Universal Laser Systems VLS2.30, VLS3.50 User Manual

VLS Desktop User Guide
VLS2.30, VLS3.50

www.ulsinc.com

Revision 2012.08

©2012 Universal Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Universal Laser Systems logo and name are registered
trademarks, and High Power Density Focusing Optics, Rapid Reconfiguration, 1-Touch Laser Photo, Laser
Interface + and SuperSpeed are trademarks of Universal Laser Systems, Inc. All other company and product
names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Universal’s laser systems are protected under one or more of U.S. Patents: 5,661,746; 5,754,575; 5,867,517;
5,881,087; 5,894,493; 5,901,167; 5,982,803; 6,181,719; 6,313,433; 6,342,687; 6,423,925; 6,424,670; 6,983,001;
7,060,934; 7,415,051; 7,469,000; 7,715,454; 7,723,638; 7,947,919. Other U.S. and international patents pending.

2

Thank you for choosing Universal Laser Systems®. We appreciate innovative customers like you who have made
Universal Laser Systems an integral part of their business.

Universal Laser Systems is committed to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction and support. To
ensure your satisfaction, we urge you to read the documentation provided with your equipment.

Since 1988, Universal Laser Systems has been committed to continually improving our technology and customer­driven laser solutions. Your satisfaction is very important to us and we welcome your feedback. Tel l us about your
experience with Universal Laser Systems and our systems at [e-mail].

Should you have any questions, please contact Universal Laser Systems’ Customer Service Te am at 480-609­0297 (USA), [phone] (Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at [e-mail].

Again, thank you for choosing Universal Laser Systems.

Your Universal Laser Systems Team

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Table of Contents

USER GUIDE CD

Chapter 1 – Specifications 5

Chapter 2 – Safety 8

Chapter 3 – Installation 19

Chapter 4 – Operation 36

Chapter 5 – Accessories 68

Chapter 6 – Maintenance 92

Software

Your Reference Guide contains the Software Installation CD. Please follow the instructions for proper installation.

Warranty

Your Reference Guide contains Warranty documents pertaining to your purchase. Should you require a copy of
the warranty, please contact ULS at 480-609-0297 or email [e-mail].

Parts

To order parts for your Universal laser system, contact ULS at 480-609-0297 or [e-mail].

4

Chapter 1 - Specications

5

VLS2.30 VLS3.50

Operating

Environment

Operating

Temperature

Well-ventilated office (recommended) or clean, light-duty manufacturing

50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º C) capable

73ºF (22ºC) to 77ºF (25º C) for best performance

Storage Temperature 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º C)

Operating Humidity Non-condensing

Electrical Power

Particulate/Odor

Outside Ventilated

Exhaust System

Computer

Requirements

(See the Installation & Set-up

Guide for more information)

Software

Requirement

Laser Safety

150 CFM (cubic feet per minute) @ 6 inches

static pressure (255m3/hr at 1.5kPa)

Single Phase 110/240V AC, 10/5 Amp, 50/60 Hz

Grounded (earthed) and stable (surge and spike protected)

High-pressure vacuum blower capable of:

250 CFM (cubic feet per minute) @ 6 inches
static pressure (425m3/hr at 1.5kPa)

Windows XP or Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit)

2.0 GHz Processor (minimum)
1 GB of RAM (minimum)

40 GB Hard Drive (minimum)

Graphics or CAD based

CO2 Laser, Interlocked Safety Enclosure = Class 1

Red Diode Pointer = Class 2

6

VLS2.30 VLS3.50

Work Area*

Table

Maximum Part

(WxHxD) with 1.5” lens

16 x 12 in

(406 x 305 mm)

18.75 x 14.5 in

(476 x 368 mm)

18.75 x 14.5 x 4 in

(476 x 368 x 102 mm)

24 x 12 in

(610 x 305 mm)

26.75 x 14.60 in
(679 x 368 mm)

26.75 x 14.5 x 4 in

(679 x 368 x 102 mm)

Maximum Part Weight 20 lbs (9 kg)

