Epilog Laser Zing 10000 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL FOR EPILOG
Zing - MODEL 10000
This manual can also be found in electronic format on the
Epilog Dashboard Drivers and Documentation
disk that came with your laser system.
April 22, 2010
16371 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Technical Support Direct Line: [phone]
Email Technical Support: [email protected]
Technical Support Online:
www.epiloglaser.com/service.htm
www.epiloglaser.com/downloads.htm

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Contents at a Glance
iii
Fire Warning!..........................................................................................................ix
Lifting Warning!.......................................................................................................x
Introduction ...........................................................................................................xi
Epilog Laser Setup................................................................................................. 1
Section 1: Safety ............................................................................................................................ 3
Section 2: Dos and Don’ts ........................................................................................................... 13
Section 3: Getting Started ............................................................................................................ 15
Section 4: Connecting the Laser to Your Computer.................................................................... 21
Section 5: Installing the Epilog Dashboard Print Driver ............................................................. 23
Section 6: Quick Start & Easy Setup ........................................................................................... 43
Basic Operations.................................................................................................. 53
Section 7: Using the Epilog Dashboard Driver............................................................................ 55
Section 8: Using the Front Control Panel .................................................................................. 117
Section 9: Standard & Optional Machine Features.................................................................... 127
Section 10: Engraving Machine Cleaning ................................................................................. 156
Section 11: Engraving Machine Calibration / Maintenance ...................................................... 161
Section 12: Speed and Power Recommendations...................................................................... 165
Section 13: Material Engraving Techniques.............................................................................. 173
Section 14: Material Suppliers................................................................................................... 197
Technical Support, Troubleshooting and Specifications ..................................... 203
Section 15: In Case of Difficulty ............................................................................................... 205
Section 16: Specifications.......................................................................................................... 209
Section 17: Upgrading the Operational Firmware..................................................................... 217
APPENDIX A WARRANTY STATEMENT ................................................................. 229
APPENDIX B PRINTING FROM AUTOCAD............................................................. 231
APPENDIX C ADDITIONAL DASHBOARD PRINT DRIVER INSTRUCTIONS.............. 235
INDEX................................................................................................................. 262

Contents at a Glance
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Table of Contents
v
Fire Warning!..........................................................................................................ix
Lifting Warning!.......................................................................................................x
Introduction ...........................................................................................................xi
How to Use This Owner’s Manual ........................................................................................ xi
Epilog Laser Setup................................................................................................. 1
Section 1: Safety ............................................................................................................................ 3
Laser Safety ............................................................................................................................ 3
Electrical Safety ...................................................................................................................... 5
Fire Safety............................................................................................................................... 6
Safety Features and Regulatory Compliance.......................................................................... 7
CE Certification .................................................................................................................... 11
Section 2: Dos and Don’ts ........................................................................................................... 13
DON’T!................................................................................................................................. 13
DO......................................................................................................................................... 14
Section 3: Getting Started ............................................................................................................ 15
Setting Up Your Laser System ............................................................................................. 15
Connecting the Exhaust ........................................................................................................ 16
Connecting Electrical Power................................................................................................. 19
Laser Cooling Requirements and Operating Temperatures.................................................. 20
Section 4: Connecting the Laser to Your Computer.................................................................... 21
Connecting the Laser to Your Computer .............................................................................. 21
USB Port ............................................................................................................................... 22
Ethernet (NET) Port.............................................................................................................. 22
Section 5: Installing the Epilog Dashboard Print Driver ............................................................. 23
Installing the Dashboard Driver Using an Ethernet Connection and a Crossover Cable ..... 24
Section 6: Quick Start & Easy Setup ........................................................................................... 43
Artwork Setup....................................................................................................................... 45
Job Setup............................................................................................................................... 48

