Universal Laser Systems VLS2.30 User manual

VLS Desktop User Guide
VLS2.30, VLS3.50
www.ulsinc.com
Revision 2012.08

©2012 Universal Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Universal Laser Systems logo and name are registered
trademarks, and High Power Density Focusing Optics, Rapid Reconfiguration, 1-Touch Laser Photo, Laser
Interface + and SuperSpeed are trademarks of Universal Laser Systems, Inc. All other company and product
names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Universal’s laser systems are protected under one or more of U.S. Patents: 5,661,746; 5,754,575; 5,867,517;
5,881,087; 5,894,493; 5,901,167; 5,982,803; 6,181,719; 6,313,433; 6,342,687; 6,423,925; 6,424,670; 6,983,001;
7,060,934; 7,415,051; 7,469,000; 7,715,454; 7,723,638; 7,947,919. Other U.S. and international patents pending.
2

Thank you for choosing Universal Laser Systems®. We appreciate innovative customers like you who have made
Universal Laser Systems an integral part of their business.
Universal Laser Systems is committed to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction and support. To
ensure your satisfaction, we urge you to read the documentation provided with your equipment.
Since 1988, Universal Laser Systems has been committed to continually improving our technology and customer-
driven laser solutions. Your satisfaction is very important to us and we welcome your feedback. Te ll us about your
Should you have any questions, please contact Universal Laser Systems’ Customer Service Te am at 480-609-
Again, thank you for choosing Universal Laser Systems.
Your Universal Laser Systems Team
3

Table of Contents
USER GUIDE CD
Chapter 1 – Specifications 5
Chapter 2 – Safety 8
Chapter 3 – Installation 19
Chapter 4 – Operation 36
Chapter 5 – Accessories 68
Chapter 6 – Maintenance 92
Software
Your Reference Guide contains the Software Installation CD. Please follow the instructions for proper installation.
Warranty
Your Reference Guide contains Warranty documents pertaining to your purchase. Should you require a copy of
Parts
4

Chapter 1 - Specications
5

VLS2.30 VLS3.50
Operating
Environment Well-ventilated office (recommended) or clean, light-duty manufacturing
Operating
Temperature
50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º C) capable
73ºF (22ºC) to 77ºF (25º C) for best performance
Storage Temperature 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35º C)
Operating Humidity Non-condensing
Electrical Power Single Phase 110/240V AC, 10/5 Amp, 50/60 Hz
Grounded (earthed) and stable (surge and spike protected)
Particulate/Odor
Outside Ventilated
Exhaust System
High-pressure vacuum blower capable of:
150 CFM (cubic feet per minute) @ 6 inches
static pressure (255m3/hr at 1.5kPa)
250 CFM (cubic feet per minute) @ 6 inches
static pressure (425m3/hr at 1.5kPa)
Computer
Requirements
(See the Installation & Set-up
Guide for more information)
Windows XP or Windows Vista (32 and 64 bit)
2.0 GHz Processor (minimum)
1 GB of RAM (minimum)
40 GB Hard Drive (minimum)
Software
Requirement Graphics or CAD based
Laser Safety CO2Laser, Interlocked Safety Enclosure = Class 1
Red Diode Pointer = Class 2
6

VLS2.30 VLS3.50
Work Area* 16 x 12 in
(406 x 305 mm)
24 x 12 in
(610 x 305 mm)
Table 18.75 x 14.5 in
(476 x 368 mm)
26.75 x 14.60 in
(679 x 368 mm)
Maximum Part
(WxHxD) with 1.5” lens
18.75 x 14.5 x 4 in
(476 x 368 x 102 mm)
26.75 x 14.5 x 4 in
(679 x 368 x 102 mm)
Maximum Part Weight 20 lbs (9 kg)
Resolutions 1000, 500, 333, 250, 200, 83 dpi/lpi
Control Requires a dedicated PC to operate; requires Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
(32-bit and 64-bit)
Interconnection USB 2.0 High Speed port only
Laser Options 10, 25 and 30 watts 10, 25, 30, 40 and 50 watts
Power Consumption up
to:
110V/10A
240V/5A
Overall Dimentions
(WxHxD)
With Cart:
26 x 44 x 25 in
(661 x 1118 x 635 mm)
Without Cart:
26 x 14 x 25 in
(661 x 356 x 635 mm)
With Cart:
34 x 44 x 25 in
(864 x 1118 x 635 mm)
Without Cart:
34 x 14 x 25 in
(864 x 356 x 635 mm)
Weight (uncrated) Does
not include Cart System = 85 lbs. (38 kg) System = 100–106 lbs. (45-48 kg)
Exhaust Hookup One 3-inch (10.16 cm) port
Laser Cartridge Weight
10 Watt = 13 lbs (6kg)
25/30 Watt = 20 lbs (9 kg)
40 Watt = 23 lbs (10 kg)
50 Watt = 26 lbs (12 kg)
Available Options Cart, Integrated Air Cleaner, Rotary Fixture, Air Assist, Compressed Air,
Cutting Table, Lens Kits
7