Resolutions 1000, 500, 333, 250, 200, 83 dpi/lpi

Control

Requires a dedicated PC to operate; requires Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7

(32-bit and 64-bit)

Interconnection USB 2.0 High Speed port only

Laser Options 10, 25 and 30 watts 10, 25, 30, 40 and 50 watts

Power Consumption up

to:

Overall Dimentions

(WxHxD)

With Cart:

26 x 44 x 25 in

(661 x 1118 x 635 mm)

Without Cart:

26 x 14 x 25 in

(661 x 356 x 635 mm)

110V/10A

240V/5A

With Cart:

34 x 44 x 25 in

(864 x 1118 x 635 mm)

Without Cart:

34 x 14 x 25 in

(864 x 356 x 635 mm)

Weight (uncrated)

not include Cart

Does

System = 85 lbs. (38 kg) System = 100–106 lbs. (45-48 kg)

Exhaust Hookup One 3-inch (10.16 cm) port

10 Watt = 13 lbs (6kg)

Laser Cartridge Weight

25/30 Watt = 20 lbs (9 kg)

40 Watt = 23 lbs (10 kg)
50 Watt = 26 lbs (12 kg)

Available Options

Cart, Integrated Air Cleaner, Rotary Fixture, Air Assist, Compressed Air,

Cutting Table, Lens Kits

7

Chapter 2 - Safety

8

DANGEROUS VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT WITHIN THE ELECTRONICSENCLOSURES
OF THIS SYSTEM. Access to these areas is not necessary during normal operation.

bec

omes

remember

necessary to open one of these enclosures for service reasons, please

to disconnect

the

power cord from your electrical

supply

.

If

it

NEVER REMOVE THE GROUND LEAD TO THE ELECTRICAL CORD AND PLUG THE
SYSTEM INTO A NON-GROUNDED OUTLET. A laser system that is not properly

grounded

Without proper gr

beha

is

hazar

dous

and has the potential to cause severe or fatal electrical

ounding, the

laser

system may exhibit sporadic or

vior. Always plug the system into a properly

grounded

(earthed)

unpredictable

outlet.

shock

.

THE POWER SUPPLY CORD IS THE MAINS DISCONNECT DEVICE; THE EQUIPMENT
SHOULD BE LOCATED CLOSE TO AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE POWER OUTLET.

disconnect

unplugged

the

equipment

from the supply

from the power outlet

mains, the power cord should be

or

main power inlet (appliance coupler) of the

unit.

To

THE LASER SYSTEM IS DESIGNED AS A CLASS I, GROUP A, PLUGGABLE DEVICE. It

is

also

the

designed for connection to

user

.

IT

power systems which provide the most

flexibility

to

THIS DEVICE IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO COMPLY WITH CDRH PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
UNDER 21 CFR 1040.10 AND 1040.11 AND TO COMPLY WITH EUROPEAN LASER SAFETY
REGULATIONS UNDER EN60825-1. CDRH is the Center for the Devices of Radiolog

Food and Drug Administration

(FDA)

in the USA. No guarantees of suitability or safety are provided for any use

ical

Health division of the

other than those specified by Universal Laser Systems, Inc.

CO2 Laser Safety

ULS Laser systems are designed to support a sealed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser cartridge that produces intense
invisible laser radiation at a wavelength of 10.6 microns in the infrared spectrum. For your protection, the laser is
contained within a Class 1* enclosure designed to completely contain the CO2 laser beam. CAUTION: Use of
controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in exposure to
hazardous levels of invisible laser radiation.

• Laminated safety glass is employed in the viewing window to block 10.6 micron laser radiation from CO

lasers. This viewing window will block transmission of CO2 laser radiation allowing safe observation of
laser processing. Do not operate the laser system if the view port is damaged, with any of the doors
removed or if any of the safety interlocks are defeated.

•The

intense light that appears during the engraving or cutting process is the product of material

c

ombustion

or vaporization. DO NOT STARE AT THIS INTENSE LIGHT FOR LONG PERIODS OF

TIME OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR
MICROSCOPES.

