Universal Laser Systems ULS1750C User manual

OPERATIO AD MAITEACE MAUAL
UIVERSAL LASER SYSTEMS
Model ULS1750C
Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
7707 East Acoma Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
602/ 83-121
Volume I, Rev. 3
April, 1992

NOTICE ...........................................................................................................................i
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ii
SECTION 1 - SAFETY ...................................................................................................1
1.1 SAFETY SUMMARY..................................................................................1
1.2 SAFETY LABELS.........................................................................................2
1.2.1 EXAMPLES OF SAFETY LABELS ............................................2
1.3 SAFETY INTERLOCK................................................................................3
SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION......................................................................................5
2.1 CAUTIONS ...................................................................................................5
2.2 SET UP PROCEDURE .................................................................................5
2.2.1 VENTILATION PROCEDURE ..................................................7
2.2.2 DIP SWITCH SETTINGS ...........................................................7
2.2.3 CONNECTION WITH COMPUTERS .......................................7
2.2. RS-232 SERIAL CABLE CONFIGURATION...........................8
SECTION 3 - OPERATION............................................................................................9
3.1 BASIC OPERATING PROCEDURE ...........................................................9
3.2 CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT......................................................................10
3.3 OPERATION CONTROLS...........................................................................11
3. SHUTTER CONTROLS ...............................................................................13
3.5 PROCESSING SPEED CONTROLS............................................................13
3.6 LASER CONTROLS.....................................................................................15
3.7 SOFTWARE CONTROLLED POWER CHANGE (optional) .....................18
3.8 FOCUSING PROCEDURE...........................................................................18
3.9 COMMAND SYSTEM .................................................................................19
3.10 LASER PROCESSING AREA...................................................................20
SECTION - MAINTENANCE .....................................................................................22
.1 SAFETY ........................................................................................................22
.2 GENERAL CLEANING................................................................................23
.3 OPTICS CLEANING.....................................................................................2
.3.1 TOP ENCLOSURE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT .........2
.3.2 FINAL FOCUS LENS .................................................................2
.3.3 FIRST MIRROR CLEANING.....................................................26
.3. OUTPUT WINDOW CLEANING..............................................27
.3.5 SECOND MIRROR CLEANING................................................28
.3.6 THIRD MIRROR CLEANING ...................................................28
.3.7 FOURTH MIRROR CLEANING................................................28

. LASER REPLACEMENT.............................................................................29
.5 LASER INSTALLATION .............................................................................30
.6 BEAM ALIGNMENT ...................................................................................30
.7 DOOR HINGE ADJUSTMENT....................................................................36
.8 BELT ADJUSTMENT AND REPLACEMENT...........................................37
.8.1 X AXIS BELT REPLACEMENT ...............................................37
.8.2 X AXIS BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT ................................38
.8.3 Y AXIS BELT REPLACEMENT ...............................................39
.8. Y AXIS BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT ................................ 0
.9 BEARING ADJUSTMENT AND REPLACEMENT ................................... 1
.9.1 X AXIS BEARING ADJUSTMENT........................................... 1
.9.2 Y AXIS BEARING ADJUSTMENT........................................... 2
.9.3 X AXIS BEARING REPLACEMENT........................................
.9. Y AXIS BEARING REPLACEMENT........................................ 5
.10 SET SCREW ADJUSTMENT ................................................................... 7
.10.1 X AXIS ........................................................................................ 7
.10.2 Y AXIS ........................................................................................ 8
.11 TICKLE ADJUSTMENT ........................................................................... 9
SECTION 5 - WARRANTY ...........................................................................................53
5.1 IN-WARRANTY SERVICE .........................................................................53
5.2 OUT-OF-WARRANTY SERVICE...............................................................53
5.3 REPACKAGING FOR SHIPMENT .............................................................53
5. FIELD SERVICE...........................................................................................53
APPENDIX......................................................................................................................5
APPENDIX A - DIP SWITCH SETTINGS TABLE ..........................................5
APPENDIX B - LASER SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS .....................................55
APPENDIX C - LASER CONTROL -- SUGGESTED PARAMETERS ...........56

i
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.
OTICE
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.

