AutoCAD, etc.) to operate with the

engraver.

6. Turn ON engraver. The working table moves down 50mm approximately and

the lens carriage moves to the home position (upper left corner) after system

initialization.

7. Auto-focusing: under STOP status, put work-piece on the table, move X-axis

(Please refer to Fig. 3) and carriage by arrow keys to locate the lens carriage

above the engraving material (holding carriage by hands for prompt moving is

acceptable under STOP condition but not recommended). Press

AUTO FOCUS the table will move up then down to the focal position

automatically.

8. The following is an example by using CorelDRAW V.7.0.

Layout Page Setup Set from Printer, choose Portrait

OK Edit desired file (picture etc.) File Print
Properties Options, choose desired Mode (refer to Fig. 8) then set

up proper resolution, power and speed OK Print
File name is shown on LCD then press START/STOP button.
(Please refer to page 14, Start to Operate, for detail operation in different

mode selection)

NOTICE:

1.When operating with CorelDRAW V.8.0, please choose Landscape for Page
Setup when X > Y ; choose Portrait when X < Y O.K..

2. When using the available artworks from the Clipart of CorelDRAW, to prevent

the hidden vector lines shown on your engravings. Please do as follows:

CorelDRAW, choose file from Clipart Bitmaps Convert to
Bitmap Click Color then choose Grayscale Ok

3.In order to match Venus driver’s color. Make sure your CorelDRAW V.8.0 or
V.9.0 the ‘Calibrate colors for display ‘ is disable. Please follow the steps:

Tools Options Global Color Management
Disable ‘Calibrate colors for dis

play

‘ OK.

5

NOTE:

! If the memory buffer is set up in Single file mode, under START condition,

the engraver will start to engrave/cut upon receiving a file. While if the

memory buffer is set up in Multiple File mode, receiving at least one
complete file then press START/STOP to start a job (refer to page 14, Start
to Operate).

! Choices of DPI must be the same for both editing and printing out a file.
! Turn on the air exhausting system before engraving.
! The maximum loading weight of working table is 5 kg.

! When engraving at 3D mode or cutting materials that easily caught on fire,

such as acrylic, wood or paper, it is advised to have air compressor turned

on to prevent flame.

6

LENS and MANUAL FOCUS GAUGE

Focal Length Matched Color

LENS MANUAL FOCUS GAUGE

1.5” Standard Purple Blue (same as 2.0”)

2.0” Option Blue Blue

2.5” Option Gold Gold

Manual Focus
Gauge Holder

Insert to the hole
of the holder for
manual focusing

Mirror

Lens 2.0, 2.5

Slot position for
Lens 1.5 only

Auto Focus Gauge
Focal-Sharp™

Manual Focus Gauge

Figure of Focus Carriage

Focus Probe

NOZZLE

7

I. INTRODUCTION
Principles of CO

2

Laser

LASER

is a Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

A CO2 laser works by exciting the molecules of a carbon dioxide gas mixture.

To engrave, the beam is focused through a lens. The intensive beam can vaporize

the surface of the material leaving an engraved image or, in some cases, cutting

through the material.

Safety

The safety rating of Class 1 by CDRH means that the laser beam is enclosed in a

cabinet and has safety interlock mechanisms to protect the operator from

injury. While when a class 1 laser system equipped with a red dot pointer which

allows you to position laser beam, the safety rating turns into Class 3a due to the red

beam is laser light. A few extra safety precautions; namely, avoid placing your eyes
in the red beam path, is required.

!

Precaution

1. Do not attempt to modify or disassemble the laser system at any time.

2. Wear appropriate safety goggles especially when engraving with mirrors

or coated metals such as enameled brass and anodized aluminum..

3. Good ventilation is required to remove odors and vaporized materials to the

outside of the building or structure. An exhausted system is recommended.

4. Invisible intensive laser radiation may cause physical burns or sever eye

damage. Always read the manual and caution labels carefully before operation.

5. Do not work with reflective metals, heat sensitive surfaces or other materials

that may produce toxic substances, such as PVC and Teflon.

6. A fire extinguisher should be available on hand at any time.

7. Never leave the machine unattended during operation.

8. Follow the recommendations for maintaining and cleaning your system. Not

only will this enable you to engrave efficiently, it will ensure that your

machine runs safely as well.

8

Fire Precaution

1.When engraving at 3D mode or cutting materials that easily caught on fire,

such as acrylic, wood or paper, it is advised to have air compressor turned

on to prevent flame.

2.If cutting table, or honey comb table, is used for cutting purpose, do not leave

any material underneath, as when material at top is cut through, the material at

below will be burned easily due to trapped heat.

3.It is not encouraged leaving the cutting job unattended, especially with

materials mentioned above.

9

Fig. 1 Front View

Control Panel

Top Door

Power on/ off Switch

10

Disassemble
to maintain
#1 mirror.
Please refer to the
right layout.

