Hermes VANGUARD OPTIMA User manual

VANGUARD OPTIMA
USER’S MANUAL

VANGUARD OPTIMA
Laser Engraving and Cutting System
User’s Guide
Manufactured by:
Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
16008 North 81st Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
August 1998

Notice
This publication and its contents are proprietary to Universal Laser Systems, Inc. (ULS), and are
intended solely for the contractual use of ULS, Inc. customers.
While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of this manual, ULS shall not
be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damage in connection
with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
ULS reserves the right to revise this manual and make changes from time to time without
obligation by ULS to notify any person of such revision or changes.
ULS does not assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any products, circuits,
or software described herein. Neither does it convey a license under its patent rights nor the
patent rights of others.
This publication and its contents may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted, or distributed in
any form, or by any means, radio, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, scanning, facsimile, or
otherwise, or for any other purpose, without the prior written permission of ULS.
ULS provides no warranties whatsoever on any software used in connection with a ULS Laser
Engraving System, express or implied. Neither does it guarantee software compatibility with any
off-the-shelf software package or any software program that has not been written by ULS.
Intended use of this system must be followed within the guidelines of this manual. In no event
will ULS be liable for any damages caused, in whole or in part, by customer, or for any
economic loss, physical injury, lost revenue, lost profits, lost savings or other indirect, incidental,
special or consequential damages incurred by any person, even if ULS has been advised of the
possibility of such damages or claims.
HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Company.
PostScript, Photoshop, and Streamline are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc.
CorelDraw is a registered trademark of Corel Corporation.
AutoCad is a registered trademark of Autodesk Inc.
© Universal Laser Systems Inc., 1998
All Rights Reserved

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Vanguard Optima Laser System. Being the first desktop laser
engraving and cutting system ever created, the Optima stands out among the crowd. It has
been designed to combine flexibility and full featured performance without sacrificing simplicity,
ease of use, and ease of maintenance. Using advanced engineering and design features, the
Vanguard Optima is truly one-of-a-kind. Actually, the Optima is such a breakthrough in
technology that it is more than just a laser system, it is a precision engraving and cutting device
used as a tool for the imagination.
To begin with, we highly recommend that this entire manual be read before attempting to use
the laser system. The manual includes important information about the safety, assembly, use,
and maintenance of the Vanguard Optima. We cannot overemphasize the importance of
reading the owner's manual completely.
Where to get HELP:
If it is necessary to call for technical assistance, please call our Technical Support
Department at [phone]. Please be prepared to answer our questions by following the
procedures below, as this will allow us to provide assistance in a prompt and efficient manner:
•Take a moment to write down all of the pertinent information about the computer
being used with the laser cutting and engraving system such as software, operating
system and computer type.
•Our technical support staff will ask you for your company name and the laser
systems serial number. The serial number tag is located on the back of the machine
in the lower right corner. There is a second serial tag located behind the front door
on the right side when you open it. This will prevent you from having to get to the
back of the machine to read the serial number.
•Try to recreate the problem and write down the circumstances in which the problem
occurred. This will help our technical staff tremendously.
•If possible call from a phone that is close to the laser engraving system so that the
system can be operated while talking with our technical support staff.

Contents
SECTION 1 - Safety .........................................................................1-1
General Safety........................................................................................ 1-1
Laser Safety............................................................................................ 1-2
Laser Safety Labels ................................................................................ 1-3
Other Safety Labels ................................................................................ 1-6
FCC Compliance .................................................................................... 1-7
EU Compliance (CE) ............................................................................. 1-8
SECTION 2 - Installation........................................................................... 2-1
Operating Environment........................................................................... 2-1
Electrical Requirements.......................................................................... 2-2
Exhaust Requirements ........................................................................... 2-3
Unpacking and Assembling the System ................................................. 2-4
Computer Requirements......................................................................... 2-5
Software Suggestions............................................................................. 2-5
Font Requirements ................................................................................. 2-6
Making the Connections ......................................................................... 2-7
SECTION 3 - The Printer Driver ............................................................. 3-1
How the Computer Controls the Laser System....................................... 3-1
Installing the Windows 95 Printer Driver ................................................. 3-2
Driver Controls........................................................................................ 3-3
SECTION 4 - Graphics Software............................................................ 4-1
Software Setup ....................................................................................... 4-1
Speed Optimizing ................................................................................... 4-4