Table of Contents
vi
Basic Operations.................................................................................................. 53
Section 7: Using the Epilog Dashboard Driver............................................................................ 55
General Tab........................................................................................................................... 58
Advanced Tab ....................................................................................................................... 90
Color Mapping Tab............................................................................................................. 103
Additional Dashboard Driver Features ............................................................................... 113
Changing Dashboard Driver Defaults................................................................................. 115
Section 8: Using the Front Control Panel .................................................................................. 117
Keyboard Commands.......................................................................................................... 118
Job Storage.......................................................................................................................... 126
Section 9: Standard & Optional Machine Features.................................................................... 127
Red Dot Pointer................................................................................................................... 128
Air Curtain .......................................................................................................................... 128
Air Curtain Pump................................................................................................................ 128
Vector Cutting Grid/Vacuum Table.................................................................................... 129
Zing 24 Rotary Attachment ................................................................................................ 133
Pin Table ............................................................................................................................. 150
Section 10: Engraving Machine Cleaning ................................................................................. 156
Cleaning - Important!.......................................................................................................... 156
Fire Warning!...................................................................................................................... 156
Laser Tube .......................................................................................................................... 160
Section 11: Engraving Machine Calibration / Maintenance ...................................................... 161
Calibration Settings Using the Keyboard ........................................................................... 161
Section 12: Speed and Power Recommendations...................................................................... 165
Engraving Speed ................................................................................................................. 165
Engraving Power................................................................................................................. 165
Recommendations............................................................................................................... 167
Multiple Passes ................................................................................................................... 168
30 Watt - Epilog Zing ....................................................................................................... 169
40 Watt - Epilog Zing ....................................................................................................... 170
50 Watt - Epilog Zing ....................................................................................................... 171
60 Watt - Epilog Zing ....................................................................................................... 172

Table of Contents
vii
Section 13: Material Engraving Techniques.............................................................................. 173
Acrylic................................................................................................................................. 173
Fire Warning!...................................................................................................................... 173
Anodized Aluminum........................................................................................................... 176
Brass - Painted .................................................................................................................... 176
Glass.................................................................................................................................... 178
Notary Seals - Delrin .......................................................................................................... 180
Plastic.................................................................................................................................. 181
Rubber Stamps .................................................................................................................... 183
Wood................................................................................................................................... 191
Section 14: Material Suppliers................................................................................................... 197
Technical Support, Troubleshooting and Specifications ..................................... 203
Section 15: In Case of Difficulty ............................................................................................... 205
Contacting Technical Support............................................................................................. 205
Avoiding Common Print Problems..................................................................................... 206
Section 16: Specifications.......................................................................................................... 209
Zing 16 x 12 Specifications ................................................................................................ 209
Zing 24 x 12 Specifications ................................................................................................ 210
Compatibility ...................................................................................................................... 211
Recommended PC............................................................................................................... 211
Other Computer Hardware Recommendations................................................................... 213
About The Laser ................................................................................................................. 214
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Notice ........................................................ 215
Section 17: Upgrading the Operational Firmware..................................................................... 217
Upgrading Your Firmware.................................................................................................. 217
Installing New Firmware onto Your Computer .................................................................. 218
Transferring New Firmware from Your Computer to Your Laser ..................................... 220
Upgrading the Epilog Dashboard........................................................................................ 224
Converting Old .DAT Files to Be Compatible with a New Dashboard.............................. 225

Table of Contents
viii
APPENDIX A WARRANTY STATEMENT ................................................................. 229
APPENDIX B PRINTING FROM AUTOCAD............................................................. 231
APPENDIX C ADDITIONAL DASHBOARD PRINT DRIVER INSTRUCTIONS.............. 235
Dashboard Driver Installation for USB Connection Using Windows Vista....................... 235
Windows Vista Dashboard driver installation for Ethernet connection ............................. 239
Windows 7 - Driver Installation Instructions - Setting up the TCP/IP Address in the
Computer............................................................................................................................. 256
INDEX................................................................................................................. 262

