Lesson Category: Fusion Pro

Epilog Laser System Initial Setup

January 29, 2025
Billy

Step 1: Turn on Your Machine

Begin by turning on your laser system. The power switch is located on the side near the back of the machine for all models: Fusion Maker, Edge, Pro, and Galvo.

For the Fusion Pro 48 and Fusion Galvo G100, there’s an additional key to turn on the machine. This key also helps restrict access to the system. Ensure it’s in the ‘on’ position.

Step 2: Demo Walkthrough

Once the machine boots up, the setup wizard will launch. First, choose your language. Click the arrow to proceed to the next step.

If the startup screen does not appear, such as if you purchased your system used, you can access this feature by clicking the Settings icon. Now click the Tutorial icon.

Next, you’ll be asked to name your system. Click in the box to add a name. Get creative or keep it simple – name it however you like, then click OK.

Click the arrow to proceed to the next step.

A reminder will appear about connecting an exhaust or filtration system. This is essential for proper airflow and safety. Click the arrow once you have your exhaust unit connected.

Step 3: Run Demo Job on Fusion Maker/Edge/Pro

Now, let’s see the laser in action! Press the arrow to load the job in your laser system. You’ll see a file named ‘Epilog Demo’ in the file list.

In your Training Suite Kit, you’ll find a 3.5” x 2” anodized aluminum piece. For Fusion Maker, Edge, and Pro models, place it in the top-left corner of the engraving table.

Press the start button to run the job.

Step 4: Run Demo Job on the Fusion Galvo

For the Fusion Galvo, raise the door by clicking the raise door icon.

Place the anodized card at the center of the engraving table.

Press the arrow to continue.

You’ll see a file named ‘Epilog Demo’ in the file list.

Select the trace icon to place your artwork.

Press the start button to start engraving.

With the first engraving successfully completed, next, the setup wizard will guide you through connecting the laser to your computer or network.

Step 5: Connecting to the Laser

You can choose USB, Wireless, or Ethernet. Let’s start with USB options – press the USB button.

Connect a USB cable from your laser to the computer.

Click the arrow to continue.

Next we’ll look at the wireless capabilities of the laser. Below the Wireless button, there’s a toggle for turning wireless capabilities on or off. If needed, you can completely disable wireless by pressing the minus button.

This disables the laser’s wireless capabilities, but let’s turn them back on by clicking the plus button.

To connect via wireless, press the wireless button.

Select your wireless network.

Choose if your network uses WPA2 Personal or Open security, then press the arrow to continue.

Enter your security key, then click Ok.

You can either automatically obtain an IP address or assign one manually. Press the arrow to continue

If you’re connecting by Ethernet cable, press the Ethernet button.

Connect the included Ethernet cable to your laser and the computer or network.

Just like with wireless, you can choose to obtain an IP address automatically or enter one manually. Press the arrow to continue.

Once your connection is set up, the wizard will prompt you to install the Epilog Software Suite. Press the arrow to continue.

You’ll reference this IP address in the Software Suite. Now, let’s install the software suite.

Step 6: Firmware Installation

Visit Epilog’s website, go to Support, click Driver and Firmware Downloads, and select your laser system.

You’ll see two choices, to download the software suite, or the firmware. The firmware on a new system should be the latest available, so there is no need to download the firmware. Click Go to Software Downloads.

Click Download Software Suite.

After the file downloads, open the file.

Select Extract All.

Click Show extracted files when complete, then click the Extract button.

Double click the .exe file.

Click Install anyway.

Click Next.

Click Next again.

You can read the software license, then click “I accept the licenses”, then next.

Click Install.

If a warning screen appears, click Install anyway.

After the install is complete, click Next.

There will be another license that you can read. Click I accept the license, then next.

With Run Epilog Software Suite Now selected, click Finish.

Step 7: Add System to Job Manager

After installation, the Job Manager will open, and you’re ready to add your laser system. On the Laser System tab, click the plus button to add a laser system.

The system will search for any laser systems new to the network. Click on the image of the laser system.

Click Finish.

Now you can see your laser system has been added to your machine list with the IP address, wattage, and other information easily accessed.

If the laser system isn’t automatically found, click Add Manually.

Choose your laser system and the wattage.