Bitmapped / Scanned Images................................................................. 4-4
Encapsulated Postscript (EPS) Images .................................................. 4-6
Postscript (PS) Images ........................................................................... 4-6
SECTION 5 - System Operation .....................................................5-1
How it Works........................................................................................... 5-1
The Control Panel................................................................................... 5-4
The Menu System................................................................................... 5-7
Menu Descriptions ................................................................................ 5-10
Focusing ............................................................................................... 5-22
SECTION 6 - Running the System Step by Step ..........................6-1
Powering Up ........................................................................................... 6-1
Loading and Positioning the Material...................................................... 6-1
Focusing Methods .................................................................................. 6-2
Creating the Graphic............................................................................... 6-3
Setting the Drivers Properties................................................................. 6-3
Downloading the File .............................................................................. 6-5
Starting the Engraving Process .............................................................. 6-5
Material Removing and Reloading.......................................................... 6-6
SECTION 7 - Accessories...............................................................7-1
- Rotary Fixture ......................................................................................... 7-1
Rubber Stamps....................................................................................... 7-1
SECTION 8 - Sample Materials ......................................................8-1
Safety ..................................................................................................... 8-1
Acrylic - Cast and Extruded .................................................................... 8-3
Acrylic - Mirrored..................................................................................... 8-5
Anodized Aluminum................................................................................ 8-7

Brass - Coated........................................................................................ 8-8
Corian / Avonite / Fountainhead ............................................................. 8-9
Cork ...................................................................................................... 8-10
Delrin (Seal Press)................................................................................ 8-11
Glass / Crystal ...................................................................................... 8-12
Leather ................................................................................................. 8-13
Marble................................................................................................... 8-14
Mat Board ............................................................................................. 8-15
Melamine .............................................................................................. 8-16
Melamine - Photo / Clipart Engraving ................................................... 8-17
Plastic - Engravers Microsurfaced ........................................................ 8-18
Rubber Stamps / Pre-Inked Stamps ..................................................... 8-19
Sign Vinyl.............................................................................................. 8-20
Wood / Wood Inlay ............................................................................... 8-21
SECTION 9 - Maintenance ....................................................................... 9-1
Suggested Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies .................................... 9-1
System Cleaning..................................................................................... 9-3
Optics Cleaning ...................................................................................... 9-3
Adjustments and Lubrication................................................................... 9-6
Electronic Upgrading .............................................................................. 9-6
Maintenance Schedule ........................................................................... 9-6
SECTION 10 - Appendices
Warranty .................................................................................................... A
Specifications............................................................................................. B
Using DOS Based Programs .....................................................................C
Using Macintosh Computers......................................................................D
Serial Cable Requirements........................................................................ E
Software Anomalies................................................................................... F

1-1
SECTION 1
Safety
This section describes hazards that may occur if the laser system is installed or used
improperly. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in injury to yourself, others, or may
cause severe damage to the equipment. Use, misuse, or abuse of the equipment in a manner
other than what is described in this manual may increase this risk. Operation and care of the
laser system must be followed in strict accordance to this manual.
General Safety
•Exposure to the laser beam may cause physical burns and can cause severe eye
damage. Proper use and care of this system are essential to safe operation.
•Never operate the laser system without constant supervision of the cutting and
engraving process. Exposure to the laser beam may cause ignition of combustible
materials and start a fire. A properly maintained fire extinguisher should be kept on hand at
all times.
•A properly configured, installed, maintained, and operating fume/smoke exhaust
system is mandatory when operating the laser system. Fumes and smoke from the
engraving process must be extracted from the laser system and exhausted outside.
•Some materials, when engraved or cut with a laser, can produce toxic and caustic
fumes. We suggest that you obtain the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the
materials manufacturer. The MSDS discloses all of the hazards when handling or
processing that material. The law requires all manufacturers to provide this information to
anyone who requests it. DISCONTINUE processing any material that shows signs of
chemical deterioration of the laser system. Systems damaged from this abuse will NOT be
covered under warranty.
•Dangerous voltages are present within the electronics and laser enclosures of this
system. Although access to these areas is not necessary during normal use, if it becomes
necessary to open one of these enclosures for service reasons please remember to unplug
the machine first.
•Care should be taken when moving or lifting the laser system. The laser system
weighs about 150 lbs. (68 kg.). Obtain assistance from 1 or 2 additional people when lifting
or carrying the system. Severe bodily injury may occur if improper lifting techniques are
applied. Be careful not to drop the laser system. Not only can it cause bodily harm, but it
will also severely damage the equipment and render it inoperable.

