Roland EGX-20 User manual
DESKTOP ENGRAVER
EGX-20
U S E R ' S
M A N U A L
Thank you very much for purchasing the EGX-20.
To ensure correct and safe usage with a full under-
standing of this product's performance, please be sure
to read through this manual completely and store it in
a safe location.
Unauthorized copying or transferral, in whole or in
part, of this manual is prohibited.
The contents of this operation manual and the speci-
cations of this product are subject to change without
notice.
The operation manual and the product have been
prepared and tested as much as possible. If you nd
any misprint or error, please inform us.
Roland DG Corp. assumes no responsibility for any
direct or indirect loss or damage which may occur
through use of this product, regardless of any failure
to perform on the part of this product.
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMIS-
SION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE
STATEMENT
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to 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 fre-
quency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, 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 own expense.
Unauthorized changes or modication to this system can void
the users authority to operate this equipment.
Use only I/O cables that have been designed and manufac-
tured specically for this device.
For Canada
NOTICE
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
AVIS
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les
exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Ca-
nada.
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.
For EU Countries
For EU Countries
Manufacturer:
ROLAND DG CORPORATION
1-6-4 Shinmiyakoda, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka-ken, 431-2103 JAPAN
The authorized representative in the EU:
Roland DG Corporation, German Ofce Halskestrasse 7, 47877 Willich, Germany
For California
WARNING
This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer,
birth defects and other reproductive harm.
RolandDG Corp. has licensed the MMP technology from the TPL Group.
1
How to Use This Manual
Be sure to read through this manual when using the EGX-20 for the rst time. This manual explains mainly the following
information.
Connecting to a computer, installing a blade, mounting an engraving workpiece, and the like
Installing the driver software on the computer
The procedure for creating a nameplate using Dr. Engrave (a text-engraving program)
You can also install and set up the following programs on the included Roland Software Package CD-ROM and use them on
your computer.
Virtual MODELA (a program that simulates cutting results obtained with 3D Engrave)
Dr.Engrave (a text-engraving program)
3D Engrave (a program for creating reliefs)
Windows driver (a software driver for using the EGX-20 with Windows)
The manuals for these (except for the manual for the driver) are in electronic format. Refer to them for detailed information
on use.
Manuals in Electronic Format
You can view the manuals in electronic format (PDF les)
from the setup menu that appears when you insert the
Roland Software Package CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive on
your computer. Load the Roland Software Package CD-ROM
in the computer’s CD-ROM drive and view the manuals in
electronic format as required.
To view a description of the program, click the button.
To view a manual, click the button. A PDF manual is
available for programs listed with a button.
Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF les. If Acrobat
Reader is not already installed and set up on your computer,
then the setup program for Acrobat Reader starts automati-
cally, allowing you to install and set it up.
Help
After you have installed and set up the programs, you can view help for each that contains information similar to the PDF
les. In Windows, click [Start]. From the menu, point to [Programs], then [Roland 3D Engrave], then select [3D Engrave Help].
The help window appears. In the same way, point to [Roland Dr. Engrave] and select [Dr. Engrave Help], or point to [Roland
Virtual MODELA] and select [Virtual MODELA Help]. Alternatively, start the respective program, then from the [Help] menu,
select [Contents]. The help window appears.
