MECHANICAL
This section covers topics related to fabrication and assembly of hardware components.
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Training
Training
Mech101: Slides
Loctite
Loctite
video / slides (coming soon)
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Green
Red
OMTech Pro Laser Cutter
OMTech Pro Laser Cutter
Training Slides / Video
SAFETY FIRST
WARNING: Laser radiation can cause serious eye and skin injury--Treat the machine as live whenever it is powered
Wear eye protection
Ensure chiller is on
Monitor cuts at all times
Keep front flap open and vent all fumes
Guard the E-stop for emergencies
Do not cut Polycarb or Delrin with mentor approval
START UP:
Cooler - ON
Coolant Level - Checked
Fluid level should be in the green
E-stop - confirm OFF
Main power - ON
Laser Key - ON
Computer - ON
BED SET UP:
Laser bed - Clear of scraps
New material - Secured
Use metal clips and magnetic weight to ensure no movement
Ensure laser head does not collidae with metal weights
Laser head - FOCUS
Failure to do so will cause improper cuts
Laser head position - SET
Move laser head to area of first cut
Use material left to right to maximize material use
Front door flap - OPEN
This aids in ventilation to remove toxic smoke
CONFIGURE DESIGN
DXF file - IMPORT
Selected shapes - AUTO-JOIN
Select entire drawing and choose auto-join in the menu
Layers - SET
Select all inner shapes and set as FIRST layer
Select only outline and set as LAST layer
**Outline MUST be the last layer to ensure material does not shift during cutting**
Kerf offsets SET (every layer)
Double click each layer and set offsets
INNER = -0.2
OUTER = +0.2
**Failure to set offsets will cause assembly issues**
Material library - SET (every layer)
Select each layer and set proper material and APPLY
Design REPLICATE (as needed) optimize
Select the grouped image and copy (ctrl-C)
Paste (ctrl-V) and rotate or flip as needed to nest the image efficiently
RUN THE CUT
Origin - SET
Place green origin dot on part of the drawing that aids manual placement of laser head
Frame Button - PRESS
Observe the path of the laser head to ensure space is optimized and no collision issues
Start button - PRESS
LASER CLEANUP
Fumes - VENT
Ensure no smoke is present inside before opening lid
POWER DOWN
Main Power - OFF
** DO NOT use the E-stop button to turn off machine in normal conditions **
Laser Key - OFF
Cooler - OFF
Laser bed - Clear of scraps
DO NOT leave material on the floor
Organize spare material neatly
XTool MetalFab Laser CNC
XTool MetalFab Laser CNC
Training Slides / Video / Demo Video (coming soon)
SAFETY FIRST
WARNING: CLASS 4 LASER can cause serious harm
Wear eye protection
Ensure air filter is on
Monitor cuts at all times
Guard the E-stop for emergencies
Wear gloves or allow to cool
Do not engrave bare copper
START UP:
Heater - ON **Must be DONE FIRST!**
Air Compressor Release Valve - CLOSED
Air Compressor - ON, PRESSURE SET
0.9mPA - 1.0mPA
Air Filter - ON (2 blue lights)
Use the remote and press A button for auto and the CNC will control the filter
CNC - ON
E-stop - CHECK (Rotate right)
Use the E-stop switch ONLY for emergency stops
Laser Module - ON, message acknowledged
Acknowledge all messages on the LCD screen
Computer - ON
CNC SET UP:
Scrap Drawer - EMPTIED
Large reflective scrap can reflect laser and cause damage
Supports - SET
Too many will prevent parts from falling into scrap bin and cause a laser head collision
Too little will allow metal to flex and cause poor cuts or machine errors
Metal Sheet - SET and LOCKED IN
Use material from left to right
Use pass-through to use only the material needed to minimize the number of supports needed
Ensure clamps are securely locked and the material does not flex up and down when pressed
CONFIGURE DESIGN:
DXF File - IMPORT
Camera - REFRESH (as needed)
Must use current image to accurately place DXF
Design - ORIENT
** Must optimize material use**
** Allow ¼” space from machine clamps**
Place design on left most side of available material and next multiple cuts as close as possible
Lead-In Line - SET
Use 1-2mm for up to 1/8" material and 3mm for 0.19" material
Set INNER lead-in first
Ungroup the drawing, then select the outline only
Set outline to OUTER lead-in
Select the entire drawing and regroup
Offsets - SET
TBD (bearing holes need an offset but generally all other cuts do not need an offset)
Design - REPLICATE (as needed)
Ensure everything is grouped first
Select the grouped image and copy (ctrl-C)
Paste (ctrl-V) and rotate or flip as needed to nest the image efficiently
PROCESSING SETUP:
Processing Menu - FOLLOW, Line by Line
** Failure to follow line by line may result in damage or poort cuts **
On initial software startup, default mode is engraving -- ensure proper modes are selected
When selecting materials, use the conversion below to find the closest preset
When inputting material thickness, use the EXACT conversion below to prevent laser head collisions
1/16" = 0.063" = 1.6mm
1/8" = 0.125" = 3.2mm
0.19" = 4.83mm
1/4" = 6.35mm
Process Button - PRESS
Pressure - CHECKED, no errors
Nozzle - VERIFY
Preferred option: SaveGas Nozzle (has a white, ceramic tip)
2mm nozzle is another option and can be used if savegas nozzle is unavailable
Focus Position - SET ** Critical for clean cuts **
Framing - As needed
MetalFab camera is sufficient to verify cutting pattern
Use framing if there is possible collision with the laser head and clamps, or if squeezing a cut in a tight space
Process Path - PREVIEW (As needed)
Start - PRESS
CNC Start Button - PRESS
CNC CLEANUP:
Scrap Drawer - EMPTIED
Supports - CLEANED
POWER DOWN (End of Day):
Laser Module - Off
CNC - OFF
Air Filter - OFF
Air Compressor - OFF, PRESSURE ZERO
Air Compressor Release Valve - OPEN
**Water will build up and cause rust damage if not released everyday**
Heater - OFF ** Must be DONE LAST**
ASK A MENTOR:
Unsure of metal or preset
Poor cut quality
Machine Malfunction
Screw Size Chart
Screw Size Chart
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