Vision 16 Series User manual

© 2013 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
Vision 16 Series and 24 Series
Engraver User Manual
Revised: 6/11/2013

All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or
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While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no
responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or
from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable
for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this
document.
Revised: 6/11/2013
Vision 16 Series and 24 Series Engraver User
Manual
© 2013 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems

3Contents
3
© 2013 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
Table of Contents
Part I Introduction 4
................................................................................................................................... 51 Disclaimer and Warranty Information
................................................................................................................................... 72 Safety
Part II Locating the Engraver 10
Part III Installation Layout Diagrams 11
Part IV Table Descriptions 13
Part V Table Connections 18
Part VI Zeroing the Cutter 19
Part VII Proximity Sensor 21
Part VIII Maintenance 22
Part IX Riser Block Extensions 26
Part X Collets and Diamond Drag Adapter 27
Part XI Troubleshooting 28

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© 2013 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
1 Introduction
About This Manual
This manual is designed to provide you with information about your Vision Engraver or Router.
Beginning with machine descriptions and continuing through installation and maintenance, this manual
does not attempt to teach the user how to become an expert in engraving, computer usage, or
engraving software usage. Some previous knowledge of engraving terms and the engraving process is
certainly beneficial. For information about operation and usage, refer to the Series 4 Controller
User Manual. For information on the Vision Engraving Software, see the Vision Engraving
Software manual. For more information on your individual computer system, see your computer's
user manual or contact your computer distributor.

Introduction 5
© 2013 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
1.1 Disclaimer and Warranty Information
Limits of Liability / Disclaimer of Warranty
The information contained within this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be
accurate, however, Vision makes no representations or warranties for this manual, and assumes no
responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, or omissions that may be contained within this manual. In no
event shall Vision be liable for any loss of profit including (but not limited to) direct, indirect, special,
incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting from any defect or omission in this manual, even
if previously advised of the possibility of such damages.
In the interest of continued product development, Vision reserves the right to make improvements to this
manual and the products it describes at any time, without notice or obligation.
Limited Warranty:
Vision Computerized Engraving and Routing Systems (and Retrofit Tables)
Vision Computerized Engraving and Routing Systems (Vision) warrants that for a period of two (2)
years from the date of shipment to the original purchaser of either a Series 4 Controller, Phoenix,
Vision or Table Retrofit (the System), that the System will be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use and service. Upon written notification, we will transfer the remaining
warranty to a new customer. This warranty shall cover all elements except for items covered by
separate manufacturer’s warranties and consumable items. “Consumable” items include, but shall not
be limited to, belts, brushes, lubricants, and cutters furnished with the System, for which no warranty is
provided.
In the event a defect is discovered during the warranty period, within thirty days of discovery, but no
later than the last day of the warranty period as described above, the user shall contact Vision for
instructions regarding disposition of the problem. Vision shall, at its option, either (1) repair the affected
product with new or refurbished parts, or (2) provide a replacement. Any incidental costs, including the
cost of shipment from the user’s location to the point of repair and return, and any installation
performed by the user, shall be at the expense of the user.
This warranty covers normal use only and shall be void in the event that the System is altered or
modified without authorization by Vision, or is subject to abuse, neglect, or other misuse by the user.
The warranties for Third-Party Hardware and Third-Party Software shall run directly from the
manufacturers of such hardware and software to the user. Vision makes no warranties, expressed or
implied, with regard to Third-Party Hardware or Third-Party Software.