ix
Fire Warning!
Your laser system uses a high intensity beam of light that can generate extremely
high temperatures when it comes into contact with the material being engraved,
marked or cut. Some materials are extremely flammable and can easily ignite and
burst into open flame setting the machine afire. This open flame is very
dangerous and has the potential to destroy not only the machine, but the building
in which it is housed.
Experience shows that vector cutting with the laser has the most potential to
create an open flame. Many materials are susceptible to igniting, but acrylic, in
all its different forms, has been shown to be especially flammable when vector
cutting with the laser.
Please read the following warnings and recommendations and follow them closely
at all times!
NEVER let the laser system operate while it is unattended.
KEEP the area around the machine clean and free of clutter, combustible
materials, explosives, or volatile solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or
gasoline.
ALWAYS keep a properly maintained and inspected fire extinguisher on
hand. Epilog recommends a Halotron fire extinguisher or a multi-purpose
dry chemical fire extinguisher. The Halotron extinguishers are more
expensive than a dry chemical, but offer certain advantages should you
ever need to use an extinguisher. The Halotron extinguisher discharges a
clean, easily removable substance that is not harmful to the mechanics or
wiring of the laser system. The dry chemical extinguisher discharges a
sticky, corrosive powder that is very difficult to clean up.
ALWAYS use the Air Curtain when vector cutting.
BE CAREFUL! When vector cutting. Many materials have the potential
to burst suddenly into flames – even materials that may be very familiar to
the user. Always monitor the machine when it is operating.
KEEP YOUR LASER SYSTEM CLEAN – A build up of cutting and
engraving reside and debris is dangerous and can create a fire hazard in its
own right. Keep your laser system clean and free of debris. Regularly
remove the vector grid to clean any small pieces that have fallen through
the grid.

x
Lifting Warning!
The Zing 16 laser system weighs 92 lbs. (42 Kg).
The Zing 24 is 140 (64 Kg).
One person should not attempt to lift either machine. Always use two people for
lifting.
The Zing is designed with lift areas at the bottom of the chassis on both the left
and right sides of the machine. Do not try to lift from the corners. The lift areas
are shown in the diagram below.
Lift Area
LIFT
WITH CARE
LIFT USING
TWO PEOPLE

xi
Introduction
How to Use This Owner’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing an Epilog Zing Model 10000 Laser System. Your
Epilog system has been designed to be easy to operate, but you will utilize it to its
fullest potential by taking some time to read this owner’s manual prior to use.
You will be ready to use the Epilog laser system as soon as you read the first six
sections. Then you can refer to topics in the remaining sections, as you work.
Structure of the Manual
Part I: Epilog Zing Setup
Sections 1 through 6 explain how to uncrate and set up your Epilog system,
important safety information you need to know before you use it, the Do’s and
Don’ts of operating the laser, configuring your computer to run the Epilog
Dashboard print driver, configuring CorelDraw, and a brief user’s guide to
running your first job.
Part II: Epilog Zing Basic Operations
Sections 7 through 14 explain Using the Epilog Dashboard Print Driver, basic
Epilog laser operations and maintenance, machine features, speed and power
recommendations, material engraving techniques, and material suppliers.
Part III: Troubleshooting, Service and Specifications
Sections 15 through 17 assist with problem troubleshooting, service information,
system specifications and firmware upgrade instructions.
APPENDIX A
Epilog Warranty Information.
APPENDIX B
Printing from AutoCAD.
APPENDIX C
Additional Dashboard Print Driver Instructions.
INDEX

Introduction
xii
Icons Used in this Manual
Look for these symbols to help you find valuable information throughout the text:
Sometimes the right perspective on a procedure is essential to success. This icon
Flags a Quick Note regarding the task at hand.
This Icon signifies places to look for additional information to assist with the
topic currently being discussed.
This Icon highlights current contact information for receiving help.
This Icon signifies advice you can try out with your machine right away.
This Icon signifies advice you can try that will save you significant time.
Running into trouble can be detrimental to your success so we’ve marked
Warnings and Cautions with this Icon.

Introduction
xiii
Indicates pages including information regarding connecting your laser system to
your computer using an USB connection.
Indicates pages including information regarding connecting your laser system to
your computer using an Ethernet connection.
Indicates the potential for fire danger when operating the laser.

Introduction
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1
Manual
Epilog Laser Setup

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3
Section 1: Safety
In This Section
Laser Safety
Electrical Safety
Fire Safety
Safety Features And Regulatory Compliance
CE Certification
Laser Safety
The Epilog Model 10000 Laser System is a Class 3R laser product, as defined in
International Standard IEC 60825-1.
The Epilog Model 10000 complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, the
Federal Performance Standards for Light-Emitting Products, except for deviations
pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50, dated July 16, 2001. The Center for Devices and
Radiological Health, of the US FDA, issued Laser Notice No. 50 to permit
manufacturers to classify and manufacture their products in accordance with the
International Standard.
The output of the embedded high-power CO2engraving laser is fully contained.
The laser cabinet has safety interlocks that turn the laser off if the door is opened
during operation, and no special precautions are necessary to operate the high-
power laser safely. However, the visible output beam of the Laser Diode Pointer
(Red Dot Pointer) is accessible to the operator. While this device employs the
same technology as the familiar laser pen-pointers, like them it is potentially
hazardous if its beam is directed into the eye.
We have made every effort to make the Laser Diode Pointer (Red Dot Pointer) as
safe as possible. Its beam path is located well inside the cabinet, and under
normal conditions, no hazardous levels of laser radiation can escape.