Table of Contents
How to Use This Manual.............................................................................................................................................................. 1
To Ensure Safe Use...............................................................................................................3
About the Labels Axed to the AC Adapter and Unit .................................................................................................... 5
1 Getting Ready .........................................................................................................................6
What You Can Do with the EGX-20.......................................................................................................................................... 6
Check the Included Items........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Names and Functions .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Setting Up and Connection....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Attaching the Adhesive Sheet ................................................................................................................................................10
Installing the Cutter Holder.....................................................................................................................................................11
2 Installing and Setting Up the Software..................................................................................12
The Software You Can Install and Set Up............................................................................................................................12
System Requirements................................................................................................................................................................12
Installation and Setup................................................................................................................................................................13
3 Creating a Nameplate (Engraving Mode)..............................................................................16
Loading Material..........................................................................................................................................................................16
Installing a Cutter ........................................................................................................................................................................17
Setting the Origin Point ............................................................................................................................................................19
Creating Data with Dr. Engrave..............................................................................................................................................20
Setting the Cutting Parameters..............................................................................................................................................25
Performing Engraving................................................................................................................................................................27
4 Creating a Relief (3D Cutting Mode) .....................................................................................28
Removing the Cutter..................................................................................................................................................................28
Detaching the Depth Regulator Unit...................................................................................................................................29
Installing a Cutter ........................................................................................................................................................................30
Loading Material..........................................................................................................................................................................31
Setting the Origin Point ............................................................................................................................................................32
Creating Data with 3D Engrave..............................................................................................................................................34
Adjusting Cutting........................................................................................................................................................................37
Performing Cutting.....................................................................................................................................................................38
5 More Advanced Operations...................................................................................................39
Using Dierent Nose Cones for Dierent Purposes........................................................................................................39
Using the 3D Cutting Mode.....................................................................................................................................................40
6 Optional Parts .......................................................................................................................42
Replacement Cutters and Consumable Parts....................................................................................................................42
Optional Parts for Scribing.......................................................................................................................................................43
7 Appendix ...............................................................................................................................44
Daily Care and Maintenance ...................................................................................................................................................44
Functions Using the Switch Panel on the EGX-20 ...........................................................................................................44
What to Do If... ..............................................................................................................................................................................45
Specications................................................................................................................................................................................47
http://www.rolanddg.com/
Copyright © 2002-2012 Roland DG Corporation
Company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
2
To Ensure Safe Use
Improper handling or operation of this machine may result in injury or damage to property. Points which
must be observed to prevent such injury or damage are described as follows.
About WARNING and CAUTION Notices
WARNING Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury
should the unit be used improperly.
CAUTION
Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage
should the unit be used improperly.
Note: Material damage refers to damage or other adverse eects caused with respect
to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.
About the Symbols
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings. The specific meaning of the
symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. The symbol at left means "danger of
electrocution."
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The specic thing
that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. The symbol at left means
the unit must never be disassembled.
The symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specic thing that must be done is
indicated by the design contained within the circle. The symbol at left means the power-cord plug must
be unplugged from the outlet.
WARNING
Never attempt to disassemble, repair, or
modify the machine.
Doing so may result in re, electrical shock,
or injury. Entrust repairs to a trained service
technician.
Do not use with any electrical power supply
that does not meet the ratings displayed on
the AC adapter.
Use with any other power supply may lead to re
or electrocution.
Do not use while in an abnormal state (i.e.,
emitting smoke, burning odor, unusual
noise, or the like).
Doing so may result in re or electrical shock.
Immediately unplug the power-cord plug from
the electrical outlet, and contact your authorized
Roland DG Corp. dealer or service center.
WARNING
Ground the unit with the ground wire.
Failure to do so may result in risk of electrical
shock in the even of a mechanical problem.
Do not use with any power supply other
than the dedicated AC adapter.
Use with any other power supply may lead to re
or electrocution.
Use only with the power cord included with
this product.
Use with other than the included power cord may
lead to re or electrocution.
3
CAUTION
Do not use with a damaged AC adapter,
power cord, or power-cord plug or with a
loose electrical outlet.
Use with any other power supply may lead to
re or electrocution.
When not in use for several hours, unplug
the power-cord plug from the electrical
outlet.
Failure to do so may result in danger of shock,
electrocution, or re due to deterioration of the
electrical insulation.
Do not attempt to unplug the power-cord
plug with wet hands.
Doing so may result in electrical shock.
Install on a stable surface.
Failure to do so may result in falling of the unit,
leading to injury.
Do not inadvertently allow the hands, or
hair near the rotating parts while in opera-
tion.
Doing so may result in injury.
When you’re nished, wash your hands to
rinse away all cuttings.
CAUTION
Do not injure or modify the electrical power
cord, nor subject it to excessive bends,
twists, pulls, binding, or pinching, nor
place any object of weight on it.
Doing so may damage the electrical power
cord, leading to electrocution or re.
When unplugging the electrical power cord
from the power outlet, grasp the plug, not
the cord.
Unplugging by pulling the cord may damage
it, leading to re or electrocution.
Do not allow liquids, metal objects or am-
mables inside the machine.
Such materials can cause re.
Do not touch the tip of the blade
Doing so may result in injury.
Wear dust goggles and mask during use.
Cutting dust may scatter, causing bodily in-
jury.
To Ensure Safe Use
4
About the Labels Afxed to the AC Adapter and Unit
These labels are axed to the body of this product and the AC adapter. The following gure describes the location.
Rating label
Do not use with any electrical power
supply that does not meet the ratings
displayed on the AC adapter.