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Vision does not warrant any product, component, or part not manufactured by Vision that was not
supplied by Vision. (Third-party items, including but not limited to software, are subject to their own
manufacturer’s warranties.) Vision does not warrant defects caused by a failure to provide a suitable
environment for the system, by unauthorized attachments, by modifications or repairs other than by
Vision, by use of the System for other than its original intention, or by other misuse or abuse of the
System.
Extended Warranty
An Extended Warranty may be purchased which extends the terms of the original equipment Warranty
in 1 year increments for a period of up to 30 days after the original equipment Warranty expires. An
Extended Warranty may also be purchased for a period of up to 30 days after an existing Extended
Warranty expires. Extended Warranties cannot be purchased on any equipment that is 7 or more years
old, or if there is a Lapse of Warranty. Age of equipment is determined from the date of shipment to the
original buyer.
Lapse of Warranty
If an Extended Warranty is not purchased within 30 days of the expiration of the original equipment
Warranty, or within 30 days of the expiration of an existing Extended Warranty, the equipment will be in
Lapse of Warranty. An Extended Warranty can never again be purchased for any equipment that is in
Lapse of Warranty. It is the responsibility of the purchaser of the equipment to maintain accurate
records and to know the expiration date of any Warranty.
The above and foregoing is the only warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, by statute or
otherwise, regarding the System, its fitness, quality, merchantability, or otherwise. Any warranties
implied by law are hereby expressly disclaimed. No oral or written information or advice given by
Vision, its Dealers, Distributors, Agents, or Employees shall create a warranty or in any way increase
the scope of this warranty. Neither Vision, nor anyone else who has been involved in the creation,
production, or delivery of the System shall be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental
damages (including damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business
information, and the like) arising out of the use of, or inability to use, the product.
Any software supplied by Vision in conjunction with the purchase of the System for use therewith shall
be governed by its own separate software license and warranty agreement.
Terms and Conditions are subject to change
For Warranty Service Call: [phone]
Please have your machine serial number ready before calling.
Vision Engraving & Routing Systems is owned and operated by Western Engraver's Supply, Inc.
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Introduction 7
© 2013 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
1.2 Safety
WARNING: Do not attempt to operate this equipment until you have read thoroughly and
understood completely the instructions contained in this User's Guide! Failure to comply may
result in damage to the equipment and/or inflict serious personal injury!
Only trained personnel should operate the Vision Engraver or Router. All individuals operating this
system should have read and understand this complete User's Guide.
Use of this equipment by unauthorized or untrained personnel may result in damage to the equipment
and/or inflict serious personal injuries.
Never use this machine in a hazardous environment. Do not store or use this machine outdoors. Do
not run this machine in an extremely hot environment.
Place the equipment in a location with low humidity and a minimum of dust. Avoid placing the
equipment in direct sunlight or in locations with excessive heat.
Do not expose the equipment to rain or use it near water. You can clean the controller with a damp
cloth, but be sure to unplug the unit first.
Follow the maintenance instructions for proper cleaning of the controller air filter.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the controller. Please contact qualified service personnel
for service issues.
Openings are provided in the controller box for ventilation. Do not cover the openings or place the
controller in an environment where the openings may become blocked.
Never insert anything into the ventilation openings. Doing so may create a danger of electric shock.
Always stop the machine before making any adjustments.
Keep hands clear of the bottom of the spindle during operation.
Do not operate the equipment with the covers removed.
Use extreme caution when inserting or removing cutters.
Before any servicing, disconnect the power cord.

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To avoid electric shock or equipment damage, connect the power to this machine according to the
suggestions in this guide and in compliance with all applicable regulations. Make sure the machine is
properly grounded.
Never operate the equipment with damaged or frayed power cords, loose connections, or exposed
extension cords where the cord could create a tripping hazard.
Be sure to hold the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting the equipment from an electrical socket or
power source.
Keep work area clean. Remove adjustment tools from the machine prior to start-up. Keep workbench
clean. Cluttered work areas can increase the potential for an accident.
Safety Glasses should be worn at all times while machine is running. While machine is running, chips
or other debris may become airborne.
Avoid loose clothing, neckties, gloves, rings, bracelets, or jewelry which may get caught in moving
parts.
If your equipment does not operate properly; in particular, if there are any unusual sounds or smells
coming from it, immediately unplug it and contact a service technician or your local distributor.
Unplug the machine when it is going to be left unused for an extended period of time.
Operators should inspect the machine daily for damage. Under no circumstances should the machine
be operated if there is any doubt about the machine's condition. If there are any questions call the
Vision Engraving Systems technical support team at 602-439-0600.
Keep a safe distance away from machine while its running.
Keep children away from work area at all times. Visitors should be at least 3 feet or more away from
working area.
Do not operate this or any machine while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Keep hands away from the spindle at all times when spindle is rotating and/or machine is moving.
Always wait for spindle to stop rotating completely before attempting to insert or change a tool. Do not
try to stop the spindle manually with your hands or other devices. Failure to comply with these
instructions may result in serious personal injury!
Never leave the machine running unattended.