Laser
source
inside

Fig. 2 Back View

Unscrew and
remove the
panel.

Unscrew and

remove the
dust prevention
box.

Unscrew and
pull out
#1 mirror
carefully
without
touching the
surface of the
mirror.

VIII.

VII.

VI.

NOTE: Please refer to Fig. 21&22 and follow the
instruction for the basic maintenance of mirror.

fuse &
Ports

Air inlet
connect to air
compressor

Turn clockwise to
decrease the air flow
and counterclockwise to
increase the air flow.

Press the ring to
pull out the air
tube.

Air Flow
Fixer

Air Flow
Adjuster

11

-7-

#4 Mirror Inside

Fig.3 Motion System I

Choose air exhausting direction

either from back of the table or

through the holes on working

table. Adjuster in middle position

can exhaust air both backward

and downward.

I. Dust Prevention Box (#2 M irror

inside)

Y-axis

#3 Mirror & Holder

Release the Screw to
Pull Out the Mirror

Focal-Sharp™

II. Auto-focus

Manual Focus
Gauge Holder

X-axis

III. Y-axis

Motor

IV. Dust

Bearing Track

X-axis Motor

Air Flow Adjuster

#4 Mirror Inside

12

Dust Collecting

Plate

Release the Screw to
Low down the plate

-8-

V. Hole

Dust Partition

Motion System II

The diameter of the object

in this circle must be less

than 45 mm

13

II. RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION

1.

Computer

:

Your PC must be sufficient to equip with Window 95 at least.

We recommend the specification of PC for better work as

below:

CPU Pentium at least

DRAM 32 MB RAM or up

FDD One 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy

HDD 1.2 GB Hard Drive or up

SVGA 15" Super VGA Monitor
★ ★On Board Parallel Mode(Setup from PC BIOS):

SPP—Preferred Mode

ECP—Cable length less than 1.8meters

2. Scanner

Flat Bed

Minimum resolution: 200 DPI

3. Software

GCC driver (designed under Window 95 or higher level)

Windows Window 95 or higher

CorelDRAW 7.0 Version or up

Any program that can output HPGL commands

14

III. HARDWARE INSTALLATION

Caution:

! Turn all equipment off before making any

connection.

! Check the plug of the power cord to see if it matches the wall outlet. If not,

please contact your dealer.

Cabling Connection:

1. Insert the power cord (male) into a well grounded power outlet.

2. Plug the other end (female) into the engraver. The engraver has been designed to

switch from 100~240 VAC automatically.

3. The engraver can communicate with a computer through either a serial (RS-232C)

or a parallel port (Centronics).

Power on/off

Switch

15AMP resetable

fuse

Parallel Interface

Connector

3AMP resetable fuse

AC Power

Connector

Fig. 4

Serial Interface

Connector

15

! Parallel Transmission

Connect a parallel cable to the engraver (parallel port) then to the parallel port

of the host computer.

Caution:

Never use a mechanical switch box when a second printer port is required.

The electrical surges can cause damage to the computer and the engraver.

! Serial Transmission

If you are using IBM PC, PS/2 or their compatibles, connect the supplied

RS-232C cable to the engraver (serial port) then to the serial port of the host

computer.

! Interface for Macintosh

To operate the engraver with a Macintosh computer (e.g. Power Mac), you

need a MAC modem cable (DIN8 to DB25) as an adaptor to connect to the

RS-232C cable.

II. Exhaust Vent

2 or 4 inch
diameter

Fig. 5

Seal
Clip

16

IV. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

Install LaserPro VENUS printer driver for windows 95/98

Power On, click

START

→

→→

→ choose

Settings

and click

Printers

→

→→

→ Double click

Add printer

and start

Add printer wizard

→

→→

→

Next step

→

→→

→ Choose

Local

and click

Next step

→

→→

→ choose

Have disk

and click

Next step

→

→→

→ Insert the VENUS Driver disk properly into the floppy drive then click

OK

→

→→

→ choose the port where your laser system is connected and click

Next step

→

→→

→ name your system or bypass
→

→→

→ choose the driver to be default printer
→

→→

→

Next step

→

→→

→ select

No

when asked to print a test page and click

Finish

Now the LaserPro VENUS printer driver is installed completely. Don't forget to take

the GCC driver disk from the floppy drive and store in a safe place.

17

V. OPERATION

Environment

! A clean, well-ventilated room with a temperature of 15℃~ 25℃ (60℉~78℉)

(Strongly suggested the temperature of 25℃) and a relative humidity between

30% and 40%, as an office type environment.

! Stable floor isolated from vibration.

! Avoid from unstable voltage supply.

! Short path for an effective air exhaust.

! Have a fire extinguisher available at any time.