Handle tool with care.
Model name
In addition to the WARNING and CAUTION symbols, the symbols shown below are also used.
NOTICE Indicates information to prevent machine breakdown or malfunction and ensure
correct use.
Indicates a handy tip or advice regarding use.
To Ensure Safe Use
5
1 Getting Ready
What You Can Do with the EGX-20
• You can engrave a plate with text or shapes to create a nameplate or the like.
Using Dr. Engrave, the included 2D engraving program, you can easily engrave anything from simple text to complex
designs to produce high-quality engraved plates.
p. 16, "Creating a Nameplate"
• You can cut thick materials up to a depth of 7 mm to create reliefs and other forms.
Using 3D Engrave, the included 3D engraving program, you can easily produces reliefs and other three-dimensional
engraved forms.
p. 28, "Creating a Relief"
Check the Included Items
AC adapter: 1 Power cord: 1 Cutter: 1
(with cutter holder)
Nose cones
(large: 1, medium: 1, small: 1)
The medium one is installed on the
machine.
Adhesive sheet: 1 Test-use plate material: 1
Hexagonal screw driver: 1 Hexagonal wrenches
(large: 1 and small: 1)
User's Manual: 1
Roland Software Package
CD-ROM: 1
6
1 Getting Ready
Names and Functions
The names of the parts of the EGX-20 are as follows.
Front
Rear
Switch Panel
Carriage
Depth regulator unit
Table
Z-axis light
Power light
View light
Origin Set light
Movement
button
Speed
control
Spindle Speed
control
Power button
View button
Origin Set
button
Cover
Spindle motor
Spindle unit
Parallel connector
AC adapter jack
7
1 Getting Ready
Setting Up and Connection
Setting
NOTICE
Never install this unit in any of the following situations, as it could result in damage:
• Places where the installation surface is unstable or not level.
• Places with excessive electrical noise.
• Places with excessive humidity or dust.
• The EGX-20 generates heat when used, and should not be installed in an area with poor heat radiation characteristics.
• Places with excessive vibration.
Use within a temperature range of 5 to 40°C (41 to 104°F) and within a humidity range of 35 to 80%.
Securely connect the power cord, computer I/O cable and so on so that they will not be unplugged and cause
failure during operation. Doing so may lead to faulty operation or breakdown.
* Do not place any object within the area
10 cm (4 in.)
10 cm (4 in.)
30 cm (12 in.)
30 cm (12 in.)
8
1 Getting Ready
Connecting the AC Adapter and Power Cord
Connect in the order of the numbers shown in the gure.
Connecting to the Computer
To connect the machine and the computer, you can use either a parallel cable (IEEE 1284-compliant) .
The parallel cable is sold separately. Use a cable suited to the conguration of the printer port on your computer.
NOTICE
Make the cable connections while the computer and the machine are switched o
Computer
Amphenol 36-pin connector
Printer port
AC adapter
Power cord
AC adapter jack
9
1 Getting Ready
Attaching the Adhesive Sheet
You use the included adhesive sheet to secure material to engrave to the table on the EGX-20.
Press the power button on the EGX-20
to turn on the power.
The carriage moves to the right edge and
the table moves to the front, the unit goes
into View status, and the Power and View
lights light up.
Peel off the protective paper from both
sides of the adhesive sheet.
Place the adhesive sheet on the table as shown in the gure at right, press down on it from
above, and secure it in place so that it will not peel off.
NOTICE
Be sure the unit is in View status when attaching the adhesive sheet.
There are holes at the four corners of the table.
Align the corner of the adhesive sheet with the lower-left hole.
Table
Carriage
Adhesive sheet
Table
Adhesive sheet
10
1 Getting Ready
Installing the Cutter Holder
A cutter holder is attached to the in-
cluded cutter.
Remove the cutter from the cutter
holder.
Open the cover for the carriage.
Orient the cutter holder so that the
screw is underneath, insert the cut-
ter holder into the spindle unit from
above, then turn the cutter holder
counterclockwise by hand to secure
it in place.
The spindle unit moves when you do this, so
insert the included hexagonal screwdriver
into the hole in the spindle unit as shown in
the gure to keep it from moving.
The cutter holder is reverse-threaded.
Turn it counterclockwise to tighten.
Cutter Cutter holder
Open the cover
for the carriage.