ii
ITRODUCTIO
The ULS series of Laser Processing Systems are designed to provide the user with the flexibility
of computer control combined with a wide variety of functions.
The main features of the ULS 1750C system are:
• Water cooled, RF driven 50 watt C02 laser based on the latest technology in sealed carbon
dioxide devices.
• Digital laser controller providing a wide range of parameters for material processing.
• Class I safety enclosure.
• Fast X-Y laser beam positioning system for quality laser processing at high speed.
• Large material processing area.
• Extended vertical adjustment with one thousandth increment vertical indicator.
• Two types of computer interface -- parallel (Centronics) and serial (RC-232C).
 te: Serial interface is not available if the High Speed Raster Engraving Option
is installed.
• A variety of controls for quick setting of parameters.
• Complete emulation of HP7 75 and Roland DXY 1300 B size plotter.
• Compact design.

1
SECTIO 1 - SAFETY
Please read this section before operating the equipment.
1.1 SAFETY SUMMARY
1. Exposure to laser radiation may produce damage and/or physical burns.
2. Exposure to the beam may cause ignition of combustible materials.
3. When operator or maintenance personnel are working with the laser beam "ON" and any of
the safety interlocks defeated, or covers removed, laser safety glasses must be worn and
care must be exercised not to place one's self or reflective objects in the path of the beam.
Never view laser beam radiation directly or by specular reflection.
. Operation and maintenance must be accomplished in accordance with this manual.
5. The laser in this system emits radiation at wavelength of 10.6 microns in the far infrared
invisible spectrum.
6. A solenoid operated shutter is located between output of the laser and top compartment of
the system. In the OFF position the shutter completely blocks the laser beam before it
enters the work area. Shutter control is located on the lower right corner of the system
control panel. When the shutter switch is open, the LED is on. If any interlocked doors are
open, the shutter blocks the beam regardless of the position of shutter control switch.
OTE: The LED indicates only whether the shutter switch has been set to open or closed.
It does not indicate the physical position of the shutter itself.
7. Under regulations established by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the
Food and Drug Administration, the laser contained in this system is a Class IV instrument.
ULS systems are Class I instruments as long as none of the interlocks are defeated and
cover panels are not removed.
8. Improper use of controls and adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified in this manual may result in hazardous laser radiation exposure.
9. ULS systems are specifically designed to comply with CDRH performance requirements
under 21CFR 10 0.10 and 10 0.11. No guarantees for suitability or safety for any other
use are provided by Universal Laser Systems, Inc.

2
1.2 SAFETY LABELS
According to CDRH standards, all interlocked and non-interlocked covers that allow access to a
Class IV 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 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 the manufacturer.
1.2.1 EXAMPLES OF SAFETY LABELS
Label Positions
Lower left corner of rear panel, on the outside of
the machine
Lower left corner of rear panel below
manufacturing label (see above label
information).
Below the beam window in top compartment.
Laser Processing System Manufactured By:
Scottsdale, Arizona
Model No:
Serial No:
Date of Manufacture:
Made in USA
This equipment conforms
to provisions of
US 21 CFR 10 0.10
and 10 0.11
AVOID EXPOSURE
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION
IS EMITTED FROM THIS APERTURE

3
Label P siti ns
Centered on outside of front door (visible when
door is closed).
Centered on bottom panel (visible when front
door is open).
Inside top door (visible when door is open or
closed).
Two on frame inside the top compartment (visible
when top cover is removed).
One on each side of interlock defeat tool (visible
when interlock tool is installed).
1.3 SAFETY ITERLOCK
The laser system incorporates a safety interlock having an electrical potential of 2 V DC
between terminals. When the top enclosure of the chassis is removed, the terminals of the
interlock connector at the front of the enclosure are no longer in contact and the laser beam will
be blocked by the shutter. A shorting plug, called an interlock defeat tool, is provided to over-
ride the safety interlock for testing and alignment procedures only. The diagram below is an
electrical schematic detailing the interlock system and the interlock defeat tool.
Cauti n: The interlock defeat tool is utilized only when the top enclosure must be removed
for test purposes and beam alignments. Goggles must always be worn when the
defeat tools is in use.
DANGER
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN
AND INTERLOCK FAILED OR DEFEATED.
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO
DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION.

