Quick start Tutorial - Laser cutting with the Epilog Fusion M2

🔺 Read the safety instructions before use! 🔺 Fire hazard - never leave the laser cutter unattended!

Step	Action
1	Turn the machine ON →Main switch on the right side of the laser cutter. The machine runs its homing operation click an image to enlarge!
2	Load your material on the machine bed align it to the zero position on the Ruler (or any other coordinate corresponding to the settings/positions of your graphic set in the vector program). The material should be as flat as possible, if there are bends in the material the lasercutter might be out of focus in certain areas and the cutting power will decline.
3	Adjust the focus height: Use the focusing tool and attach it to the laser head. Select the focus in the laser cutter control panel and use the joystick (up and down direction) to change the distance of the laser head to the cutting table (stick to the left to switch the speed mode fast/slow). When the focus height is reached (slight touch of the focus tool on the inserted material), press the center of the joystick to set the z-zero position (to save the correct focus height). Remove the focus tool. Alternative: Use the autofocus option in the lasercutter software and enter the material thickness of your material used. For very thick materials where multiple passes are needed to cut through it may be beneficial to vary the focus height depending on the amount of passes. E.g.: If you are cutting 10 mm material and need 3 passes to cut through, start with the focus height on 10 mm, after the first pass set it to 6 mm and after the second to 2 mm. That way the focus will be always at an optimal height for cutting through the material without expanding the cutting borders too much.
4a	On the computer for the laser cutter control (the Mac mini right beside): Open your File. -Open your file, preferably saved in PDF format. If it's in SVG, use Inkscape to convert it to PDF. If adjustments or design changes are needed, you can do so in Inkscape. - Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat. - Go to the print area (locate the print icon)
4b	Send Print Job to the Lasercutter: - Another window will open, and the Lasercutter should already be listed as the "printer." - Send the print job.
4c	Open "Epilog Dashboard" Software: - The "Epilog Dashboard" software will open automatically. - Your file will be at the bottom left - drag it into the white cutting area. Ensure File Is Within Cutting Area: - Make sure the file is not outside the cutting area to prevent potential laser damage!
4d	Adjust Settings: - In the bottom right corner, find the settings for cutting or engraving. - "Engraving" is for engraving, and "Vector" is for cutting.
4e	Utilize Stroke Widths and Colors for Different Settings: - The software allows grouping based on stroke width or colors. Adjust your file in Inkscape accordingly. Set Laser Speed and Power: - Below the settings, you can set the laser speed and power. - Be cautious not to set the laser frequency to 100%, but adjust it as needed (e.g., 70/75% or lower).
4f	Activate Air Assistance: - Turn on Air Assistance for safety. (See picture below "Air Assist") Autofocus: - It is also possible to cut with autofocus, but the exact thickness of the material would have to be specified! Otherwise, adjust by hand as usual with the measuring tool on the lasercutter.
5	Initiate Printing: - Once all settings are configured, start the print. The print job will be forwarded to the Lasercutter. Monitor Progress: At the Lasercutter, you will see the file name being processed. If everything is correct, initiate the job. The cutter receives the cut-job and indicates the reception on the small display of the machine (visible if the scollable menu is on the "job" position). You also get a processing time prediction (duration of the cut time) on that display.
6	Check that the buttons of the exhaust extraction system are showing green light! The extraction system is automatically controlled by the laser (remotely turned ON and OFF). it is important that the extraction system works properly while the laser is running - otherwise a focus lens damage will occur!
7	On the laser cutter press “Start" to run the laser cutting process for your file! Your cutting job starts immediately and is now running! You can now enjoy how the robotic laser machine brings your artwork into reality!
8	Finished? turn everything off! Go reverse in everything you turned on the extraction system turns off automatically after 3 minutes of post running leave everything just tidy! clean the focussing Lens daily with the lens cleaning liquid and a cotton swab!