Universal Laser Systems ULS-25 User manual

OPERATION MANUAL
ULS-25 LASER SYSTEM
Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
16008 North 81st Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Volume I, Rev. 6
April 1995

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
NOTICE.......................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................5
SECTION 1 -SAFETY
1.1 LASER SAFETY............................................................................................................6
1.2 SAFETY LABELS..........................................................................................................7
1.3 THE SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM .........................................................................8
SECTION 2 -INSTALLATION
2.1 UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING THE SYSTEM ....................................................9
2.2 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT....................................................................................11
2.3 EXHAUST SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.......................................................................12
2.4 COMPUTER RECOMMENDATIONS AND SETUP...................................................13
2.5 LASER SYSTEM INSTALLATION..............................................................................13
2.6 HOW TO INSTALL THE ULS WINDOWS PRINTER DRIVER .................................14
SECTION 3 -SOFTWARE SETUP AND OPERATION
3.1 USING WINDOWS GRAPHICS SOFTWARE ............................................................16
3.2 THE ULS WINDOWS PRINTER DRIVER...................................................................21
3.3 USING DOS BASED PROGRAMS ..............................................................................26
SECTION 4 -LASER SYSTEM OPERATION
4.1 GENERAL SYSTEM OVERVIEW................................................................................27
4.2 THE MAIN CONTROL PANEL ...................................................................................28
4.3 MOTION SYSTEM CONTROLS .................................................................................38
4.4 LOADING AND FOCUSING THE LASER SYSTEM..................................................39
4.5 RUNNING A SAMPLE.................................................................................................41
4.6 USING THE OPTIONAL ROTARY FIXTURE.............................................................42
4.7 THE RUBBER STAMP OPTION ..................................................................................48
4.8 START UP PARAMETERS FOR VARIOUS MATERIALS .........................................51
SECTION 5 -BASIC MAINTENANCE
5.1 GENERAL CLEANING OF THE SYSTEM..................................................................77
5.2 OPTICS CLEANING.....................................................................................................72
SECTION 6 -APPENDICES
APPENDIX A -WARRANTY..............................................................................................A
APPENDIX B -LASER SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................B
APPENDIX C -SERIAL PORT CABLE REQUIREMENTS ...............................................C
APPENDIX D -LASER.INI MODIFICATIONS.................................................................D

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APPENDIX E -SOFTWARE ANOMALIES .......................................................................E

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This publication and its contents are proprietary to Universal Laser Systems, Inc., and are intended
solely for the contractual use of Universal Laser Systems, Inc. customers.
This publication and its contents may not be reproduced or distributed for any other purpose without the
written permission of Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
© UNIVERSAL LASER SYSTEMS INC., 1994
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
NOTICE
Universal Laser Systems, Inc. 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. Universal Laser Systems, Inc. further reserves the right to make any
changes in any products described herein without notice. This document is subject to change without
notice.

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INTRODUCTION
The ULS-25 Laser System is designed to combine flexibility and full featured performance with
simplicity and ease of use. Using advanced engineering and design, the ULS-25 offers finer control,
higher precision, more versatility, better resolution, and overall greater quality than any other laser
system in its class. It combines the performance of high speed engraving and cutting capabilities with the
ease of a user friendly, specially designed, Windows printer driver interface. Actually, the ULS-25 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 laser system. 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 services at (602)483-
1214. 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:
mTake 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.
mTry to recreate the problem and write down the circumstances in which the problem
occurred. This will help our technical staff tremendously.
mIf 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.

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SECTION 1 -SAFETY
1.1 LASER SAFETY
This laser engraving system contains a sealed carbon dioxide laser produces intense and invisiblelaser
radiation (at a wavelength of 10.6 microns in the infrared spectrum). The ULS laser engraving system is
designed as a CLASS I device, meaning that the system is equipped with a protective housing and
safety devices to completely contain the laser under normal use. Do not at any time attempt to modify
or disassemble any part of the system and do not attempt to operate a system that has been modified or
disassembled. Improper use of controls and adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified in this manual may invalidate the Class I rating and result in exposure to the laser beam.
Please remember the following safety precautions when operating this laser cutting and engraving
system:
1. Exposure to laser radiation may produce physical burns and can cause severe eye damage.
Proper use and care of this system is very important to the safety of all people in the surrounding
area.
2. Exposure to the laser beam may cause ignition of combustible materials so a properly maintained
fire extinguisher should be kept on hand at all times.
3. Operation and care of this laser cutting and engraving system must be performed in accordance
with this manual.
4. 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.
5. Never operate the laser system without properly exhausting the fumes generated by the cutting
and engraving process.
6. Please contact ULS with any questions concerning laser safety before operating this system.
Note: ULS systems are specifically designed to comply with CDRH performance requirements
under 21CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11. No guarantees of suitability or safety are provided for
any use other than those specified by Universal Laser Systems, Inc.

