Vision MaxPro Operation Manual

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Vision MaxPro

Operations Manual

Vision Engraving & Routing Systems

17621 N. Black Canyon Hwy.

Phoenix, AZ 85023

www.visionengravers.com

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Vision MaxPro

All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without the written permission of the publisher.

Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners. The publisher and the author make no claim to these trademarks.

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document.

Printed: September 2006 in USA.

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Table of Contents

IContents

Part I

Part II

Before you begin

................................................................................................................................... 2About This Manual

................................................................................................................................... 2Safety

................................................................................................................................... 3Unpacking and Taking Inventory

................................................................................................................................... 4Specifications

Configuration

................................................................................................................................... 8Cabling the MaxPro

................................................................................................................................... 10Configuring the PC

.......................................................................................................................................................... 10Using a Network Connection

......................................................................................................................................................... 10Direct to the PC

......................................................................................................................................................... 11Through a Network

.......................................................................................................................................................... 11Using a Serial Connection

.......................................................................................................................................................... 12Configuring Windows

......................................................................................................................................................... 12Windows XP

......................................................................................................................................................... 15Windows 2000

......................................................................................................................................................... 18Windows 98

................................................................................................................................... 20Configuring the Software

.......................................................................................................................................................... 20Installing Job Server

.......................................................................................................................................................... 31Installing Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT

.......................................................................................................................................................... 40Configuring Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT

................................................................................................................................... 46Table setup

.......................................................................................................................................................... 46T-Slot table

.......................................................................................................................................................... 48Vice

.......................................................................................................................................................... 51Rotary

.......................................................................................................................................................... 53Using Water

......................................................................................................................................................... 53Filling the Reservoir

......................................................................................................................................................... 54Adjusting the flow

Part III

Operations

................................................................................................................................... 58Starting the Job Server

................................................................................................................................... 60Hand Held Pendant

.......................................................................................................................................................... 60Buttons

.......................................................................................................................................................... 68LCD Display

................................................................................................................................... 76Operations and Lessons

.......................................................................................................................................................... 76Selecing machine drivers

.......................................................................................................................................................... 79Holding Flat Items with the T-Slot table

.......................................................................................................................................................... 82Lesson 1 - Engraving a Small Name Badge

.......................................................................................................................................................... 88Lesson 2 - Engraving Pens

.......................................................................................................................................................... 95Lesson 3 - Engraing Round objects

.......................................................................................................................................................... 106Lesson 4 - Engraving Luggage tags

.......................................................................................................................................................... 115Lesson 5 - Engraving Rings and Bracelets

.......................................................................................................................................................... 134Advanced Text Options

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.......................................................................................................................................................... 155Multiple Plates

.......................................................................................................................................................... 162Scanning and Graphic editing

.......................................................................................................................................................... 171Creating Custom Vision Pro Drivers

Part IV

Part V

Maintenance

................................................................................................................................... 180Lubrication

................................................................................................................................... 184Changing the Motor Belt

................................................................................................................................... 185Draining and Cleaning the Water Resevoir

................................................................................................................................... 186Cleaning the vice rail and lead screw

Troubleshooting

................................................................................................................................... 188Job Server

180

188

Index 197

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Chapter

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Before you begin

About This Manual

This Manual is designed to provide you with information about the "Multi Axis Professional Engraver" or "Vision Jeweler" machine (referred to as the MaxPro in this manual), beginning with unpacking the machine, setup, operations and maintaining the machine. Some previous knowledge of engraving terms and the engraving process is assumed. For information on the Vision Pro Engraving Software, see the software manuals that came with it. For more information on your individual computer system, see your computer’s user manual or contact your computer distributor.

Safety

Safety Precautions for the MaxPro Engraver.

Keep hands clear of the bottom of the spindle, the motor belt and the spindle pulley during

operation. Always stop the machine before making any adjustments.

Do not operate the machine with the covers removed.

Wear safety glasses when cutting any materials that emit chips.

Use extreme caution when inserting or removing cutters.

Before any servicing, disconnect the power cord to the controller and the table cables.

To avoid electric shock or equipment damage, ensure that the control unit is connected to

the appropriate electrical source as noted in the installation procedures. Never operate the equipment with damaged or frayed power cords, loose connections or

exposed extension cords where someone can step on the cord and create a tripping hazard.

Be sure to hold the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting the controller from an electrical

socket or power source. Place the machine in a location with low humidity and a minimum of dust. Avoid placing

the equipment in direct sunlight or in locations with excessive heat. If you machine does not operate properly; in particular, if there are any unusual sounds or

smells coming from it, immediately unplug it and contact a service technician or your local distributor.

Unplug the machine when it is going to be left unused for an extended period of time.

Openings are provided on the bottom of the machine for ventilation. Do not cover the

openings or place the controller in an environment where the openings may become blocked.

Never insert anything into the ventilation openings. Doing so may create a danger of

electric shock. Do not expose the control unit to rain or use it near water. You can clean the controller

with a damp cloth but be sure to unplug the unit first.

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Before you begin 3

Unpacking and Taking Inventory

The MaxPro engraving system has been shipped in one crate, unless other accessories have been ordered with the machine that will not fit in the crate. Examine the condition of the crate for external damage. In the event of apparent external damage, notify your shipping carrier upon receipt, and call your sales representative or Vision immediately.

Note:

The shipping container is considered reusable and should be stored for use in the

event of service need or upgrade.

Step1:

Take the top lid of the crate off by removing the Phillips screws in the top. Remove the sides of the crate by removing the Phillips screws on the sides. Remove the two wood pieces that are screwed into the base of the crate. The machine can now be removed. In the crate will be a cardboard box with all of the machine accessories (including this manual). Open the accessory box and the following items should be included:

1 Hand held pendant

1 Vision warranty card

1 This MaxPro manual

1 Vision All Products CD

1 Vision Pro or Vision Pro LT USB software dongle (if purchased)

1 Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT dongle information sheet

1 Network cable

1 Network crossover adaptor

1 Serial cable (null modem)

1 Power cord

2 Spare 8 amp fuses (DC)

2 Spare 10 amp slow blow fuses

1 Quick lock vice (mounted on the T-Slot table)

1 Cutter wrench

1 Spare 10 1/2" motor belt

1 Engraving cutter .015" tip

1 Engraving cutter .030" tip

1 Non rotating diamond cutter

1 Allen wrench set

1 Water nose cone

1 Cone drive

1 Tail stock

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1 Medium cone

4 Small dowel pins

4 Small button head screws

Check to see that all of the items are included. Should any of the contents be missing, damaged, or of the incorrect type, please call your sales representative or Vision immediately.

If the Vision Platinum Jewelry package was purchased, the items below are included also in addition to the items above.

1 Computer (Desktop or Laptop)

1 Scanner

1 Ring Gauge

1 Digital Calipers

1 Ring Attachment

1 Rotating diamond cutter .005 tip

1 Rotating diamond cutter .015 tip

2 Burnishing Adaptors

1 Universal Pin Fixture

1 Adjustable Pen Fixture

1 Universal Clamping Bars w/Medallion Holder

1 T-Handle Allen Wrench 3/32"

1 Gold Rub n Buff

1 White Rub n Buff

1 Silver Rub n Buff

Step 2:

Prepare a clean, level surface to put the engraving machine on. Carefully lift the machine out of the crate and place it on the table.