Then type in the IP address that is on the display panel of the laser. You can also enter your Serial Number for future reference or add this later.

Give the laser the same name you entered at the machine, and click finish.

Back on the display panel, press the arrow to continue.

You’ll be reminded that jobs are saved permanently on the machine only if you click the save icon. Press the arrow to continue.

You can choose to opt-in for sharing analytics data with Epilog, which helps improve future software updates. Click the arrow to continue.

Everything we’ve set up today is also accessible in the settings menu at any time. Click the arrow to finish and start creating amazing projects with your Epilog Laser system!

Sending Your First Job to the Laser

January 20, 2025
Billy

Choose Your Design Software

Epilog’s laser systems work through the Epilog Laser Software Suite, built on an open-architecture design so you can create your artwork files in many different graphic software packages, including CorelDraw, Illustrator, Photoshop, AutoCAD, and many more.Choose the software that you’re most comfortable with, so you don’t need to spend valuable time learning a new program.

Sending a Job

In your design software, start by choosing your page size. There are two popular options for page size: either setting it to the size of the piece you are working with, or to the size of the engraving table. Either method will allow you to easily position your artwork.

Here we have a groomsman gift we’re going to engrave on a coated metal flask. If we set this up to the size of the object we’re engraving, 3.75” x 3.75”, we can easily position this graphic to the center of the image.

If we set the page size to the size of the engraving bed, we can easily fill up the entire table with multiple flasks. We can duplicate the image across the page for the number we need. And edit each design to customize them.

Since we’re engraving one flask today, we’ll change the page size back to the size of a single item. Once we’re happy with our design, we’re ready to send it to the laser.

Print the file, just as you would to a paper printer.

In the Printer drop-down menu you’ll find the Epilog Engraver that was added when you installed the Epilog Software Suite.

Select Print.

Laser Dashboard Settings

The job will appear in the Laser Dashboard, Epilog’s interface between the design and the laser where you’ll set up all of your settings. Here we can position our graphic using either the top left corner of the engraving bed, or using the camera for positioning.

For the material settings, you can use our common materials list to get started. Click the Folder with a down arrow icon to open the materials list.

You’ll find multiple materials listed here that you can use as a jumping off place for fine tuning your own material settings. Since this is a coated metal, we’ll choose the anodized aluminum 500 DPI engraving settings.

Click the Import button to use these settings. We can easily adjust these settings as needed.

And print the file to the laser.

Run the Job

At the laser, select your job and press the Start button.

Use these step-by-step tips to start creating your own beautiful and profitable projects!

How to Permanently Save Jobs on Your Laser Engraver

November 15, 2024
Billy

How to Save a Job

Saving a job to your laser is quick and simple and can allow any operator to access and run a popular job even if they aren’t experienced with the file themselves.

After sending a job to the laser you can see it in the list.

Permanently saved jobs appear with a computer disk icon next to them and will be instantly available after you turn on the machine.

To permanently save the job, long press on the job file listed on the display panel.

When the save icon appears, click it.

Now you can see in the job listing that the job is permanently saved and will be available at the machine until it is manually deleted.

Managing Saved Files

Your laser machine can store multiple files until the internal memory reaches its 1 GB limit. When this happens, it’s time to clear some space. To remove a saved file, simply long press the job you want to delete.

Click the trash can icon.

Click Yes.

And the job will no longer appear in the list of files.

By saving your most used jobs directly to your laser, you save time, increase efficiency, and eliminate the need to go back to the computer for repeated tasks. It’s all about making your workflow smoother and faster!

Permanently saving jobs on your laser has never been easier. Take full advantage of your machine’s internal memory and keep your most important jobs ready to go at the touch of a button.

Using the Rim-Style Rotary Attachment

January 17, 2024
Billy

Install the Rotary

To install the Rotary Attachment, lower the table and turn off the machine.

Place the Rotary at the top-left corner of the table.

Attach the plug to the machine at the top-right corner of the bed.

Turn the machine back on.

Placing the Glass

Place the lip of the glass under the top roller.

Move the right side of the Rotary Attachment so the glass sits on the rim.

A level can help to make sure the glass is even.

Rotate the knob up or down to level the engraving area.

Focusing the Laser

Move the laser over the center of the glass.

Place the Manual Focus Gauge.

