Tykma Minilase Operating and maintenance instructions

LASERS FOR MARKING
Quick Start Guide.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 2
Copyright © 2010-2012 TYKMA™ Inc. All rights reserved.
This document contains information covered by copyright.
Any information contained in this manual may be subject to change without prior
notice. All product or program names mentioned in this document are registered
trademarks owned by the respective companies. Windows™ and Windows™ XP are
trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. They are only used in this document for
editorial purposes.
All information and contents in this document are property of TYKMA Inc. and
cannot be shown, distributed, modified and/or reproduced through electronic,
mechanical or any other way, without written consent from TYKMA Inc.
Originally Published October, 2010
Revised January, 2012
LASERS FOR MARKING
TYKMA Technologies
931 E Water Street
Chillicothe, OH 45601
Toll Free: 877-318-9562
Fax: [phone]
www.permanentmarking.com
www.minilase.com

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 3
Thank you for purchasing the TYKMA Minilase™ Laser Marking System. Minilase™’s
unique easy-to-use features and capabilities provide high-quality performance.
What’s more, it comes completely assembled and is fully operational within
15 minutes.
Most laser marking systems require elaborate, time consuming setup, plus
complex assembly and training sessions. But, Minilase™ changes all of that. Let’s
get started!
Your Minilase™ is shipped fully assembled in one box. Minilase™ is a desktop
system, so you should arrange for a suitable workbench or desk area. You
will need:
• An area 17˝ wide x 34˝ deep with at least 50˝ of headroom to accommodate
the Minilase™ system footprint.
• Ample room next to the system for a Laptop or Desktop PC, Monitor, Keyboard
and Mouse. You will be installing Minilase ™ Pro Software on your PC to program
and run the Minilase™.
Items included with your Minilase™ System
• Minilase™ Laser Marking Workstation Fully Assembled
• Minilase™ Quick Start Guide, you’re reading it!
• Minilase™ Pro Software Manual
• USB Stick with Minilase™ Pro Software Installation
and Digital Manual Copies
• One (1) Power Cord
• One (1) USB Connection Cable
• Set of two (2) Keys for your Minilase™ System
Computer system requirements
for Minilase™ Pro Laser Software:
• Windows™ XP Pro / Windows™ 7
Professional 32/64 Bit
• Minimum Pentium 4 Processor
• Minimum 80 GB Hard Drive Storage
System
• Minimum 2GB RAM
• USB 2.0

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 4
Now, let’s go through these easy steps to power up your Minilase™!
Step 1: Remove the Minilase™ System from the box and place it on the desk or
bench top where you plan to use it. Make sure the E-STOP is pulled toward you.
NOTE: If you purchased a Minilase™ MANUAL unit, this button is not included
on your system.
Step 2: Connect the supplied power cord to the input plug on the right side of the
Minilase™ system; then plug the power cord into a power conditioner or power strip
with surge protection. It is important that the Minilase™ be plugged into a surge
protector to maintain warranty coverage. In addition there is a 110-120VAC outlet
located next to the input power to connect your desktop or laptop PC. You can now
power up your Minilase™ system by pressing the rocker switch shown in the picture
to the ON position.
Step 3: If you have not already done so, please power up your desktop or laptop PC
that you will use to run the Minilase™ Pro Software.
Step 4: Plug the supplied USB cable into the “USB to PC” labeled port on the right
side of the Minilase™ system, next to the power cord port.
However DO NOT connect the USB cable to the PC at this time.
Step 5: Follow the instructions on the following page to install the Minilase™ Pro
software on your desktop or laptop PC. During part of this process you will be
instructed to plug the USB cable that is connected to the Minilase™ System into a
USB port on your PC. Do not connect this cable until you are instructed to do so by
the software installation wizard.
Step 2: Press rocker switch to ON and plug in
power cord to power up Minilase™.
Step 4: USB to PC port on right side of Minilase™.
side of the Minilase™ system, next to the power cord port.
Step 1: Make sure the E-STOP is pulled upward.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 5
Before installation of the software please follow the Laser System
Quick Start Manual to power up your laser system. Please wait until
you are prompted by the software installation wizard before plugging
the USB connection into your computer.
Insert the provided USB Memory Stick into a USB 2.0 port on your computer.
Browse to “My Computer” on your PC and locate the USB Drive titled TYKMA Laser
Software and Manuals.
Right-click on the USB Drive and click “Explore.”
Locate the icon titled “TYKMA Minilase™ Pro
Installer” and double-click the icon to start the
installation process.
You will the follow the prompts as shown on the
next page.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 6