24 volt
Pow r
Supply
Shutt r
Sol noid
Shutt r
Control
Switch
Sutt r
Op n
LED
Front Door
Int rlock L ft Front Door
Int rlock Right
Top Door
Int rlock L ft Top Door
Int rlock Right
TOP ENCLOSURE
BOTTOM ENCLOSURE
Int rlock
D f at Tool
Electrical Schematic of Interlock System

5
SECTIO 2 - ISTALLATIO
2.1 CAUTIOS
• Install the system on a flat stable base 18-2 " high, only in the upright position. Ideally,
the top of the system should be mid thigh to waist high.
• Avoid places where the system may be exposed to high temperatures, dust, or high
humidity (humidity exceeding 60% or where the temperature is near the dewpoint).
• Avoid places where the system may be exposed to high levels of vibration or electrical
noise. We recommend using a high quality surge protector (20 Amp capability) to protect
the laser system's electronics.
• The power supply cord and input/output cables for the computer should be connected
firmly to avoid disconnection or malfunctioning during operation. Use grounded (3 prong)
outlets only. Do not defeat the ground connection under any circumstances.
• When the power is turned on, the automatic origin setting operates and the arm and
focusing optics carriage move. Keep hands or objects out of the path of the arm\optics
holder.
• When not using the system, unplug the power cord.
• NEVER lubricate any of the mechanical parts!
• Do not apply any pressure or shock to the arm or optical carriage.
• When the X-Y rails get dirty, wipe them off with a soft dry cloth. If the dirt is severe, wipe
it off lightly with alcohol. Do not use water. D n t use silic ne-impregnated cl th,
neutral detergents r rganic s lvents. See the maintenance manual for details on
cleaning of the system.
• Do not move arm or optical carriage manually if the power to the system is on!
2.2 SET UP PROCEDURE
The Following is a description of the basic set up procedure.
To connect a ULS series system to a computer for the first time:

6
1. Install the system on a flat, stable stand. A stand from 18 to 2 inches in height will
provide the most comfortable working height. Custom designed, ergometric stands are
available from ULS.
2. Connect the fume exhaust tube on the machine to an external exhaust unit.
3. Connect the water cooling tubes from the water chiller.
. Connect the interface to the computer: both serial and parallel connections are available.
(The system is set for parallel connection at the factory.) Most software is set to run in
parallel mode, so switching interfacing to serial mode is not normally required.
 te: Serial Interface is not available if the High Speed Raster Engraving Option is
installed.
At this point, the system and chiller are normally ready for power up, therefore, go to Step 9. If
your software requires serial interfacing, continue with Steps 5-8.
5. a. To remove the top cover, unclasp the four latches that hold the top cover down.
Two latches can be found on the right side of the machine and two can be found
on the left side of the machine.
b. Ensure that the power cord is removed and gently lift the cover up and off of the
machine. This will require two people to accomplish. Watch out for the one inch
mirror in the front left corner of the machine and the electronics and water lines in
the right side of the machine.
6. Set the type of interface using the Dip Switches. Refer to "DIP Switch Settings, section
2.2.2 and Dip Switch Table Appendix A.
7. Set the communication parameters -- These are only set when using a serial connection.
They are set by DIP switch. Refer to "DIP Switch Settings, section 2.2.2 and Dip Switch
Table Appendix A. (Also, remember to configure the communication settings for the
computer and software.)
8. After the setup for serial communication is completed, replace the top cover.
9. Connect the AC power cord.
10. Turn on water chiller. Water temperature should be set to 72 F. Be sure the water lines to
the laser are open. Also, check to make sure the water chiller has been filled with distilled
water to the proper level (remember, empty hoses and the laser itself will slightly reduce
the water level in the chiller).
OTE: Always turn on water chiller before operating the laser.