Step 3:

After unpacking the machine, make sure that you SAVE THE CRATE, FOAM PACK and ANY OTHER BOXES. They can be reused in the event the system must be transported to another location or returned for service. Improper packaging for shipment can damage the machine and may void the warranty.

Specifications

Z-Axis stroke/clearance: 3 inches (75 mm)

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Table resolution: .0002 inch

Engraving area one pass: 8“ x 12 ” (203 mm x 304 mm)

Engraving area maximum: 14“ x unlimited12 ” (355 mm)

Rotary engraving maximum size: 6“ diameter x 12" tall (152 mm x 304mm)

Before you begin 5

Work holding vice: Self-centering vice with pins for holding various clamps

Spindle speed: 3,000 to 16,000 adjustable RPM

Tilt angle: 15 degrees maximum

Power requirements: 110 or 220 volts, 10 amp

Laser pointer: 640 nanometers, <.5 milliwatts

Water system: Self contained, recirculating pump (for engraving glass)

Overall Dimensions: 26 1/2” Tall x 28“ Wide x 28” Deep (673 mm x 711 mm x 711 mm)

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Shipping dimensions: 41" x 33" x 39.5" (1041mm x 838mm x 1003mm)

Machine weight: 150 lbs.

Shipping weight: 325 lbs.

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Chapter

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Configuration

Cabling the MaxPro

Please connect the cables to the back of the MaxPro machine per the instructions below.

Locate the table cable connection box shown in figure 2.1 below.

(Figure 2.1) The table cable connection box

Plug the 25 pin cable into the table cable connection box as shown in figure 2.1 above. The connector is labeled number 1. Make sure to tighten the two table cable tightening screws shown. Caution: Do not over tighten these screws.

Connect the remaining cables per figure 2.2 below. A description of each connection is below.

(Figure 2.2) The Vision Serial Controller connections

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Configuration 9

1. Connect the hand held pendant cable to the position labeled 1 in figure 2.2. Make sure to tighten both screws in the plug securely.

2. Connect the supplied network cable to the plug labeled 2 in figure 2.2 Please see the next section in this manual labeled ‘Using a network connection’ for information on how to connect the other end of this cable to your PC.

3. Plug 3 in figure 2.2 is used only in the event that no network connection is available to use the engraver with. In this case, use the supplied 9 pin female to 9 pin female null modem cable to connect from the MaxPro to your computers serial port. Note: This is only used if you are NOT using the network connection on the MaxPro.

4. Looking from the back side of the machine, plug in the large cable from the right upright into the plug labeled 4 in figure 2.2. This is used for the rotary axis motor and vice motor. Make sure to tighten both screws in the plug securely.

5. Connect the 25-pin cable to the plug labeled 5 in figure 2.2. This cable connects the entire head of the machine to the electronics tray. Make sure to tighten both screws in the plug securely.

6. Number 6 in figure 2.2 is the DC fuse holder. If this fuse were to blow, replace it with an 8 amp fuse.

7. Number 7 in figure 2.2 is the AC fuse holder. If this fuse were to blow, replace it with a 10 amp slow blow fuse.

8. Number 8 in figure 2.2 is the on/off power switch.

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9. Number 9 in figure 2.2 is where the 110 volt power is plugged into.

Note:

220 volts can be used if the machine is configured to accept 220 volts. There is typically a yellow label near the plug if the machine is configured for 220 volts.

10. Looking from the back side of the machine, plug in the small cable from the right upright into the plug labeled 10 in figure 2.2. This is used to power the water pump.

11. Connect the thin gray auxiliary plug (extending from the auxiliary power box) to the plug labeled 11 in figure 2.2. (

Note:

This is an optional auxiliary power box used only with a vacuum chip removal system. If a vacuum chip removal system is not required, there is no need for the auxiliary power box).

The MaxPro Engraver is now connected properly.

Configuring the PC

Using a Network Connection

There are two different types of network connection methods that can be used for the MaxPro Engraver. Connect the supplied network cable to the network plug on the back of the MaxPro. The other end of the network cable connects in one of two ways.

Direct to the PC

If you are connecting the MaxPro directly to a PC and not through a network server, please attach the supplied network crossover adaptor to the end of the network cable. Then plug the adaptor directly into the network connection in the back of your PC. The IP address will need to be manually entered into the Vision controller. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Turn the MaxPro on. After a few seconds, the machine will boot up.

2. Press the Menu button on the hand held pendant.

3. Press the Y down jog button ten times.

4. The cursor will be on Ethernet Settings. Press the Enter button on the pendant.

5. The cursor will be on Specify IP. Press the Enter button on the controller.

6. Press the EXIT button on the controller to specify an IP address.

7. Using the number pad on the pendant, type 192 and press Enter.

8. Type 168 and then Enter.

9. Type 5 and then Enter.

10. Type 101 and then Enter.

11. The Enter NetMask screen will show on the LCD screen. Type 255 and then Enter.

12. Type 255 and then Enter.

13. Type 255 and then Enter.

14. Type 0 and then Enter.

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Configuration 11

15. Press the Exit button on the controller two times. The IP address is now set in the MaxPro.

Through a Network

If you are connecting the Vision controller to a network server, plug the network cable directly from the MaxPro into a network port. When the machine is turned on, it will automatically receive an IP address from the network server it is connected to.

If the network is not setup to assign an IP address to the MaxPro, one can be entered manually into the machine. Please follow the steps below.

1. Turn the MaxPro on. After a few seconds, the machine will boot up.

2. Press the Menu button on the hand held pendant.

3. Press the Y down jog button ten times.

4. The cursor will be on Ethernet Settings. Press the Enter button on the pendant.

5. The cursor will be on Specify IP. Press the Enter button on the controller.

6. Press the EXIT button on the controller to specify an IP address.

7. Using the number pad on the pendant, type 192 and press Enter.

8. Type 168 and then Enter.

9. Type 5 and then Enter.

10. Type 101 and then Enter.

11. The Enter NetMask screen will show on the LCD screen. Type 255 and then Enter.

12. Type 255 and then Enter.

13. Type 255 and then Enter.

14. Type 0 and then Enter.

15. Press the Exit button on the controller two times. The IP address is now set in the MaxPro.

Note:

You will need to ask your network administrator for the numbers to enter in steps 7 through 10 above. Entering the incorrect numbers will not allow the MaxPro to run through the network.

Using a Serial Connection

If you cannot connect the Vision controller to the PC through a network connection, you can use a serial connection. Connect the 9 pin female to 9 pin female null modem cable from the Vision controller to your computers serial port shown in figure 2.3.

(Figure 2.3) The PC serial connection

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Vision MaxPro12

Configuring Windows

When using a network connection through a network server, there is no configuration required with the PC so you can skip this section. If you are connecting the Vision controller directly to the PC using a network connection, you must configure the Windows© network settings. The settings are different depending on which version of the Windows© operating system you are using. Please follow the instructions below for the correct version of Windows© is on your PC.