Flexible Utility of Your Memory Buffer.

The standard memory buffer size of Venus is 16M and can be expanded to 64 M

(32M SIMM x 2). You can choose Multiple file mode with limited memory to save
files and re-call them for constant applications. Or, you can choose Single file mode

to get an unlimited data output while still keep files that you saved before under

multiple file conditions. However, the file sent under Single file mode will not be

saved. In other words, every time you want to engrave this file, you have to re-send

again from the host computer.

18

Am I in Multiple File mode or Single File mode now?

Power ON

NOTE: 1. ** means default or current setting.

2. AUTO FOCUS and all other function keys should be operated under
STOP condition.

3. NEXT FILE and DELETE keys are invalid under Single file mode.

Single /1 File
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

LaserPro VENUS
Firmware VX.X
Copyright 200X

Initializing

Please wait

Set memory buffer ?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Z init/AF position?

Table moves down

about 50mm.

Press FUNCTION key.

Press ENTER key

Multiple /100 Files **
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

or

19

Start to Operate

Press
FUNCTION
key for further
setting
selection

Single file status

Under STARTcondition

Upon the receipt of files, start to

engrave/cut

LaserPro VENUS
Firmware VX.X
Copyright 200X

Initializing

Please wait

Table moves down about 50mm automatically

File:
Speed: %
Power: %
DPI:

File:
Speed: % 00:00
Power: % STOP
DPI:

Multiple file status

Under STOP
condition

Press START/STOP,
turn to STOP condition

File: # x file name
Speed: xx.x % 00:00
Power: xx % PPI: xxxx
DPI: xxx xxx K

Send a new file
from host computer
then press
NEXT FILE
to show the file
name on LCD.

Press

NEXT FILE

to get a desired
file

Press

START/STOP

to engrave/cut

File: # x file name
Speed: xx.x % 00:00
Power: xx % PPI: xxxx
DPI: xxx xxx K

Power ON

20

START/STOP

! Single File Mode:

Turn on power, VENUS is under START condition and ready to receive a file. LCD

shows as follows:

Upon the receipt of a file, VENUS starts to engrave/cut immediately. When a job is

done, LCD will show the working time such as 100s means 100 seconds.

Press START/STOP key, turn the engraver to STOP condition. LCD shows as

File:
Speed: %
Power: %
DPI:

File: file name
Speed: xx % 01:10
Power: xx % STOP
DPI: xxx

Control Panel

IX. Fig. 6

21

follows. Under STOP condition AUTO FOCUS and all other function keys can be

operated while NEXT FILE and DELETE keys are invalid under Single file mode.

! Multiple File Mode:

Turn on power, LaserPro is under STOP condition and all function keys can be

operated. Laser engraver is ready to receive a file. LCD shows as follows.

Upon the receipt of a complete file, LCD will show the following message for

instance. Then press START/STOP key, the engraver start engraving or cutting.

If there is no file having been sent, the message will display as follows.

NOTE:

Please refer to the flow chart of “Start to Operate”, page 14 .

ENTER

Accept and store the selection for setting up.

AUTO FOCUS

This key can only be operated under STOP condition. Press this key will move up

the working table until the engraving object touches the tip of the focus tool, then

the table will move down and stop in focus automatically.

Whenever you change a lens with different focal length, press Function key and go

File: file name
Speed: % 00:00
Power: % STOP
DPI:

File:
Speed: % 00:00
Power: % STOP
DPI:

File: # 1 file name
Speed: 70 % 00:00
Power: 40 % STOP
DPI: 500

Wait until at least one
complete file is
Received, then press START
to start a job

22

through the process of “Select lens” (refer to page 23). After changing the lens,
press AUTO FOCUS key to save the new focal length in memory. LCD will show

as follows:

NOTE:

1. “0.0 mm” means the focus position is the Z-axis home position of the

Working table. Above this position the value is negative while below

this position the value is positive.

2.Whenever the motion system or working table has ever been adjusted

by

a technical person, please press AUTO FOCUS key to get an initial

position before going through the function of “Tune (Auto focusing)” to

change the focal length.

Arrow Keys

Move cursor on the display for selection or adjust the working table on Z position by

pressing the arrow keys of UP and DOWN.

NOTE:
UP key – After initializing, press this key will move up the table. LCD

displays:

During working time (i.e. Start condition), this message won’t be shown.

When Auto Focus is under process, press UP key will stop the motion of
Auto Focus and change to up movement.

DOWN key – Same as above function but the motion direction is

opposite.

Focusing
Then do setup or send a file
to start a job

0.0 mm

Focusing
Then do setup or send a file
to start a job

－

X.X mm

NOTICE:

To stop the motion of auto focus, please press either UP or DOWN arrow
key. If you press the key continuously, working table will move up or down
correspondingly.

23

ESC (Escape)

Exit and back to the main menu.

