Universal Laser Systems VLS2.30 User manual

www.ulsinc.com
Installation & Set-up Guide
VLS2.30, VLS3.50

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Table of Contents
Proper Operating Environment
Environment…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Electrical Power Source………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Software Installation and Requirements
Computer and Operating System Requirements……………………………………………………………………………9
Universal Control Panel (UCP) Installation CD-ROM………………………………………………………………………11
Assembling Your System
System Assembly.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………13
Checking Beam Alignment…………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Running Your First Job
Step 1 - Loading and Positioning the Material.……………………………………………………………………………19
Step 2 - Creating the Graphic………………………………………………………………………………………………19
Step 3 - Printing to Your System……………………………………………………………………………………………20
Step 4 - Starting the Process………………………………………………………………………………………………21
Step 5 - Material Removal……………….…………………………………………………………………………………21

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Installation & Set-up Guide
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
comprehensive User Guide contained on the included CD.
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. Tell us about your experience with Universal Laser
Systems and our systems at [email protected].
Should you have any questions during your installation, please contact your local
representative or Universal Laser Systems’ Customer Service Team at 480-609-0297 (USA),
[phone] (Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at suppor[email protected].
Again, thank you for choosing Universal Laser Systems.
Your Universal Laser Systems Team

Proper Operating Environment
Proper Operating Environment
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 Team at 480-609-0297 (USA), [phone]
50 (Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at [email protected].
Please refer to the Safety Manual before operating your laser system.
Step 1: Site Preparation
Operating Environment (User Supplied)
1. The laser system must be installed in an oce, 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 conned, 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.
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Installation & Set-up Guide
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 power uctuations, brown outs or constant
power outages 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 exibility to the user.

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Proper Operating Environment
Exhaust System (User Supplied if not using optional Exhaust Air Filtration Unit)
1. We recommend you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety and building code
requirements.
2. The exhaust system must be capable of supplying a minimum of:
a. VLS2.30 - 150 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airow while under a load of
6 inches of static pressure (254m3/hr at 1.5kPa)
b. VLS3.50 - 250 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airow while under a load of
6 inches of static pressure (425m3/hr at 1.5kPa)
3. Do not install forward incline, backward incline, in-line or ventilator fans because these types of
air handlers are inadequate and inappropriate for this type of installation. A high-pressure
blower must be used to meet minimum airow requirements.
4. For personal safety and noise control, we recommend that the exhaust blower be mounted
outside the building.
5. Rigid tubing should be used for the majority of the connection between the blower and the
laser system. The tubing should be smooth-walled and have as few 90-degree bends
as possible.
6. Install an exhaust gate to adjust airow and to close o the exhaust when the laser is not in use.
Place this gate near the laser system within 5 to 10 feet (1.50 to 3.00 meters).
7. Use a short piece of industrial grade, wire-reinforced rubber tubing to connect the laser
system’s exhaust port to the exhaust gate and secure with a hose clamp. This will provide some
mobility for your laser system and will isolate exhaust blower vibrations from your laser system.
8. Wire the exhaust blower electrically to a wall switch in the same room for easy ON/OFF control.
Note: The following diagram shows a typical exhaust system layout. Use this as a guideline for
proper exhaust system installation. Although this diagram serves as an example, we recommend
you consult with a licensed contractor to meet local safety, environmental and building code
requirements and to also calculate the correct size blower required for your particular installation.
Length of exhaust pipe, exhaust pipe diameter, number of 90-degree angles and other restrictions
must be calculated when determining the correct exhaust blower unit. Installing an undersized or
oversized blower is not only unsafe, but can also lead to excessive wear and tear to the laser system
and premature failure.

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Installation & Set-up Guide
VLS2.30 and VLS3.50
1. Exhaust blower mounted outside* (User Supplied)
2. Weatherproof shield (User Supplied)
3. Rigid ducting matching the diameter of the blower inlet (User Supplied)
4. Shut-o or air-ow gate (User Supplied)
5. Adapter to the hose reduces from 4” to 3” (User Supplied)
6. Flexible, wire-reinforced, industrial grade rubber hose (User Supplied)
7. Connection to laser system
8. Exhaust On/O switch (User Supplied)
9. Computer (User Supplied)
*Exhaust blower illustration may dier according to your region.

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Software Installation and Requirements
Step 2: Computer Requirements and Software Installation
Your computer is a critical component in the operation of your laser system. In fact, you cannot operate
the laser system if your computer is not connected, powered on, running Windows and running the
Universal Control Panel (UCP) software.
You can only run one laser system per computer. You will need to purchase a separate computer for
each laser system you own. You must operate the laser system using the computer that is directly
attached to it via the provided 6 ft (2 meters) USB cable. USB cables longer than 6 feet (2 meters) may
cause the laser system to malfunction.
Computer and Operating System Requirements
Minimum Computer Requirements (User Supplied)
t 2.0 GHz processor (minimum)
t 32 bit or 64 bit version of Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7
t 2 GB of RAM (minimum)
t 40 GB hard drive (15 GB free space) (minimum)
t VGA monitor (minimum 1024 x 768 resolution)
t CD/DVD Drive
t Mouse and keyboard
t Available USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compliant port only
t Computer speakers (optional)
t Internet connection and e-mail address (optional)
Note: Some computer manufacturers’ USB ports do not comply with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed standards. This
may cause the laser system to exhibit erratic behavior. Conrm that your computer is USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
compliant by checking your computer manual. For more information on USB 2.0 Hi-Speed compatibility,
please visit www.usb.org.
Other USB peripheral devices that demand a large amount of computer processing power may slow down
the operation and productivity of the laser system. If you experience problems with operation of the laser
system while using another USB device, we recommend you discontinue use of that device while the laser
system is in use. Do not connect or disconnect USB devices while the laser system is running a job.

