Just Add Sharks Blacknose A3 User manual

Blacknose A3 Laser
Cutter and Engraver
User Guide
Version 0.2, July 14th 2015

Precautions
The Blacknose A4 Laser Cutter & Engraver
Introduction
Specifications
Machine Overview
Front
Left Side
Right Side
Rear
Top
Cutting Bay
Setup and Installation
Parts List
Work Stand Assembly
Components:
Tools Required:
Removing Shipping Materials
Air Assist System
Components:
Tools Required:
Water Cooling System
Components:
Tools Required:
Filling The Laser Tube
Note
Extraction System
Components:
Tools Required:
Notes about extractor vents
Alignment
Choosing A Cutting Bed
LaserCut 5.3 Software
Introduction
System Requirements
Communicating to the Laser Cutter
The Soft Dog USB Dongle
Downloading LaserCut 5.3
Installing Lasercut 5.3 on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7
Checking the Drivers
Installation on Windows 8
Install the Soft Dog USB dongle
Running in Compatibility Mode
Creating An App On The Start Screen
Right-click on the LaserCut 5.3 icon on the Desktop and select Pin to
Start from the context menu.

Setting the Model of Laser Cutter
Note for Windows 8 users
Running Lasercut 5.3
Working With The Demonstration Version
Creation of cutting files for the laser
Creation of native LaserCut files
Basic Drawing
Simple Shapes
Line
Rectangle
Polyline
Ellipse
Text
Simple Object Modification
Rotate
Mirror (Vertically)
Mirror (Horizontally)
Edit Node
Size
Advanced Object Modification
Copy
Centre to Table
Invert Colors
Offset Curve
Using the Laser Cutter - Workflow
Maintenance
Maintenance schedule
Mirror/Lens Inspection and Cleaning
Tools & Materials:
Time Needed: 10-30 minutes
Mirrors
Lens
Laser Alignment
Tools Required:
Overview
Preparation
Making Masking Tape Targets
Part 1: Rough Laser Tube Position
Part 2: Mirror 1 Adjustment
Part 3: Mirror 2 Adjustment
Part 4: Centering The Beam Vertically
Part 5: Mirror 3 Adjustment
Troubleshooting

Precautions
WARNING!
●Never open access panels without disconnecting power
●Do not circumvent the safety cut-out switch or operate the machine
with access doors open
●Never run the laser cutter unattended
●Always vent material smoke or vapour to a suitable external outlet or
filter system
●Only use laser-safe materials which do not contain chlorides and
formaldehydes

The Blacknose A4 Laser Cutter & Engraver
Introduction
The Blacknose A3 40W is an economical laser cutter ideal for beginners,
hobbyists and artists who are getting started in laser cutting. Ideal for making
prototypes, models, jewellery and artwork, the Blacknose is the smallest Just
Add Sharks cutter. It's lower power and smaller size makes it ideal for use at
home, in the studio or small business.
Specifications
External dimensions
1,100mm x 660mm x 450mm
Weight
90kg
Laser specification
40W CO
2
type 2 laser tube (30W also available)
Cooling system
Water-cooled
Cutting area
400mm x 300mm (equivalent to A3 paper size)

Machine Overview
Front
Left Rear Side

Right Side
Detail

Top
Cutting Bay

Setup and Installation
Parts List
• Blacknose A3 Laser Cutter
• Knife bed (inside cutter)
• Honeycomb bed (inside cutter)
• 40 Watt laser tube (installed in cutter)
• 4-way, 2 meter switched mains power strip
• Air assist parts:
‣Air pump
‣Bungee cord
‣1 x silicone tube
‣Brass connector
• Water pump:
‣Base plate
‣Pump
‣Brass connector
‣2 x silicone tubes
• Extractor parts:
‣Extractor fan
‣2 x 100mm ⌀ blue extraction hose
‣100mm ⌀ extraction vent adapter
‣3 x hose clamps (in plastic tool box)
‣4 x M5 hex bolts
• Workstand parts:
‣Cross bar
‣Left end
‣Right end
‣8 x 12mm M6 hex bolts & washers
• White plastic toolbox:
‣3 x hose clamps (for extraction system)
‣100mm nozzle end plate
‣3 pairs of case keys
‣Crank-type z-axis operating handle
‣Alternative Just Add Sharks z-axis operating handle
‣Leetro ‘Soft Dog’ (dongle for LaserCut software)
‣Focusing tool
‣Lockout keys to allow operation of the cutter
‣Four hex keys: 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm and 5mm
‣Small Phillips head screwdriver
‣Mirror release tool
‣Digital thermometer
1
‣Power cable (IEC)
‣Lens cleaning cloth
1 Only provided with systems which use a water bath cooler