Introduction 9
© 2013 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
Press any Emergency Stop switch to stop the machine immediately.
Be familiar with the location of all emergency stop switches. In the case of an emergency you can
push the nearest one.
Make sure workpiece is properly fastened to table before starting job.
Turn on vacuum table or make sure clamps and other fixtures are tightly fastened. If workpiece moves
during operation you can damage the machine, the workpiece, and serious personal injury may
occur to the operator.
Only use the machine and its attachments for the applications they were designed for. Forcing the
machine or its attachments to do work it was not intended to do may cause permanent damage to the
machine and serious injury may occur to the operator. If there are any questions about the abilities
of your machine, please call the Vision Engraving Systems technical support team at 602-439-0600.
Do not force the machine to work at excessive speeds. The machine will work safely under normal
permissible speeds which are material and application dependent. Using excessive speeds may
damage tooling, material, the machine, and may cause serious personal injury.
Avoid powering on the machine when servicing the machine.
Avoid powering on the machine when installing or replacing parts and/or accessories.
Turn power to the machine OFF when not in use.
Perform required maintenance at the recommended intervals.
Use the general maintenance guidelines to properly maintain your machine.
A disciplined approach to preventative maintenance can extend the useful life of any Router/
Engraver, improve cut quality, and reduce repair costs. Keep records of what and when you perform
maintenance duties.

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2 Locating the Engraver
1. Locate all equipment indoors on a flat surface and on a solid foundation.
2. Temperature must remain between 40°F and 85°F.
3. Do not expose machine to direct sunlight, rain, vibration, dampness, or explosive environments.
4. Machine dimensions:
1612 - 33” x 23” x 19”, shipping weight = 300 lbs.
1624 - 33” x 35” x 19”, shipping weight = 320 lbs.
2424 - 42” x 33” x 20”, shipping weight = 371 lbs.
2448 - 66” x 33” x 20”, shipping weight = 520 lbs.
If you use our freight company, the equipment will be placed on the ground and a pallet jack
or other device is necessary to move the crate into your facility.
5. The sides of the crate unscrew, but it will take four people to remove the engraver from the
shipping crate.
6. A distance of at least 36" is recommended around all sides of the machine to ensure easy
operating, material handling, cleaning, maintenance and safety.
7. Typically, the engraver is oriented as shown in the layout diagrams.
8. Cutters and sample materials must be available before the scheduled installation/machine
orientation date.
9. If a chip extraction unit has not been purchased from Vision, it is highly recommended that one is
available for the installation/machine orientation.
10. If you ordered the NSK High Frequency Spindle, a clean air source is required. The air
requirement is 1 CFM @ 40 psi.

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© 2013 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
3 Installation Layout Diagrams