Windows XP

1. If there is a My Network Places icon on your main Windows© screen, go to step 3 below.

2. If there is no My Network Places icon on your main Windows© screen, click on the Start

button at the lower left corner of the Windows screen.

3. Right click on My Network Places and go to Properties.

4. Right mouse click on the Network Connection in the right side and select Properties.

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Configuration 13

5. Highlight the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties.

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6. Select “Use the following IP address:”. Enter the numbers shown below for the IP

address and Subnet mask.

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Configuration 15

7. Click OK and the click Close.

Windows 2000

1. Right click on My Network Places from the Windows© desktop and go to Properties.

2. Right mouse click on the Network Connection in the right side and select Properties.

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3. Highlight the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click on Properties.

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Configuration 17

4. Select “Use the following IP address:”. Enter the numbers shown below for the IP

address and Subnet mask.

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5. Click OK and the click Close.

Windows 98

1. Right click on Network Neighborhood and go to Properties.

2. Highlight TCP/IP and click on Properties.

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Configuration 19

3. Click on the IP Address tab.

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4. Select “Specify an IP address”. Enter the numbers shown above for the IP address and

Subnet mask.

5. Click OK.

Configuring the Software

Installing Job Server

The job server program is required to run jobs with the Vision controller. To install the job server program, follow the steps below. privileges on the PC that you are installing the Vision Job Server program on. If not, the program will not install properly.

1. Insert the Vision All Products CD into the PC.

2. The following screen should appear. If not, click on Start, Run and then type in

SetupV7.exe

where d:\ is the letter of the CD ROM drive that the Vision All Products CD

is in.

IMPORTANT:

You must have administrative

d:\

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Configuration 21

3. Select

Job Server - Series 3 Controller and MaxPro

4. From the Welcome screen, click

and click

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6. Select the default destination folder or select a different one and click

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Configuration 23

7. Select the installation type. Most users will select typical and click

8. Select the default program file name or select a different one and click

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9. Click

from the start copying files screen.

10.Select OK from the information screen.

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Configuration 25

11.Make sure that the MaxPro machine is powered on and select

Add

NOTE:

12.

When using Windows XP with service pack 2 or higher, the following message

may appear the first time that a machine is added. Select

Unblock

to continue.

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13.If the MaxPro is connected with a network cable, click

serial cable, skip to step 17.

. If it is connected through a

14.The MaxPro should be detected through the network connection and shown in the

Connection Name above. If you have multiple Vision systems or MaxPro machines connected on your network or PC, multiple machines will be shown in the screen below. You can have an unlimited amount of machines connected to one PC. Click

Finish

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Configuration 27

15.Select

16.Select

Finish

. The Job Server program is now installed. Please skip items 17 through

23 and proceed to the next section.

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17.If the MaxPro is connected to a serial port instead of a network, continue here.

18.Select

Don't detect my Machine Tool; I will select it from a list"

and click

Next.

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Configuration 29

19.Select

Default Machine

and click

20.Enter a name for your MaxPro and select the Communications Port that the machine is

connected to. Click

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21.Click

Finish

22.Select

23.Select

Finish

. The Job Server program is now installed.

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Configuration 31

Installing Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT

The Vision Pro or Vision Pro LT program is used to create the jobs that are to be engraved. To install the Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT program, follow the steps below. have administrative privileges on the PC that you are installing the Vision Job Server program on. If not, the program will not install properly.

The Vision Pro and Vision Pro LT software includes a hardware security device called a dongle. This can either be a USB type or parallel port type. The standard is a USB type which plugs into a USB port in the PC.

Important:

Do not plug the USB type dongle into the

PC until the Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT software has been installed.

1. Insert the Vision All Products CD into the PC.

2. The following screen should appear. If not, click on Start, Run and then type in

SetupV7.exe

where d:\ is the letter of the CD ROM drive that the Vision All Products CD

is in.

3. Select

Vision Pro 7 Engraving Software

and click

Note:

You must

d:\

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4. If this is a new installation, please make sure that the Engraving Fonts is selected in the

Select Files screen below and click

5. Use the default folder name or select a different one and click

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Configuration 33

6. Select the language that Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT will be installed in and click

OK.

7. Select the type of Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT security device included with the software

package. The standard is a USB type security device. Click

8. Select the type of Vision Pro software to be installed. This is typically either Vision Pro or

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Vision Pro LT. Click

9. Select

on the welcome screen.

10.Read the license agreement and click

click

to accept. Please note that you must agree with the license agreement to

continue.

I accept the terms of the license agreement

and

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Configuration 35

1. Select the default destination folder or select a different one and click

11.Select

Full Installation

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12.Select the default program file name or select a different one and click

13.Select

Yes, I would like to upgrade or install new cutting devices

and click

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Configuration 37

14.Select the Vision MaxPro drivers on the left side of the screen. Putting a check mark in

the Vision Max Pro on the left side of the screen will install all of the MaxPro drivers on the right side of the screen. Select

15.Click

Continue

to install the Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT fonts.

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16.Click OK to continue.

17.Click OK to continue.

18.Click

Yes

if you would like to install the 1100 outline fonts or No if you would not like to install them. These are not necessary fonts unless you require an outline font. They can be installed at a later time if required.

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19.Click OK to complete the font installation.

Configuration 39

20.Select

Yes, I want to restart my computer now

21.The computer will now restart. Vision Pro or Vision Pro LT is now installed completely.

and click

Finish

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Configuring Vision Pro/Vision Pro LT

The Vision Pro software needs to be configured to output jobs to the MaxPro before it can be used. The configuration setting is different depending on how the MaxPro machine is connected to your PC. Their are three different configuration possibilities listed below. They are also found in the "Configuring the PC" section of this document. Please follow the instructions for the configuration of your machine.

Configuration 1

The MaxPro network cable connects directly to the PC. There is no external network involved.

In this configuration, no Vision Pro software configuration is required.

Configuration 2

The MaxPro network cable connects to a network. The PC network cable connects to the same network but not directly to the MaxPro.

In this configuration, start Vision Pro by clicking on the desktop Vision Pro icon.

Click OK on the plate size screen that appears. Go to the Engrave, Engraving Defaults menu item. The screen below will appear.

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Configuration 41

Click the Setup icon to the right of the selected driver.

With the MaxPro Inside Ring driver highlighted, click the Port tab at the top of the screen.

Change the Port Location to TCPIP raw by clicking the down arrow to the right of the port location.

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Change the IP address to the match the IP address of the MaxPro that was given to the machine in the "Configuring the PC" section of this document. This will typically be assigned by a network administrator. The value in the Port window will always be set to 23. Click the Apply button. Next, change the Port Location back to File and click Apply.

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Configuration 43

Click on the Engraver: tab from the Engraver Setup screen and highlight the MaxPro Outside Ring driver. Change the IP address in the same manner that was done for the MaxPro Inside Ring driver. Do this for the remaining four drivers and then click OK two times.

Configuration 3

The MaxPro connects to the PC through a serial cable. In this configuration, start Vision Pro by clicking on the desktop Vision Pro icon.

