Xenetech Duo 1218 Use and care manual

Xenetech Duo 1218 Installation & Table Manual
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION.........................................................................................................................................5
PLACEMENT OF WARNING LABELS .................................................................................................................7
ABOUT YOUR SYSTEM...........................................................................................................................................8
Outside .................................................................................................................................................................8
Motion System......................................................................................................................................................9
Optics .................................................................................................................................................................10
Table and table elevator assembly.....................................................................................................................10
Laser Tube and Control panel assembly............................................................................................................11
FIRST THINGS FIRST ............................................................................................................................................13
Unpacking the System ........................................................................................................................................13
System Placement...............................................................................................................................................13
Cable Connections .............................................................................................................................................13
Turning On the System for the first time ............................................................................................................14
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION...............................................................................................................................15
Xenetech Graphic Workstation Installation .......................................................................................................15
Viper Communication Suite installation ............................................................................................................16
FEATURES GUIDE..................................................................................................................................................24
Touch Screen......................................................................................................................................................24
ONE FINAL NOTE.....................................................................................................................................................25
THE MAIN MENU ...................................................................................................................................................26
JOBS ........................................................................................................................................................................26
MECHANICAL HOME................................................................................................................................................26
TEMP HOME.............................................................................................................................................................26
JOB OFFSETS............................................................................................................................................................26
MOVE X/Y ..............................................................................................................................................................27
FOCUS......................................................................................................................................................................27
REPORT POSITION....................................................................................................................................................27
THE SETTINGS MENU...........................................................................................................................................28
AIR ASSIST ..............................................................................................................................................................28
BLOWER DELAY ......................................................................................................................................................28

BUZZER ...................................................................................................................................................................28
POINTER ..................................................................................................................................................................29
UNITS ......................................................................................................................................................................29
MOTTLE...................................................................................................................................................................29
HPGL......................................................................................................................................................................30
PREHEAT .................................................................................................................................................................30
FOCAL LENGTH .......................................................................................................................................................30
CONTINUOUS PATH .................................................................................................................................................30
SPEED/POWER .........................................................................................................................................................31
INDEXER ..................................................................................................................................................................31
DUAL HEAD.............................................................................................................................................................31
RUBBER STAMP .......................................................................................................................................................31
DIAMOND DRAG (XENETECH DUO LASER ONLY) ....................................................................................................32
SERVICE ...................................................................................................................................................................33
BEAM ALIGNMENT ..................................................................................................................................................33
TABLE HOME...........................................................................................................................................................33
EDGE/TICKLE ..........................................................................................................................................................33
ZPOSITION ..............................................................................................................................................................34
PERMANENT XY......................................................................................................................................................34
CHECK LIMITS .........................................................................................................................................................34
SELF TEST ...............................................................................................................................................................34
MOTOR PHASE TEST................................................................................................................................................35
IP ADDRESS.............................................................................................................................................................35
RESET MACHINE......................................................................................................................................................35
CHECK HOME ..........................................................................................................................................................35
REGISTRATION.........................................................................................................................................................36
AUTO FOCUS ...........................................................................................................................................................37
Why is the Focus so Important?.........................................................................................................................37
How does it all work? ........................................................................................................................................37
OPTICS ......................................................................................................................................................................37
How does it all work ..........................................................................................................................................37
ACCESSORY OUTLET ...........................................................................................................................................38
ROTARY ENGRAVING ..........................................................................................................................................38
PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................40

Xenetech Duo 1218 Installation & Table Manual
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X Axis and Y Axis ...............................................................................................................................................40
Optics and laser tube aperture...........................................................................................................................40
SUGGESTED CLEANING SCHEDULE ...............................................................................................................41
Cleaning Tips .....................................................................................................................................................41
HIGH PRESSURE BELT - DRIVE BLOWERS....................................................................................................43
BEAM ALIGNMENT ...............................................................................................................................................45
ALIGNING THE BEAM BETWEEN MIRROR#1 AND MIRROR #2 ....................................................................................47
ALIGNING THE BEAM BETWEEN MIRROR#2 AND MIRROR #3 ....................................................................................48
VCS INSTALLED PROGRAMS .............................................................................................................................49
Job Editor...........................................................................................................................................................49
Job Console........................................................................................................................................................49
Job Name Server ................................................................................................................................................49
Motion Mechanic ...............................................................................................................................................50
Machine Parameters ..........................................................................................................................................50
Calibrate GLCD Screen.....................................................................................................................................50
Settings...............................................................................................................................................................50
Job Server Factory.............................................................................................................................................51
CONTACT INFORMATION...................................................................................................................................52
Mailing Address .................................................................................................................................................52
Telephone...........................................................................................................................................................52
E-mail.................................................................................................................................................................52
Website...............................................................................................................................................................52
Online Knowledge Base .....................................................................................................................................52
Distributor Information......................................................................................................................................52

hapter I
Safety Information
Placement of Warning Labels
About Your System
Outside
Motion System
Optics
Table and Table Elevator Assembly
Laser Tube and Control Panel Assembly