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Installation Layout Diagrams 13
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4 Table Descriptions
16 Series Engraver Descriptions
(Refer to the diagrams on the following page)
1. Table Base Plate. This is the large flat plate upon which everything else is mounted.
All mechanical alignments are referenced to this plate, so the space upon which you place the
engraving table must be a reasonably level surface.
2. Y-Axis Linear Rails. Mounted on the table base plate are stainless steel rails with sealed bearings,
which allow the motion of the T-slot table in the Y-axis direction.
3. T-Slot Table. Also referred to as the work surface, this aluminum bed supported by the linear rails
allows placement of the engraving material or special clamps and fixtures. The slots in this table are
shaped with an upside-down T, with the bottom of the T being a single-line slot across the top of the
table. The slots are used to hold various accessory holders, clamps, and jigs. All t-slot accessories are
available on at www.visionengravers.com
4. Y-Axis Lead Screw. This is a threaded rod located underneath the T-slot table. Combined with the
stepper motor, the lead screw is rotated and causes the T-slot table to move along the rails in the Y-axis
direction. There is also a second lead screw called the X-axis lead screw. The X-axis lead screw is
contained within the gantry, and can be accessed by removing the black sheet metal gantry cover. The
X-axis lead screw is responsible for X-axis motion of the carriage assembly, moving it left and right
across the gantry.
5. Gantry Assembly. The gantry or “bridge” is a large, rectangular bar suspended across the width of
the table in the X-axis. The carriage assembly is supported and rides on the gantry in the X-axis.
6. Carriage Assembly. The carriage assembly houses the engraving spindle, Z-Axis mechanism and
engraving motor. The carriage moves along the gantry assembly on a set of sealed bearing. The
carriage assembly holds the engraving spindle; it raises and lowers the spindle during the engraving
process using a lead screw and stepper motor.
7. 25 Pin Connector. This connection port is used to connect the table to the system controller. The
connector is located near the rear of the table and on top of the base plate.
8. Y-Axis Stepper Motor. Drives the T-Slot table in the Y-Axis.
9. X-Axis Stepper Motor. Drives the carriage in the X-Axis. Located under the protective cover.
10. Edge Guides. Used as a back and side stop for locating material and clamps during set-up.
11. Engraving Motor. The engraving motor or “spindle motor”, is the large black motor on the top of the
carriage assembly. The engraving motor drives a belt and pulley system, which turns the engraving
cutter during the engraving process.
12. Spindle Cable. Connects to the system controller and provides power to the engraving motor.
13. Quick Lock Vise. A “cam” type locking device that allows quick change of parts for engraving.

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Typical 16 Series Engraver Diagrams

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16 and 24 Series Engravers Carriage Descriptions
(Refer to the diagram below)
1. Z-Axis Stepper Motor. The small motor under the carriage cover that provides the spindle up and
down motion of the spindle during the engraving process.
2. Spindle Assembly. The spindle mounted in its block; includes a pulley, housing, micrometer,
retainer ring, nose cone and associated hardware. The spindle assembly moves up and down along a
linear bearing, which attaches to the face of the carriage assembly.
3. Spindle Block. Houses the spindle assembly.
4. Z-Axis Leadscrew. The threaded screw which raises and lowers the spindle during the engraving
process.
5. Engraving Motor Belt. Drive belt connecting the engraving motor to the spindle pulley.
Typical 16 and 24 Series Carriage Diagram

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24 Series Engraver Descriptions
(Refer to the Diagrams on the following page)
1. Table Base Plate. This is the large flat plate upon which everything else is mounted. All mechanical
alignments are referenced to this plate, so the space upon which you place the engraving table must be
a reasonably level surface.
Always carry the table by the base plate only. An optional t-slot table may be installed on the table base
plate.
2. X-Axis Linear Rails. Mounted under the table base plate are steel rails with sealed bearings, which
allow the motion of the gantry in the X-axis direction.
3. X-Axis Leadscrews. This are the threaded rods located underneath the table baseplate. Combined
with the stepper motors, the leadscrews are rotated and cause the gantry to move along the rails in the
X-axis direction. There is also a second leadscrew in the Y-axis of the machine. The Y-axis leadscrew
is contained within the gantry and can be accessed by removing the black sheet metal gantry cover.
The Y-axis leadscrew is responsible for motion of the carriage assembly, moving it back and forth
across the gantry.
4. Gantry Assembly. The gantry or “bridge” is a large, rectangular bar suspended across the width of
the table. It travels down the table along the X-axis.
5. Carriage Assembly. The carriage assembly houses the engraving spindle, the Z-axis mechanism
and the engraving motor. The carriage moves along the gantry assembly on a set of sealed bearings in
the Y-axis. The carriage assembly raises and lowers the engraving spindle during the engraving
process using the Z-Axis leadscrew and stepper motor.
6. 25 Pin Connector. This connector port is used to connect the table to the system controller.
7. Y-Axis Stepper Motor. Drives the carriage in the Y-Axis.
8. X-Axis Stepper Motors. Drives the gantry in the X-Axis.
9. Edge Guides. Used as a back and side stop for accurately locating material and clamps during set-
up.
10. Engraving Motor. Drives the spindle for rotary engraving.
11. Serial Connector. This connector port is used to connect the table to the controller.
12. DACS USB Connector. This optional connector is used to connect the DACS Camera System to
your computer.
13. Spindle Cable. This cable connects to the system controller and provides power to the engraving
motor.

