Vision Multi Axis User manual

Multi Axis Engraver
Operations Manual
Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
17621 N. Black Canyon Hwy.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
www.visionengravers.com

Copyright 

2005 Vision Computerized Engraving & Routing Systems
(A Division of Western Engravers Supply, Inc.)
All Rights Reserved
This publication is protected by copyright, and all rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or
transmitted by any means or in any form, without prior written consent from Vision.
Limits of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty for this Equipment Manual
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.

Table of Contents iii
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 - BEFORE YOU BEGIN 5
About This Manual ........................................................................................................................................5
Safety ...............................................................................................................................................................5
Unpacking and Taking Inventory.................................................................................................................6
Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 2 - INSTALLATION 7
Hooking up the table......................................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 3 - OPERATIONS 11
Machine Description & Terminology.........................................................................................................11
DEFINITION OF TERMS 11
Flat Engraving..............................................................................................................................................14
Flat Objects - Initial Setup..........................................................................................................................................14
Plates...........................................................................................................................................................................17
Pens.............................................................................................................................................................................17
Special Shapes ............................................................................................................................................................18
Rotary Engraving.........................................................................................................................................18
Round Objects - Initial Setup...................................................................................................................................... 18
Level Surface Engraving............................................................................................................................................. 20
Angled Engraving .......................................................................................................................................................21
Adjusting the Spindle...................................................................................................................................23
Diamond Drag Engraving ...........................................................................................................................................23
Rotary Engraving........................................................................................................................................................24
Burnish Engraving ......................................................................................................................................................26
Non Nose Riding Rotary Engraving ...........................................................................................................................28
CHAPTER 4 - OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 31
Clamping Devices .........................................................................................................................................31
Vacuum Chip Removal System...................................................................................................................33

iv Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
CHAPTER 5 - MAINTENANCE 35
Removing Chips ........................................................................................................................................... 35
Lubrication................................................................................................................................................... 36
Changing the Motor Belt ............................................................................................................................ 38
INDEX 39

Chapter 1 - Before You Begin 5
Chapter 1 - Before You Begin
About This Manual
This Manual is designed to provide you with information about your Multi Axis Engraver (known as MAX), beginning
with unpacking the machine and continuing through installation and lifetime machine maintenance. This manual does not
attempt to teach you how to engrave, how to use a computer or how to use your engraving software. Some previous
knowledge of engraving terms and the engraving process is assumed. For information on the Vision Engraving
Software or the Vision Pro Engraving Software, see the software manuals that came with them. For more
information on your individual computer system, see your computer’s user manual or contact your computer distributor.
Safety
Safety Precautions for the MAX Engraver.
Keep hands clear of the bottom of the spindle, the motor belt and the spindle pulley during operation.
Always stop the machine before making any adjustments.
Do not operate the machine with the covers removed.
Wear safety glasses when cutting any materials that emit chips.
Use extreme caution when inserting or removing cutters.
Before any servicing, disconnect the power cord to the controller and the table cables.
To avoid electric shock or equipment damage, ensure that the control unit is connected to the appropriate electrical
source as noted in the installation procedures.
Never operate the equipment with damaged or frayed power cords, loose connections or exposed extension cords
where someone can step on the cord and create a tripping hazard.
Be sure to hold the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting the controller from an electrical socket or power source.

6 Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
Place the machine in a location with low humidity and a minimum of dust. Avoid placing the equipment in direct
sunlight or in locations with excessive heat. Follow the maintenance instructions for proper cleaning of the Vision
Series 3 Controller air filter, which is contained in the controller manual.
If you machine 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.
Unpacking and Taking Inventory
This area needs to be filled in when we know how the shipping boxes will be.
Specifications
Z-Axis Clearance: 2 inches (50.8 mm)
(Definition: the distance between the bottom of the spindle and the work surface)
Z-Axis Stroke: 2 inches (50.8 mm)
(Definition: the travel distance of the Z-axis mechanism or spindle)
Table Resolution: .0002 inch
(Defintion: the smallest controlled motion the table is capable of)
Engraving Area: 5“ x 9 ” (127 mm x 228 mm)
Rotary Engraving Max Size: 10“ (254 mm)
Overall Dimensions:
Table: 31” Tall x 17“ Wide x 32” Deep (787.4 mm x 431.8 mm x 812.8mm)
Controller: 16“ Tall x 16” Wide x 5“ Deep (406.4 mm x 406.8 mm x 127mm)
Workholding vice: Self-centering vice with pins for holding various clamps
Various cones for holding round objects
Shipping Weight: 300 lbs. (136kg)
Shipping Dimensions: 1 crate - 43” x 41“ x 32” (1092mm x 1041mm x 813mm)