Chapter 2 - Safety
8


DANGEROUS VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT WITHIN THE ELECTRONICSENCLOSURES
OF THIS SYSTEM. Access to these areas is not necessary during normal operation.
If
it
bec
omes
necessary to open one of these enclosures for service
r
easons
,
please
remember
to disconnect
the
power cord from your electrical
supply
.
NEVER REMOVE THE GROUND LEAD TO THE ELECTRICAL CORD AND PLUG THE
SYSTEM INTO A NON-GROUNDED OUTLET. A laser system that is not properly
grounded
is
hazar
dous
and has the potential to cause severe or fatal electrical
shock
.
Without proper
g
r
ounding
,
the
laser
system may exhibit sporadic or
unpredictable
beha
vior
.
Always plug the system into a
pr
operly
grounded
(earthed)
outlet.
THE POWER SUPPLY CORD IS THE MAINS DISCONNECT DEVICE; THE EQUIPMENT
SHOULD BE LOCATED CLOSE TO AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE POWER OUTLET.
To
disconnect
the
equipment
from the supply
mains
,
the power cord should be
unplugged
from the power outlet
or
main power inlet (appliance coupler) of the
unit.
THE LASER SYSTEM IS DESIGNED AS A CLASSI, GROUP A, PLUGGABLE DEVICE.
I
t
is
also
designed for connection to
IT
power systems which provide the most
flexibility
to
the
user
.
THIS DEVICE IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO COMPLY WITH CDRH PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
UNDER 21 CFR 1040.10 AND 1040.11 AND TO COMPLY WITH EUROPEAN LASER SAFETY
REGULATIONS UNDER EN60825-1. CDRH is the Center for the Devices of
R
adiolog
ical
Health division of the
Food and Drug Administration
(FDA)
in the USA. No guarantees of suitability or safety are provided for any use
other than those specified by Universal Laser
S
y
st
ems
,
I
n
c
.
CO2Laser Safety
ULS Laser systems are designed to support a sealed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser cartridge that produces intense
invisible laser radiation at a wavelength of 10.6 microns in the infrared spectrum. For your protection, the laser is
contained within a Class 1* enclosure designed to completely contain the CO2laser beam. CAUTION: Use of
controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in exposure to
hazardous levels of invisible laser radiation.
•Laminated safety glass is employed in the viewing window to block 10.6 micron laser radiation from CO2
lasers. This viewing window will block transmission of CO2laser radiation allowing safe observation of
laser processing. Do not operate the laser system if the view port is damaged, with any of the doors
removed or if any of the safety interlocks are defeated.
•
T
he
intense light that appears during the engraving or cutting process is the product of material
c
ombustion
or vaporization. DO NOT STARE AT THIS INTENSE LIGHT FOR LONG PERIODS OF
TIME OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR
MICROSCOPES.
•
This
device contains a visible Red Diode Pointer
(Class 2)
to aid in positioning material to be cut or
eng
ra
v
e
d
.
DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE RED LASER BEAM OR USE A REFLECTIVE
SURFACE TO REDIRECT OR VIEW THE RED LASER BEAM. NEVER ATTEMPT TO VIEW THE RED
LASER BEAM USING OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR MICROSCOPES.
•
T
he
user door(s) are safety interlocked which will prevent the CO2laser beam from firing when the
user
door(s)
are
opened
.
T
he
Red Diode Pointer is NOT safety interlocked and can be automatically
activated with the
door(s)
either open or
closed
.
•DO NOT OPERATE THE LASER SYSTEM IF ANY SAFETY FEATURES HAVE BEEN MODIFIED,
DISABLED OR REMOVED.
This
may lead to accidental exposure to invisible CO2laser radiation
which may cause severe
ey
e
damage
and/or severe burns to your skin.
•
Always
use caution when
operating
a laser
sy
st
em.
*An
enclosure which does not permit human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible emission limits of
Class
1
for the applicable
wavelength
and emission
duration.
10