Step 1: Click “Next” to begin the
installation wizard:
Step 2: Click “Yes” to accept the license
agreement after review.
Step 3: Click “Next” to install the
software into the default directory.
Step 4: Click “Next” to choose the full
installation package.
Step 5: As the software installs you will
see the following 2 windows.

Next, the following window will appear.
When this window is present it is
now time to plug the USB cable from
the laser system into your selected
computer port.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 7
Step 6: After plugging in the USB cable
you will receive the following message
from Windows™, please click “Continue
Anyway.” (WINDOWS™ XP ONLY)


Step 7: Your Minilase™ Pro software installation is now complete. There is one FINAL
STEP to complete before you can utilize the software.
On the provided USB stick locate the file titled “Laser.ini”. Right-click on this icon
and choose “copy”.
Next, go to the following folder on your computer:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Minilase_Pro2.1
Locate and open the folder titled “Bin”.
Right-click anywhere within the white
space in the open folder and choose
“paste”. You will receive a prompt asking
if you want to overwrite the existing file.
Please choose “Yes”.
Exit the software by clicking “Finish”,
and launch the Minilase™ Pro Laser
Marking Software Icon located on your
desktop to begin programming your
laser system.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 8
Step 8: After your software is installed, your Minilase™ System is ready to mark.
To enable the system, insert one of the supplied keys into the Key Start — “Laser
Enable” port on the front pendant. Turn the key to the RIGHT. Safety considerations
require a key to enable all Class I Laser Systems to emit laser light in order to mark.
If the key is not inserted and in the “On” position — you will be unable to mark.
To protect the system from unauthorized use, remove the key and store it in a
safe location.
Step 9: The laser will now enable. The next step is to open the door of your system,
access the lens cover and remove it. To open the door, press the buttons labeled
“Door Open/Close” on the operator pendant.
NOTE: If you purchased a Minilase™ MANUAL unit, use the in-set handle on the
lower edge of the door to access the marking platform. Make sure the door opens
and closes smoothly with no obstructions before proceeding to Step 10.
Step 10: Reach up inside the Minilase™ and remove the plastic lens cap located on
the inside roof panel. After doing this, you’ll notice two red laser pointing beams
being emitted onto the T-Slot work surface. One of these red beams is emitted
through the lens, while the 2nd red beam is emitted from another open area next to
the lens. These two aiming beams are used in conjunction to focus the laser system,
which will be discussed later.
Step 8: Turn key right to the ON position.
Step 9: Press DOOR OPEN/CLOSE button.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 9
Step 11: Now that the laser system is powered up, check to be
sure the laser software and the laser system are communicating
with each other. Make sure the door to your system is in the
OPEN position and locate the icon on your desktop titled
“Minilase™ Pro 2.0”. Double-click this icon to launch the
software. When the software opens, check for connectivity in
the upper right side of the screen. If the software is connected
you will see the following icon depressed.
Now that the software is open, verify that the system and the
software are communicating. Click on the Icon shown that is
located directly to the left of the connection icon.
Step 11: Check for connectivity
Click on the checkbox located next to
“Start Text” in this window.
The laser system should now “draw”
a 10mm long line inside of the laser
workstation on the T-Slot tool base.
For verification purposes, place a white
piece of paper on top of the tool base
to easily view the red aiming beam
drawing the line. Once you have verified
this is present, you can close the “Laser
test Z” window by clicking the “OK”
button.
Clicking this icon will open the following window:

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 10
Step 12: Focusing your laser. Since a laser system uses a lens, the laser light coming
through it is only able to be utilized at its exact focal point. Therefore, a fixed
distance is maintained from the lens to the point where the marking will take place.
NOTE: If you purchased the Minilase™ MANUAL unit, the focus adjustment control
is on the lower right side (facing front) of the enclosure. Manual rotation of the
dial will bring the T-Slot Base to the proper focus level.
Now that communication is verified, you can focus the laser system. Minilase™ comes
with an easy focus finder system comprised of the two red aiming beams previously
discussed. Using the white piece of paper placed onto the T-slot bedplate, you
should see the red aiming beams appearing as two red dots inside the system.
Focusing is simple from this point. The secondary aiming beam that is emitted
from the opening to the side of the lens is set to an angle. This angle is carefully
positioned to intercept with the red aiming beam coming straight from the lens.
This distance from the lens shows where the laser system is in focus.
Simply speaking, when the two red aiming beams are on top of each other, the laser
system is in focus. When they are not on top of each other, the laser system is out of focus.
To bring the two dots on top of each other, use the Focal Height buttons on the
Operator Pendant to move the T-Slot Base plate up or down, until the dots are on
top of each other. So, to focus on any part you place in the system, make sure the
two dots are aligned on the surface of the part where you wish to mark.
As the part height increases, lower the T-Slot work base.
As the part height decreases, raise the T-Slot work base.
Step 13: OPTIONAL: If you purchased a fume extraction system for your Minilase™,
you can now connect the fume extraction hose to the port located on the left side
of the Minilase™ system as shown in the photo below. TYKMA carries a selection
of fume extraction units that are ideal for removing dust, fumes or smoke that
can be created by the marking process. TYKMA highly recommends that Fume
Extraction be used with every laser marking system for optimum performance
and full warranty coverage. Please also consult the appropriate MSDS to ensure
compliance with safe operating procedures within your plant environment.
Step 12: Use FOCAL HEIGHT buttons to move
T-Slot Base plate up or down.
Step 13: Connect fume extraction hose to port.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 11
Step 14: System Operator Pendant Functionality Overview
• Laser Enable – Key Start of the laser system as previously discussed. Left Position
is OFF – Right Position is ON
• Manual/Easy Mode – Left Position is MANUAL – Right Position is EASY MODE
In Manual mode, to start the marking process, you must press the “start marking”
button in the software if the software is not in work mode.
If the software is in “work mode”, you may start the marking process either by
clicking “start marking” in the software or pushing the start button located on the
front of the Minilase™ Control Pendant.
In Easy mode, if the Minilase™ software is in work mode, you only need to press
start, and the door will automatically close and the marking process will start.
Once the marking process is complete, the door will automatically open. This is
ideal for high volume part runs.
If you purchased a Minilase™ Manual, the process works in a similar manner.
When you manually close the door, the marking process will start. When the
marking process is complete, you will need to manually open the door.
(Please see the Minilase™ Pro Software Manual for instruction on the software
modes, i.e. “work mode” discussed above)
• Laser Ready – Green Light indicates the laser system is ready (Software Work
Mode Only).
• Laser Busy – When marking is in process, the light will be illuminated.
• Marking Complete – When the marking process is complete, the light will come
on for a brief time.
• System Fault – If there is a fault with the system, this light will be illuminated.
First check to make sure that the E-Stop control on the Operator Pendant is
not depressed. If the E-Stop is depressed, pull up on the E-Stop Control to reset
it to normal operation. The System should resume normal operation at this time.
If this does not alleviate the problem and the E-Stop is in the correct “Up” position,
please power down the Minilase™ System and contact TYKMA Technical Support