Chapter 2 - Installation 7
Chapter 2 - Installation
Hooking up the table
There are two connections that must be made on the MAX Engraver table. One is a large 25 pin table cable and the other
is a 9 pin cable for the rotary axis. There are also two connections that must be made on the Vision Series 3 Controller.
For detailed instructions on the connections for the Vision Series 3 Controller, please see the controller manual.
Locate the table cable connection box shown in figure 2.1 below.
(Figure 2.1) The table cable connection box
Plug the 25 pin cable into the table cable connection box as shown in figure 2.2 below. Make sure to tighten the two
table cable tightening screws shown below. Caution: Do not overtighten the cable tightening screws.
(Figure 2.2) The table cable tightening screws

8 Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
Locate the rotary axis cable that comes off the back of the MAX Engraver as shown in figure 2.3 below.
(Figure 2.3) The rotary axis cable
Connect the table cable and rotary axis cable to the back of the Vision Series 3 Controller as shown in figure 2.4 below.
The serial cable shown below is the connection to your PC. For more information on this, please see the Vision Series 3
Controller manual. Note: The rotary axis and serial cables are similar in size but they are a different gender. Make sure
that you plug the cables into the correct place.
(Figure 2.4) The Vision Series 3 Controller connections

Chapter 2 - Installation 9
The MAX Engraver is now ready to engrave.

10 Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual

Chapter 3 - Operations 11
Chapter 3 - Operations
Machine Description & Terminology
This chapter briefly describes the major components of the MAX Engraver. The figures below show labeled drawings of
the MAX Engraver. This chapter will help you identify the parts of your table discussed elsewhere in the manual.
*Optional equipment such as clamps, fixtures or vacuum systems may have been included with your system. For information
regarding this equipment, see the individual instructions for these options. For descriptions of controllers, computers and
software used in your system, see the manuals from the manufacturers of these units.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
See Figure 3.1 below
1) Z Stepper Motor - This is the motor that moves the spindle up and down.
2) Spindle Pressure Adjustment Knob - This adjusts how much pressure the spindle applies on the engraved surface.
Screwing the knob downward will apply more pressure and screwing the know upward will apply less pressure.
3) Z leadscrew - This is the screw that drives the up and down motion of the spindle.
4) Spindle Motor - This is the motor that turns the spindle in a clockwise direction.
5) Motor Belt - This is the drive belt that goes between the spindle motor and the spindle.
6) Spindle - This is a belt driven device that is used for rotating engraving & burninshing cutters when rotary cutting. It
also mounts a diamond drag cutter for scratch engraving.
7) Spindle Micrometer and Nose Cone - The micrometer is used to adjust the depth of engraving. The nose cone
rides on the surface of the material being engraved and the cutter sticks out below it.
8) Vice Pins - When using optional clamping fixtures, these pins are used to align the fixtures.
9) Vice - This is the mechanism used for clamping items to be engraved. It also allows the mounting of custom holding
jigs..

12 Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
10) Vice Tightening Handle - Turning this handle clockwise will tighten the vice and turning this handle
counterclockwise will loosen the vice.
(Figure 3.1) The MAX Engraver components
See Figure 3.2 below
1) Gib Adjustment Screws - These screws are used to adjust any play that may appear in the base of the vice. These
are adjusted properly at the factory but can be adjusted for wear by the end user.
2) Tilt Adjustment Handle - This handle allows adjustment of the tilt of the vice.
3) Vice Slide Adjustment Screw - When loosened, this knob allows you to move the tilting vise assembly forwards or
backwards to align different angles on materials.
4) Height Adjustment Knob - This screw allow you to move the tilting vise assembly up or down to accommodate
different thickness materials.

Chapter 3 - Operations 13
(Figure 3.2) The MAX Engraver components
See Figure 3.3 below
1) Head Stock - This is where objects to be rotary engraved will be placed. This is the end that actually drives the
motion.
2) Tail Stock - This is the end where the bottom of your material will be placed. This end is free wheeling and will
follow the motion of the head stock. Different jigs may be used depending on the shape of the object you are
engraving.
(Figure 3.3) The MAX Engraver components
See Figure 3.4 below
1) Optional T-Slot Table - This is an option that allows you to use a T-Slot table on the MAX Engraver. It is used to
hold larger flat items that need to be engraved.