CO2and Fiber Laser Safety (PLS6 Multi Wavelength Laser System Only)
The PLS6 multi wavelength laser system is designed to support a sealed carbon dioxide (CO2) laser cartridge
that produces intense invisible laser radiation at a wavelength of 10.6 microns or 9.3 microns in the infrared
spectrum and a fiber laser cartridge that produces intense indivisible laser radiation at a wavelength of 1060
nanometers (1.06 microns). For your protection, these laser cartridges are contained within a Class 1* enclosure
designed to completely contain both the CO2 laser beam and the fiber laser beam. CAUTION: Use of controls,
adjustments or procedures other than those specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous levels of
invisible laser radiation.
1. Fiber laser radiation is especially damaging to the eye if viewed directly. The green tinted top door
viewing window is designed to completely contain both CO2and fiber laser radiation allowing safe
observation of laser processing. Do not operate the laser system with any of the doors removed, if the
view port is damaged or if any of the safety interlocks are defeated.
2.
T
he
intense light that appears during the engraving or cutting process is the product of material
c
ombustion
or vaporization. DO NOT STARE AT THIS INTENSE LIGHT FOR LONG PERIODS OF
TIME OR VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR
MICROSCOPES.
3.
This
device contains a visible Red Diode Pointer
(Class 2)
to aid in positioning material to be cut or
eng
ra
v
e
d
.
DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE RED LASER BEAM OR USE A REFLECTIVE
SURFACE TO REDIRECT OR VIEW THE RED LASER BEAM. NEVER ATTEMPT TO VIEW THE RED
LASER BEAM USING OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS BINOCULARS OR MICROSCOPES.
4.
T
he
user door(s) are safety interlocked which will prevent the CO2 laser or fiber laser beam from firing
when the user
door(s)
are
opened
.
T
he
Red Diode Pointer is NOT safety interlocked and can be
automatically activated with the
door(s)
either open or
closed
.
5. DO NOT OPERATE THE LASER SYSTEM IF ANY SAFETY FEATURES HAVE BEEN MODIFIED,
DISABLED OR REMOVED.
This
may lead to accidental exposure to invisible CO2 laser or fiber laser
radiation which may cause severe
ey
e
damage
and/or severe burns to your skin.
6.
Always
use caution when
operating
a laser
sy
st
em.
*An
enclosure which does not permit human access to laser radiation in excess of the accessible emission limits of
Class
1
for the applicable
wavelength
and emission
duration.
11

Laser Safety When Using the Optional Class 4 Module (ILS Laser System Only)
ILS laser systems are equipped with interlocked access doors on either side of the unit. An optional device is
available to allow the user to operate the laser system with the side doors open. This device bypasses the safety
interlocks on the side doors of the ILS laser system. With this optional device in place, the protective system
housing will not fully contain the infrared laser radiation produced by the carbon dioxide laser, creating the
potential for exposure. Use of this optional device redefines the safety classification of the ILS laser system from
Class 1, which is considered safe for use under all conditions of normal use, to Class 4, which is considered
potentially hazardous. Additionally, the system housing will not contain flames or by-products from potential
ignition of materials within the system housing. It should also be noted that damage or ignition of flammable
materials in the immediate or remote vicinity can be caused by infrared laser radiation escaping the housing of a
system equipped with the Class 4 Laser Option.
There are many mandatory safety measures set by national standards and laws and European standards
which must be complied with when operating a Class 4 laser system. Certain safety measures are provided
by the manufacturer through incorporation into the optional Class 4 laser device, including the following:
1. Remote Interlock Connection – A means of remotely connecting to the interlock circuit of the laser
system allowing connection of remote switches to the laser system for deactivating the laser. This feature
must be used to connect an interlock switch to the doors of the designated room in which the laser
system will be operated so that the laser is automatically deactivated when the doors are open.
2. Key Control – A removable key that prevents unauthorized operation of the laser.
3. Laser Radiation Emission Warning Device – A visible warning light that indicates when the laser is
capable of emitting laser radiation.
4. Attenuator – A mechanical device to block emission of laser radiation. This device takes the form of a
shutter which is manually operated.
5. Class 4 Warning Label – A Class 4 warning label to indicate the laser system is classified as Class 4.
In addition to a properly installed exterior exhaust connected to the laser system equipped with the Class 4 Laser
Option, the laser system must be operated only in a continuously well-ventilated area. Certain operational safety
measures are the responsibility of owners of the ILS laser system with the optional Class 4 laser device installed.
These safety measures are mandatory for operation of Class 4 laser devices under Federal and State law
in the United States as well as under the laws of most foreign countries.Many of these safety measures are
outlined in ANSI Standard Z136.1 “American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers” or in equivalent
standards available in most foreign countries, such as the European Standard EN 60825-1. Other safety
measures may be required by state and/or local authorities, for example, the Regulation BGV B2 on laser beams
of the German Employer’s Liability Insurance Association, and will be the responsibility of the Owner to
understand and adhere to these laws. A brief synopsis of the most common safety requirements ad- dressed to
Owners of a Class 4 laser is outlined below:
1. In any facility in which a Class 4 laser system is to be operated, an individual must be designated as a
Laser Safety Officer (“LSO”) who will assume the authority and responsibility to monitor and enforce the
control of laser hazards. The individual designated as the LSO should be trained in laser safety and
aware of all safety measures set by law. There are many avenues available to acquire this training.
Recognized sources of this training are the Laser Institute of America (www.laserinstitute.org), the
Employer’s Insurance Liability Associations in the European countries or, laser safety associations within
Owner’s country or territory.
12

