Full Spectrum Hobby Series User manual

Hobby Series 20 x12 User Manual

Table of Contents
Section I. Safety First ............................................ 4
Safety First Icons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
General Safety...................................................... 5
Laser Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Fire Safety ......................................................... 8
Electrical Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Section II. Unboxing Your Hobby Series ..........................11
Unboxing Steps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Unpacking List .....................................................12
Additional Requirements..............................................13
Section III. Installation & Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Locate & Remove Zip Tie .............................................15
Assemble the Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Assemble the Air Compressor .........................................20
Connect the Exhaust System ..........................................22
Connect Electrical Power .............................................24
Connect Ethernet Cable ..............................................25
Connect to RetinaEngrave 2.0 .........................................26
Section IV. Tests & Adjustments..................................27
Alignment Test......................................................28
Mirror Alignment Procedure ...........................................30
Focusing ..........................................................39
Section V. Touch Panel Interface .................................40
Touchscreen Interface ...............................................41
Button Functions ....................................................41
Modes ............................................................42
Jog Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Section VI. Software .............................................44
Validating Control Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Using Retina Engrave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Topline Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Design View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Toolbar ...........................................................50
Side Expansion Menu Tabs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Object Properties ...................................................52
Raster / Vector Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Section VII. Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
General Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Preparing For Job ...................................................56
Speed & Power .....................................................58
Positioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Laser 101..........................................................61
Section VIII. Hardware & Maintenance ............................65
Replacing Laser Tube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Belt Installation .....................................................68
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at [e-mail]. 3
Hobby Series Laser Cutter User Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of a Full Spectrum Laser Hobby Series Laser System. With proper
usage and upkeep, your laser cutter should provide years of productive output. This user manual will
guide you through the safety guidelines and operation of your machine. It is recommended that you
familiarize yourself with this manual before using your laser cutter.
For more information and product selection, please visit www.fslaser.com.
Compliance Statement The Full Spectrum Laser Hobby Series Laser System is a class 3R laser product, as dened in International Standard IEC 608251.
The Full Spectrum Laser Hobby Series complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, the Federal Performance Standards for LightEmitting 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. 21 CFR 1040 and IEC 608251
require that certication, identication and warning labels be placed on laser products. Reproductions of the labels found on the Full Spectrum Laser
Hobby Advanced Laser System follow, with locations specied:
Top View
Back View
Water Inlet
Water Outlet Power On/O
Air Inlet
40 Watt Laser Tube
X-Gantry
Focus Head
Honeycomb Tray
Panel Display
20”x12” Engraving Area
Emergency Stop
USB Port
Exhaust Flange
Water Outlet
Water Inlet
Ethernet Port
Air Inlet

Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at [e-mail]. 4
Attention Icon:
Calls attention to an
important point.
Shock Icon:
Warns of potential
electrical hazards.
Fragile Icon:
Warns of fragile parts or
materials, such as glass.
Temperature Icon:
Warns of potential temperature
issues with your machine.
Caution Icon:
Warns of important area
of caution not covered by
other icons.
CO2 Gas Icon:
Warns of potential gas leaks
and associated hazards.
Laceration Icon:
Warns of potential sharp
edges that could cause
cuts or injury.
Safe Disposal Icon:
Calls attention to proper
disposal of waste materials.
Pro Tips:
Watch for this icon to receive
valuable advice in getting the
most from your machine.
Fire Icon:
Warns of potential
re hazards.
Laser Icon:
Warns of potential dangers
associated with laser usage.
Level Icon:
Indicates the need
for a level surface.
Familiarize yourself with these icons. They indicate areas that require special attention.
SECTION I. SAFETY FIRST

Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at [e-mail]. 5
ALWAYS inspect the laser cutter for damage or breakage before each use. Do not
operate machinery that is damaged or defective in any way.
ALWAYS have a clean, level, and open work space to unbox and place your laser cutter.
ALWAYS be aware that the laser tube is made of glass and is therefore extremely
fragile and can cause severe lacerations if broken.
ALWAYS be aware that the laser tube is lled with CO2 gas. While carbon dioxide is a
class 2.2 gas (nonammable and nontoxic), release of this gas from the laser tube will
render your laser inoperable.
NEVER modify, disassemble, or in any way alter the construction of the laser and never
start up a system that has been modied or disassembled.
NEVER leave the laser system unattended during operation.
KEEP YOUR LASER SYSTEM CLEAN – A build up of cutting and engraving
residue and debris is dangerous and can create a re hazard. Keep your laser system
clean and free of debris. Regularly remove the cutting grid to clean any small pieces
that have gotten stuck or fallen through.
DO NOT disassemble the machine or remove any of its protective covers.
NEVER place hands or ngers into moving parts such as cooling fans.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY power can be instantly cut off by pushing the
Emergency Stop (the large red button) located on the top of the machine.
General Safety
Read and be familiar with all safety protocols and procedures before operating any machinery. It is the
responsibility of the operator to ensure all safety precautions are correctly followed and the machine is
properly assembled and in working order.

Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at [e-mail]. 6
The output of the CO2 engraving laser is fully contained in a Class 1 enclosure during normal
operation. The laser cabinet has a safety interlock switch that deactivates the laser if the door is
opened during operation, and no special precautions are necessary to operate the high power
laser safely. However, the output beam of the Alignment Laser (visible red diode laser) is accessible
to the operator during normal operation, giving the total system an overall rating of Class 3R.
Class 3R lasers have minimal safety concerns when used properly and handled with care.
Follow these safety guideline at all times:
NEVER operate the machine with any of the panels removed. Be aware that removal of any
portion of the cabinet will expose the laser system and greatly increase the risk of injury and/or
re. Personal injury and re risks are especially pronounced if the machine is operated with the
bottom panel removed. Remember that the CO2 laser beam is invisible!
NEVER engrave or cut any material containing PVC or vinyl. These materials (along with other
chlorine / chloride containing materials) produce a corrosive vapor that is extremely harmful to
humans and will destroy your machine. Your warranty will be void if your machine is damaged
by corrosion from engraving or cutting PVC or vinyl.
NEVER engrave or cut any unknown material. The vaporization/melting of many materials,
including but not limited to PVC and polycarbonates, can give off hazardous fumes. Please refer
to the MSDS sheet from the material manufacturer to determine the response of any work
material to extreme heat (burning/re hazard).
ALWAYS use the air assist, especially while vector cutting. Vector cutting movements are
relatively slow and apply an extremely large amount of heat to the workplace. This buildup of
heat can create a signicant re risk.
NEVER run laser with lid open. Always be sure the lid is closed and never tamper with lid
safety mechanism.
NEVER operate the machine without a properly operating ventilation system. Most materials
produce an irritating smoke when engraved. Some materials, including but not limited to: paint,
varnish, composition board, and plastics, produce compounds that can be harmful if concentrated.
NEVER look into the beam of the Alignment Laser (visible red diode laser).
NEVER aim any laser towards an aircraft or vehicle that is in motion. The bright light can
ashblind,cause glare, or distract the pilot or driver.
Laser Safety

Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at [e-mail]. 7
The standard reference for laser safety is the American Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers,
Z136.12000, 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 ofcer, 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 Full Spectrum Laser Hobby Laser System is performed in accordance with all
applicable laws. Copies of ANSI Standard Z136.12000 are available from: LASER INSTITUTE OF
AMERICA 12424 RESEARCH PARKWAY, SUITE 125 ORLANDO, FL 32826 (407) 3801553.
Laser Safety (Cont.)

Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at [e-mail]. 8
Laser cutting and engraving systems can present a signicant re hazard due to the extremely
high temperatures generated by the laser beam. While the objective of most cutting and engraving
operations is to vaporize material without burning, most materials capable of being cut or engraved
are inherently combustible and can ignite. Usually this is a small ame of burning material issuing
from the cut zone which self extinguishes due to the air assist or depowering of the beam. However,
it is possible for the ame to propagate and set re to the machine and its surroundings.
ALWAYS keep a properly maintained and inspected 5lb or larger re extinguisher on hand.
Full Spectrum Laser recommends a Halogen re extinguisher or a multipurpose dry chemical re
extinguisher. Halogen extinguishers are more expensive than a dry chemical, but offer certain
advantages should you ever need to use an extinguisher. The Halogen 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 difcult to clean up.
BE AWARE that stacking materials (especially organic materials such as paper) can lead to
increased risk of ame propagation or work piece ignition.
NEVER operate your machine unattended. There is a signicant risk of re if the machine is set
improperly, or if the machine should experience a mechanical or electrical failure while operating.
ALWAYS keep the area around the machine clean and free of clutter, combustible materials,
explosives, or volatile solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or gasoline.
ALWAYS use air assist when vector cutting.
BE CAREFUL when vector cutting. Many materials have the potential to burst suddenly into
ames – even materials that may be very familiar to the user. Always monitor the machine when
it is operating.
Fire Safety
Pro Tip! Experience shows that vector cutting with the laser
has the most potential to create an open ame. Acrylic in all
its different forms has been shown to be especially ammable
when vector cutting with a laser.

Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at [e-mail]. 9
Woodshop Dust Fire Safety Considerations*
Before processing materials the user must verify whether harmful materials can be generated
and whether the lter equipment of the exhaust system is suitable for the harmful materials. We
emphasize that it is the responsibility of the user, to consider the national and regional threshold
values for dust, fogs and gases when selecting the lters and the exhaust system.
(The values for the maximum workplace concentration must not be exceeded.)
Be mindful of large quantities of fuel in the form of wood and wood products, sawdust, and
ammable materials such as paints, oil nishes, adhesives, solvents, and liquid propane for
internal combustion engines.
Preventing the buildup of dust is one of the key means for controlling re and explosion hazards.
The principal engineering control technology for control of dust is exhaust ventilation. The primary
work practice control is good housekeeping.
Dust collection is best accomplished at the source-at the point of operation of the equipment, if
feasible. For many pieces of equipment, well-designed ducts and vacuum hoods can collect most
of the dust generated before it even reaches the operator.
Very ne dust that manages to escape point-of-source collection can be captured from above by
general exhaust points located along the ceiling. These control technologies are effective for most
equipment, excepting machines that commonly produce the very nest dust or large quantities of dust.
*These guidelines come from the U.S. Department of Labor
NEVER CUT PVC (polyvinyl chloride) under any circumstances as fumes are highly toxic
and potentially lethal.
NEVER store any ammable materials in the inside of the device or in the immediate vicinity of
the device. Debris and leftover produced materials within the machine must to be removed to prevent
re hazard.
ALWAYS have on hand a rst-aid kit designed for the initial treatment of burns and smoke
inhalation. Be sure to store this kit in an area that is outside risk areas.
Fire Safety (Cont.)

Technical Support is available from 8am to 5pm (PST) M - F at [e-mail]. 10
The power supply is capable of outputting DC 20,000V at up to 20mA. This power is also provided to
the discharge terminals on the laser tube itself. Your laser shipped with silicone terminal covers that
prevent access to bare wiring—notify Full Spectrum Laser support and immediately cease operations
if these covers ever slip and expose bare wire.
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. The AC input power is potentially lethal and is
located on the far right within the cabinet.
NEVER make or break any electrical connections to the system while the unit is turned on.
NEVER access the electronics area with hands or tools unless the unit is disconnected from power
for at least one hour.
NEVER replace the installed 10 amp fuse with a fuse of a higher rating. This will void your warranty
and the electronics will not be adequately protected from surges or short circuits.
POWER ON/OFF is controlled by the switch at the back of the machine. To power the machine on,
press the (-) side down. To turn power off, press the “o” side down.
IN CASE OF A BLOWN FUSE always contact Technical Support before replacing any fuses.
Electrical Safety