1-2 Safety
•The laser system is specifically designed to comply with CDRH performance
requirements under 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11. CDRH is the Center for the Devices of
Radiological Health division of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This laser system
also complies with CE (European Community) safety regulations. No guarantees of
suitability or safety are provided for any use other than those specified by Universal Laser
Systems Inc. Please contact Universal Laser Systems Inc. with any questions concerning
laser safety before operating this system.
Laser Safety
The laser system contains a sealed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser that produces intense and
invisible laser radiation at a wavelength of 10.6 microns in the infrared spectrum. This laser
system contains a C02 laser in a Class I enclosure. However, due to the presence of a visible
red laser diode, the entire laser system is classified as Class 3a.
•The entire system is completely enclosed with a protective housing. This will completely
contain the invisible C02 laser beam under normal use. However, the red diode laser is a
visible laser beam. DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL
INSTRUMENTS.
•The user door(s) are safety interlocked and will disable the CO2 laser beam from firing when
the user door(s) are opened. The control panel will also display a flashing “RED” light to
visually indicate that the safety interlock system has been activated. The red diode laser
beam is NOT safety interlocked and can be activated with the door(s) either open or closed.

Safety 1-3
Do not modify or disable any safety feature of this system. Do not operate any system
that has had its safety features modified, disabled, or removed. Improper use of controls
and adjustments, or performance of procedures other than those specified in this manual, may
invalidate the safety of this system.
This laser system is equipped with a visible red diode pointing laser and is considered a Class
3A device by CDRH and CE. Do not stare into the beam or view directly with any optical
instrument.
Laser Safety Labels
CDRH and CE regulations require all laser manufacturers to affix warning labels in specific
locations throughout the equipment. The following warning labels are placed on the laser
system for your safety. DO NOT remove them for any reason. If the labels become damaged
or have been removed for any reason, DO NOT OPERATE the laser system and immediately
contact Universal Laser Systems Inc. for a free replacement.
Locations (1): On the back of the system next to the serial number tag. Visible when viewing
the laser system from the backside.

1-4 Safety
Locations (2): One is on the top door and visible under normal operation. The other is located
inside the laser system on the back panel, visible when the top door is opened.
Locations (3): One is next to the Beam Window where the laser beam enters the engraving area
inside the laser system and is visible when the top door is opened. The second one is located
inside the output optics cover of the laser tube assembly that is not visible under normal
operating conditions. The third is located on the outside of the laser tube assembly. The second
and third locations are only visible if the laser tube assembly is removed for service and is not
visible under normal operating conditions.
Locations (1): Affixed to the back of the laser tube assembly. Not visible under normal
operating conditions. Only visible if laser tube is removed for service.
Locations (1): Affixed to the back of the laser tube assembly. Not visible under normal
operating conditions. Only visible if laser tube assembly is removed for service.
CDRH
CE

Safety 1-5
LASER RADIATION - AVOID
DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE
CLASS IIIa LASER PRODUCT
LASER DIODE
WAVELENGTH: 630-680 nm
MAX. OUTPUT: 5 mW
D A N G E R
Or
CAUTION LASER RADIATION
DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM OR VIEW
DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
CLASS 3A LASER PRODUCT
LASER DIODE
WAVELENGTH: 630-680 nm
MAX. OUTPUT: 5 mW
Locations (1): On the outside of the top door. Visible from the outside under normal operating
conditions with the door closed.
!
WARNING
THIS LASER SYSTEM CONTAINS A
CO LASER IN A CLASS I ENCLOSURE.
THE LASER SYSTEM HAS BEEN
CLASSIFIED AS CLASS 3a DUE
TO THE PRESENCE OF A
VISIBLE LASER DIODE.
2
Locations (1): On the outside of the top door. Visible from the outside under normal operating
conditions with the door closed.
Other Safety Labels
Locations (1): On the outside of the top door. Visible from the outside under normal operating
conditions with the door closed.
CDRH
CE