at 877-318-9562.
Step 14: LASER ENABLE, MANUAL/EASY
MODE, LASER READY, LASER BUSY, MARKING
COMPLETE, and SYSTEM FAULT buttons.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 12
• Shutter – This button allows laser light to be emitted from the lens. For the
marking process to take place, this button must be depressed. When the shutter is
open, this button will also be illuminated in RED. Anytime the laser is enabled, the
button is depressed, and the door is closed; this light will be ON. When the door
is opened, the light will go out and the shutter will close as a protective measure.
This action is controlled by safety interlock switches built into the system to
ensure safe operation. When utilizing “Easy Mode”, it is not necessary to manually
depress the start button. In “Easy Mode” operation, the shutter will automatically
open regardless of the shutter button position.
• Start/Stop – These buttons start or stop the laser marking process while in
“Manual” or “Easy-Mode” on the system.
• Focal Height – This controls the level of the T-Slot tool base to focus the laser
on your parts. This function will not work in “Easy Mode” which helps to prevent
accidental changing of the focal height during large part runs.
If you purchased a Minilase™ MANUAL, this button is not included on your system.
You will adjust the focal height using the manual control on the right front side of
the Minilase™ system.
• Door Open/Close – The top white button opens the door and must be held down
to open the door completely. The bottom black button closes the door and must
be held down to close the door completely. These functions will not work in
“Easy Mode”.
If you purchased a Minilase™ Manual, this button is not included on your system.
You will manually open and close the door using the front handle. The door
system is designed to remain open when fully extended upward. To close
the door, simply pull the handle downward and the door will release from its
upright position.
• E-Stop – Emergency Stop shuts down the system in case of an emergency. If the
E-Stop is pressed, the door will open approximately 2-3 inches and the laser will
be disabled. To disengage the E-Stop, pull up on the red E-Stop Control Button.
If you purchased a Minilase™ MANUAL, this button is not included on your system.
Step 14: SHUTTER, START/STOP, FOCAL
HEIGHT, and DOOR OPEN/CLOSE buttons.
Step 14: E-STOP button.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 13
STEP 15: T-Slot Tool Base Customization. The T-Slot tool base can be removed for
customization and/or attaching fixtures or part holding devices. First, locate the
two set screws on the arms extending from the inside rear wall that slides into the
slots on the back of the T-Slot tool base. Once these screws are lose, the T-slot tool
base will easily slide off of the arm mounts.
STEP 16: Maintenance. Your Minilase™ system requires very little maintenance, as
it is air cooled and contains very few mechanical or moving parts. However, there
are three cooling fans with removable dust filters that require cleaning on a routine
basis. (DO NOT BLOCK THESE PORTS DURING LASER OPERATION). Two fans are
located on the rear of the system plus one small fan located on the right side. Each
of these fans has a removable plastic cover. Simply pull on the cover with even
pressure to remove it and replace the filter material. Replacement filter material can
be purchased from TYKMA, or you can buy OEM filter material from any standard
supplier and cut it to size.
TYKMA highly recommends and provides a variety of fume extraction equipment
to minimize dust, fumes or smoke that can be created during deep marking
processes, engraving anodized surfaces, plastics and other coated materials.
Proper use and maintenance of your TYKMA Laser Marking System ensures
optimum performance, warranty coverage and prolongs equipment life. Consult
the appropriate MSDS to make sure your production operation is in compliance
with government mandated environmental safety standards.
Step 15: T-Slot Tool Base Customization.
Step 16: Rear fans.
Do not block these ports during laser operation.

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 14
FILTER MAINTENANCE LOG:

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 15
NOTES:

Minilase™ Quick Start Guide Rev. January 2012 • 16
LASERS FOR MARKING
TYKMA Technologies
931 E Water Street
Chillicothe, OH 45601
Toll Free: 877-318-9562
Fax: [phone]
www.permanentmarking.com
www.minilase.com
ML-M QS 1/12/20