NEXT FILE

This key is valid under Multiple file mode only. Press this key the LCD shows

The “k” message shows on the lower right corner expresses the k bytes memory that

has been left over in the buffer.

File: # shows the current working file number. Press NEXT FILE each time will

increase 1 (i.e. 1, 2, 3…100) and recycle the counting. Once the buffer has received

up to 100 files, the LCD shows:

If a file received is out of memory, the LCD shows

RED BEAM

On/Off red beam

SPEED

Set up laser speed for desired effect. When working without using VENUS’s driver.

Press FUNCTION key then select one of the sixteen setups then set up desired

cutting speed. No matter you are using VENUS’s driver or not, you can press

PAUSE key prior to change speed during cutting or engraving. Set up desired speed,
press ENTER then press RESUME to start the job again.

POWER

Set up laser power for desired depth and effect. Other conditions are same as stated

in SPEED.

File: # x file name
Speed: xx % 00:00
Power: xx % PPI: xxxx
DPI: xxx xxxxx k

More than 100 files
are not allowed
Please delete some
and send again

Not a complete file
due to out of memory
Please delete some
and send again

24

PAUSE

Temporarily stop the job during cutting or engraving.

RESUME

Restart the job after pausing.

DEL FILE

This key (delete file) is valid under Multiple file mode only.

Press DEL FILE again to delete the file and LCD shows

Delete current file?
Sure: Press again
No: Esc

Now deleting current
file Please wait

25

FUNCTION

! Set memory buffer?

Setting memory buffer in Single file mode when working with a large data file, or

Multiple file mode (up to 100 files) that can be saved for constant engraving.

Under Single file mode, you can only output one job a time. Unlimited data can be

transferred without saving in the buffer therefore once you want to repeat the job

you have to re-send the file from the host computer.

Under Multiple file mode, you can engrave one job while transfer and design the

next simultaneously until 100 files’ memories are all used up.

Press FUNCTION key

Single /1File
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Set memory buffer ?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Z init/AF position? :

Press ENTER key

Multiple /100 Files **
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Z init/AF position?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Delete all files ?:

ENTER

△

△△

△ or ▽

▽▽

▽

26

! Z init/AF position?

To avoid focus carriage hitting the engraving object accidentally during initializing,

working table will move down about 50mm automatically after power on the

equipment. Whereas, if a rotary attachment has been installed, the working table will

move down to the bottom of the engraver.

As long as you have not press AUTO FOCUS key, you can go into this function and

move the working table back to the original position before initializing. Once the

AUTO FOCUS key has been used, the last auto focus position has been saved in the

memory. Therefore, you can move the table to the last auto focus position instead of

the original Z position by using this function.

Z init/AF position?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Delete all files? :

Table is moving to
init or AF position
End operation: Esc
Delete all files? :

Delete all files?
Ok: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select lens? :

ENTER

27

! Delete all files?

All files in the buffer will be deleted by using this function when setting under

Multiple file mode.

This function is invalid under Single file mode. Once you stop or complete a job

under Single File mode the file won’t be saved in the buffer.

Delete all files?
Ok: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select lens? :

Are you sure?
Sure: ENTER
No: Esc

Select lens?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select unit? :

ENTER

ENTER

28

! Select lens?

There are four different lenses for use on the LaserPro VENUS as follows:

Focal Length Resolution Cutting capability

1.5” standard

2.0” optional

2.5” optional

High

Low

Thin

Thick

The longer the focal length, the bigger the beam spot size. The high resolution lens

is designed for precision engraving, while the low resolution lens is mostly applied

for cutting due to its lower beam divergence which results in a straighter cut in thick

materials. However, using higher resolution takes longer time for engraving.

The large spot size of low resolution lens can spreads the laser’s heat over a larger

area, which helps minimize melting thus can be applied to engrave certain kinds of

plastics.

Select lens?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select unit? :

1.5 inch (38.1mm)**
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

△

△△

△ or ▽

▽▽

▽

x.x inch (xx.xmm)**
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

After changing lens, press
AUTO FOCUS and the
new focal length will be
saved automatically.

Select unit?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Set EOF alarm? :

ENTER

Replace lens of

2.0 inch

2.5 inch

29

! Set power ramp?

If set in Enable condition and cutting speed is 3% or above, under vector mode, the
power control is enabled. If set in Disable, the power control is disabled.

Default : Enable

Select unit?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: ESC
Set EOF alarm? :

Set power ramp?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: ESC
Select unit? :

ENTER

Enable **
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Disable
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

ENTER

30

! Select unit?

Set unit in Metric or English.

NOTE:

** means default or current setting.

Set EOF alarm?
Ok: ENTER
End Operation: Esc
Tune (Auto focusing)? :

Select unit?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Set EOF alarm? :

ENTER

Metric (mm)**
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

△

△△

△ or ▽▽▽▽

English (inch)
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

ENTER

31

! Set EOF alarm?