1-6 Safety
Locations (2): One is on the back of the laser system’s cooling fan cover. Visible from the
outside under normal operating conditions when viewed from the backside of the system. The
other is on the plastic shield over the back of the power entry module.
INPUT POWER:
110 VAC; 50/60 Hz; 10 A
INPUT POWER:
220 VAC; 50/60 Hz; 5 A
DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL
OR
Locations (1): On the side of the laser system next to the ON/OFF switch and plug receptacle.
Visible from the outside under normal operating conditions.
Locations (1): Inside of the laser systems cooling fan cover next to the chassis ground green
wire. Not visible under normal operating conditions. Visible only when cover is removed for
servicing only.
Locations (1): On the outside motor cover of the optional Rotary Fixture. Visible under normal
operating conditions.
Serial Tag
Locations (1): On the back side of the laser system in the lower right corner if viewing the
machine from the back side. Visible under normal operating conditions.

Safety 1-7
FCC Compliance
This ULS laser system has been tested and found to comply with Federal Communication
Commission (FCC) directives regarding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). In accordance
with these directives ULS is required to provide the following information to its customers.
FCC Compliance Statement and Warnings
This device Complied with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device
as set forth in Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference
at his or her own expense.
Users should be aware that changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved
by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Computing
Device per FCC part 15, using shielded cables. Shielded cables must be used in order to insure
compliance with FCC regulations.

1-8 Safety
EU Compliance (CE)
EU Declaration of Conformity
LASER SYSTEMS INC .
Product Identification: Optima Laser Cutting and Engraving System
Manufacturer: Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
16008 N. 81st St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
USA
Universal Laser Systems, Inc. hereby declares that the equipment specified
below is in conformity with the following directives:
89/336/EEC (EMC Directive)
73/23/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)
89/392/EEC (Machinery Directive)
based on the standards listed.
Standards Used:
Safety:
EN 60950: 1995
EN 60825: 1994 (Class IIIa)
EMC:
EN 55022: 1995 (Class A)
EN 50082-1: 1992
EN 60801-2: 1993 (6kV CD, 8kV AD)
EN 61000-3-2: 1996 (class A)
EN 61000-3-3: 1995
EN 61000-4-3: 1997 (3 V/m)
EN 61000-4-4: 1995 (2 kV power line, 0.5 kV signal line)
EN 61000-4-5: 1996 (class 2)
Manufacturer’s Contact:
Chris Risser, Compliance Engineer
1998
Signature Date
Warning - This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this
product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be
required to take adequate measures.

2-1
SECTION 2
Installation
Proper operating conditions are vital to a safe and productive environment. From choosing the
right location to plugging in the connectors, this section describes the ideal environment and
setup of the laser system.
Operating Environment
Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to provide the proper operating environment for the
can cause damage to the laser system as well as your computer.
•Room temperature must remain between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit or between 17 and
27 degrees Celsius.
•Humidity levels must be less than 70% or where the temperature is at least 10 degrees
above the dewpoint temperature. Dew formation can electrically short out the laser system
and/or your computer and is very dangerous.
•Avoid dusty or dirty air environments. Keep the laser system isolated from any type of
sandblasting, sanding equipment, or any other machinery that produces airborne particles.
Install the laser system in an office type environment.
•Avoid small, enclosed, non-ventilated areas. Some materials, after laser engraving or
cutting, continue emitting fumes for several minutes after processing. Having these
materials present in a confined, unventilated room can contaminate the room.
•Choose a place which provides the shortest and most direct path to the exhaust ductwork
(not provided). Refer to exhaust requirements later on in this section.
•Have a work table or storage area next to or nearby the laser system. This prevents the
operator from using the system as a table or storage facility.
•Do not move, push, lean on, or jar the laser system while it is engraving. The material you
are engraving can shift and produce unsatisfactory results.
•If planning to connect the laser engraving system to a computer through the parallel port,
choose a location where the computer can be placed within 10 feet of the machine since this
is the maximum recommended parallel cable length.
•If connecting an additional laser system or other printer to the same computer, we
recommend the installation of an additional parallel port into the computer. DO NOT use a
manual A/B type switch box. This creates electrical noise which can cause an engraving
problem or can damage the laser system and/or the computer’s electronics.