Xenetech Duo 1218 Installation & Table Manual
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SAFETY INFORMATION
The Xenetech Duo 1218 Engraving System was designed to meet all CDRH Class II laser safety requirements. It
utilizes an infrared laser as well as two laser diode modules.
The infrared laser is invisible to the naked eye and is used for the actual lasing of material. For your safety, the
engraver is designed so that the infrared laser will not fire when the lid is open. To prevent laser radiation from
entering the eye, do not view direct or reflected laser energy. Never view scattered laser reflections from
metallic surfaces. Laser radiation can be reflected from these surfaces even when the surface is darkened. Direct
or diffuse laser radiation can inflict severe corneal injuries leading to permanent eye damage or blindness.
The laser diode module is red in color and visible to the naked eye. The Xenetech Duo 1218 Engraving System is
equipped with two modules. The first is used as a locator for the infrared laser. This diode can be seen on the
worktable. The second diode module is used as part of the auto focus. Both of these laser modules emit radiation
that is visible and harmful to the human eye. Care should be taken not look directly into the laser emitting
aperture. Direct viewing of laser diode emission at close range may cause eye damage. The clear acrylic window is
specifically designed keep the operator safe from the effects of the diode modules while still allowing for safe and
easy viewing of the worktable.
The Xenetech Duo 1218 Engraving System was built with operator safety in mind. As shipped, this machine is a
Class II laser system. This is primarily due to the on board interlock system. When the lid is raised the infrared
laser is disabled and will be unable to fire. To further protect the operator, any and all movements of the system
are immediately stopped should the lid be raised. Movement speeds are also reduced while using the directional
arrows to move the motion system with the lid open. This is done to further protect the operator from injury. The
Xenetech Duo 1218 Engraving System is also equipped with an emergency mushroom stop which when pressed
disables all power to the system.
As materials are being engraved, they will emit vapors, fumes, and particles that can be harmful to the operator
and/or those in close range. Therefore, OSHA requires that any and all vapors from laser systems be exhausted.
This type of an exhaust system must be installed and operational prior to use of the engraving system. As a
standard, our systems require a 400 CFM minimum of total air flow @ 6” of water, 425m cubed/hour @ 1.5 KPA,
at the exhaust plenum. It is required that the MSDS (material safety data sheet) be readily available for each type
of material being used in the system. For more detailed information on exhaust see Appendix A.
Your new Xenetech laser engraver is an important part of your business. To keep this system running at peak
performance, there are certain environmental conditions that you will need to meet. The temperature in the work
area should range between 60°F - 80°F (15°C - 27°C) with the humidity kept to a minimum. Excessive humidity
and/or high temperatures in the work area will cause condensation which can over time corrode metal parts
and/or short electronic components.
The Xenetech Duo 1218 Engraving System must have adequate ventilation on all four sides to keep the system
cool. A minimum of 6” of space is required from all sides including the top. The upper and lower back of the
system has been outfitted with ventilation holes and fans mounted inside. This ensures that warm air is forced out
of the system and cool dry air is allowed to enter. Constricting this airflow can cause damage to electronic parts by
overheating the controller and/or the laser tube.
The electronic components are sensitive to outside electronic noise. In order to eliminate this noise, the system
needs to be on its own dedicated circuit. This will make certain that these components can run without any type
of interference from other electronic equipment.