•

This

device contains a visible Red Diode Pointer

(Class 2)

to aid in positioning material to be cut or

engraved. DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE RED LASER BEAM OR USE A REFLECTIVE

SURFACE TO REDIRECT OR VIEW THE RED LASER BEAM. NEVER ATTEMPT TO VIEW THE RED
LASER BEAM USING OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR MICROSCOPES.

•The

user door(s) are safety interlocked which will prevent the CO2 laser beam from firing when the

user

door(s)

activated with the

are

opened. The

door(s)

Red Diode Pointer is NOT safety interlocked and can be automatically

either open or

closed

.

• DO NOT OPERATE THE LASER SYSTEM IF ANY SAFETY FEATURES HAVE BEEN MODIFIED,
DISABLED OR REMOVED.

which may cause severe eye

•

Always

use caution when

*An

enclosure which does not permit human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible emission limits of

for the applicable

wavelength

This

damage

operating

and emission

may lead to accidental exposure to invisible CO2 laser radiation

and/or severe burns to your skin.

a laser syst

duration.

em.

Class

2

1

10

CO2 and Fiber Laser Safety (PLS6 Multi Wavelength Laser System Only)

The PLS6 multi wavelength laser system is designed to support a sealed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser cartridge
that produces intense invisible laser radiation at a wavelength of 10.6 microns or 9.3 microns in the infrared
spectrum and a fiber laser cartridge that produces intense indivisible laser radiation at a wavelength of 1060
nanometers (1.06 microns). For your protection, these laser cartridges are contained within a Class 1* enclosure
designed to completely contain both the CO2 laser beam and the fiber laser beam. CAUTION: Use of controls,
adjustments or procedures other than those specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous levels of
invisible laser radiation.

1. Fiber laser radiation is especially damaging to the eye if viewed directly. The green tinted top door

viewing window is designed to completely contain both CO2 and fiber laser radiation allowing safe
observation of laser processing. Do not operate the laser system with any of the doors removed, if the
view port is damaged or if any of the safety interlocks are defeated.

2.The

3.

4.The

5. DO NOT OPERATE THE LASER SYSTEM IF ANY SAFETY FEATURES HAVE BEEN MODIFIED,

6.

intense light that appears during the engraving or cutting process is the product of material

c

ombustion

or vaporization. DO NOT STARE AT THIS INTENSE LIGHT FOR LONG PERIODS OF

TIME OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR
MICROSCOPES.

This

device contains a visible Red Diode Pointer

(Class 2)

to aid in positioning material to be cut or

engraved. DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE RED LASER BEAM OR USE A REFLECTIVE

SURFACE TO REDIRECT OR VIEW THE RED LASER BEAM. NEVER ATTEMPT TO VIEW THE RED
LASER BEAM USING OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR MICROSCOPES.

user door(s) are safety interlocked which will prevent the CO2 laser or fiber laser beam from firing
when the user
automatically activated with the

DISABLED OR REMOVED.

radiation which may cause severe eye

Always

use caution when

door(s)

are

opened. The

door(s)

This

operating

Red Diode Pointer is NOT safety interlocked and can be

either open or

closed

.

may lead to accidental exposure to invisible CO2 laser or fiber laser

damage

a laser syst

and/or severe burns to your skin.

em.

*An

enclosure which does not permit human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible emission limits of

for the applicable

wavelength

and emission

duration.

Class

1

11

Laser Safety When Using the Optional Class 4 Module (ILS Laser System Only)

ILS laser systems are equipped with interlocked access doors on either side of the unit. An optional device is
available to allow the user to operate the laser system with the side doors open. This device bypasses the safety
interlocks on the side doors of the ILS laser system. With this optional device in place, the protective system
housing will not fully contain the infrared laser radiation produced by the carbon dioxide laser, creating the
potential for exposure. Use of this optional device redefines the safety classification of the ILS laser system from
Class 1, which is considered safe for use under all conditions of normal use, to Class 4, which is considered
potentially hazardous. Additionally, the system housing will not contain flames or by-products from potential
ignition of materials within the system housing. It should also be noted that damage or ignition of flammable
materials in the immediate or remote vicinity can be caused by infrared laser radiation escaping the housing of a
system equipped with the Class 4 Laser Option.