Click OK on the plate size screen that appears. Go to the Engrave, Engraving Defaults menu item. The screen below will appear.

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Click the Setup icon to the right of the selected driver.

With the MaxPro Inside Ring driver highlighted, click the Port tab.

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Configuration 45

Change the Port Location to COM1: clicking the down arrow to the right of the port location. The COM port number is the serial port number on your PC. If the machine is connected to a different COM port such as serial port 3, select COM3: in the Port Location box.

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Click the Apply button. Click on the Engraver: tab from the Engraver Setup screen and highlight the MaxPro

Outside Ring driver. Change the Port Location to the COM port required in the same manner that was done for the MaxPro Inside Ring driver. Do this for the remaining four drivers and then click OK two times.

The Vision Pro software configuration is now complete.

Table setup

T-Slot table

The T-Slot table is typically used for engraving larger, flat items such as plaques and name tags. The quick lock vice included with the machine can be used to hold smaller items. If items are larger in size, either double sided tape or "Multi Mat" material can be used to hold the part down to the table. More information on the "Multi Mat" material can be found in the Vision accessory catalog or online at www.visionengravers.com under the accessories web page.

The T-Slot table is typically mounted on the machine during the initial machine shipment. When putting material on the T-Slot table, always place the material to be engraved against the back, left side of the T-Slot table. These are the sides that have the ruler guides on them per the picture below.

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Configuration 47

To remove the T-Slot table, remove the four Allen head screws from the top of the T-Slot table per the picture below. There are two screws on the top left and two on the top right of the T-Slot table.

The T-Slot table can now be taken off. Please note that once the screws are removed, the table must be removed by pulling up evenly on the table as it is resting on four pins for alignment. Be careful not to lose the pins.

To re-install the T-Slot table, open or close the vice until the pins in the top of the vice line up with the holes in the T-Slot table. Insert and tighten the four Allen head screws. The T-Slot table is now ready for use.

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Vice

When using the vice to hold material, remove the T-Slot table per the previous section in the manual. This will allow the vice to be used.

A selection of fixtures are available for use with the vice. More information on the available fixtures can be found in the Vision accessory catalog or online at www.visionengravers.com.

Any of the fixtures available slide over the two pins on each of the vice uprights. Pictures of various fixtures and clamping methods are shown below.

Engraving a pen with the pen/medallion fixture

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Engraving a medallion with the seal fixture

Configuration 49

Engraving a lighter with the universal pin fixture

Engraving a shape with the universal pin fixture

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Vision MaxPro50

Engraving a knife with the universal pin fixture.

The wheel on the right side of the vice can be turned to open and close the vice.

The vice can also be automatically opened or closed. To do this, power the machine on. Wait approximately 10 seconds for the machine to initialize and press the button. Next, press and release the on the button will illuminate. Then press the

Shift

button on the hand held pendant. The green light

X left

X right

arrow. The left arrow opens

Goto Home

the vice and the right arrow closes the vice.

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Configuration 51

Rotary

When using the rotary vice to hold round items, remove the T-Slot table per the previous section in the manual. This will allow the rotary axis to be used.

The machine needs to be put into rotary axis mode. To do this, power the machine on. Wait approximately 10 seconds for the machine to initialize and press the button. Press the below.

Press 1 and then

Rotary Axis

ENTER

. The following screen will appear.

Goto Home

button on the pendant. The LCD will display the screen

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Enter the diameter of the item you would like to engrave. Use a ruler to measure the distance across the round item per the picture below.

The spindle will move to the center of the vice and the light on the rotary axis button will be illuminated.

Insert the tapered cone into the left side of the vice per the picture below.

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Configuration 53

Insert the flat cone into the right side of the vice per the picture below.

Insert the round item to be engraved into the center of the cones. Align the right side of the round object with the cone on the right side. Center the item to be engraved evenly with the lines in the blue material on the right cone. Tighten the vice with the tightening wheel or by pressing the

Shift

and then

X left

X right

button on the pendant until the vice it tight.

Using Water

Filling the Reservoir

To engrave into glass or ceramics, the water reservoir must be filled with water. The water can then be turned on to flow over the glass or ceramic material when being engraved.

Move the water tank cover off to the side per the picture below.

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Fill the tank with water per the picture below.

Fill the tank until it is approximately 3/4 full and replace the water tank cover to the original position.

Adjusting the flow

The water flow valve is set at the factory before shipping. However, if the flow of water needs to be adjusted to obtain the correct flow, the valve may need to me adjusted. Locate the water flow valve per the picture below. It is located just below and behind the center of the water collection tray that is at the base of the vice.

Remove the T-Slot table. The machine needs to be put into rotary axis mode. To do this, power the machine on. Wait approximately 10 seconds for the machine to initialize and press the

Goto Home

button. Press the

Rotary Axis

button on the pendant. The LCD will

display the screen below.

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Configuration 55

Press 1 and then

You can leave the diameter at the value that is shown and press

ENTER

. The following screen will appear.

ENTER

. The spindle will

move out over the center of the vice. Press the

button on the pendant. The following will display on the LCD.

Make sure that the water hose that is plugged into the water flow valve is plugged into the water nose cone on the spindle. Press the Pump. Press the

Shift

button. The light on the button will illuminate. Press the

Y Down

button until the cursor is flashing on

Enter

button. This will turn the pump on. The water will start to flow out of the water nose cone at the spindle. If there is no water flowing, the water flow is too slow or too fast, turn the thumbscrew on the water flow valve shown below. Turning it clockwise slows the flow down and turning it counter-clockwise increases the flow.

Once the flow is adjusted properly, tighten the small locking thumbscrew located under the thumbscrew that was used to adjust the flow.

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Chapter

III

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Operations

Starting the Job Server

The Job Server program must be started in order to engrave jobs on the MaxPro machine. To start the Job Server, go to the Start, Programs, Vision Machine Tools menu and select

Job Server.

NOTE

appear the first time that the Job Server is started. Select

The screen below will appear for a few seconds and then it will go away.

: When using Windows XP with service pack 2 or higher, the following message may

Unblock

to continue.

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You will notice that the job server icon is now located in the Windows system tray. The job server icon is the icon all the way to the left in the picture below.

Note

: You can create a shortcut on the Windows desktop so that you do not need to go to

the Windows program group run the job server. To do this, follow the steps below.

1. While the Vision job server is running, right mouse click on the icon in the Windows system tray. This is the icon all the way to the left in the picture above. Click

Shortcut

Create

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2. Enter the name of the shortcut and select Desktop. Click OK.

The Job Server can now be started from clicking the MaxPro icon from the Windows desktop.

Hand Held Pendant

Buttons

The Vision hand held pendant is the interface between the computer and the engraver. It allows you to control the way the machine engraves.

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When the machine is powered on, the screen below will appear.

The X, Y and Z numbers on the LCD screen show the current position of the spindle. As you use the X, Y or Z jog buttons on the pendant, these numbers will change showing the current position of the spindle.