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PLACEMENT OF WARNING LABELS
DANGER
LASERRADIATION - DO
NOT STARE INTO BEAM
1 m W CW MAX
LASER DIODE, 630-680 nm
C LASS IIIa LASER PRODUCT
EM ERG ENC Y STO P
Li g h t i n d i c a t e s
the CO2
La se r i s Fi ri n g
Invisible
La se r
Ra d i a t i o n
Po we r
Fu se s
30W-40W
30W-40W
110-240 VAC 50-60 HZ
Selectable
120 VAC-10 AMP
220 VAC-7 AMP

ABOUT YOUR SYSTEM
OUTSIDE
1. Ventilation
2. Lid
3. Emergency Stop Button
4. Laser Signal Light
5. Key Locked Front Panel
6. Three Position Touchscreen
7. Exhaust
8. Input panel
9. Key Locked Rear Panel
10. Key Locked Side Panel
11. Accessory Box Connection
12. Air Assist Port (If Applicable)
13. Ethernet Port
14. On/Off Switch
15. Fuse Holder
16. Power Inlet
2
3
5
6
4
8
1
7
11
16
13
12
15
14
1
9
10

Xenetech Duo 1218 Installation & Table Manual
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MOTION SYSTEM
1. X Axis Motor
2. Lens Carriage Assembly
3. Y Axis Limit Switch Assembly
4. X Axis Motor Pulley
5. X axis limit Switch
6. Auto Focus Module
7. X Axis Belt
8. X Axis Rail
9. Number 3 Mirror
10. Plunger Assembly
11. Diamond Drag Assembly
12. Lens
13. Encoder
14. Number 2 Mirror Assembly
15. Phototransistor (inside opening)
16. Y Axis Motors
17. Y Axis Drive Belt
18. Y Axis Bearings
19. Y Axis Rails
7
21
5
4
3
9
10
11
17
16
18
19
13
6
8
12
14
15

OPTICS
1. Mirror #1
2. Combiner Mirror
3. Mirror #2
4. Mirror #3
5. Lens
TABLE AND TABLE ELEVATOR ASSEMBLY
1. Work table
2. X axis ruler
3. Y axis ruler
4. Table Leadscrew Assembly
5. Z Axis Motor
6. Z Axis Belt
7. Table Mount
8. Leadscrew Mounts
9. Z Axis Leadscrew Bearing
10. Z Axis Leadscrew
11. Z Axis Pulley
2
3
1
9
10
7
5
4
6
11
8
1
2
3
5
4

Xenetech Duo 1218 Installation & Table Manual
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LASER TUBE AND CONTROL PANEL ASSEMBLY
1. Laser Tube
2. Control Board
3. Control Board Power Supply
4. Laser Tube Power Supply
The above view is from the rear of the system with the upper cover and access panels
removed. Controller and laser tube wiring not shown.
1
2
3
4

hapter II
First Things First
Unpacking the System
System Placement
Cable Connections
Turning On the System For the First Time
Software Installation
Xenetech Graphic Workstation Installation
Viper Communication Suite Installation
Detecting Your System
Testing Your IP Connection
Updating Firmware

Xenetech Duo 1218 Installation & Table Manual
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FIRST THINGS FIRST
UNPACKING THE SYSTEM
Let’s take a moment to make sure that all of the necessary packaging has been removed from the laser. With the
lid raised, you will notice that the lens carriage assembly is wrapped in foam. This is to protect it from harm during
shipment. Also notice that the bridge has been secured for shipment as well. Carefully remove the banding from
the bridge assembly and discard. Take special care when removing the foam from the lens carriage assembly.
Both the straps and the foam need to be removed prior to turning on the system.
SYSTEM PLACEMENT
Before setting up your new system, there are several things that need to be considered.
•You will need to have adequate access to the right side panel as part of your preventive maintenance as
well as for technician service should it ever be needed. This panel will expose the mirrors and allow for
beam alignments and cleaning, therefore you will need standing room on this side of the laser.
•Keep in mind that the vents on the left, right and rear of the machine will need at least 6 inches of
clearance to allow for air to pass through the system properly. Remember, this air is what keeps the tube
and the electronics cool. If you don’t give the system adequate airflow, you more likely to have controller
and tube failures.
•Just above the input panel is the exhaust port. Make certain that the system is far enough from the back
wall as to not pinch off the ventilation hose.
•If you are setting the system on a table, consider placing it in the middle. Putting the system near the
ends could cause the table to tilt from the weight.
•When running the cables from the input panel, make sure that they are not stretched tight. This will
prevent unnecessary strain for the input panel and will also prevent cable and/or wire breakage.
•Place the system close to the computer that will be running the laser. This will help ensure that the
operator is always nearby while it is engraving and can have quick access to the emergency stop button
should something go wrong.
•The front access panel is not a storage compartment. Make sure that your new laser is set up so that
there is plenty of room near the system for material storage.
CABLE CONNECTIONS
All of the necessary cables are included with your Xenetech Duo 1218 Engraving System. All of the cables connect
to the input panel which is located at the lower right hand corner of the back of the system.
1. Connect one end of the power cable to the input panel. Connect the other end to a wall outlet.
Included in your accessories are a red and a grey Ethernet cable. The method in which your computer will
communicate with the system will dictate which cable to use.
•Red Ethernet Cable – if you are running this engraving system through a network hub, router or switch,
then you will use the red cable.