11
1 Getting Ready
2 Installing and Setting Up the Software
To use the EGX-20, you need to install the driver on the computer connected to the EGX-20. The EGX-20 also comes with
a number of programs for creating engraving and cutting data, which you can use to match the target task. To use these
programs, you need to install and set them up on the computer connected to the EGX-20.
The Software You Can Install and Set Up
The drivers and programs are contained on the Roland Software Package CD-ROM. Be sure to install theWindows driver. Install
and set up the other software, the programs, as required. You can use the following drivers and programs with the EGX-20.
Driver or program Overview
Windows driver This is necessary when sending data from a program running under Windows
to the EGX-20. Be sure to install it.
Virtual MODELA
This uses data created with 3D Engrave to perform simulations before cutting
with the EGX-20.
You can use it to check the nished shape as well as things like whether the
cutting depth is suitable and how much time cutting will take. This can reduce
loss for cutting materials and time.
Dr. Engrave
This is used to design text and shapes to engrave on a plate and to send the
data to the EGX-20.
You can use the TrueType fonts registered in Windows as the font style for text.
You can even make stroke fonts from TrueType fonts.
Because you can the outline of an image and convert it to line segments, it's
also possible to include logos for companies or organizations in the plates you
make.
3D Engrave
This adds thickness to a at (two-dimensional) graphic to create a relief (raised
engraving).
You can also add thickness to gures and other images.
System Requirements
The following operating environment is required in order to use the drivers and programs just described. Make sure your
system conguration meets these requirements.
Operating system Windows 95/98/Me/NT 4.0/2000/XP
Computer Computer running Windows (Pentium processor or better recommended)
Drive CD-ROM drive
Monitor Windows-compatible monitor capable of displaying 256 colors or more
Memory 32 MB or more recommended
Free hard-disk re-
quired for installation
space
25 MB (combined total for Dr. Engrave, 3D Engrave, and Virtual MODELA)
Interface Printer port
12
2 Installing and Setting Up the Software
Installation and Setup
Follow the steps below to install and set up the driver and programs.
Turn on the computer and start Windows.
If you're running a virus-detection program, then quit the program. Also quit all running programs except
Windows. In Windows, make sure no program icons appear on the taskbar, then go on to the next step.
Insert the included CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
The setup menu appears automatically.
Click the drop-down arrow for [Click
here], then from the menu that ap-
pears, select [EGX-20].
The programs you can install and set up with
the EGX-20 appear.
You can view a description for each program
by clicking the button next to the corre-
sponding program name.
Also, to display the Readme le, click the
[Readme] button. This lets you read the lat-
est information that could not be included
in the user's manual. Please be sure to read
it before use.
NOTICE
If the computer and the EGX-20 are already connected, then switch off the power to the EGX-
20 before you perform installation and setup.
Installation and set up under Windows 2000/NT 4.0/XP require full access rights for the printer
settings. Log on to Windows as a member of the "Administrators" or "Power Users" group. For
more information about groups, refer to the documentation for Windows.
If the setup menu does not appear automatically even when the included CD-ROM is loaded in the CD-ROM drive,
then use Windows Explorer to select the CD-ROM drive, then double-click "CDMenu.exe" to run it.
This document does not contain manuals for the programs, but a manual in PDF format is available for each pro-
gram shown with a button. Click the button to display the PDF manual.
Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF les. If Acrobat Reader is not already installed and set up on your computer,
then the setup program for Acrobat Reader on the included CD-ROM starts automatically, allowing you to install
and set it up.
If your computer is connected to the Internet,
the Roland DG Corp. website appears.
Check this for information about updates to
the driver and the like.
13
2 Installing and Setting Up the Software
Choose the check boxes which you
want to install, and then click the [In-
stall] button.
If you do not want to install a particular
program, than clear the corresponding
check box. Normally you should select all
check boxes.
The setup screen ([Welcome] dialog box)
appears for the program whose check box
you selected.
If you selected the check boxes for all pro-
grams, then the setup screens appear in suc-
cession, starting with Virtual MODELA.
Click [Next].
Follow the messages to carry out set-
up and nish setting up the program.
When installation nishes, a prompt
dialog box appear. Click [OK].
When the installation of one program n-
ishes, installation of the next one starts.
In the interval until the next setup starts, a
dialog box showing the progress of process-
ing is displayed.
Repeat steps
and
to install and set up each program.
When installation of 3D Engrave nishes
The [EGX-20 Driver Installation] dialog box appears.
Choose the port for connecting the EGX-20.