The Feed number shows the speed that the table will run at while the cutter is in the down position. This number is in inches per second or millimeters per second depending on the setup of the machine. With the arrow pointing to the feed number on the LCD, turning the knob on the pendant clockwise or counterclockwise will increase or decrease the speed. The feed number will display the change.

The ZSpd number shows the speed that the spindle will move down into the material at. The number is in inches per second or millimeters per second depending on the setup of the

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machine. With the arrow pointing to the ZSpd number on the LCD, turning the knob on the pendant clockwise or counterclockwise will increase or decrease the speed. The ZSpd number will display the change. If the arrow is not pointing to the ZSpd, you can press the

Speed Adjust

button on the pendant which will toggle the arrow between Feed, ZSpd and

RPM. The Drives= shows if the table is powered up. When the display shows OFF, there is no

power to the table and you must press the Goto Home button to power it up. When the display shows ON, the table is powered up and ready to go.

The Jog= shows the speed that the table will move when using the X, Y or Z jog buttons. Pressing the

Shift

and then

Speed Adjust

on the pendant will change this speed from

Medium to Slow to Fast. The RPM shows the speed that the spindle will turn at when the spindle motor is running.

With the arrow pointing to the RPM number on the LCD, turning the knob on the pendant clockwise or counterclockwise will increase or decrease the speed. The RPM number will display the change. If the arrow is not pointing to the RPM, you can press the

Adjust

button on the pendant which will toggle the arrow between Feed, ZSpd and RPM.

Speed

The Buttons

There are 15 buttons on the hand held pendant.

START

Button - The light above the Start Button will be off when the controller is ready to have a job sent to it. The light will flash when there is a job ready to be engraved in the controller. Also, the LCD screen will show “Press Start to Go” when a job is ready to be engraved. Pressing the Start Button will begin engraving the job. After the job is completed, pressing the Start button again will run the previous job again.

If a job is ready to engrave, pressing the Exit button will cancel the job from the controller. The Start button is also used if you need to re-engrave a job starting from a position other

then the beginning of the job. After a job has been engraved, press the Start button. The LCD will show:

Press the Y-up jog arrow. Use the X and Y jog keys to move the cutter out near the position that you would like to start engraving from. You can use the Shift and Z down arrow to move the spindle closer to the material so you can be more accurate in finding the location. When the spindle is near the location you would like to start engraving from, press the start button. The LCD screen will say Restart Here? Press the Start button and the machine will start engraving from that position.

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There is a feature that allow you to engrave a dry run with the red laser pointer instead of the cutter to ensure the job is setup properly. When a job is ready to be engraved and the menu above is shown, press the Shift button and then the Start button. The machine will engrave a dry run of your job. After you verify that the job looks correct, press the Start button two times and the actual job will engrave.

PAUSE

Button - When a job is running you can press the Pause Button to temporarily stop the job. You will get a prompt on the LCD screen to either continue or cancel the job. The red light on the pause button will illuminate to show the job is paused. Press the Start Button to resume engraving.

TIP:

When a job is in the controller, you can press the pause button before pressing the start button. This will cause the machine to move to the starting engraving position and pause. You can then use the Z jog buttons to lower the spindle to the material. Next press enter to set the surface.

Button - The Menu button is used to access any of the menus on the LCD screen.

The menus are explained in the next section of this document.

ENTER

Button - The Enter button is used to accept the information you have typed into the

controller.

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EXIT

Button - The Exit button is used to exit out of a menu item on the LCD screen. Press

Exit and the machine will back up one menu item for every time the exit button is pressed.

JOG

Button - Use the XY jog buttons to move the table in the direction of the arrow you

press.

HINT:

Pressing the Shift button and then the Speed Adjust button will change the jog speed shown on the LCD screen from Medium to slow to Fast. The speed that the X and Y jog at is determined by this. Press the Shift and Speed Adjust buttons until the LCD shows Jog=Slow to fine tune the jog position.

JOG MODE

Button - This button is used to change the functionality of the Up and Down jog buttons. When the jog mode button is pressed, the light on the button will illuminate. The Up and Down jog buttons now move the spindle up and down. Pressing the jog mode button a second time turns this mode off and shuts the light off on the button.

GOTO HOME

Button - When the Vision MaxPro machine is initially turned on, the Goto

Home button is used to power up the table and move the spindle to the home position.

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IMPORTANT:

Each time the machine is turned on, you must press the Goto Home button

first before any engraving or table movement can take place. After the initial use, the Goto Home button will move the spindle to the current home

position. If you need to cancel a job from engraving while it is running, press the Goto Home button to

move the spindle back to the home position and cancel out the current job.

SET SURFACE

Button - This button is used to set the surface of your material. The Set surface Button is only used when the proximity sensor is off. You can use the XY job Buttons to move the cutter out over the material. Press the Set Surface button and then use the Up and Down jog buttons to move the cutter to the surface of the material and then press Enter. The spindle will lift to the default Z lift height and the surface will be set.

ROTARY AXIS

Button - This button allows for a round items to be engraved. When the

rotary axis button is pressed, the LCD will display the screen below.

Press 1 for standard round items or 2 for rings and then press

ENTER

. The following

screen will appear.

Enter the diameter of the item you would like to engrave. Use a ruler to measure the distance across the round item per the picture below.

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The spindle will move to the center of the vice and the light on the rotary axis button will be illuminated.

SPEED ADJUST

Button - This button works with the speed adjustment knob on the hand held pendant. When the machine is powered on, turning the knob will adjust the speed that the machine engraves at. You will see an arrow pointing to the Feed rate on the LCD per the picture below.

Pressing the Speed Adjust button will move the arrow to the Z Speed on the LCD per the picture below. Now, turning the speed knob will adjust the speed that the Z axis travels at.

Pressing the Speed Adjust button again will move the arrow to the RPM on the LCD per the picture below. Now, turning the speed knob will adjust the speed that the spindle turns at.

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SHIFT

Button - This button is used in combination with other buttons on the pendant. When pressed, the light on the button will illuminate. Below is a list of the features that the shift button invokes.

+ – This sequence moves the machine to the home position and checks

the limit switches to make sure it is in the correct position.

– This sequence sets the machines home position to the current location

of the spindle.

– This sequence opens the vice automatically while holding the left arrow

down.

– This sequence closes the vice automatically while holding the right

arrow down.

– This sequence will change the jog speed shown on the LCD screen from Medium to slow to Fast. The speed that the X, Y and Z jog at is determined by this. Press the Shift and Speed Adjust buttons until the LCD shows Jog=Slow to fine tune the jog position.

– This sequence turns the red pointer on and off.

– This sequence will allow you to re-engrave jobs that have been previously have been engraved. This will show a list of jobs that are stored on your PC’s hard drive. Use the Y jog up and down buttons to scroll through the list of jobs on your PC’s hard drive. Press Start when you have selected the job you would like to re-engrave.

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EMERGENCY STOP

Button — This button will stop engraving immediately leaving the cutter in the down position. It will power down the X, Y and Z stepper motors and also shut off the spindle motor and auxiliary. Once you have pushed the Emergency Stop Button, you must twist the knob clockwise to release it. Press the Goto Home Button to power up the table and have it move back to the home position.