Section 1: Safety
4
The operator of the Epilog Model 10000 should observe the following general
precautions:
DO NOT disassemble the machine or remove any of its protective covers
while the unit is plugged in.
DO NOT attempt to defeat the door interlocks.
DO NOT view directly into the beam of the Laser Diode Pointer (Red Dot
Pointer).
DO NOT operate the Laser Diode Pointer (Red Dot Pointer) without the
machine’s focus lens in place.
Caution – Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein may result in hazardous laser radiation exposure.
* * *
The standard reference for laser safety is the American Standard for the Safe Use
of Lasers, Z136.1-2000, developed by the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI). This reference is the basis for many of the federal regulations for laser
and laser system manufacturers, and for the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) laser safety guidelines. It contains detailed information
concerning proper installation and use of laser systems.
While the ANSI standard itself does not have the force of law, its
recommendations, including warning signage, training, and the designation of a
laser safety officer, may be compulsory under local workplace regulations when
operating laser systems above Class I. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure
that the installation and operation of the Epilog Model 10000 Laser System is
performed in accordance with all applicable laws.
Copies of ANSI Standard Z136.1-2000 are available from Epilog Corporation or
from:
Laser Institute of America
12424 Research Parkway, Suite 125
Orlando, FL 32826
[phone]

Section 1: Safety
5
Electrical Safety
The AC input power to the Epilog Model 10000 Laser System is potentially lethal
and is fully contained within the cabinet.
DO NOT open any of the machine’s access panels while the unit is
plugged in. Opening a panel may expose the operator to the unit’s AC
input power.
DO NOT make or break any electrical connections to the system while the
unit is turned on.

Section 1: Safety
6
Fire Safety
Laser cutting and engraving systems represent a significant fire hazard. Most
engraving materials are inherently combustible, and while the objective of most
cutting and engraving operations is to vaporize material without burning, it is easy
to ignite a flame. Usually this is a simple “flare” of burning gases, issuing from
the focused spot on the work piece, which follows the moving spot and which
extinguishes itself as soon as the laser beam is modulated off. But should the
work piece actually be set on fire, the fire must be extinguished by the operator at
once, or the machine will be seriously damaged or destroyed!
Experience shows that vector cutting with the laser has the most potential to
create an open flame. Many materials are susceptible to igniting, but acrylic, in
all its different forms, has been shown to be especially flammable when vector
cutting with the laser.
Please read the following warnings and recommendations and follow them closely
at all times!
NEVER let the laser system operate if it will be unattended.
KEEP the area around the machine clean and free of unnecessary clutter,
combustible materials, explosives, or volatile solvents such as acetone,
alcohol, or gasoline.
ALWAYS keep a properly maintained and inspected fire extinguisher on
hand. Epilog recommends a Halotron fire extinguisher or a multi-purpose
dry chemical fire extinguisher. The Halotron extinguishers are more
expensive than a dry chemical, but offer certain advantages should you
ever need to use an extinguisher. The Halotron extinguisher discharges a
clean, easily removable substance that is not harmful to the mechanics or
wiring of the laser system. The dry chemical extinguisher discharges a
sticky, corrosive powder that is very difficult to clean up.
ALWAYS use the Air Curtain when vector cutting.
BE CAREFUL! When vector cutting. Many materials have the potential
to burst suddenly into flames – even materials that may be very familiar to
the user. Always monitor the machine when it is operating.
KEEP YOUR LASER SYSTEM CLEAN – A build up of cutting and
engraving reside and debris is dangerous and can create a fire hazard in its
own right. Keep your laser system clean and free of debris. Regularly
remove the vector grid to clean any small pieces that have fallen through
the grid.