Raise the table so the glass touches the bottom of the Focus Gauge

Setup Artwork

We’ll be engraving this logo on a glass mug.

Start by changing the color to 70% black, which helps with a smoother engraving.

Select any part of the logo and go to Select > Same > Fill Color

Double click the fill color and change it to 70% black.

Print to the laser.

Configure Laser

Click and Rotate 90 degrees

In the Advanced tab, set the Centering Point as Center-Center.

Turn on the Rotary setting.

Back in the Preview tab, we can see a red dot representation of the center point of our graphic.

Import the glass engraving settings.

Make sure the dithering is set to Stucki.

Press the Print button.

Run the Job

At the laser, move the Red Dot Pointer to the center of where you want the engraving.

Click Centering Point.

Back in the job list with your job select, press the Start button.

The laser will engrave your artwork around that center point.

It’s that easy!

How to Quickly Make an Engraving Fix

January 17, 2024
Billy

Isolate Text

This initial engraving looks good, but the text portion could be deeper!

Turn off the camera.

Ungroup your artwork.

Select the text and Separate by Selection. You’ll see two processes listed now.

Turn off the photo process.

Adjust Settings

Adjust your settings for the deeper engraving.

Turn the video view back on and line up your artwork with the engraving.

And print the file to the laser.

Now it’s perfectly lined up and looks ready to sell!

Using Registration Marks to Cut Preprinted Acrylic Keychains

October 27, 2021
Billy

Setup Files

Here we have a sheet of keychains to cut out of an acrylic sheet we had preprinted with the flower design.

In CorelDRAW, you can also see the file we printed, along with the four registration marks printed at the corners of the design.

First, we’ll turn on the Objects docker by going to Window > Dockers > Objects.

We’ll turn off the printing objects layer and turn off printing of that layer.

Next, we’ll turn on the view of the cutting objects and printing of that layer.

And repeat this process for the registration marks.

The registration marks for the laser are an outline of the printed black circles.

We’ll just use two here to save time when setting up the job.

Print the file to the laser.

Define Laser Settings

There are two processes: Engrave and Vector.

Click the Registration marks symbol for the Engrave layer.

On the Vector layer, import the settings for acrylic cutting 1/8”.

Click Send to Job Manager to continue with your project using the registration camera.

Connect Registration Marks

In the Job Manager, select the flower-keychains.cdr file in the uncategorized files section.

In the job preview window you will see a pink registration mark highlighted.

Find the corresponding mark in the camera view and select it.

Once selected, the second registration mark is highlighted. Choose the corresponding mark.

Now confirm that the outlines are roughly positioned over the actual cut lines and click Confirm.

The hunting routine will begin with the camera exactly positioning the artwork using the registration marks.

When the screen closes, it has been sent to the laser.

Run the Job

Select the flowers-keychain job at the laser and press the start button.

The laser will cut the keychains out of the acrylic precisely regardless of where the sheet is on the table.

And you have great personalized keychains ready to sell!

X-Axis Assembly Replacement

October 27, 2021
Billy

X-Axis Assembly Removal

First, power off and unplug the machine.

Using a 5/32” Allen Key, remove the right side panel from the machine.

Using a 5/32” Allen Key, remove the left side panel from the machine.

Manually move the x-axis assembly to the middle of the engraver.

Remove the lens tube by using a Philips head screwdriver to unscrew the captive screw securing the front lens clamp.

Remove the left and right bellows on both sides of the machine by loosening the six (6) 5/16” nuts which secure them in place.

Put on the anti-static wrist strap. Clip the strap on to any metal part of the machine. Always wear the anti-static strap to avoid damaging the unit through static discharge.

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the 4 screws that secure the x-axis motor drive board cover and set the cover to the side.

Now, disconnect the 7 electrical connectors from the drive board and set the board to the side.

Remove the 4 mounting screws supporting the drive board using a Phillips Screwdriver.

Take off the anti-static wrist strap until needed when replacing the motor drive board.

Remove the four 5/32” fasteners that secure the x-axis assembly to the y-axis bearings. There are two on the right side and two on the left side.

Slide the x-axis assembly out of the engraver through the right side of the machine, taking care to clear the carriage assembly through the opening without damage.

