Changes

====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 Plugin 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. Only use the Fablight Solidworks Plugin when cutting or engraving tube stock.  

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 ''[along what?''] 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 Plugin 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. Only use the Fablight Solidworks Plugin when cutting or engraving tube stock.  

====Demonstration====

====Demonstration====

# Go to the [Edit] tab to select and delete any unwanted lines.

# Go to the [Edit] tab to select and delete any unwanted lines.

# 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.[[File:FabCreator.png|none|thumb|627x627px]]

# 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.[[File:FabCreator.png|none|thumb|627x627px]]

# 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 type, 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 oriented 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 then orient 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:

# Close the door.

# Close the door.

Performing the cut:

Performing the cut:

# Insert the USB drive below the key.

# Insert the USB drive on the right side of the panel. [''not to be confused with the "Key Switch key"'']

# Using the touch screen, press [New Job] > your file name > [Select Job]. A preview window will then open up where the model can be checked to make sure everything is correct.

# Using the touch screen, press [New Job] > your file name > [Select Job]. A preview window will then open up where the model can be checked to make sure everything is correct.

# Hit the green checkmark to exit the preview.

# Hit the green checkmark to exit the preview.

# Hit the green checkmark again to move to the next step.

# Hit the green checkmark again to move to the next step.

# Set the origin by moving the x and y slider bars. The laser head will move with the sliders and the exact position can be seen by the red guide laser. The location of the red dot will be the origin used in the fabcreator software and it should be placed where the use of material can be maximized (usually the corner of the material, furthest away from the chuck.).

# Set the origin by moving the x and y slider bars. The laser head will move with the sliders and the exact position can be seen by the red guide laser. The location of the red dot will be the origin used in the FabCreater software and it should be placed where the use of material can be maximized (usually the corner of the material, furthest away from the chuck.).

# Press [Run Job] on the touchscreen.

# Press [Run Job] on the touchscreen.

# Press the [Start] button to the top of the touchscreen to begin the cut.

# Press the [Start] button to the top of the touchscreen to begin the cut.

*There are often sharp edges left on the material from the cutting process. Be careful handling a fresh cut piece and use the deburring tools to remove any sharp edges.  

*There are often sharp edges left on the material from the cutting process. Be careful handling a fresh cut piece and use the deburring tools to remove any sharp edges.  

*On a similar note a fresh cut piece is usually hot so check the temperature with the back of your hand before picking it up.

*On a similar note a fresh cut piece is usually hot so check the temperature with the back of your hand before picking it up.

*They can start fires in regular operation! Be wary.

*Regular operation can start fires! Be wary.

*Before opening any covers, turn off the machine to make sure no cutting operations will happen while you are handling the inside the the laser cutter. Be safe kids.

*Before opening any covers, turn off the machine to make sure no cutting operations will happen while you are handling the inside the the laser cutter. Be safe kids.

==Troubleshooting==

==Troubleshooting==

* The job runs but machine does not cut. Most likely the dry run process selected. Toggle dry run off.  

* The job runs but machine does not cut. Most likely the dry run process selected. Toggle dry run off.  

*  The machine does not cut, many sparks visible. The process table is not set correctly or the cutting head or optics is dirty. Ensure correct focal offset, cut speed, cut height, and gas pressure in process table. Check that the nozzle tip is clean, wipe off slag with Scotchbrite.

*  The machine does not cut, many sparks visible. The process table is not set correctly or the cutting head or optics are dirty. Ensure correct focal offset, cut speed, cut height, and gas pressure in process table. Check that the nozzle tip is clean, wipe off slag with Scotchbrite.

*  Machine loses cut so that there crooked lines and gaps in the part. Again this is because the process table parameters incorrect or the cutting head/optics are dirty. Verify cut process parameters including cut speed, cut height, and gas pressure. Check nozzle tip is clean, wipe off slag with Scotchbrite.

*  Machine loses cut so that there crooked lines and gaps in the part. Again this is because the process table parameters14896

*  incorrect or the cutting head/optics are dirty. Verify cut process parameters including cut speed, cut height, and gas pressure. Check nozzle tip is clean, wipe off slag with Scotchbrite.

*  Cut does not go all the way through material. Select correct process. Reduce cut speed. Increase assist gas pressure up to 145 PSI. Verify process table is correct. Verify beam centering and focus test. Inspect nozzle tip.

*  Cut does not go all the way through material. Select correct process. Reduce cut speed. Increase assist gas pressure up to 145 PSI. Verify process table is correct. Verify beam centering and focus test. Inspect nozzle tip.

*  If your machine has a rotary you may encounter two homing errors. If the touchscreen says, “Idler (the chuck that holds the right side of the tube) not homed. Move idler to home”, open the door and move the idler all the way to the right. There is a sensor that detects when the idler is in its home position. Once the idler is in the home position, close the message and repress HOME THE MACHINE. If you encounter an error message saying that the rotary is locked; simply pull out the red pin, close the message, and repress HOME THE MACHINE.

*  If your machine has a rotary you may encounter two homing errors. If the touchscreen says, “Idler (the chuck that holds the right side of the tube) not homed. Move idler to home”, open the door and move the idler all the way to the right. There is a sensor that detects when the idler is in its home position. Once the idler is in the home position, close the message and repress HOME THE MACHINE. If you encounter an error message saying that the rotary is locked; simply pull out the red pin, close the message, and repress HOME THE MACHINE.