If set in Enable condition, a beep tone sounds when End OF File.

Set EOF alarm?
Ok: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Tune Auto focusing? :

ENTER

Enable**
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Disable
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Change: △△△△ or ▽

▽▽

▽

Tune (Auto focusing)?
Ok: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select set up #1-16? :

ENTER

32

! Tune (Auto focusing)?

In case the focal length of Auto Focus needs to be corrected, please insert the

corresponding manual focal tool to the hole of the holder shown as in the Figure of

LENS and MANUAL FOCUS GAUGE. Then, operate as follows.

Press arrow up/down key
to tune focusing position
then press ENTER

ENTER

Tune (Auto focusing)?
Ok: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select set up #1-16? :

Press AUTO FOCUS key
then FUNCTION key
Select the function

Tune (Auto focusing)

If you have not pressed
AUTO FOCUS after
power ON

If you have ever
pressed AUTO FOCUS
after power ON

A

ttach manual focus gauge to
the carriage and press arrow
key up and down to position
the working table in focus then
press ENTER.

New focal length has been
saved.

Complete tuning
Ready to setup or
send a file to
start a job

Select set up #1-16?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select baud rate? :

33

! Select Set Up #1-16?

You can assign 16 different colors individually for speed and power to achieve a

variety of cutting effects. This function works when your software package can
output HPGL plot without using VENUS’s driver.

Press POWER key to change

Press SPEED key to

Power change speed

Setup # 1 **

＋

＋＋

＋: △△△△ －－－－: ▽▽▽▽

Ok: ENTER
End operation: ESC

Select setup #1-16?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: ESC
Select baud rate? :

Change: △△△△ or ▽

▽▽

▽

ENTER

Setup # x

＋：

＋：＋：

＋： △△△△ －：

－：－：

－： ▽▽▽▽

Ok: ENTER
End operation: ESC

Select baud rate?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: ESC
Data bit/parity? :

ENTER

POWER: x x x %

＋：

＋：＋：

＋： △△△△ －：

－：－：

－： ▽▽▽▽

End operation: ESC

SPEED: x x . x %

＋：

＋：＋：

＋： △△△△ －：

－：－：

－： ▽▽▽▽

End operation: ESC

ENTER

ENTER

Save the desired cutting power

for not using Venus’s driver

Save the desired cutting speed

for not using Venus’s driver

34

NOTE:

** means default or current setting.

! Select baud rate?

Baud rate is to determine the speed of data transmission to communicate with the

host computer.

Setting range: 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200

Defaults: 57600

57600 bps **
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Select baud rate?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Data bit/parity? :

ENTER

xxxxxx bps
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Set data bit/parity?
Ok: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select language? :

ENTER

△

△△

△ or ▽

▽▽

▽

35

NOTE:

** means default or current setting.

! Set data bit/parity?
Data bits refer to the size of one block of data and parity is used to check if data

was received correctly or not. The data/parity feature is to adjust the byte format

and parity type in order to communicate with the host computer.

8 bits no parity **
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

8 bits even parity
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Set data bit/parity?
Ok: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select language? :

△

△△

△ or ▽

▽▽

▽

ENTER

Select language?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc

ENTER

36

37

! Enable/Disable auto focus

The manufactures’ default is Auto-focus enable. If auto-focus set as disable, the

working table will not lower down automatically as soon as power turned on.

Set data bit/parity?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: ESC
Set autofocusing? :

Set autofocusing?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: Esc
Select language ? :

ENTER

Enable **
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Disable
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽

▽▽

▽

△

△△

△ or ▽▽▽▽

38

! Select language?

NOTE:

** means default or current setting.

Select language?
Yes: ENTER
End operation: ESC

English **
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

ENTER

△

△△

△ or ▽

▽▽

▽

xxxxxx
Ok: ENTER
Change: △△△△ or ▽▽▽▽

Do setup or send at
least one file then
NEXT FILE key select
a file then START

Do setup or press
STAR key then
send only one file

Single file mode

ENTER or ESC

Multi file mode

39

Software Operation

After completing your editing job choose File Print, click “Properties”
(refer to Fig. 7)

Fig. 7

Options:

(refer to Fig. 8)

Fig. 8

40

Mode:

! Black & White mode

Let you obtain half-tone effect quickly without going through complex steps

of application (operating procedures shown as :a) Editing file, and b)

Engraving, on the following paragraph) softwares to obtain the similar effect.

You can choose the look of the laser engraved photo by applying one of the

driver software’s halftone options: Fine, Coarse or Error Diffusion.

#

Fine

Apply a 17-grade-half-tone with 4x4 dots pattern, consists of a small and

closely spaced dots.