14 Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
(Figure 3.4) The optional T-Slot table
Flat Engraving
Flat Objects - Initial Setup
When setting up to engrave flat material, you must first adjust the distance between the bottom of the spindle nose cone
and the material you are engraving. To do this, the following procedure is required:
1) Make sure that the light on the 4th Axis button on the Vision Series 3 Controller is red. If not, press the 4th axis
button and the spindle will move to the center position of the machine.
2) The distance between the bottom of the spindle and the clamping device must be adjusted to approximately 1 1/2“ as
shown in Figure 3.5 below.
(Figure 3.5) The height adjustment distance

Chapter 3 - Operations 15
3) If the distance is greater than 1 1/2”, loosen the height adjustment screw shown below in figure 3.6. Then raise or lower the vice
until the spacing is approximately 1 1/2“ and tighten the height adjustment screw.
(Figure 3.6) The height adjustment knob
4) Open the vice up so that the spindle nose cone will fit inside. Then press the Z jog down button until the spindle is
down inside the clamp. (see figure 3.7)

16 Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
(Figure 3.7) Lowering the spindle into the clamp
5) Loosen the vice slide adjustment screw shown below in figure 3.8.
(Figure 3.8) The vice slide adjustment screw
6) Push the clamp assembly forwards or backwards to align the spindle up in the center of the clamp. Once the clamp is
centered around the spindle, tighten the vice slide adjustment screw.
7) Press the goto home button on the Vision Series 3 Controller. The spindle will move up to the z home position.
8) Press the 4th Axis button on the Vision Series 3 Controller. The spindle will now move to the back left corner of the
table.
9) When you send a job to the engraver from Vision or Vision Pro, make sure that you select the MaxF Engraver or
Max Flat Engraver machine driver. Using a driver other than these may result in the object not engraving properly.

Chapter 3 - Operations 17
Plates
Clamping plates such as name badges, desk plates and trophy plates are very easy on the MAX Engraver.
Open the clamping device wide enough to accommodate the material you are trying to engrave. To do this, turn the vice
tightening handle counter clockwise to open the vise and clockwise to close the vice. Insert the material into the clamp as
shown in figure 3.9 below.
(Figure 3.9) Clamping flat plates
You must center the material you are engraving on the clamping bars. There is an adjustable material stop that you can
use for quick changing of parts that are the same width. Notice that the ruler is marked from the center out to aid in
centering the material.
For help with setting the spindle and cutters, please see the section on adjusting the spindle.
Pens
Clamping pens requires the use of an optional clamp such as the pen & medallion jig. Mount the pen & medallion jig
onto the clamping device using the 4 included pins & screws to secure it.
Open the clamping device wide enough to accommodate the pen you are trying to engrave. To do this, turn the vice
tightening handle counter clockwise to open the vise and clockwise to close the vice. Insert the material into the clamp as
shown in figure 3.10 below.
(Figure 3.10) Mounting a pen on the MAX engraver

18 Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
Insert the pen into the V shaped opening in the side of the pen & medallion jig and tighten the clamp.
Special Shapes
Clamping special objects requires the use of an optional clamp such as the universal pin jig. Mount the universal pin jig
onto the clamping device as shown.
Open the clamping device wide enough to accommodate the pen you are trying to engrave. To do this, turn the vice
tightening handle counter clockwise to open the vise and clockwise to close the vice. Set the material on the clamp as
shown in figure 3.11 below.
(Figure 3.11) Mounting a special shaped object on the MAX engraver
Insert the pins into the holes in the jig that will allow you to tighten the vice. Once the pins are aligned, tighten the
clamp. Always center the parts for easy setup.
Rotary Engraving
Round Objects - Initial Setup
When setting up to engrave round objects, you must follow the instructions below:
1) Remove any flat engraving jigs that may be installed on the MAX Engraver.
2) Insert the rotary cones into the machine that will accommodate the round object you are engraving.
3) Insert the object you are engraving into the rotary cones and tighten the cones up on the object as shown in figure
3.12 below. To do this, turn the vice tightening handle counter clockwise to open the vise and clockwise to close the
vice. Note: Do not overtighten.
(Figure 3.12) Inserting a round object in the MAX Engraver

Chapter 3 - Operations 19
4) Press the Y jog buttons on the Vision Series 3 Controller to move the spindle towards the center of the object you are
engraving.
5) The distance between the bottom of the spindle and the object you are engraving should be approximately 1 1/2”. If
it is not 1 1/2“, loosen the height adjustment knob and raise or lower the clamping device. See figure 3.13 for height
distance.
(Figure 3.13) Setting the height adjustment
6) Adjust the verticle position of the clamping device. To do this, loosen the vertical movement adjustment knob as
shown below in figure 3.14.
(Figure 3.14) The vertical movement adjustment knob

20 Multi Axis Engraver Operating Manual
7) Move the object you are engraving forwards or backwards until the center of the object directly below the center of
the spindle. Next, tighten the vertical movement adjustment knob.
Level Surface Engraving
When engraving round items that have a straight edge to engrave on, you need to make sure that the tilt adjustment is set
for straight and not angled at all. To do this, loosen the tilt adjustment knob as shown in figure 3.15 below.
(Figure 3.15) The tilt adjustment knob
Next, tilt the clamping assembly up and down while tightening the tilt adjustment lock screw shown below in figure 3.16.
This is a locking screw and will lock the assembly in an exact 90 degree position from the spindle.
(Figure 3.16) The tilt adjustment lock screw