•Grey Ethernet Cable – if you are running this engraving system directly from the computer, then you will
use the grey cable.
IF YOU USE THE WRONG CABLE AT THIS PHASE, THEN YOUR SYSTEM WILL NOT
CONNECT ONCE THE SOFTWARE IS INSTALLED. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW THE
SYSTEM IS TO BE CONNECTED, THEN CALL YOUR DISTRIBUTOR OR CALL US. (SEE
APPENDIX E FOR CONTACT INFORMATION)
2. Once you have chosen the correct Ethernet cable for your application,
connect one end to the input panel. Connect the other end of the cable to
the computer or network as applicable.
3. You will also find an accessory outlet supplies with the system. The power
cord will plug into a wall outlet (not the dedicated circuit). The other cable
will plug into the input panel on the back of the engraving system. Once
you have made these two connections, place the box behind the laser and
plug your exhaust into this box. The workings of the accessory outlet are
described in greater detail later in this manual.
4. Connect the hose from your exhaust system to the exhaust port located to
the right side of the input panel.
TURNING ON THE SYSTEM FOR THE FIRST TIME
Once all the connections are made its time to turn you new laser engraver
on. With the lid closed, turn on the power switch located on the input panel
just above the power cable connection. The touchscreen will illuminate and
display the Xenetech logo. The motion system will then begin to move to
the home position. Once the motion system has stopped moving your
touchscreen should look like this.
Ethernet
Cable
Accessory
Outlet Power
Cable

Xenetech Duo 1218 Installation & Table Manual
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SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
There are two programs that are needed to run the system. The first is the Xenetech Graphic Workstation (XGW
for short). This software is what you will use to create the layouts that the system will engrave. The second is the
Viper Communication Suite (VCS for short). This software detects and maintains the connection between the
computer and the engraving system.
Before you begin the installation, make sure that you have completed everything in the “First Things First” section
of this manual.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE XENETECH GRAPHIC WORKSTATION BE INSTALLED PRIOR TO THE VIPER
COMMUNICATION SUITE. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN CAUSE COMMUNICATION ISSUES AND/OR
EQUIMPENT MALFUNCTION.
XENETECH GRAPHIC WORKSTATION INSTALLATION
1. Insert the Xenetech Professional Engraving Systems software CD into your CDROM drive. If auto play is
enabled on your PC then you will see the Xenetech Installation menu. If auto play is not enabled, then
browse the CD and double click on the icon.
2. Click the button.
3. Click the button. Keep in mind that the software version you are installing might
very well be a newer version than what you see here.
4. Click the button.
MAKE SURE TO CHOOSE THE FULL VERSION!
5. On the welcome screen, click to continue.
6. Please read and accept the license agreement and select .
7. Enter your name and your company name and select .
8. It is recommended that you keep the default destination folder for the software installation. However, if
you should choose to have XGW installed elsewhere on your computer, select browse and choose a
folder. Otherwise select to continue.
9. Scroll down the list of system types, choose XL Duo Engraving System and select .
10. Xenetech has over 100 engraving fonts available to you for purchase. For the installation, you can choose
40 of them for free. Take a moment and look through the font book located on the XGW CD and pick the
40 fonts that you would like to install. You can also select the button. This will select the
40 most commonly used engraving fonts. Select when finished.
11. Select to set up the program folders and icons.
Steps 12 -14 will only be necessary if you do not have the needed Microsoft software installed on your computer.
12. The next screen you will see is the Redistributable setup. Select to continue.
13. Read the license terms and select the checkbox. Select to begin.
14. Once redistributable setup is finished select .

The next three dialog boxes all refer setting the software up for an Ethernet connection. Your XL Duo Engraving
System will only run via Ethernet. Please select yes to the remaining three dialog boxes.
VIPER COMMUNICATION SUITE INSTALLATION
The XGW software can be set up to operate the Viper System as Engraver #1 or #2
Please make sure to read these instructions carefully so you will have a complete
understanding of how to set your system up correctly. If you have any questions on
the type of connection to use, contact your distributor or Xenetech.
Insert the Xenetech Professional Engraving Systems software CD into
your CDROM drive. If auto play is enabled on your PC then you will see
the Xenetech Installation menu. If auto play is not enabled, then browse
the CD and double click on the icon. Doing this will run the
CD and will also show the Xenetech Installation menu.
Click on the button.
To Install the Viper Communications Suite, click on the
button.
Select to begin the installation.