LCD Display

The Vision hand held pendant has an LCD display. LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. When the machine is powered on, the LCD will show the items below.

Pressing the Menu button on the pendant will display different options and features of the MaxPro machine. The first time that the Menu button is pressed, the screen below will appear.

Pressing the Y down button will move the cursor down one line at a time. Once the last line is highlighted, the Y down button will scroll to the menu below.

The next menu is shown below.

Each menu item in the LCD screen will be explained below. The screen below is displayed when the menu button is pressed. The cursor will flash on

the Spindle. Pressing the Enter button on the pendant will toggle the Spindle between Auto and Off. When the spindle motor is required to rotate while engraving, this should be set to Auto. When the spindle motor is not required, this should be set to Off. Press the Exit button to return to the main menu.

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Pressing the Y down arrow will move the cursor to Aux. This typically controls a vacuum chip removal system for engraving into plastic materials. Pressing the Enter button on the pendant will toggle the Aux between Auto and Off. When the vacuum is required while engraving, this should be set to Auto. When the vacuum is not required, this should be set to Off. Press the Exit button to return to the main menu.

Pressing the Y down arrow again will move the cursor to Pump. This can only be set in rotary mode. Pressing the Enter button on the pendant will toggle the Pump between Auto and Off. When water is required while engraving glass, this should be set to Auto. When the water is not required, this should be set to Off. Press the Exit button to return to the main menu.

Pressing the Y down arrow again will move the cursor to Prox. The proximity sensor allows the spindle to sense the surface you are engraving. This feature works when engraving with a nose cone or diamond drag only; it is not designed for non-nose cone engraving or burnishing. Pressing the Enter button on the pendant will toggle the Prox between On and Off. When the Prox is required while engraving, this should be set to On. When the Prox is not required, this should be set to Off. Press the Exit button to return to the main menu.

Access Jobs

Pressing the Y down arrow again will display the screen below.

The cursor will flash on Access Jobs. The Access Jobs feature is used to re-engrave jobs that have been previously been sent to the Vision machine to be engraved or routed. Press Enter with the cursor on Access Jobs and it will show a list of jobs that are stored on your PC’s hard drive. Use the Y jog up and down buttons to scroll through the list of jobs on your PC’s hard drive. Press Start when you have selected the job you would like to engrave.

Hint:

From the main LCD menu, pressing the Shift button and then the Start button will open

the Access Jobs menu.

Cyl Diameter

This menu item is only used when engraving round objects. Move the cursor to the Cyl Diameter using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. Using the number pad on the Vision pendant, enter the diameter of the round item to be engraved. This number will be in inches or in millimeters depending on how the controller is configured. Once the diameter has been entered, press the Enter button on the pendant. Press the Exit button to return to

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the main screen when finished.

Dry Run

This is a feature that allows you to engrave a dry run with the red laser pointer instead of the cutter to ensure the job is setup properly. When a job is ready to be engraved and the menu below is shown, press the Shift button and then the Start button. The machine will engrave a dry run of your job. After you verify that the job looks correct, press the Start button two times and the actual job will engrave.

Display Job Time

This menu item is used to display the length of time that the last job took to engrave. At the conclusion of any job, highlight the Display Job Time menu item and press Enter to get a read-out on your LCD of the amount of time it took to engrave.

Home Positions

This menu will display a second menu with more options regarding home positions shown below.

Set Home

This menu item is used to set an alternate home position. Use the Jog Buttons to move the spindle to the point you would like to set as an alternative home position. Go to the Set Home menu item and press Enter. This position is now set as your new home position.

Note:

To clear the home position out, press and release the Shift button and then press the Goto Home button. The table will move back to the limit switches. Now go to the Set Home menu item and press Enter. The previous home position has now been cleared.

Hint:

From the main LCD menu, pressing the Shift button and then the Enter button will set

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the home position.

Define Preset Home

The Define Preset Home menu item is used to save alternate home positions. The Vision machine will allow you to store up to 9 preset home positions. Move the cursor to the Define Preset Home menu using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. On the LCD it will show Preset number 1 towards the right side. Use the Rotary Axis button to increase the preset number or the Goto Home button to decrease the preset number. Next, use the X and Y jog buttons to move the spindle to the position that you would like to use as the home position. Once the spindle is at the desired location, press the Enter button to store the home position.

Note:

The home position is stored even after the controller has been

powered off.

Load Preset Home

The Load Preset Home menu item is used to load a preset home. Move the cursor to the Load Preset Home menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. Use the Rotary Axis button to increase the preset number or the Goto Home button to decrease the preset number. Once the desired offset position is shown on the LCD screen, press the Enter button to load the home position. The machine will now use this position as the home position.

Clear Home

The Clear Home menu item is used to clear the home position that has been loaded. Move the cursor to the Clear Home menu using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. The home position is now defaulted back to the upper left corner of the table.

Move XY Axes

The Move XY Axes menu item is used to move the spindle to an exact position by entering the position in inches or millimeters. Move the cursor to the Move XY Axes menu item with the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. Enter the desired coordinates in on the LCD screen using the number pad and press Enter again to have the machine move to that location. Press Exit to cancel out of this mode and then Goto Home to move the spindle back to origin position.

Z Settings

This menu will display a second menu with more options regarding home positions shown below.

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Z Lift Height

The Z Lift Height menu item will adjust the distance that the cutter lifts between characters while engraving. Move the cursor to the Z Lift Height using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. Using the number pad on the pendant, enter the distance you would like the cutter to lift between characters. This number will be in inches or in millimeters depending on how the machine is configured. It will show the units that are being used on the LCD screen. After the lift distance is entered, press the Enter button on the pendant. Press the Exit button to return to the main screen when finished.

Z Cut Depth

The Z Cut Depth menu item will adjust the depth of engraving or routing you would like. This is the distance from the position that you set as the surface to the final depth you would like to cut. Move the cursor to the Z Cut Depth using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. Using the number pad on the pendant, enter the depth you would like to engrave or rout. This number will be in inches or in millimeters depending on how the machine is configured. It will show the units that are being used on the LCD screen. After the Z Cut Depth is entered, press the Enter button on the pendant. Press the Exit button to return to the main screen when finished.

Note:

Typically this is not used as the depth of

engraving is set in the Vision Pro software.

Z Depth Increment

The Z Depth Increment menu item will adjust the depth of engraving or routing for each pass until the machine reaches the Z Cut Depth above. Some harder materials can not be engraved or routed very deep in one pass and may require multiple passes to reach the desired depth of cut. To do this, enter the total depth required in the Z Cut Depth menu. Then move the cursor to the Z Depth Increment menu using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. Using the number pad on the Vision pendant, enter the depth per pass you would like to achieve. This number will be in inches or in millimeters depending on how the machine is configured. It will show the units that are being used on the LCD screen. After the Z Depth Increment is entered, press the Enter button on the pendant. Press the Exit button to return to the main screen when finished. Example: A .1 inch total depth is required but the material to be engraved can only be engraved at .03 at one time. Enter .03 in the Z Depth Increment and press enter. The first pass will cut at .03, the second pass at .06, the third pass at .090 and the fourth pass will engrave at .1.