X-Axis Assembly Installation

Insert the x-axis assembly through the right side of the engraver, taking care to clear the carriage assembly through the opening without damage.

Once fully inserted, place the x-axis assembly onto the y-axis bearing blocks. On the y-axis bearing blocks is a locating pin that ensures the correct placement on the x-axis assembly. These pins fit into an opening on both the left and right side of the x-axis assembly.

Install and/or tighten the four 5/32” fasteners that secure the x-axis assembly to the y-axis bearings. There are two on the right side and two on the left side.

Put on the anti-static wrist strap, clipping the strap to any metal part of the machine.

Replace the 4 mounting screws supporting the drive board with a Phillips Screwdriver.

Reconnect the seven (7) electrical connectors from the drive board. The electrical connectors on the drive board are all unique and as such, will only fit into one receptacle.

Replace the x-axis motor drive board cover and tighten the 4 screws securing it.

Reconnect the left and right bellows on both sides of the machine and tighten the six 5/16” nuts which secure them in place.

Install the lens tube by tightening the Phillips screw on the retaining collar which secures it, ensuring that it does not fall.

Replace both the left and right panels of the engraver.

Plug in and power on the machine.

After installation of a new x-axis assembly, confirm the home position is accurate and recalibrate it if needed.

Using the 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

August 30, 2021
Billy

Installing the 3-Jaw Chuck

Before we get started, we will need to lower the laser table far enough to accommodate the Rotary Attachment

Once the table is low enough, power off the machine.

Measure & record the diameter of the cylinder you plan on engraving; you will need this measurement later when setting up your parameters in the print driver.

To adjust the Rotary for the cylinder length, depress the blue anodized idle-side handle to move the support mechanism left or right to accommodate for different length cylinders.

Select the appropriate jaw sizes, fixture plates and / or centering devices to fixture your cylinder in place in the rotary.

The following fixture plates and additional components are included with all 3-Jaw Rotary Attachments:

Fixture plates (2 each)
Idle-side centering fixture (1 each)
Plate spindle (1 each)
Plate fixture thumb screws (2 each)
3-Jaw tightening pins (2 each)
Chuck Jaws (3 each of 3 sizes for different diameter parts/components)

Insert the cylinder into the 3-Jaw Chuck and tighten the chuck so the cylinder is held firmly in place. Cylinders can be held from the inside diameter, or the outside diameter.

You will need to use the two tightening pins that are provided with the chuck in order to clamp the cylinder tightly into place.

In some cases, you may need to turn the adjustment knob at the far right end of the 3-Jaw Rotary to lower or raise the right side of the cylinder, and ensure the engraving surface is perfectly level.

We recommend using a small level to ensure your rotary projects are set up properly.

Plug in the Rotary Attachment and position it in the upper left corner of the table.

Using the 3-Jaw Chuck

Now you may power the laser back on.

Once the laser has finished booting up, set the focus on your engraving piece. The 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary is designed to use manual focusing only. Auto focus cannot be used with the 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary.

Turn on the Red Dot Pointer.

Select the Jog Menu button on the Control Panel and use the Joystick to move the carriage until the Manual Focus Gauge is above the point of focus.

Place the Manual Focus Gauge onto the laser assembly.

Select the Focus Menu button on the Control Panel and use the Joystick to move the table up and down to focus on your cylinder.

Remove the Manual Focus Gauge when finished focusing.

Now it’s time to set the Home Position

Select the Jog Menu button on the Control Panel, and use the Joystick to move the red pointer to the point on your cylinder where you want your Home Position to be located.

Select the Centering Point icon to set the new Home Position.

With the rotary installed, the diameter measured, and the cylinder held tightly in place, you are ready to print.

In the Epilog Dashboard you will need to use the Preview tab and Advanced tab to set your laser parameters.

In the Advanced tab, Select Center-Center engraving mode.

Then select the 3-Jaw Chuck option and input your cylinder diameter.

Now navigate to the Preview tab to set your Speed, Power, and other laser parameters.

Once your parameters are set, print the job to the laser.

Close the top access door on your laser system.

From the Display panel, select your job and press the Go button to start your job.

Remove the 3-Jaw Chuck

Once you are finished using the 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary, always remember to first turn off the power to the laser before unplugging the rotary.