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1.2 SAFETY LABELS
According to CDRH standards, all interlocked and non-interlocked covers that allow access to a laser
beam must have appropriate laser safety labels attached to them. These labels must be visible to
personnel prior to the removal of the covers. Additional labels must be installed inside the machine and
be visible if the covers are removed from the machine. Labels that provide the manufacturer's name,
date of manufacture, description of product, model number, serial number and compliance statement
must also be visible on the outside of the machine.
All CDRH required labels are properly affixed to the machine in the appropriate locations at the time of
manufacture. These labels are not to be removed. If they become damaged or removed for any
reason, please request additional labels from Universal Laser Systems (they will be provided free of
charge). Below is a list of all the labels and their locations on the system.
Laser Processing System Manufactured By:
Scottsdale, Arizona
Model No:
Serial No:
Date of Manufacture: Made in USA
Manufacturer's Label
Location: On the back of the machine in the lower left corner.
CDRH Compliance Label
Location: On the back of the machine below the Manufacturer's Label.
Warning Label for Interlocked Panels and Doors
Location: On the outside of the top door, on the inside of the top door
(visible when door is open), on the outside of the front door, on the
inside of the front door (visible when door is open) and next to the
defeat interlock tool receptacle.

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Exposure Warning Label
Location: Near the beam window inside the system where the laser
beam enters the work area and next to the beam aperture inside the
second mirror housing.
Warning Label for Non-interlocked Panels
Location: On the second mirror cover (visible when the electronics cover
is open or removed) and on the floor of the second mirror housing (visible
when the second mirror cover is removed).
1.3 THE SAFETY INTERLOCK SYSTEM
The laser cutting and engraving system incorporates a safety interlock circuit that automatically shuts off
the power supplied to the laser whenever the front or top door is opened. This interlock system is
connected in series with a switch and a red indicator light on the control panel of the system. The switch
allows the power to the laser to be manually turned on and off. The red indicator light will light up when
power is being supplied to the laser. If at any time the red indicator light remains on when the front or
top door is open, immediately unplug the system and call Universal Laser Systems for service
instructions.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify or defeat the safety interlock system for any reason as this could
result in exposure to hazardous laser radiation.
WARNING:
When using the interlock defeat tool, wear appropriate laser safety goggles. Failure to wear
appropriate goggles can result in severe eye damage.

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SECTION 2 -INSTALLATION
2.1 UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING THE SYSTEM
The laser engraving machine is shipped in one crate that contains the system, a cart with casters and
various accessories. The following steps outline the unpacking and assembly of the system. Please
follow these steps carefully.
IMPORTANT
Save the shipping crate. If the system must be returned for
service, it will have to be packed in its original shipping crate.
1. Remove the top and four sides from the wooden shipping crate. Remember, after the laser
engraving system is assembled, store the flattened crate in a dry place.
2. Remove the cart panel and accessories box from the crate. The cart panel is shipped between two
pieces of foam in front of the laser engraving system and the accessories box is shipped behind the
system underneath the enclosure with the four fans mounted on it.
3. Carefully remove the foam which protects the viewing window on the top of the system and remove
the tape which holds the top door in place.
4. Remove the box containing the two cart legs. This box is shipped inside the laser engraving system.
To remove the box, open the top lid of the system and raise the engraving table by turning the
engraving table adjusting knob clockwise until the table is raised high enough to free the box
underneath it. Then open the front door of the system and slide the box out through the front
opening.
5. Open the accessories box and remove the four black casters and the bag of hardware. The
hardware bag should contain the following:
(8) 10-32 Allen head screws
(8) #10 lock washers
(4) 1/4-20 Allen head screws
(4) 1/4 " ID flat washers
(1) 5/32 inch Allen wrench
(1) 3/16 inch Allen wrench
A 3/4 inch wrench provided in the accessories box is needed to complete the stand assembly.
6. Using the smaller Allen wrench, attach the two legs to the center panel with the eight 10-32 Allen
head screws and #10 lock washers as shown in the figure below.

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7. Attach the four black casters to the cart by threading the casters into the nuts that are welded onto
the bottom of each leg. Tighten each caster in place with the 3/4 inch wrench. There are two
locking and two non-locking casters provided. Make sure when attaching the casters that the
locking casters are installed on the front of the cart. To identify the front of the cart look at the
center panel. The finished side of the center panel should face forward (see figure below).
Assemble cart with
lockable casters in front
Use 10-32 screws and
lock washers
View is from the
back side of the cart
Cart Assembly
8. When the cart is assembled, position it so that the finished side of the center panel is facing
forward.
9. Lift the laser engraving system from the crate and place it on the cart. This will require two people
as the machine weighs approximately 170 lbs.
10. Using the larger Allen wrench, attach the system to the cart using the four 1/4-20 Allen head
screws and flat washers. The screws pass through the cart legs and into the bottom of the system
as shown in the drawing below.