7
11. Turn on the laser system power switch.
Laser processing (engraving) can normally begin at this point.
See SECTION 3 - OPERATION for procedures for focusing laser beam and setting laser
controller parameters.
2.2.1 VETILATIO PROCEDURE
To properly exhaust fumes and smoke from the material surface during lasing, 00 cfm minimum
is required at the point of inch connection to the system. Use maximum diameter rigid duct
work from the roof or down the wall. Reduce the duct work to four inches just before the point
of attachment to the laser system.
Locate laser system where a straight run to the ventilator can be achieved. Duct work should be
as short as possible between the ventilator and the laser system. Flexible ducting can be used
from the laser system to rigid duct work.
Ventilator should be equipped with an on/off switch and wired in accordance with local electrical
codes. We recommend plugging the laser system into a 110V switched outlet, controlled by the
on/off switch for the ventilator, to ensure laser system cannot be operated without the ventilator.
It is also advisable to power the laser system through a surge protector to prevent damage to the
electronics and laser.
Installation of the ventilation system should comply with all applicable local and government
regulations. We recommend the use of licensed contractors for installation of the equipment.
2.2.2 DIP SWITCH SETTIGS
There are two dip switch blocks on the main control board for the laser system and the cover
must be removed to access them. Each block contains ten switches and the two blocks are
referred to as Dip Switch one and two.
1. Dip Switch 1 - Located on the right side of the system (under top enclosure) on the printed
circuit board with the parallel and serial interface connections. Dip Switch 1, marked
"DSW1", has 10 small switches, and is located next to parallel interface connection.
This switch is used to select the interface (parallel or serial), set field size, and character
font, etc. For details refer to "Dip Switch Setting Table" in Appendix A.
2. Dip Switch 2 - Located on the right side of the system (under top enclosure) on the printed
circuit board with the parallel and serial interface connections. Dip Switch 2, marked
"DSW2", has 10 small switches, and is located next to Dip Switch 1.

8
This switch is used to set the data format and baud rate when the serial interface is used.
For details refer to the "Dip Switch Setting Table" in Appendix A.
2.2.3 COECTIO WITH COMPUTERS
There are two methods for establishing a connection with the computer:
• Parallel connection (Centronics)
• Serial connection (RS-232C)
 te: Serial connection is not available if the High Speed Raster Option is installed.
The system is set for a parallel connection at the factory. This will work well with the majority
of computers and software packages.
To change to a serial interface connection refer to the "Dip Switch Setting Table" in Appendix A
and set the DIP switch settings to match the settings required by the software being used.
2.2.4 RS-232 SERIAL CABLE COFIGURATIO
To use the serial connection on the laser system, the proper serial cable must be used. The
diagram below describes the serial cable configuration required.
F.G.
TxD
RxD
RTS
CTS
DSR
S.G.
DCD
DTR
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(20)
F.G.
TxD
RxD
RTS
CTS
DSR
S.G.
DCD
DTR
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(20)
DCD
RxD
TxD
DTR
S.G.
DSR
RT5
CTS
Ring Indicator
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
F.G.
TxD
RxD
RTS
CTS
DSR
S.G.
DCD
DTR
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(20)
DSUB-9 pin DSUB-25 pin
Pin No. Pin No.
Pin No. Pin No.
Las r Syst m
Las r Syst m
IBM-PC/AT
IBM-PC or PC/XT
XY-RS-14, XY-RS-34 CABLE
XY-RS-14, XY-RS-33 CABLE

9
SECTIO 3 - OPERATIO
3.1 BASIC OPERATIG PROCEDURE
1. Turn on water chiller and check that water is flowing to the laser.
2. Turn laser system power ON.
3. Insert the material to be processed.
. Adjust focus (reference Section 3.8).
5. Close all access doors.
6. Set laser controller parameters (reference Section 3.6).
7. Set the processing speed (reference Section 3.5) (can also be set from software).
8. Be sure shutter switch is in open position.
9. Be sure external exhaust is on.
10. Transmit drawing data from the computer.
Laser processing of the material should now begin.