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For the Power Scheme in use, select “Never” for all the
options: Turn o monitor, turn o hard disks, system
standby and system hibernates.
XP Vista and 7.0
For the Power Scheme in use, select “Never” for all the
options: Turn o display and Put the computer to sleep.
Computer Power Management
Power management settings on your computer can interfere with proper operation of the laser system
by putting the PC in standby or sleep mode while the laser system is processing material. The settings
can be controlled through the power options in the Windows control panel on your PC. The illustrations
below show you how to disable power management.
Installation & Set-up Guide

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Software Installation and Requirements
Software Installation
At this point you need to install the Universal Control Panel (UCP) and printer driver. In order to install
the software, you need to have administrative privileges on the computer before starting installation.
Use the Software Installation CD-ROM included with your laser system.
1. Insert the Software Installation CD-ROM into your PC’s CD/DVD drive. It should automatically
launch the “Universal Control Panel Installation” window. Select the laser system for which you
are installing software.
Note: If the setup window does not automatically launch, you can launch it manually.
Locate your CD or DVD drive using Windows Explorer and launch the Setup.exe application
to start installation.
2. The installation process will proceed as indicated by a progress bar.

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Installation & Set-up Guide
When the installation process is nished, the “Completing the ULS Software Setup Wizard”
window will prompt you to reboot the PC to complete the installation. If you have any other
applications running in windows make sure you save your work prior to rebooting. After the
PC nishes rebooting, the software installation is complete and you are ready to connect your
laser system to the PC.
3.

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Assembling Your System
Step 3: Assembling and Connecting Your Laser System
Familiarize yourself with the instructions before getting started.
The nal step in installation is to assemble your laser system, install the laser cartridge, make nal
connections and perform a beam alignment check. Do not power up your laser system until the nal
step, “Checking Beam Alignment.”
Exhaust Air Filtration Unit Assembly (Optional)
1. Unpack the air ltration unit and place it on a level surface.
2. Push down on the tabs of the locking casters so that the cart does not roll.
3. Unpack the laser system.
4. With the assistance of another person, lift the laser system and place it on top of the
air ltration unit so that the feet of the laser system rest within the four depressions
on top of the air ltration unit.

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Installation & Set-up Guide
Bend and connect the short exhaust hose (1) provided with the air ltration unit to the
exhaust port on the back of the laser system and secure it with the provided hose clamps.
Once the hose is attached, install the provided sheet metal cover over the exhaust hose.
Attach a power cord to the air ltration unit’s power inlet (5), but do not plug into power outlet
at this point.
Connect the provided 3 ft. communications cable between one of the two Serial ports (2) of
the laser system and the Serial port connector on the air ltration unit (3). Secure the
Serial cable using the retainer clips (4).
Attach a power cord to the laser system’s power inlet (6), but do not plug into power outlet at
this point.
Continue to next section.
Laser System Assembly
1. Unpack the laser system, place it on the table or desktop where you intend to operate it (if not
using the optional exhaust air ltration unit) and open the top door and remove any packaging
from inside the machine.
2. Gently move the X-Axis arm back and forth. It should slide freely, if all packing material
has been removed.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

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Assembling Your System
3. Using a at blade screw driver, gently open the Thermal Sensor battery holder drawer on
the back of the laser system as indicated and install the provided 9-volt battery into the
battery holder.
Note: A properly installed 9-volt battery is necessary to operate the laser system. The laser
system will not function without a charged battery installed. Keep a spare 9-volt battery on
hand at all times.
4. In some instances the laser must be installed in the laser system. If the laser is not already
installed in the laser system, locate the laser and follow these instructions to install it, otherwise
skip to the next numbered step.
a. Remove the back cover from the laser system by removing the two screws on the left and
right side of the cover.
b. Locate the two mounting blocks shown with arrows below and the laser connector on the
left side of the laser compartment.