Once the laser is powered off, depress the release tab on the connector and unplug the connector. You may now remove the Rotary Attachment.

Unpacking the Laser

August 30, 2021
Billy

Open the Packaging

Begin by moving the pallet and machine into the center of a room or open space.

Start by using scissors or a utility knife to cut the box straps. Stand clear of the straps, as they are under high tension and may pop out at high speed when cut.

Remove any smaller boxes from the top of the large, primary box (which contains your Fusion Pro). These smaller boxes will contain any optional accessories you purchased with your machine. Set them aside for later use.

Now remove the strapping and the wooden box topper.

Cut the tape that is securing the box, then open the box.

Remove the foam topper and the foam corner inserts.

With the foam inserts removed, pull the box up and away from the pallet.

Cut the tape that’s holding the bag closed, then spread the bag over the sides of the machine.

Remove the Machine

With the help of an additional person, lift your Fusion Edge laser system from the pallet and place it on a sturdy, level surface.

Included Items and Materials

Once you’ve removed the machine from the pallet, remove the plastic bag

You’ll find the included items and materials stored underneath.

Your Fusion Pro laser system includes:

Power cord
Ethernet cord
USB cord
Software Installation USB
Quick Start Guide
Owner’s Manual
Training Suite Signup Card and Kit
Vendor Material Sample Kit
Lens Cleaner
Laser Beam Alignment Target
Bearing Lubrication Grease, and
Camera Calibration Sheet

Cleaning Your Optics

August 30, 2021
Billy

Cleaning the Focusing Lens

The mirrors in the periscope housing are enclosed, and will likely require cleaning less often than the other components of the optics system.

Let’s start by jogging the laser assembly toward the front of the machine for access to the optics, then we’ll turn off the machine.

The focusing lens is mounted inside the lens tube, so we’ll need to remove the lens tube for access to clean the focusing lens.

To remove the lens tube, we’ll start by slightly loosening the captive screws holding the lens assembly face plate in place.

Then rotate the face place to the left until you can see the top section of the lens tube and optics mirror. Now tighten the upper left captive screw to hold the faceplate in a upward position. This will allow for better access to the lens tube and mirror during the cleaning process.

Using the tip of the focus gauge, place it into one of the holes in the ridged ring at the top of the lens tube and rotate it to the left to loosen the lens tube.

Unplug the air assist tube from the top of the lens assembly, then slide the lens tube forward toward the front of the machine and away from optics assembly.

With the lens tube removed, twist off the cone piece at the bottom of the tube to reveal the bottom side of the lens.

To clean the lens, use a high-quality cotton swab moistened with the optics cleaner supplied in the accessory kit, then use the dry side of the cotton swab to remove any excess moisture.

NOTE: Never use Isopropyl Alcohol or Hardware grade Acetone, they contain impurities which can damage the optics in your machine. If you run out of the cleaner supplied by Epilog, Reagent or laboratory grade Alcohol can be substituted. Also, if “Golden Grain” or “Everclear” are available in your area these are also good substitutes for the optical cleaning solution.

Once the optics have been cleaned allow the optics time to dry, then twist the cone piece securely back on to the bottom of the lens tube.

Slide the lens tube back into the lens assembly making sure the air assist port is facing the right side. Then connect the top of the air assist tube back to the port on the lens assembly.

Tighten the ridged ring at the top of the lens tube by rotating it to the right using the manual focus gauge.

Cleaning the Mirror

Now we’ll move on to cleaning the optics assembly mirror. The mirror is located on the front side of the assembly and is also simple to clean.

Start by twisting the knob on the top right side of the assembly counterclockwise to loosen the mirror.

Now remove the mirror from the assembly by sliding it out towards the front of the machine.

To clean the mirror, use a high-quality cotton swab moistened with the optics cleaner supplied in the accessory kit, and use the dry side of the cotton swab to remove any excess moisture.

After the mirror has been cleaned and is completely dry, place it back into the assembly with the mirror angled down towards the table. Tighten the knob that secures the mirror in place. Lastly, close the optics assembly face plate by sliding it back into position and tightening the captive screws.

As a final note, and again, never use Isopropyl Alcohol or Hardware grade Acetone, as they contain impurities which can damage the optics in your machine.