2-2 Installation
Electrical Requirements
This system has the above electrical rating. Make sure that your electrical outlet is capable of
providing the proper voltage, frequency and amperage that this system requires.
Noisy or unstable electricity as well as voltage spikes can cause interference with the
electronics of the laser system. Connect the laser system to a dedicated electrical line if this is
a problem in your building.
The electronics of the laser system has built-in surge suppression. However, it is a good
practice to plug the laser system into a high quality surge suppressor and then plug the surge
suppressor into a properly grounded outlet.
Never remove the ground lead to the electrical cord and plug the system into a non-
grounded outlet. This is very dangerous and can lead to a severe, if not fatal, electrical
shock. Always plug the system into a 3 prong grounded outlet.
If electrical power fluctuations, brown outs, or constant power outages are a problem in your
area, an electrical line stabilizer, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), or backup generator
might be required. If installing any of these devices, make sure that they meet the electrical
requirements of the laser system.
If there is any type of electrical problem present, please contact a locally licensed electrical
contractor to correct the problem. Repairs to the laser system will NOT be under warrantee if
the laser system is damaged by an improper or incorrect electrical supply as well as voltage
spikes and surges. It is your responsibility to provide a suitable electrical supply.

Installation 2-3
Exhaust Requirements
To properly exhaust fumes and smoke from the laser engraving system during operation,
it is necessary to provide an exhaust unit moving a minimum of 200 CFM (cubic feet per
minute) at 6 inches of static pressure (inches of water). Please refer to the sample diagram
on the next page.
The blower MUST be mounted on the OUTSIDE of the building either on the roof or on a
cement pad next to the building possibly mounted on vibration dampeners. Rigid tubing should
be used for 90% of the distance traveled. The tubing should be smooth walled and have as few
90 degree bends as possible. Two 45 degree bends have better air flow than one 90 degree
bend. Use tubing with a diameter that matches the blower unit (usually 6 inches/1524 mm) and
use a 6 inch(1524 mm) to 4 inch(1016 mm) reducer to couple the tubing down to 4 inches(1016
mm) to within a few feet from the laser system. Also consider installing a gate to control air flow
and to close off the exhaust from the outside environment when the laser is not in use. This is
especially useful in colder climates where it can be damaging to the laser system to have cold
air coming into it from the outside. Do not connect the rigid tubing directly to the laser system.
Use a short piece of industrial grade, wire reinforced rubber tubing to connect the end of the
gate, or rigid tubing, to the laser system. This will provide mobility and will dampen blower
vibrations. Use only a few feet because it’s spiral construction reduces air flow. Install a hose
clamp on both ends of the hose to prevent leaks and to prevent the hose from slipping off.
Have the blower wired to a wall switch in the same room.
The chart below is based on the measured distance from the outlet of the laser system to the
inlet of the exhaust blower. It assumes that you will. It is important to purchase a high pressure
blower that meets or exceeds these requirements.
Measured Distance
Blower Required
up to 25 feet / 8 meters
200 CFM @ 6 inches / 1524 mm static pressure
26 - 50 feet / 8 - 15 meters
300 CFM @ 6 inches / 1524 mm static pressure
51 - 75 feet / 15 - 23 meters
400 CFM @ 6 inches / 1524 mm static pressure
76 - 100 feet / 23 - 30 meters
500 CFM @ 6 inches / 1524 mm static pressure
Never operate the laser engraving system without a properly installed and operating
exhaust system. Some materials when cut or engraved can produce fumes that are
hazardous in concentrated amounts.
The following diagrams show typical exhaust system layouts. Use these as a guideline to
proper exhaust system installation. Although these diagrams just serve as an example, we
recommend installation of the exhaust system by a licensed contractor to meet safety and local
code requirements. Please contact a local air quality control specialist.