There are many mandatory safety measures set by national standards and laws and European standards
which must be complied with when operating a Class 4 laser system. Certain safety measures are provided

by the manufacturer through incorporation into the optional Class 4 laser device, including the following:

1. Remote Interlock Connection – A means of remotely connecting to the interlock circuit of the laser
system allowing connection of remote switches to the laser system for deactivating the laser. This feature
must be used to connect an interlock switch to the doors of the designated room in which the laser
system will be operated so that the laser is automatically deactivated when the doors are open.

2. Key Control – A removable key that prevents unauthorized operation of the laser.

3. Laser Radiation Emission Warning Device – A visible warning light that indicates when the laser is

capable of emitting laser radiation.

4. Attenuator – A mechanical device to block emission of laser radiation. This device takes the form of a
shutter which is manually operated.

5. Class 4 Warning Label – A Class 4 warning label to indicate the laser system is classified as Class 4.

In addition to a properly installed exterior exhaust connected to the laser system equipped with the Class 4 Laser
Option, the laser system must be operated only in a continuously well-ventilated area. Certain operational safety
measures are the responsibility of owners of the ILS laser system with the optional Class 4 laser device installed.

These safety measures are mandatory for operation of Class 4 laser devices under Federal and State law
in the United States as well as under the laws of most foreign countries. Many of these safety measures are

outlined in ANSI Standard Z136.1 “American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers” or in equivalent
standards available in most foreign countries, such as the European Standard EN 60825-1. Other safety
measures may be required by state and/or local authorities, for example, the Regulation BGV B2 on laser beams
of the German Employer’s Liability Insurance Association, and will be the responsibility of the Owner to
understand and adhere to these laws. A brief synopsis of the most common safety requirements ad- dressed to
Owners of a Class 4 laser is outlined below:

1. In any facility in which a Class 4 laser system is to be operated, an individual must be designated as a
Laser Safety Officer (“LSO”) who will assume the authority and responsibility to monitor and enforce the
control of laser hazards. The individual designated as the LSO should be trained in laser safety and
aware of all safety measures set by law. There are many avenues available to acquire this training.
Recognized sources of this training are the Laser Institute of America (www.laserinstitute.org), the
Employer’s Insurance Liability Associations in the European countries or, laser safety associations within
Owner’s country or territory.

12

2. The Owner of the Class 4 laser system will be responsible for creation of a controlled area in which a
Class 4 laser system will be operated. A controlled area is an area designed to fully contain the laser
radiation potentially escaping from a Class 4 laser system. and with measures in place to prevent
unauthorized personnel from entering the area including lighted warning signs outside the designated and
controlled area and interlocks on entryways.

3. The LSO will be responsible for designating and training all personnel authorized to operate, maintain or
service a Class 4 laser system. It will also be the responsibility of the LSO to take measures to inform and
restrict all unauthorized personnel from access to a Class 4 laser system.

4. The Owner of the Class 4 laser system will be responsible for identifying and providing to all authorized
personnel any protective equipment such as specially designed eyewear, protective equipment and
clothing needed when operating, maintaining or servicing a Class 4 laser system. Further, the Owner will
ensure that no juveniles operate the laser, and that mirrors, lenses and other reflecting materials are fixed
and are only moved in a controlled manner if the last is in use.

5. The LSO will be responsible for auditing all safety measures on a regular basis. This includes regular
retraining of authorized personnel, serialization and regular inspection (and replacement when necessary)
of all special eyewear and clothing and regular inspection of all safety measures surrounding the
controlled area in which a Class 4 laser system is operated. The LSO may be required to maintain
records as necessary to prove compliance.