#

Coarse

Apply a 65-grade-half-tone with 8x8 dots pattern, consists of larger, more

prominent dots. Represent a better contrast effect but result in a lower

resolution than Fine Mode of 4x4.

#

Error Diffusion

This is not really a halftone pattern but to manipulate the fill pattern in a

photograph ( a TIF image) through a series of random black and white pixels

that represent shading. The random pixel pattern tends to result in an image

that has more contrast and is more realistic looking.

#

Contrast

Enhance the grayscale level to get a better image contrast result in a good

engraving image (refer to Fig.9).

#

Pattern Type

The Fine or Coarse halftone pattern has three kinds of layout options.

Dot (default setting)- A halftone pattern consists of dots.
Corner- The dark dot spread from the left upper corner of the pattern result

in a little triangle shape to imitate a shading effect.

Random- A random halftone pattern.

NOTE:

Black & White mode is the easiest way to get the half-tone effect.

However if a higher image quality is required, please refer to the

following steps operated by CorelDRAW V. 8.0.

a) Editing file:

Layout Page Setup Set from Printer, Landscape
OK Edit desired file (picture etc.) Bitmap Transfer to
Bitmap, 256 shades of gray chose proper DPI OK
Bitmap Convert to Black and White, choose error
diffusion OK

41

b) Engraving (Printout):

File Print Properties, choose Options and the default

mode is set up at Manual color fill then set up proper resolution, power
and speed OK

NOTE:

Please refer to “NOTICE” of Quick Menu in the front page.

4. Fine 5. Contrast 10 6. Dot

7. Coarse

Contrast 50

8. Corner

9. Error Diffusion 10. Contrast 80 11. Random

Fig. 9

42

3D Image File

12. Sample/ Material: Density
Board

! Manual color fill

Each power and speed setting can be linked to certain color on the layout.
Totally 16 color settings are available. The desired color can be adjusted
by changing the ratio of Red, Green and Blue (refer to Fig.8). If the speed
or power is set to 0, the corresponding color area or vector line will be
invalid.

! 3D effect

With this function, we can get the sculpture effect. The engrave image must

have gray levels (refer to Fig.10). The engrave image is effected by PPI, DPI,

power and speed setting.

! Stamp Mode

Mainly used in rubber stamp production. Create a slope base of stamp

characters by setting up the stamp parameter (refer to Fig. 11). Normally

the pitch number for engraving a 2~3mm thick rubber pad can be set at 0.2 or

0.3. The smaller the pitch number, the sharper the slope. If setting the pitch

number at a very big value, it may take for a very long time for the math

calculation.

Fig. 10

43

Fig. 11

For example, to engrave stamps with L-25 (25Watt), depends on the

thickness of the rubber pad. 2~3mm rubber pad for instance, the ideal power

is 100% at speed around 7%. The pitch value varies depending on the size of

text; the bigger the letter is, the bigger the pitch value is required. With 1cm

size letter, for example, 0.1~0.3 pitch value is enough. It is hard to tell

exactly which model of LaserPro most suitable for making stamps. Of course

the higher the laser power is, the less time it takes to do the same job. It

really needs to see what thickness of the rubber you will engrave on and the

letter size you use for most applications. The bigger the pitch value is, the

longer time computer will take to process.

#

Image Invert

Reverse the black and white image. Remain the characters but engraving the

rest areas of rubber stamps. This function is disable under the Manual color

fill mode.

#

Image Mirror

Reverse the left and right side as a mirror image.

#

Without Vector

Output without vector data.

#

Power Level of Stamp Mode

This function is to adjust the power distribution of the slope shoulder to get

the better shape of stamp’s vertical profile. Select “set shoulder” in the page

44

“Options”. Enter the dialog box of stamp parameter. The black bars in the

center are for the surface of each letter, while the blue bars are for the

shoulders. Adjust the value of power level by adjusting bar or the left click of

mouse to edit the shape of the shoulders (refer to Fig. 12).

! P.P.I.

P.P.I. stands for the laser firing pulse per inch.

$ Purpose: By changing the laser firing pulses per inch, the distribution of

energy would be changed.

#

Description: The adjusted range is 30 to 1500 PPI or you can choose auto

mode. When choosing auto mode, the system will come up with the proper

PPI value automatically. In order to maintain the quality of raster graph, the

PPI value will at least equal to DPI value automatically even you set the

lower PPI value than DPI value.

! Advance (Color Map)

Apply this function to detect if the power and speed settings linked to the right

color used in your layout. Thus, some areas can be engraved deeper than others

for desired effects. These settings can be saved for future use. The Advance

function can map vector data for all four types of modes. While the raster layout

(except bitmap files) can only be applied with the Manual color fill.

Operation: Two steps to complete the process.