2. The Owner of the Class 4 laser system will be responsible for creation of a controlled area in which a
Class 4 laser system will be operated. A controlled area is an area designed to fully contain the laser
radiation potentially escaping from a Class 4 laser system. and with measures in place to prevent
unauthorized personnel from entering the area including lighted warning signs outside the designated and
controlled area and interlocks on entryways.
3. The LSO will be responsible for designating and training all personnel authorized to operate, maintain or
service a Class 4 laser system. It will also be the responsibility of the LSO to take measures to inform and
restrict all unauthorized personnel from access to a Class 4 laser system.
4. The Owner of the Class 4 laser system will be responsible for identifying and providing to all authorized
personnel any protective equipment such as specially designed eyewear, protective equipment and
clothing needed when operating, maintaining or servicing a Class 4 laser system. Further, the Owner will
ensure that no juveniles operate the laser, and that mirrors, lenses and other reflecting materials are fixed
and are only moved in a controlled manner if the last is in use.
5. The LSO will be responsible for auditing all safety measures on a regular basis. This includes regular
retraining of authorized personnel, serialization and regular inspection (and replacement when necessary)
of all special eyewear and clothing and regular inspection of all safety measures surrounding the
controlled area in which a Class 4 laser system is operated. The LSO may be required to maintain
records as necessary to prove compliance.
6. The LSO will be responsible for regular medical surveillance of all authorized personnel operating a Class
4 laser system. This can include but is not restricted to mandatory annual eye exams, for example.
7. Class 4 lasers must not be used at tradeshows or exhibitions.
The above list is not to be considered all inclusive. Other mandatory safety measures may be applicable and will
vary from state to state and country to country. It is the responsibility of the owners of a Class 4 laser system
and the owners of the facility in which it will be operated to identify and comply with all regulations
pertinent to their locale. In some states, for example, anyone wishing to operate a Class 4 laser device must
register with the state radiation regulatory agency, pay annual fees and submit to annual inspections. There may
be penalties involved for non-compliance. The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(“OSHA”) has also adopted rules for safe use of lasers in the workplace. The LSO must comply with all Rules and
Regulations set by law.
To reiterate, the safety measures relating to operation of a Class 4 laser system are mandatory under
Federal and State law in the United States as well as in most foreign countries. This optional Class 4 laser
device must not be used if you are unable or unwilling to comply with all safety measures required for safe
operation of a Class 4 laser system.
13

Tamper Proof Labels
All laser cartridges areequipped with tamper proof labels. There areNOfield serviceable parts inside a Universal
Laser System, Inc. (ULS) laser cartridge. If your laser cartridge needs service, please contact the Customer
Service Team at 480-609-0297 (USA), +43 1 402 22 50 (Austria), +81 (45) 224-2270 (Japan) or e-mail us at
Safety Labels
CDRH and CE regulations require that all laser manufacturers 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 these
labels 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. at 480-609-0297 (USA), +43 1 402 22 50
ULS CO2Laser Cartridge Labels
14