6. The LSO will be responsible for regular medical surveillance of all authorized personnel operating a Class
4 laser system. This can include but is not restricted to mandatory annual eye exams, for example.

7. Class 4 lasers must not be used at tradeshows or exhibitions.

The above list is not to be considered all inclusive. Other mandatory safety measures may be applicable and will
vary from state to state and country to country. It is the responsibility of the owners of a Class 4 laser system

and the owners of the facility in which it will be operated to identify and comply with all regulations
pertinent to their locale. In some states, for example, anyone wishing to operate a Class 4 laser device must

register with the state radiation regulatory agency, pay annual fees and submit to annual inspections. There may
be penalties involved for non-compliance. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(“OSHA”) has also adopted rules for safe use of lasers in the workplace. The LSO must comply with all Rules and
Regulations set by law.

To reiterate, the safety measures relating to operation of a Class 4 laser system are mandatory under
Federal and State law in the United States as well as in most foreign countries. This optional Class 4 laser

device must not be used if you are unable or unwilling to comply with all safety measures required for safe
operation of a Class 4 laser system.

13

Tamper Proof Labels

All laser cartridges are equipped with tamper proof labels. There are NO field serviceable parts inside a Universal
Laser System, Inc. (ULS) laser cartridge. If your laser cartridge needs service, please contact the Customer
Service Team at 480-609-0297 (USA), [phone] (Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at

[e-mail].

Safety Labels

CDRH and CE regulations require that all laser manufacturers affix warning labels in specific locations throughout
the equipment. The following warning labels are placed on the laser system for your safety. Do not remove these
labels for any reason. If the labels become damaged or have been removed for any reason, do not operate the
laser system and immediately contact Universal Laser Systems, Inc. at 480-609-0297 (USA), [phone]
(Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at [e-mail] for a free replacement.

ULS CO2 Laser Cartridge Labels

14

EU Declaration of Conformity

Product Identification: All ULS Laser Systems

Manufacturer: European Office:

Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Universal Laser Systems GmbH
16008 N. 81st St. Lerchenfelder Guertel 43
Scottsdale, AZ 85260 A-1160 Vienna/Austria
USA

The manufacturer hereby declares that the equipment specified below is
in conformity with the following directives:

2004/108/EEC (EMC Directive)
2006/95/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)
2006/42/EEC (Machinery Directive)
2002/95/EEC (ROHS Directive)
2002/96/ECC (WEEE Directive)

based on the standards listed.

Standards Used:

Safety:
EN 60950: 2002
EN 60825-1: 2007 (Class 2)
EMC:
EN 55024 1998 (Class A)
EN 55022: 2003 (Class A)
EN 61000-3-2: 2001 (class A)
EN 61000-3-3: 2002
EN 61000-4-2: 2001 (4kV CD, 8kV AD)
EN 61000-4-3: 2003 (3 or 10 V/m)
EN 61000-4-4: 2002 (1 or 2 kV power line)
EN 61000-4-5: 2001 (class 3)
EN 61000-4-6: (3 or 10Vrms)
EN 61000-4-8
EN 61000-4-11

Note: This is not a declaration of conformity. The importer of this
equipment supplies the declaration of conformity.

Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

17

FCC Compliance

This ULS laser system has been tested and found to comply with Federal Communication Commission (FCC)
directives regarding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). In accordance with these directives, ULS is required to
provide the following information to its customers.

FCC Compliance Statement and Warnings

This device complied with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device as set forth in Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.

Users should be aware that changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been type tested and found to comply within the limits for a Computing Device per FCC part
15, using shielded cables. Shielded cables must be used in order to insure compliance with FCC regulations.

Recycling

By placing the above symbol on our products and accessories, Universal Laser Systems is indicating that we are
committed to helping reduce the amount of waste electronics ending up in municipal landfills. Therefore, Universal
Laser Systems urges consumers to recycle this product and its accessories. Universal Laser Systems is equipped
to recycle any of its electronic products and accessories and will assist our customers with their recycling options.
To arrange for recycling of your ULS product or accessory, please contact Universal Laser Systems for more
information at 480-609-0297 (USA), [phone] (Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at

[e-mail].