Step 1: Edit file Print Properties Click Advance
Select Generate Color Map File (refer to Fig.13) on the Advance
Option dialog OK click Print, dialog shows “Generate
Color Map?” choose Yes then enter file name OK map
the desired parameters and colors accordingly Save

X. Fig. 12

45

NOTE:

Step 1 is for saving data files only. You have to go to Step 2 to print

out the file.

Fig. 13

Step 2: To output data
Print Properties Load then enter file name OK

Click Advance Select Use Color Map File (refer to

Fig. 18). The power and speed are changeable as desired and you

can click Show to see the data of the color map. OK Print

46

Fig. 14

! Original Setting

Recall the default value set by manufacturer.

! Set As Defaults

Save your constantly used parameters as a new default setting. Thus, whenever

you open a new file, the default setting will be adopted automatically.

! History Setting

Limited 10 constantly used files and parameters can be saved in the History

Setting. To recall, please double click the file name.

! Save

Clicking this button and give a file name to save your file or save the file into the

History Setting through the instruction of dialog.

! Load

Click this button to reload old file.

! To modify color

Double click the color box (refer to Fig. 15) to modify the color by adjusting the

RGB (Red, Green and Blue) ratio.

47

Fig. 15

! Raster/Vector

Double click Yes/No to get the Raster/Vector output (Fig.16).

Paper

: (refer to Fig.17)

Fig. 16

48

! Paper Size: Set up the working size for engraving.

! Scaling Function

Apply this function to adjust the difference in size between the object in the page

of software and the real object engraved. Scale can be adjusted up to ± 50/1000.

Positive value is to enlarge the size, negative to reduce. For examples, adjust the

scale by +10 to enlarge the object’s size by 10/1000.

! Position Mode:

#

Home: Focus carriage goes back to the upper right position after finishing a

job.

#

Without Home: Focus carriage stops at the last position of a data file.

#

Relative Move: You can place the focus carriage at any place you want to

start a job. When finishing a job, the focus carriage will move back to the

original starting point.

Fig.17

! Cluster

In order to reduce the working time, the output movement can be
clustered under stamp mode.

As for Fig.17, suppose the “Distance” you specified is D and the distance

between graph A & B is X (refer to Fig. 18). If you chose the function

“Cluster” and X > D, the output movement will be route b. If you don’t

chose “Cluster” or even you chose “Cluster” and X ≤ D, the output

49

movement will be route a.

! Border

You can add border at image edge for a better output of the stamp image

(refer to Fig. 19).

You must select “Image Invert” (refer to Fig. 16) under stamp mode when

using border. As for Fig.17, you can specify the border X and Y. If you

chose the “Cluster” and want to have border, the border X and Y must be

less than the “Distance” D you specified.

origin

Add border

X

Y

Fig. 19

route a

route b

A

B

Fig. 18

X

50

VI. BASIC MAINTENANCE

Caution:

! Keeping the optics and motion system clean is essential to an excellent quality

engraving and the reliability of your engraver. Please clean Bearing track and
X-axis (DU) bearing daily to maintain good condition of machine.

! Never pour or spray any liquid directly onto the laser system.

! Turn off the power and unplug the system before cleaning.

1.

Inside the System:

Open the top door, the front door and the back door (if

necessary). Vacuum to clean inside of the engraver and vent area thoroughly.

2.

Engraving Table:

Dampen the paper towel or cloth with alcohol or cleaner

to clean the Engraving Table.

3.

Motion System:

Dampen the cotton swab to clean the rails of the Motion

System. Get rid off any debris built up in the bearing tracks.

4.

Bearings:

Hold a dampened cotton swab against the bearing and moving the

motion system by hand to clean each bearing.

5.

Mirrors and Lenses:

The focus lens and the mirror located on the carriage

are

the two components most likely to require cleaning once a week.

Caution:

Don't scratch out the soft coating of the mirror's surface. Excessive cleaning
the mirrors and lenses may cause damage and reduce the life of the mirror
(refer to Fig. 21).

Clean the mirror -

1. Unscrew and remove front cover of the focus carriage. Release the

top screw and pull out mirror carefully (refer to Fig. 22).

2. Put lens tissue on the mirror and drop a little lens cleaner on the

middle area of the tissue (please refer to Fig. 20), after the fluid has

been absorbed evenly, pull the tissue

one direction

gently to

clean the mirror.

3. Let it air dry and re-install it.

4. Unscrew and remove the dust prevention box (refer to Fig. 2 & Fig.

3) then clean the #2 Mirror, #4 Mirror and #1 Mirror same as above

process (refer to Fig. 20) separately.