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© 2013 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
Typical 24 Series Engraver Diagrams

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5 Table Connections
16 and 24 Series Engraver/Series 4 Controller Connections
1. The engraver's Pendant is connected to the Pendant cable port.
2. The Ethernet Cable from your computer, hub or network is connected to the Ethernet port.
3. The Auxiliary Table Cable is used on the 24 Series engraver ONLY.
4. The Table Cable connects from 25 pin connector on the engraver to the Table port.
5. The Spindle Cable connects to the Spindle port.
6. The Power Cable connects a 110 - 220 VAC electrical source to the controller and powers the
controller, table and spindle.
7. If your machine is equipped with the optional Vacuum Chip Removal System, a remote On/Off cable
is connected to the controller to automatically turn the vacuum pump on and off when the job is being
run.
8. *If your machine is equipped with the optional NSK High Frequency Spindle, an second 25 pin
connector will be included with your controller. The NSK Spindle is controlled by the NSK Spindle Cable
connected to this port. NOTE - the Spindle Cable to the standard engraving motor will not be used in this
configuration.
Series 4 Pendant and Controller

Table Connections 19
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6 Zeroing the Cutter
Zeroing Cutters
(Refer to the diagram on the following page)
Zeroing Cutters for Top-Loaded Spindles
1. Turn the micrometer to zero. This provides a starting point and reference for setting the depth
accurately. It’s important to note that the micrometer should be threaded onto the spindle housing
sufficiently to prevent excessive play in the micrometer and nosecone. If there are too few threads
holding the micrometer in place it will move during the engraving process. The best starting position is
3 or 4 complete revolutions from the top.
2. With the appropriate cutter installed in the spindle, loosen the setscrew in the brass cutter knob with a
spline wrench (commonly referred to as the cutter wrench). CAUTION: When you loosen the
setscrew in this step, the cutter may easily fall out of the spindle and can cause cutter tip damage.
Use one hand to hold the cutter before loosening.
3. Gently place a piece of metal against the bottom of the nosecone so as to push the cutter even with
the bottom of the nosecone. Now the cutter should be flush with the nosecone.
4. Tighten the cutter knob setscrew. Your cutter is now "zero'ed". Rotating the micrometer to the right
will increase the depth of the cut. Each click of the micrometer = .001”. A full revolution is .025”.
Zeroing Cutters for Top and Bottom Loaded Collet Spindles
The collet spindle can be used with either top loaded or bottom loaded cutters.
1. To install a top loaded cutter in the collet spindle, first set the micrometer to zero.
2. Loosen the knurled draw bar on the top of the spindle slightly.
3. Remove the cutter knob from the cutter, and slide the cutter into the spindle.
4. Place a piece of flat material against the bottom of the nosecone and lower the cutter until it rests
against the material.
5. Tighten the draw bar around the cutter. Make sure it is tight. The draw bar must be tightened before
the cutter knob is installed, as the cutter will slightly rise in the spindle assembly when the draw bar is
tightened.
6. Re-attach the cutter knob to the top of the cutter and screw it in counterclockwise until secure. Be
careful when turning the cutter knob into the draw bar. Counterclockwise is the direction to loosen the
draw bar. Hand tighten the cutter knob only - do not use pliers or wrenches! Tighten the cutter knob
setscrew. The cutter depth can be increased by turning the micrometer to the right. Note: If using 2”
short cutters, install them from the bottom. Use the draw bar on the top of the spindle to tightly
secure the cutter.
A solid collet, if purchased, can be installed in place of the split collet for burnishing. Install the collet in
the bottom of the spindle and tighten the draw bar firmly. The spindle now acts as a normal top loaded
spindle for ease of operation. The split collet can be reinstalled when required.

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Tightening the Cutter
Knob into the Draw Bar
of a Collet Spindle