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laser-operations [2023/07/20 18:01]
Craig Goldsmith [Power Up] 		laser-operations [2023/07/20 18:01] (current)
Craig Goldsmith [Work Piece Setup and Calibration]
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-==== Work Piece Setup and Calibration ==== 
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-=== Work Piece Bracing === 
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-  * Open the laser cabinet 
-  * Insert your work piece onto the honeycomb bed 
-  * Ensure that your work piece is flat on the surface. 
-      * If your piece is not entirely flat, you may consider applying magnets to the workpiece to brace, lift, or flatten it. __**Do NOT place magnets in the laser path.**__  Always assert that magets are placed OUTSIDE of the permiter drawn by the laser "Test" operation. 
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-{{  :laser_magnets.jpg?300x400  |laser_magnets.jpg}} 
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-//Use magnets and spacers as needed to align, flatten, or shim your workpiece.// 
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-=== Laser Focus Calibration === 
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-The laser should be focused to your workpiece on every cut. 
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-  * Grab the focus tool from it's very special home on the top, right surface of the laser. 
-  * Lower the Z stage until there is a large enough gap between your work piece and the focus plunger (on the laser head) for the focus tool to fit in between. 
-      * Press Z > DOWN-ARROW to lower the stage from the control panel 
-  * Slide the focus tool between your work piece and the focus plunger. 
-      * Ensure that only the plunger will make contact with the block as we anticipate the Z stage moving upwards. Take extra precaution to ensure that the block is not in the laser path (e.g. not in the same path as the laser head). Also, avoid plunging into the "FOCUS TOOL" lettering. 
-  * While still in the Z menu, press "DATUM". 
-  * After the Z stage stops moving, remove the focus tool block by carefully sliding it out from above your work piece. 
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-{{  :laser_focus_tool.jpg?300x400  |laser_focus_tool.jpg}} 
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-//As with all tools, always return the Focus Tool to its home!// 
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-(need focusing procedure support imagery) 
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-=== Go Time === 
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-It's almost time to cut! 
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-  * Move the laser to the origin of your cut. 
-      * Hopefully, you set a reasonable origin when prepping your file in the CAM software. Generally, the origin is set to the bottom left of a virtual square drawn around your design. If you don't know with certainty where your origin is, go check now. 
-  * Place your left hand pointer finger near the "Stop" button, and your right hand over the "Test" button. 
-      * You will press "Test" and observe the laser traverse the outline of your design. If laser head exceeds the boundaries of your expected design and you fear that it will hit any of the limits of its availabel travel, hit stop immediately! 
-      * Press "Test" 
-  * Now you're ready. Read through the pre-flight checklist one last time, then press "Start". 
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-{{  :laser_preflight_checklist.jpg?300x225  |laser_preflight_checklist.jpg}} 
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-//Pre-flight checklist// 
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-  * Watch over your print. You are required to be present in front of laser during all cuts. Enjoy! 
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