Xenetech Duo 1218 Installation & Table Manual
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Take a moment and read the license agreement. Once ready,
select to continue
We always recommend installing any Xenetech related software
in the default directory. Select to continue.
Select to continue.
And once again, select to continue.

The software will now be installed on your computer. You can
watch the progress bar to determine how much time is left in the
installation.
DETECTING YOUR SYSTEM
As part of the installation process, you can let VCS help you detect and set
up your system. Just click to do this.
If you would rather not set up any systems at this time or already know
what you are doing,, then press to exit the installer without
setting up any systems.
You will want to take note of the following information should you have any issues with communicating with your
system after the installation process. Most users will not have to make any modifications to their computers, but
some cases might require exceptions be made for ports. For those instances, your network administrator can take
care of that for you.
Note to Network Administrators: VCS uses the following ports in order to
communicate with the system. Please make sure that these ports are open and
available:
IP: 23, 29 and 30
UDP: 6201, 6202, 6203, 6207 and 6221
So before we begin, let’s make sure that the Engraving System is turned on.
You can look at the Touch Screen on the pendant to verify. If you see the
menus on the pendant then your machine is turned on.

Xenetech Duo 1218 Installation & Table Manual
19
This is the Connection Manager screen. If your system is turned on and connected properly, you will see it here in
this window. If you have only one engraver then you will only see one connection on the screen. If you have
several Xenetech engraving systems then you might see something like what is shown above.
If you look at the Machine Name column, you will see two types of machine types, each followed by numbers.
Viper means a Xenetech Rotary systems and LMC represents a Xenetech Laser system. The four digit number after
represents the controller board serial number. So which connection is mine? If you look at your pendant for a
moment you will see tabs along the top of the screen. Touch the INFO tab. Now look about halfway down to the
line that reads:
CTRL: LC520R2 SN# (your specific controller board serial number will be displayed here)
Direct your attention to the top of the screen. The bubble will also instruct you on
what to do for each step as well.
Now I know that my controller board number is 4752, so I will set up a connection with
Viper (4752). So as the bubble says, right click on the connection and select Add.
The first thing we need to do is let VCS know if we are installing a
Laser System or a Rotary System. We also need to let VCS know if
this is the only engraver or not. So let’s determine it this way.
If this is your only system running VCS then you will select for
engraver 1.
If you have another system running VCS already, then you will select
engraver 2.
For this installation, I am setting up for XLT 13x25. This is a Laser
System and it is my only engraver using VCS, so I will select “Laser
Defaults for engraver 1”.
Also be sure to check the box that says “Auto Launch Job Name Server”.
When finished click

Now we need to set our machine type. Select the folder for
your type of system. In my case, I have a laser system so I
will open the laser folder.
On the next screen you will need to choose either the Color
Screen folder or the Monochrome Screen folder. Do not
guess at which screen you have. Loading the wrong
firmware can cause damage to the controller! Here is how to
determine which screen you currently have.
There are two types of monochrome screens. One is a green screen with dark blue/black lettering and the other is
blue screen with white lettering. If either of these matches the type of screen you have then you should choose
the monochrome screen folder.
If your screen is multicoloured (black background with blue menus and yellow text), then you have a color
touchscreen. If this is the case then you will choose the color screen folder.
Now select the file for your system. Each file is named after the
individual systems. For example, if you have a Xenetech 9x12 then you
would select the 912.xmi file. If you have a Xenetech 25x50, then you
would select the2550.xmi file. For me, I have an XLT 13x25 so I will
select the laser 1325 file.
Once you have selected the proper file, select .
TESTING YOUR IP CONNECTION
Next, let’s check our connection and make sure that we are communicating with
the engraving system before we continue. To do this, right click on your
connection in the Connection Manager window and select Test IP.
This is the IP Address Test Tool. To begin, simply press the button.
You will see that VCS attempts to establish a connection on each of the three
ports. It looks like everything is working fine thus far. Let’s click on
to move on.
Back at the Connection Manager window, the bubble says to close the Connection Manager window. So do that
now.