18

Chapter 3 - Installation

19

This section provides step-by-step instructions for site preparation, computer/software setup and laser system
assembly and connection. Follow the instructions in the order shown.

1. Site Preparation

2. Operating System Requirements and Software Installation

3. Assembling and Connecting Your Laser System

Note: Make sure to complete step 2 (software installation) prior to plugging the laser system into a USB port
on your PC.

CAUTION: Damage to the laser system due to inadequate or improper installation or operation is not

covered under the Universal Laser Systems (ULS) Warranty. See the ULS Warranty for additional
information. A ULS Warranty document is supplied with your laser system. Should you require a copy of the
Warranty, please contact the ULS Customer Service Tea m at 480-609-0297 (USA), [phone]
(Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at [e-mail].

Please refer to the Safety section before operating your laser system.

Step 1: Site Preparation

Operating Environment (User Supplied)

1. The laser system must be installed in an office, laboratory, workshop or light duty manufacturing
environment.

2. Dusty or dirty environments can damage the laser system. Keep the laser system isolated from any
processes that produce airborne particles such as sandblasting, sanding, machining, etc. Also, keep the
laser system isolated from any equipment requiring mists of oil or water for lubrication. Airborne dust and
liquids can coat and damage optics and motion system components.

3. Avoid small, enclosed, non-ventilated areas. Some materials, after laser engraving or cutting, continue
emitting fumes for several minutes after processing. Having these materials present in a confined,
unventilated room can create a health hazard.

4. For best results, since the laser cartridges are air-cooled, we recommend operating the laser system
between the ambient temperatures of 70ºF (21ºC) and 78ºF (25ºC).

5. Avoid storing the laser system outside the temperatures of 50ºF (10ºC) and 95ºF (35ºC) as excessively
cold or hot temperatures can damage the laser cartridge or reduce its lifetime.

6. Ambient humidity levels must be non-condensing to protect optics.

7. The laser system should be at least 1 foot (300 mm) away from any wall or obstruction to allow for access
and proper ventilation.

Electrical Power Source (User Supplied)

1. For your system’s electrical requirements, please refer to the “INPUT POWER” label near the power inlet.

2. CAUTION: Never remove the ground lead to the electrical cord and plug the laser system into a non-

grounded outlet. A laser system that is not properly grounded is hazardous and has the potential to cause
severe or fatal electrical shock. Without proper grounding, the laser system may exhibit sporadic or
unpredictable behavior. Always plug the system into a properly grounded (earthed) outlet.

3. Noisy or unstable electricity and voltage spikes may cause interference and possible damage to the

electronics of the laser system. If electrical power fluctuations, brown outs or constant power outages are
a problem in your area, please contact your local Electrician to supply a power isolation and regulation
module. Electrically noisy equipment, such as equipment with large motors, can also cause interference if
plugged into the same outlet. It may be necessary to attach the laser system to a dedicated electrical line
to resolve the problem.

4. The laser system is designed as a Class I, Group A, pluggable device. It is also designed for connection

to IT Power systems which provide the most flexibility to the user.

20

Exhaust System (User Supplied if not using optional Exhaust Air Filtration Unit)

1. We recommend you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety and building code
requirements.

2. The exhaust system must be capable of supplying a minimum of:

a.

VLS2.30 - 150 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow while under a load of 6 inches of static
pressure (254m3/hr at 1.5kPa)

b.

VLS3.50 - 250 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow while under a load of 6 inches of static
pressure (425m3/hr at 1.5kPa)

3. Do not install forward incline, backward incline, in-line or ventilator fans because these types of air
handlers are inadequate and inappropriate for this type of installation. A high-pressure blower must be
used to meet minimum airflow requirements.

4. For personal safety and noise control, we recommend that the exhaust blower be mounted outside the
building.

5. Rigid tubing should be used for the majority of the connection between the blower and the laser system.
The tubing should be smooth-walled and have as few 90-degree bends as possible.

