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* Engrave - Removes a thin layer of material from the surface of the metal along an established line. This has great accuracy but only produces a thin line.
* Engrave - Removes a thin layer of material from the surface of the metal along an established line. This has great accuracy but only produces a thin line.
* Raster - Very similar to an engrave but a raster is used to engrave a large area by passing over the area repeatedly. This works great for lettering, designs and such but does lose a little accuracy around the edges.
* Raster - Very similar to an engrave but a raster is used to engrave a large area by passing over the area repeatedly. This works great for lettering, designs and such but does lose a little accuracy around the edges.
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* FabCreator - The software used to set up a cut from a dxf.
==== User Manual ====
==== User Manual ====
====Overview====
====Overview====
The Fablight is a simple machine to use for cutting flat stock. A part is saved as a dxf file and then imported to FabCreater where features can be set to cut, engrave, raster, or just be reference geometry. In FabCreator, tabs can be added to make sure small parts don't fall to the bottom of the machine along and material properties are set as well. Once the part is set up correctly it is saved to a usb drive to be transferred to the machine. Most of the interactions with the machine happen through the touchscreen which makes previewing and cutting the job a simple task. Cutting tube stock is more intricate. The Fablight Solidworks extension is used to make a 2d dxf out of the 3d Solidworks model by essentially unwrapping the tube until it is one flat piece. This dxf is then wrapped back up into a 3d part in FabCreater before being sent to the machine.
====Demonstration====
====Demonstration====
# Alternatively, line types can be adjusted in the [Part] tab to be cut, engraved, a raster, or a reference line. This can be helpful to see what the entire part looks like if when you are cutting a smaller piece for it.
# Alternatively, line types can be adjusted in the [Part] tab to be cut, engraved, a raster, or a reference line. This can be helpful to see what the entire part looks like if when you are cutting a smaller piece for it.
# Go to the [Properties] tab and select the correct material properties such as material, material thickness, and stock type.
# Go to the [Properties] tab and select the correct material properties such as material, material thickness, and stock type.
# While in the [Properties] tab, select the [Move to Origin] option to properly align the part where the laser will begin cutting. If there are multiple parts, align one with the origin and the oriente the rest based on that.
# While in the [Properties] tab, select the [Move to Origin] option to properly align the part where the laser will begin cutting. If there are multiple parts, align one with the origin and the oriented the rest based on that.
# Hit [Accept].
# Hit [Accept].
# If there are any small parts tabs can be added to prevent them from falling through the rack by going to the [Process] tab and the clicking the [Tabs] button.
# If there are any small parts tabs can be added to prevent them from falling through the rack by going to the [Process] tab and the clicking the [Tabs] button.
# Save the file to a usb drive by going to [Job] > [Make]. Note: Make sure this is not saved in a folder of the usb drive so the laser can find the job.
# Save the file to a usb drive by going to [Job] > [Make]. Note: Make sure this is not saved in a folder of the usb drive so the laser can find the job.
Setting up the laser cutter:
Setting up the laser cutter:
# Turn on the Fablight by flipping the switch found on the left side of the machine and then turning the key.
# Slowly open the nitrogen canister so that the system is not filled to quickly and then adjust the regulator to 150 psi. Do not exceed 150 psi because the pressure in the canister is enough to rupture the hose to the machine.
# Turn on the Fablight by flipping the switch found on the left side of the machine and then turning the key.[[File:Fab light panel.png|none|thumb|556x556px]]
# Once it is on select the machine home feature on the touchscreen to move the laser head to its starting position.
# Once it is on select the machine home feature on the touchscreen to move the laser head to its starting position.
# Open the door on the front of the machine and check that the adjustable chuck is slid all the way to the right so the material tray will not hit it.
# Open the door on the front of the machine and check that the adjustable chuck is slid all the way to the right so the material tray will not hit it.
==Troubleshooting==
==Troubleshooting==
*
* Hasn't been used enough to yet to find the common issues.
==Maintenance==
==Maintenance==