51

╳╳╳╳ (INCORRECT)

(INCORRECT) (INCORRECT)

(INCORRECT)

Do not use cotton swab to
rub clean the mirror

○○○○ (CORRECT)

(CORRECT) (CORRECT)

(CORRECT)

Lens
Tissue

Pull the tissue one
direction gently after
the cleaner has been
absorbed evenly

Lens Cleaner

○○○○ (CORRECT)

(CORRECT) (CORRECT)

(CORRECT)

Remove
Front Cover

Mirror

Len

Loading hole
for manual
focal tool

Auto-focus

Fig. 22

Top Screw

52

! Clean the focus lens –

1. Unscrew and remove the front cover of the focus carriage. Pull out

focus lens carefully (refer to Fig. 22).

2. Flood the focus lens with lens cleanser on both sides then using a

cotton swab or lens tissue to dry off the remaining solution gently.

3. Do not touch the lens surface with your bare hands or press down

hard with any cleaning material.

53

VII. TROUBLE SHOOTING

Quality Problems

! Check focus length set under the function key to see if it matches the type of the

lens installed.

! Focus Lenses are not installed correctly. Focus Lens loose in the holder.

! Debris or dust builds up in the bearing tracks or X-Axis rails.

! The focus lens and the mirror in the carriage are damaged or need to be clean.

Non-operational Problems

! Laser beam does not generate.

1. If the red alignment beam is not revealed, the laser beam is misalignment.

Adjust reflection mirrors for exact focus.

2. If the red alignment beam is revealed, please check the driver power. The

laser power may be too low to be detected. Please increase the percentage

setting of

the Laser Power from the software driver or the control panel.

3. Please check if the laser power connector is loose.

4. For safety purpose, the laser beam will not be generated when the top or

front door is opened unless you short the connector of the magnetic switches.

54

LaserPro Venus

VENUS V-12

Laser Source 12W
Sealed CO2 laser
Work Area 11.8"x8.3"
(300mm × 210mm)
Max. Working Piece (W×D×Thick) 14.2"x11.8"x2.8"
(360x300x70mm)
Table Size 14.2"x11.8"
(360x300mm)
Overall Dimensions 24.4”x17.1”x16.5”
W×D×H (620x435x420 mm)
Weight 32 Kg /70 lb
Drive DC servo control
Speed Control Adjustable from 0.02 to 20 inch/ se c with u p

to 16 colors linked speed setting per job

Power Control

Adjustable from 0〜〜〜〜100% and 16 colors

linked power setting per job
Z Axis Moving Automatic
Resolution (DPI) 1000, 600, 500, 300, 250, 200
Computer Interface Print port and serial port for PC
Memory Buffer 16MB standard upgradable to 64 MB with

SIMM modules. Multiple file mode saves up

to 100 files.
Display Panel 4-line LCD display showing current file

name, total working time. Laser power,

engraving speed, file loaded into memory

buffer, setup and diagnostic menus.
Power

100〜〜〜〜240V, AC Auto Switch
10Amp
Cooling Air-cooled

Above specification is subject to change without prior notice.

Optional Items: Odor Reduction System

Air Assist System

Appendix I. Specification

55

Compressor for Air Assist System
Dust Prevention Window
Goggle

56

Appendix II. 3D Function

Tip for 3D Application

When doing 3D sample on LaserPro Mercury (L-25), acrylic or MDF wood are

ideal materials for the purpose. For acrylic the suggested PWR is 100%, SPD around

30%(depends on how deep you want to cut).

The perfect image for 3D is like those shown below. When image is ready,

choose 3D Effect as the output mode in the driver. Sometimes, some material

shows better effect if you run the job with 2nd pass with laser out-of-focus.

Especially with acrylic, the 2nd pass will smooth out the surface.

For engraving wood, as it burns easily and leaves blackened surface after the

1st pass, it is necessary to run the 2nd pass to remove the burned surface. To do

that, simply fill the image with black colour as the mask (see below) and Run the

black mask image with PWR 100% and SPD100%.

Create a black image

for polishing

57

13. 3D engraving / Material: 1cm Acrylic by Mercury 25W
Lens: 2 inch

Step

Spee
d

Power DPI PPI

Focus

FocusFocus

Focus

Remarks

1

25% 100% 600 auto Auto Focus 3D Mode Engraving

2

25% 100% 600 auto Lower down table 2.5mm 3D Mode Engraving

3

100% 100% 600 800 Lower table again 2 mm Black and White Mode Polishing

4

0.2% 100% 500 auto Move table up 1.3mm Cutting off

14. 3D engraving / Material: 1cm Acrylic by Venus 12W
Lens: 1.5 inch

Step

Spee
d

Power DPI PPI

Focus

FocusFocus

Focus

Remarks

1

13% 100% 600 auto Auto Focus 3D Mode Engraving

2

13% 100% 600 auto Lower down table 2.5mm 3D Mode Engraving

3

100% 100% 600 800 Lower table again 2 mm Black and White Mode Polishing

4

0.1% 100% 500 auto Move table up 1.3mm Cutting off

58

59