10
3.2 COTROL PAEL LAYOUT
1
4
7
MODE
2
5
8
0
3
6
9
DELETE
STORE
PULSE
WIDTH
RATE
PULSE
SELECT
PROGRAM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
X POSITION
Y POSITION
P
P
MODE
2
1
ENTER
REPEAT REPEAT
VIEW
PAUSE
P SPEED
FAST
AUX
TEST
SHUTTER
OPEN
CLOSED
POWER
Las r Control
K ypad
Proc ssing Sp d
Controls
Shutt r Controls
Las r Control
Display
Op ration Controls

11
3.3 OPERATIO COTROLS
POSITIONING KEYS
These keys are used to move the focusing optics manually in any of the arrow directions (four
directions) indicated on the keys. Pressing the adjacent two keys together moves it in a diagonal
direction.
FAST KEY
FAST
Pressing this key together with an arrow POSITIONING key increases the positioning speed at
which the focusing optics move.
REFERENCE POINT KEYS - P1 AND P2
P
1
P
2
Pressing the P1 or P2 keys will move the optics to the lower left or upper right corners,
respectively, of the engraving areas. These keys are typically used to position the system for
checking power or doing a beam alignment. They can also be used in conjunction with the Test
key to manually mark lines on material to indicate the edges of the engraving field or as
alignment marks.
VIEW KEY
VIEW
Pressing this key causes the focusing optics carriage to move to the upper right corner (VIEW
position) of the system.
PAUSE KEY AND LED
PAUSE
When this key is pressed once during processing, the PAUSE LED light goes on and motion of
the optics is temporarily halted. Pressing this key once more causes the PAUSE LED to go off
and the system to resume operation. If the pause is left on for more than one minute, the system
will move the optics carriage to the view position (extreme upper right). In either case, the
system will resume operation at the point the pause was initially activated.
CAUTIO: Laser beam might be on during pause. To prevent damage to work piece, always
close shutter switch (located on control panel) prior to pressing PAUSE key.

12
REPEAT MODE KEY AND LED
REPEAT
MODE
Used to temporarily store drawings that are being sent by the computer. This function allows one
to repeat processing many copies of the same drawing and thus free up the computer for other
tasks. To use, press the Repeat Mode key and note that the Repeat Mode LED has lit (indicating
that all incoming drawings will be stored). Next, send the drawing over to the laser system from
the computer. The laser will process the drawing and simultaneously store the drawing in the
laser system's memory. The computer can be used for other tasks once the first drawing has been
engraved. To repeat the drawing stored in the laser system memory, press the Repeat key (next
to the Repeat Mode key). To turn off the Repeat Mode and erase all drawings, press the Repeat
Mode key again and note the Repeat Mode LED has gone out (indicating that all drawings have
been erased).
CAUTIO: Turning off the laser system power will erase all drawings in the repeat mode
memory.
OTE: The repeat mode will continue to store drawings until it is full (the capacity is 1
megabyte). If two drawings are sent to the memory, the first drawing will be
processed followed by the second drawing. This is a feature that allows the user
to send different parts of a drawing at different times so power settings can be
changed on different parts of a drawing, etc. If the 1 megabyte limit on drawing is
exceeded, the laser system automatically turns off repeat mode (REPEAT MODE
LED goes out) and erases all the drawings.
OTE: Repeat mode is not functional if the high speed raster engraving option is used to
engrave bitmapped or filled images. The repeat mode and high speed raster
engraving option can only be used together to engrave vector or outline images.
RESET FUNCTION
ENTER VIEW
and
If the ENTER KEY is pressed and held down, then the VIEW KEY is pressed, the system will
reset to the same conditions as when the machine was first turned on.
REPEAT KEY
REPEAT
Pressing this key will repeat the drawings stored in the laser's repeat mode memory, starting with
the first drawing stored after the REPEAT MODE key was pressed.
POWER/ERROR LED