6. Install an exhaust gate to adjust airflow and to close off the exhaust when the laser is not in use. Place
this gate near the laser system within 5 to 10 feet (1.50 to 3.00 meters).

7. Use a short piece of industrial grade, wire-reinforced rubber tubing to connect the laser system’s exhaust
port to the exhaust gate and secure with a hose clamp. This will provide some mobility for your laser
system and will isolate exhaust blower vibrations from your laser system.

8. Wire the exhaust blower electrically to a wall switch in the same room for easy ON/OFF control.

Note: The following diagram shows a typical exhaust system layout. Use this as a guideline for proper
exhaust system installation. Although this diagram serves as an example, we recommend you consult with a
licensed contractor to meet local safety, environmental and building code requirements and to also calculate
the correct size blower required for your particular installation. Length of exhaust pipe, exhaust pipe diameter,
number of 90-degree angles and other restrictions must be calculated when determining the correct exhaust
blower unit. Installing an undersized or oversized blower is not only unsafe, but can also lead to excessive
wear and tear to the laser system and premature failure.

21

VLS2.30 and VLS3.50

1. Exhaust blower mounted outside* (User Supplied)

2. Weatherproof shield (User Supplied)

3. Rigid ducting matching the diameter of the blower inlet (User Supplied)

4. Shut-off or air-flow gate (User Supplied)

5. Adapter to the hose reduces from 4” to 3” (User Supplied)

6. Flexible, wire-reinforced, industrial grade rubber hose (User Supplied)

7. Connection to laser system

8. Exhaust On/Off switch (User Supplied)

9. Computer (User Supplied)

*Exhaust blower illustration may differ according to your region.

22

Step 2: Computer Requirements and Software Installation

Your computer is a critical component in the operation of your laser system. In fact, you cannot operate the laser
system if your computer is not connected, powered on, running Windows and running the Universal Control Panel
(UCP) software.

You can only run one laser system per computer. Yo u will need to purchase a separate computer for each laser
system you own. Yo u must operate the laser system using the computer that is directly attached to it via the
provided 6 ft (2 meters) USB cable. USB cables longer than 6 feet (2 meters) may cause the laser system to
malfunction.

Computer and Operating System Requirements

• Minimum Computer Requirements (User Supplied)

• 2.0 GHz processor (minimum)

• 32 bit or 64 bit version of Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7

• 2 GB of RAM (minimum)

• 40 GB hard drive (15 GB free space) (minimum)

• VGA monitor (minimum 1024 x 768 resolution)

• CD/DVD Drive

• Mouse and keyboard

• Available USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compliant port only

• Computer speakers (optional)

• Internet connection and e-mail address (optional)

Note: Some computer manufacturers’ USB ports do not comply with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed standards. This may
cause the laser system to exhibit erratic behavior. Confirm that your computer is USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compliant
by checking your computer manual. For more information on USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compatibility, please visit

www.usb.org.

Other USB peripheral devices that demand a large amount of computer processing power may slow down the
operation and productivity of the laser system. If you experience problems with operation of the laser system
while using another USB device, we recommend you discontinue use of that device while the laser system is
in use. Do not connect or disconnect USB devices while the laser system is running a job.

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Computer Power Management

Power management settings on your computer can interfere with proper operation of the laser system by putting
the PC in standby or sleep mode while the laser system is processing material. The settings can be controlled
through the power options in the Windows control panel on your PC. The illustrations below show you how to
disable power management.

XP Vista and 7

For the Power Scheme in use, select “Never” for
all the options: Turn off display and Put the
computer to sleep.

For the Power Scheme in use, select
“Never” for all the options: Turn off monitor,
turn off hard disks, system standby and
system hibernates.

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Software Installation

At this point you need to install the Universal Control Panel (UCP) and printer driver. In order to install the
software, you need to have administrative privileges on the computer before starting installation. Use the Software
Installation CD-ROM included with your laser system.