Note:

Typically this is not

used as the depth increment is set in the Vision Pro software.

Set Dwell Down

The Set Dwell Down menu item controls how long the spindle will dwell or wait after initially dropping the cutter down into the material before moving in an X/Y direction. This is

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typically used when engraving into harder materials, allowing the cutter to plunge to the correct depth before starting to engrave or rout. This number is in milliseconds so entering a number of 1000 will allow for a 1 second delay. After the dwell time is entered, press the Enter button on the pendant. Press the Exit button to return to the main screen when finished.

Ethernet Settings

This menu will display a second menu with the ethernet settings shown below which is used to setup the network settings in the Vision MaxPro machine.

Specify IP

The Specify IP menu item will allow you to configure the network setting of the MaxPro machine. Please see the section labeled "Using a Network Connection" in this document for information on this.

Display IP

The Display IP menu item will allow you to see the network IP address that the MaxPro machine is configured to. It also shows the IP address of the PC that is connected to the MaxPro machine.

Configuration

This menu will display a second menu with the machine configuration screen shown below. All of the items in the configuration menu are explained below.

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Prompt Y Height

When engraving jobs from programs such as CorelDRAW©, they may engrave upside. This is typically caused by the program being used that is referencing the home position from the lower left corner of the plate and the engraver or router is referencing the home position from the upper left corner of the plate. To allow for this, the Vision Job Server will flip the job automatically so that the engraving will come out properly. However, when doing this, the Vision controller needs to know the page size that is setup in programs such as CorelDRAW©. To accomplish this, the Prompt Y Height configuration setting must be turned on. Move the cursor to the Prompt Y Height menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. Press the X left jog button to select Yes and press Enter. Press the Exit button two times to return to the main screen when finished.

Display Units

This menu item allows the LCD screen on the pendant to show the units on the LCD in either inches or millimeters. To change between the two, move the cursor to the Display Units menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. Press the X left jog button to select imperial units or press the X right jog button to select metric units. Press the Enter button and then press the Exit button two times to return to the main screen when finished.

Save Defaults

This menu item is used if you would like to change the default settings in the MaxPro. You can save settings such as the Spindle On/Off, Aux On/Off, Prox On/Off, Z lift, Z depth, RPM and surface location. To save the machine defaults, change the settings above to the way that you would like them. Move the cursor to the Save Defaults menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. The LCD will show “Save Settins?”. Press Enter and the settings are now saved. Press the Exit button two times to return to the main screen when finished. The next time the machine is turned on, the defaults will be as you set them.

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Restore Defaults

This menu item is used to restore the defaults in the controller to the original factory set defaults. To restore the controller defaults, move the cursor to the Restore Defaults menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. The LCD will show “Restore to Factory Defaults?”. Press Enter. The LCD will now show “Reboot Now?”. Press Enter. The controller will reboot and the settings are now restored.

Limits Enabled

This menu item is used to make the machine not read the X, Y or Z limit switches on the table. This is typically used only in diagnosing problems that may occur if a limit switch were to go bad on the machine. To shut the limit switches off, move the cursor to the Limits Enabled menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. The LCD will show “Limits Enabled”. Press Enter and the LCD will now show “Limits Disabled”. Press the Exit button two times to return to the main screen when finished. You can turn the limits back on again by pressing Enter from the Limits Disabled menu item.

Select Interface

The Vision machine can run from the HPGL machine language and also the GCode machine language. By default the controller uses the HPGL language which is what is used by the Vision Pro software. If you would like to run directly from the GCode language, move the cursor to the Select the Interface menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. Use the X left and right arrows to select the language you would like to use. Press Enter and then press the Exit button two times to return to the main screen when finished.

Parking

This menu item is used to change the position that the spindle will move to when the job is finished engraving or routing. Move the cursor to the Parking menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. There are three positions that you can set the spindle to move to at the end of the job. position on the table after engraving. job is finished engraving.

Datum

Home

– The spindle will move back to the limit switch

None

– The spindle will stay where it is at when the

– The spindle will move to the current home position that is set in the controller. Use the X left and X right jog buttons to select which parking position you would like to use. Press Enter and the parking position is now set. Press the Exit button two times to return to the main screen when finished.

Set Dwell Up

The Set Dwell Up menu item controls how long the spindle will dwell or wait at the end of each character being engraved before moving to the next character. This number is in milliseconds so entering a number of 1000 will allow for a 1 second delay. After the dwell time is entered, press the Enter button on the pendant. Press the Exit button to return to the

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main screen when finished.

Input Units

The Input Units menu item is used only when running the machine from programs other then Vision Pro. Some programs output metric files instead of imperial files. If metric metric units are required, go to this menu item and press the right jog button to move the cursor to metric and press Enter. Press Exit two times to exit the menu.

Run Self Test

This is used to engrave a self test job that is programmed into the MaxPro machine. Move the cursor to the Run Self Test menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. The LCD will show “Run Self-Test?”. Press Enter and the LCD will now show “Press Start to Go”. Press the Start button and the test job will engrave.

Information

This menu item is used to show the firmware version that is currently running in the MaxPro machine. Select the Information menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. The version information will be displayed on the LCD. From this screen, there are a couple of diagnostic screens that can be accessed. With the firmware information shown on the LCD, press the left jog button. This will show a diagnostics screen that allows the limit switches and proximity sensor on the table to be tested. Pressing the right jog button will show if there have been any power spikes that have gone through the machine since it was turned on.

Keypad Help

This menu item is used to test the buttons on the pendant. Select the Keypad Help menu item using the Y up and down jog buttons and press Enter. You can not press each button on the front panel and a description of each button will be shown on the LCD screen. If a description of the button pressed is not shown on the LCD, then the button can possible be bad on the pendant.

Operations and Lessons

Selecing machine drivers

Start Vision Pro by clicking on the desktop Vision Pro icon.

The plate size screen will appear.

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Click on the down arrow to the right of the Selected Driver near the bottom of the screen. A list of the different MaxPro drivers will appear per the screen below.

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The different driver options are:

MaxPro Inside Ring MaxPro Outside Ring MaxPro Rotary

- Select this to engrave the inside of a ring with the ring attachment.

- Select this to engrave the outside of a ring with the ring attachment.

- Select this to engrave round items that are not held with the ring

attachment.

MaxPro T-Slot

- Select this to engrave on flat items using the T-Slot table top to hold the

material down.

MaxPro Vice

- Select this to engrave on items using the vice to clamp material. Please see

the picture below.

MaxPro Vice Rotated

- Select this to engrave on items using the vice to clamp material. When using this driver, the engraving will be automatically rotated ninety degrees. Please see the picture below.

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Holding Flat Items with the T-Slot table

Turn the machine on and activate the drives by pressing the “Go to Home” key.

Mounting the T-slot table

Make sure that the vise locking screws are loose and press the “Shift” key. Hold down the “left” arrow key to open the vise wide enough to accept the T-slot table.

Holding the T-slot table over the vise ends open or close the vise by hand if needed to align the holes in the T-slot table with the mounting pins on the vise.