The EGX-20 connects to a printer port. If your computer has a single
printer port, select [LPT1:].
Click [OK]. The EGX-20 driver is installed.
When installation of the EGX-20 driver nishes
The [Settings: [EGX-20]] dialog box appears.
Make sure the values are correct, then click [Close].
14
2 Installing and Setting Up the Software
When all installation and setup n-
ishes, a prompt dialog box appears.
Click [Close].
When the setup menu screen reap-
pears, click the button.
Take the CD-ROM out of the CD-ROM drive.
15
2 Installing and Setting Up the Software
3 Creating a Nameplate (Engraving Mode)
This section describes the basic steps for engraving using the EGX-20, taking the procedure for engraving the plate included
with the machine as an example.
Loading Material
If the EGX-20 is switched off, press
the power button to turn it on.
The carriage moves to the right edge and
the table moves to the front, the unit goes
into View status, and the Power and View
lights light up.
If the EGX-20 is turned on but the View light
is not illuminated, press the View button.
The carriage moves to the right edge and
the table moves to the front, the unit goes
into View status, and the Power and View
lights light up.
Place the plate on the adhesive sheet,
then press down on it from above to
anchor it securely.
You can place the item anywhere on the
adhesive sheet.
However, if the plate is placed at an angle
with respect to the table, the engraving will
not be straight.
Place it so that it is aligned straight with the
corners and sides of the table.
NOTICE
Large changes in temperature may alter the cutting depth. Use care when using near an air conditioner or heater.
In cases like this, reinstall the cutter (thereby realigning it with the reference surface).
Cuttable depth is 0.05 to 1 mm (0.002 to 0.039 in.) in the Engraving mode. Do not attempt cutting that exceeds
this depth.
In the engraving mode, ll engraving over a broad area (that is, having a width equal to or greater than the diam-
eter of the nose cone) cannot be performed. Such operations are generally classied as "dicult" engraving, but
they are possible using the 3D cutting
NOTICE
When you load more than one plate at a time, make sure there are no gaps between them. Plates that are not
quadrilateral or are of irregular shape may not be suitable for engraving with the EGX-20.
Before you load material, attach the included adhesive sheet. Be sure the unit is in View status when loading
material.
Power and View
lights illuminate.
Place the plate on the adhesive sheet, then press
down on it from above to anchor it securely.
16
3 Creating a Nameplate (Engraving Mode)
Installing a Cutter
If the View light on the switch panel
is lit (showing the machine is in View
status), press the View button.
The spindle unit and table move, and the
spindle unit moves to above the origin point
on the table.
When movement ends, the View light goes
dark.
Use the movement button on the
switch panel to move the spindle
unit.
The movement button is a joystick.
Pressing the movement button up, down, or
to the left or right makes the spindle unit and
table move in the corresponding vertical or
horizontal direction.
Move the spindle unit to about the center of
the plate (material) mounted on the table.
Press and hold the center of the
movement button for short while (0.6
second or longer).
The Z-axis light illuminates, indicating that
it is now possible to move the spindle unit
up and down.
Press the lower part of the movement
button.
The spindle unit descends while you hold
down the button. Movement stops auto-
matically when the nose cone contacts the
plate (material), so release the movement
button.
The origin point is a reference point that the EGX-20 uses for starting engraving. When the machine is shipped
from the factory, the origin point is set at the lower left corner of the table.
You can also move the spindle unit and the table and set the origin point at a dierent location.
P. 19, "Setting the Origin Point"
Press up, down, or
to the left or right.
Press.
Origin Point
Nose cone
Press.
17
3 Creating a Nameplate (Engraving Mode)
Press the Origin Set button on the
switch panel.
The spindle unit descends by 0.5 mm and
the Origin Set light lights up.
Insert the cutter into the hole in the
cutter holder, then slowly lower the
cutter.
Lower until the cutter touches the plate.
Use the included hexagonal screw-
driver to tighten the retaining screw
for the cutter holder.
Tighten secure so that the cutter does not
come loose during engraving.
Press the Origin Set button on the
switch panel.
The spindle unit rises 0.5 mm and the Origin
Set light goes dark.
NOTICE
Before you install a cutter, install the cutter
holder.
P. 11, "Installing the Cutter Holder"
Press.
Press.
18
3 Creating a Nameplate (Engraving Mode)
Other manuals for EGX-20
1
Table of contents
Other Roland Engraver manuals