1. Insert the Software Installation CD-ROM into your PC’s CD/DVD drive. It should automatically launch the
“Universal Control Panel Installation” window. Select the laser system for which you are installing

software.

Note: If the setup window does not automatically launch, you can launch it manually. Locate your CD or
DVD drive using Windows Explorer and launch the Setup.exe application to start installation.

2. The installation process will proceed as indicated by a progress bar.

3. When the installation process is finished, the “Completing the ULS Software Setup Wizard” window will

prompt you to reboot the PC to complete the installation. If you have any other applications running in
windows make sure you save your work prior to rebooting. After the PC finishes rebooting, the software
installation is complete and you are ready to connect your laser system to the PC.

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Step 3: Assembling and Connecting Your Laser System

Familiarize yourself with the instructions before getting started.

The final step in installation is to assemble your laser system, install the laser cartridge, make final connections
and perform a beam alignment check. Do not power up your laser system until the final step, “Checking Beam
Alignment.”

Exhaust Air Filtration Unit Assembly (Optional)

1. Unpack the air filtration unit and place it on a level surface.

2. Push down on the tabs of the locking casters so that the cart does not roll.

3. Unpack the laser system.

4. With the assistance of another person, lift the laser system and place it on top of the air

filtration unit so that the feet of the laser system rest within the four depressions on top of
the air filtration unit.

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5. Bend and connect the short exhaust hose (1) provided with the air filtration unit to the exhaust port on the

1

back of the laser system and secure it with the provided hose clamps. Once the hose is attached, install
the provided sheet metal cover over the exhaust hose.

6. Attach a power cord to the air filtration unit’s power inlet (5), but do not plug into power outlet at this point.

7. Connect the provided 3 ft. communications cable between one of the two Serial ports (2) of the laser

system and the Serial port connector on the air filtration unit (3). Secure the Serial cable using the
retainer clips (4).

8. Attach a power cord to the laser system’s power inlet (6), but do not plug into power outlet at this point.

9. Continue to next section

Laser System Assembly

1. Unpack the laser system, place it on the table or desktop where you intend to operate it (if not using the
optional exhaust air filtration unit) and open the top door and remove any packaging from inside the
machine.

2. Gently move the X-Axis arm (1) back and forth. It should slide freely, if all packing material has been
removed.

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3. Using a flat blade screw driver gently open the Thermal Sensor battery holder drawer on the back of the
laser system as indicated and install the provided 9-volt battery into the battery holder.

Note: A properly installed 9-volt battery is necessary to operate the laser system. The laser system will
not function without a charged battery installed. Keep a spare 9-volt battery on hand at all times.

4. In some instances the laser must be installed in the laser system. If the laser is not already installed in the
laser system, locate the laser and follow these instructions to install it, otherwise skip to the next
numbered step.

a. Remove the back cover from the laser system by removing the two screws on the left and right

side of the cover.

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b. Locate the two mounting blocks shown with arrows below and the laser connector on the left side

of the laser compartment.

c. Locate the “V” groove along the upper (3) and lower (2) part of the laser cartridge base plate and

the alignment plate (1) at the end of the base plate.

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d. Pick up the laser cartridge by the ends and mount the cartridge onto the mounting blocks shown

in step b by placing the upper “V” groove on top of the mounting blocks. Slide the cartridge to the
right or left as necessary until the mounting holes in the top of the laser line up with the mounting
holes in the top of the laser mounting block.

e. Attach the two supplied mounting screws marked 1 above and the laser connector marked 2.

f. Replace the back cover.

5. Plug the laser system an optional exhaust air filtration unit, if present, into appropriate power outlets.

6. Connect the USB cable provided with the laser system between the USB port of the computer and the
USB port on the back of the laser system.

CAUTION: The laser system is USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (only). The laser system comes equipped with a high

quality, 6-ft (2.0 meter) USB 2.0 certified cable. We recommend you use this provided cable. Do not use
any adapters, extension cables, USB cables longer than 6 ft (2.0 meters) or other devices between the
computer’s USB port and the port on the laser system; sporadic or unpredictable behavior may result.

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