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The edge guides on the T-slot table can be raised or lowered to provide additional support when clamping material down.

Lock the T-slot table down with the screws provided. Lock the vise locking screws.

Holding items on the T-slot table

Several clamping devices or holding methods can be used to secure the material on the table. Slide the plate into the corner of the table and secure it using the “Quick lock vise” provided or an alternative clamping device or material like the “Multi Mat” can be used.

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Removing the T-slot table

Remove the four Allan screws that hold the T-Slot table to the machine per the picture below.

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Lift the T-Slot table off of the mounting pins per the picture below. You may need to turn the vice knob slightly to remove the T-Slot.

Lesson 1 - Engraving a Small Name Badge

Make sure the MaxPro machine is powered on, the Goto Home button has been pressed and the Job Server program has been started by clicking on the Job Server icon on the Windows desktop.

Start Vision Pro by clicking the Vision Pro icon from the desktop in Windows.

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At the Plate Size dialog, enter the plate size (width Driver area select

MaxPro T-Slot

and then click OK.

3.000

, height

1.000

). In the Selected

In this lesson, we will use the Frame Text Compose option for placing text. Select the capital letter A shown below. This will show the flyout menu below. Click on the first letter .

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After selecting this option, the screen below will be shown. The sign frame is shown by dotted lines around the sign blank and text frame will be shown in the center. The text frame is the area that the text will be entered into.

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You can adjust the area that the text will be centered into by clicking on the Frame Properties symbol. You can adjust the settings that are used for the frame by click on the Frame Properties symbol shown below.

This will open the frame properties dialog box shown below.

The text frame margins may be set in terms of absolute distances from the plate edge or by a percentage of the plate size. While you can click on Absolute for the Margins measurements and enter the exact margins, it is recommended that the default Percentage option be used. This uses a percentage of the plate size versus having to change the values for each plate. Click on Close to go back to the text entry screen.

The sign blank area will be highlighted with dash lines and the cursor will appear. On the Fonts Property Bar, make the following changes:

Font: RomainUI

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Font Height: .20 Font Slant: 0 Center Justify

Enter the following text on the screen. ROGER COLEMAN IT Vice-President Maxtor Media Corp.

Press the

Enter

key between each line of text. Your layout should look like the picture

below.

With the mouse, highlight the title and company name.

Change the font height in the Text Properties Bar to .15. To do this, highlight the Font Height with the mouse and enter .15. Press Enter to accept this height. The text for the second and third lines will decrease.

With the mouse, highlight just the name. Change the FONT SLANT to 12.0 in the Text Properties Bar.

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The new layout is shown below.

Save the job by going to the File menu and then Save As. In the Save In dialog, select My Documents and type the name Lesson 01.

Insert the material onto the T-Slot table per the instructions in the section labeled "Holding Flat Items with the T-Slot table."

With the material securely fastened to the T-Slot table, click the Engrave icon shown below.

The preview screen below will be shown.

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Vision MaxPro88

In the Cut Manager dialog box, make sure to select the Proximity sensor icon and de-select the Vacuum and Spindle icons. An icon is de-selected when there is a red cross out shown over the icon.

Click the Engrave icon. After a brief moment, the LCD screen on the hand help pendant will display "Press Start to Go". Press the Start Button and the job will engrave.

Lesson 2 - Engraving Pens

Make sure the MaxPro machine is powered on, the Goto Home button has been pressed and the Job Server program has been started by clicking on the Job Server icon on the Windows desktop.

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Operations 89

Start Vision Pro by clicking the Vision Pro icon from the desktop in Windows.

The adjustable pen fixture will be used in this lesson. Slide the adjustable pen fixture over the mounting pins shown in the picture below.

Secure with the screws provided per the picture below. Position the pen in the fixture so that the cap part is located in the non adjustable part of the fixture. Close the vise by turning the handle located on the right side of the vise.

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Vision MaxPro90

The fixture then needs to be adjusted to the size of the barrel to more securely hold the pen by moving the 2 sliding blocks until they touch the barrel.

Insert the non rotating diamond drag cutter into the spindle on the MaxPro machine. Loosen the set screw in the gold knob on the top of the cutter and lower the cutter until it is sticking out approximately 1/4" (6mm) below the spindle and tighten the set screw in the gold knob. Use the arrow keys on the hand held pendant to move the cutter out to the center of the engraving area on the pen. It may be helpful to lower the cutter close to the pen when jogging the cutter to the center. You can do this by pressing the Jog Mode button. Next, press the down arrow button to lower the spindle close to the pen. Press the Jog Mode button to exit from the Z jog mode. Use the arrows to move the spindle as close to the center of the pen as possible.

Press the

Shift

button on the hand held pendant and then press the

Enter button

. This is known as setting the home offset position. The X and Y coordinates on the LCD will change to zero.

In Vision Pro, go to the File, New Job menu item. At the Plate Size dialog, you will need to measure the width and height of the engraving area on the pen per the picture below. In the Selected Driver area select

MaxPro Vice Rotated

and then click OK.

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Operations 91

Select the capital letter A shown below. This will show the flyout menu below. Click on the first letter A.

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Vision MaxPro92

Change the font to Aura1 by clicking the down arrow next to the font name. Double click the Engraving Fonts folder and select Aura1.

Enter the name John Smith onto the screen.

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Operations 93

With the pen securely fastened in the fixture, click the Engrave icon shown below.

The preview screen below will be shown.

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Vision MaxPro94

In the Cut Manager dialog box, make sure to select the Proximity sensor icon and de-select the Vacuum and Spindle icons. An icon is de-selected when there is a red cross out shown over the icon.

Click the Engrave icon. After a brief moment, the LCD screen on the hand help pendant will display "Press Start to Go". On the first pen, it is recommended to do a "Dry Run" with the red pointer to ensure the correct positioning of the text on the pen. Press the and then press

Start

. The machine will run the job with the red pointer. You can verify that

Shift

button on the hand held pendant

the engraving will be in the correct position. If it is in the correct position, you can now engrave the pen. Press the LCD will display "Press Start to Go". Press the

Start

button and the pen will be engraved.

Start

button. The

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Operations 95

Lesson 3 - Engraing Round objects

Make sure the MaxPro machine is powered on, the Goto Home button has been pressed and the Job Server program has been started by clicking on the Job Server icon on the Windows desktop.

Start Vision Pro by clicking the Vision Pro icon from the desktop in Windows.

Hardware setup

Press the “Rotary Axis” key, the LCD will display a choice: “1 – Standard mode” and “2 – Ring mode”. Enter the number “1” and press enter.

On the next screen enter the outside diameter of the cylindrical object to be engraved using the digital calipers provided. If the object is tapered measure the smallest and largest part of the area (diameter) to be engraved and use the average of these two numbers to enter as the diameter.

Press “Enter” to complete. After pressing “Enter” the machine will move to the center of the vice automatically.

Preparing the vise

The back plate mounts on the follower side of the vice (right side) and the cone mounts on the gearbox side of the vice (left side). Both these pieces have locating pins that allow them to be mounted without fastening them.

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Mounting the item to be engraved