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Installation & Set-up Guide
Locate the“V” groove along the upper (3) and lower (2) part of the laser cartridge base plate
and the alignment plate (1) at the end of the base plate.
Pick up the laser cartridge by the ends and mount the cartridge onto the mounting blocks
shown in step b by placing the upper“V” groove on top of the mounting blocks. Slide the
cartridge to the right or left as necessary until the mounting holes in the top of the laser line
up with the mounting holes in the top of the laser mounting block.
Attach the two supplied mounting screws marked 1 above and the laser connector
marked 2.
Replace the back cover.
5. Plug the laser system and optional exhaust air ltration unit, if present, into appropriate
power outlets.
6. Connect the USB cable provided with the laser system between the USB port of the
computer and the USB port on the back of the laser system.
CAUTION: The laser system is USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
(only). The laser system comes equipped with
a high quality, 6-ft (2.0 meter) USB 2.0 certied
cable. We recommend you use this provided
cable. Do not use any adapters, extension cables,
USB cables longer than 6 ft (2.0 meters) or other
devices between the computer’s USB port
and the port on the laser system; sporadic or
unpredictable behavior may result.
c.
d.
e.
f.

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Assembling Your System
7. After connecting the USB cord, the“Found New Hardware Wizard” will open to install the
drivers for the USB connection. If the wizard oers to connect to“Windows Update” to
search for software, select “No, not at this time.”Then select “Next” to continue.
a. Select “Install the software automatically.”Then Select “Next” to continue. You do not need
to insert the Software Installation CD-ROM.
b. Select “Finish” to close the Wizard.
Note: Another set of New Hardware Wizard windows may appear after the initial USB
connection. Follow the same instructions as mentioned previously. Once completed, your USB
connection is established.
Checking Beam Alignment
As a nal step in the installation process you need to check your beam alignment. You do this using the
red pointer beam.
1. Open the top door and rotate the x axis arm cover up and out of the way.
2. Place a small piece of masking tape across the 3/4” (19 mm) hole in the focus carriage (1).
Gently rub the tape around the edge of the hole so that you can see the outline of the hole
through the tape (2).
3. Power on your computer and verify that the Universal Control Panel (UCP) icon is present on
the taskbar. If not, activate it by selecting the “Universal Control Panel” icon on your desktop.
4. Power on the laser system by pressing the Power button on the laser system keypad.
5. With the top door open, a red target pointer will appear on the masking tape (3). The red target
pointer should appear centered, within 1/8 inch (3 mm). If not, turn o the laser system, remove
and re-install the laser cartridge and try again.

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Installation & Set-up Guide
Focus Carriage Beam Alignment
With the top door open, a red target pointer will appear on the masking tape (3). The red target
pointer should appear centered, within 1/8 inch (3 mm). If not, turn o the laser system, remove
and re-install the laser cartridge and try again. If the red dot still does not appear centered,
please contact the ULS Customer Service Team at 480-609-0297 (USA), [phone]
(Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at suppor[email protected].
Once you have completed laser beam alignment verication, remove the masking tape.
Accessories
Your laser system may include various accessories such as a cutting table for cutting applications and
ULS Computer Controlled Compressed Air Unit, along with cone and backsweep for air assisted material
processing. The accessories section of the User Guide details how to install and use these accessories.
6.
7.

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Running Your First Job
Running Your First Job
This example will walk you through the process of engraving an image on a 2 x 3.5 inch (50.8 x 89
mm), 0.0195 inch (0.49 mm) thick anodized aluminum test card supplied with your laser system. For
additional test cards, please contact Universal Laser Systems’ Customer Service Team at 480-609-0297
(USA), [phone] (Austria), [phone] (Japan) or e-mail us at suppor[email protected].
Note: This example uses CorelDRAW and the CorelDRAW sample le provided on the installation CD.
The le is also provided in .eps or .dxf for use in other applications if CorelDRAW is not available.
Step 1 – Loading and Positioning the Material
Position the piece of anodized aluminum (1) in the upper left corner of the table, against the rulers.
Step 2 – Creating the Graphic
Using CorelDRAW, open the sample graphic le found on the software installation CD. The le is named
ULSTest.cdr. The Software Installation CD contains test les in .cdr, .eps, and .dxf.

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Installation & Set-up Guide
Step 3 – Printing to the Laser System (Using the Materials Database Tab)
1. Verify that the Universal Control Panel (UCP) is running in the taskbar by looking for the
square red icon.
2. When you are ready to print the job, select PRINT
from the CorelDRAW FILE menu. Make sure that
your laser system printer driver appears in the
DESTINATION NAME dropdown list, and then
click PROPERTIES (Figure 4) to display your laser
system printer driver settings (Figure 5).
3. Choose your material category, in this case metal,
and then select the desired material: Aluminum
Anodized (Figure 5).
4. Set the Fixture Type to NONE.
Note: If you were using an optional accessory
or custom xture, you would choose it from the
xture list.
5. Measure the thickness of the material (a digital
calipers is recommended for this task) and
enter it into the material thickness eld. In
this example, the provided test card is 0.019”
(0.483 mm) thick.
6. Click OK when done.
7. Now click on PRINT in the Print dialog window
(Figure 4).
8. Launch the UCP by selecting the square red UCP
icon on the taskbar and the current print job will
appear in the Viewer Tab of the Universal Control
Panel (Figure 6).
9. Now select the System Tab and verify that the
Auto Z box is checked.
10. Return to the Viewer Tab and proceed to the next
step.
Figure 6
Figure 5
Figure 4