EU Declaration of Conformity
Product Identification: All ULS Laser Systems
Manufacturer: European Office:
Universal Laser Systems, Inc. Universal Laser Systems GmbH
16008 N. 81st St. Lerchenfelder Guertel 43
Scottsdale, AZ 85260 A-1160 Vienna/Austria
USA
The manufacturer hereby declares that the equipment specified below is
in conformity with the following directives:
2004/108/EEC (EMC Directive)
2006/95/EEC (Low Voltage Directive)
2006/42/EEC (Machinery Directive)
2002/95/EEC (ROHS Directive)
2002/96/ECC (WEEE Directive)
based on the standards listed.
Standards Used:
Safety:
EN 60950: 2002
EN 60825-1: 2007 (Class 2)
EMC:
EN 55024 1998 (Class A)
EN 55022: 2003 (Class A)
EN 61000-3-2: 2001 (class A)
EN 61000-3-3: 2002
EN 61000-4-2: 2001 (4kV CD, 8kV AD)
EN 61000-4-3: 2003 (3 or 10 V/m)
EN 61000-4-4: 2002 (1 or 2 kV power line)
EN 61000-4-5: 2001 (class 3)
EN 61000-4-6: (3 or 10Vrms)
EN 61000-4-8
EN 61000-4-11
Note: This is not a declaration of conformity. The importer of this
equipment supplies the declaration of conformity.
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.
17

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 withthese 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 within 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.
Recycling
By placing the above symbol on our products and accessories, Universal Laser Systems is indicating that we are
committed to helping reduce the amount of waste electronics ending up in municipal landfills. Therefore, Universal
Laser Systems urges consumers to recycle this product and its accessories. Universal Laser Systems is equipped
to recycle any of its electronic products and accessories and will assist our customers with their recycling options.
To arrange for recycling of your ULS product or accessory, please contact Universal Laser Systems for more
information at 480-609-0297 (USA), +43 1 402 22 50 (Austria), +81 (45) 224-2270 (Japan) or e-mail us at
18

Chapter 3 - Installation
19

This section provides step-by-step instructions for site preparation, computer/software setup and laser system
assembly and connection. Follow the instructions in the order shown.
1. Site Preparation
2. Operating System Requirements and Software Installation
3. Assembling and Connecting Your Laser System
Note: Make sure to complete step 2 (software installation) prior to plugging the laser system into a USB port
on your PC.
CAUTION: Damage to the laser system due to inadequate or improper installation or operation is not
covered under the Universal Laser Systems (ULS) Warranty. See the ULS Warranty for additional
information. A ULS Warranty document is supplied with your laser system. Should you require a copy of the
Warranty, please contact the ULS Customer Service Te am at 480-609-0297 (USA), +43 1 402 22 50
Please refer to the Safety section before operating your laser system.
Step 1: Site Preparation
Operating Environment (User Supplied)
1. The laser system must be installed in an office, laboratory, workshop or light duty manufacturing
environment.
2. Dusty or dirty environments can damage the laser system. Keep the laser system isolated from any
processes that produce airborne particles such as sandblasting, sanding, machining, etc. Also, keep the
laser system isolated from any equipment requiring mists of oil or water for lubrication. Airborne dust and
liquids can coat and damage optics and motion system components.
3. 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 create a health hazard.
4. For best results, since the laser cartridges are air-cooled, we recommend operating the laser system
between the ambient temperatures of 70ºF (21ºC) and 78ºF (25ºC).
5. Avoid storing the laser system outside the temperatures of 50ºF (10ºC) and 95ºF (35ºC) as excessively
cold or hot temperatures can damage the laser cartridge or reduce its lifetime.
6. Ambient humidity levels must be non-condensing to protect optics.
7. The laser system should be at least 1 foot (300 mm) away from any wall or obstruction to allow for access
and proper ventilation.
Electrical Power Source (User Supplied)
1. For your system’s electrical requirements, please refer to the “INPUT POWER” label near the power inlet.
2. CAUTION: Never remove the ground lead to the electrical cord and plug the laser system into a non-
grounded outlet. A laser system that is not properly grounded is hazardous and has the potential to cause
severe or fatal electrical shock. Without proper grounding, the laser system may exhibit sporadic or
unpredictable behavior. Always plug the system into a properly grounded (earthed) outlet.
3. Noisy or unstable electricity and voltage spikes may cause interference and possible damage to the
electronics of the laser system. If electrical powerfluctuations, brown outs orconstant poweroutages are
a problem in your area, please contact your local Electrician to supply a power isolation and regulation
module. Electrically noisy equipment, such as equipment with large motors, can also cause interference if
plugged into the same outlet. It may be necessary to attach the laser system to a dedicated electrical line
to resolve the problem.
4. The laser system is designed as a Class I, Group A, pluggable device. It is also designed for connection
to IT Power systems which provide the most flexibility to the user.
20
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