13
If an error occurs, the indicator will blink. It displays errors both in commands and in
communication protocol with the host computer. Normally this indicator is on and not blinking
when power to the laser is on.
X-Y COORDINATE DISPLAY
Y POSITION
X POSITION
This displays the position of the focusing optics carriage in millimeters from the extreme lower
left of the current engraving field.
AUX. KEY AND LED
AUX
Not used - Aux. Key may light when PAUSE or REPEAT MODE are used.
TEST KEY
TEST
Used to manually turn the laser power on and off. This key is used to perform beam alignments,
power tests, tickle setting and to manually mark origins (with arrow keys), etc. A dot will appear
to the right of the pulse mode character in the laser control display when the laser is on (See
section 3.6 for details).
3.4 SHUTTER COTROLS
The shutter controls are used to open and close the mechanical solenoid driven shutter which
blocks the beam and stops it from entering the engraving area. The switch will provide power to
open and close the shutter and the LED will glow when the shutter switch is in the open position.
If any interlocked doors are open, the shutter will close to block the beam regardless of the
position of shutter control switch.
OTE: The LED indicates only whether the shutter switch has been set to open or closed.
It does not indicate the physical position of the shutter itself.
3.5 PROCESSIG SPEED COTROLS
ULS Laser Systems are capable of beam positioning at a maximum speed of 20 mm/sec and this
is the default speed selected when the laser systems is powered on . However, for optimum laser
processing performance processing speed can be adjusted. The proper processing speed will be
dependent on the material being used, the type of engraving or cutting being performed, and the
depth of material removal required.
There are two methods for adjusting the processing speed:

1
1. Control Panel Processing Speed Adjustment:
SPEED SELECT KEYS
P-SPEED
AND
1 8
Press and hold the P-speed key on the control panel then press one of the processing Speed
keys (1 to 8) to change the processing speed. The processing speed set by each speed key
is as follows:
P-Speed
Key No.
Processing Speed
(mm/sec)
Processing Speed
(inch/sec)
1 30 1.2
2 0 1.6
3 60 2.
90 3.5
5 120 .7
6 160 6.3
7 220 8.7
8 20 16.5
Also the above operation can change the processing speed during engraving, therefore, one
can use this method to slow the processing speed when high definition images are required.
But, if processing speed is being controlled by software, changing speeds manually during
engraving may cause unexpected results and is not recommended.
2. Computer Software Package Processing Speed Adjustment
Since the ULS 1750C Laser System emulates an HP-GL plotter device, drawings sent to the
laser system from many software packages can include a processing speed which is
analogous to the plotter pen speed for a plotting device. See your software manuals for
information on how to select "Plotter Pen Speeds".
Example:
Using Design CAD, from within the plot command one can type in the HP-GL
command for pen velocity "VS" with an appropriate speed number 1- 2 cm/sec (this
is an HP-GL velocity number in cm/sec and should not be confused with the P-Speed
number from the control panel) before sending the drawing to the laser system.
If software resident in Windows is to being used, the processing speed can be set through
the ULS Windows printer driver. The procedure for setting speed is explained in the

15
documentation included with the driver. (This driver is required if Windows is being used
and can be purchased from ULS.)
OTE: A manually set speed will override a software speed command.
3.6 LASER COTROLS
For optimum engraving performance, the ULS Laser Systems have been designed so that the
laser's power output is directed by a digital control board. This control board produces a square
wave type signal which is essentially a sequence of on and off commands which cycle the laser at
high speeds. The Laser Control keypad is used to enter the parameters for the TTL (square wave)
signal which drives the power output of the laser, and an LED display window is provided to
visually display the settings for the laser control signal:
This LED indicates that Laser Power is on.
This LED indicates that Power Change
option is on (see section 3.7)
Program
Number
Pulse
Mode
Pulse
Width
Pulse
Rate
Figure Showing Typical Laser Display
There are three parameters which must be entered to define the characteristics of the signal sent
to the laser, these are pulse width, pulse rate, and pulse mode. Pulse width is entered in
microseconds and defines the length of time the laser remains on during a pulse cycle. The Pulse
rate is a relative number and its meaning is dependent on the pulse mode being used.
There are two pulse modes to choose from:
• Proportional Pulse Mode (PPM)
Proportional Pulse Mode will be used for most cutting and engraving operations. PPM
will provide an even exposure of laser radiation to the material and eliminate variations in
depth and line thickness due to acceleration and deceleration of the optical arm. This