Epilog Fusion Pro 48
The Epilog Fusion Pro 48 is a 48"x36" 120 Watt CO2 laser good for precision CNC cutting and engraving of materials such as wood, acrylic, glass, stone, leather and more! This resource is open to all members after an initial training and checkout.
Training and Authorization
Software Download
Class Syllabus
Laser IP Address: 10.25.3.20 (You must be on members network to access)
Cheat Sheet
Vector and Raster
Use you software to design artwork to cut and/or engrave. Cut lines must be vectors, and sufficiently thin.
Print from your Software
Use the standard "Print" option from your software to send to the laser. Make sure you have the "Epilog Engraver" printer selected when printing.
Epilog Dashboard
When printing, your artwork will be sent to the Epilog Dashboard. The "Preview" tab will show your artwork with some basic manipulation options.
If you are connected to laser, it will show the camera bed for you to place your artwork directly on.
Remember to only place artwork in the "pink" area - and increase this area if need-be!
Engraving Options
Vector Cut Options
Advanced Options
"3D" Engraving options allows you to use a 3D greyscale depth map as an indication of height.
"Stamp" engraving allows engaving with beveled edges for better creation of stamps.
"Center Point" mode allows positioning relative to a specifyied "center point" on the laser, instead of absolute positioning on the bed (with camera alignment).
Troubleshooting
Why don't my vector cut lines appear??
Make sure elements are 100% Opacity
Make sure you have a stroke (color) defined
Make sure your stroke is a good size - at least .5mm - but not too thick.
Make sure stroke color as NO Alpha
Inkscape: Do not use Masks or Clips on cutpaths
Make sure your cutpaths are within the visible, defined "page".
Make sure page is in PORTRAIT (not Landscape Mode!) In Inkscape, this is under File-> Document Properties
Materials
What can I do and not do on the laser?
Help and Hints
DXF Import
The best way to cut DXF files is with Autodesk DWG TrueView on the Laser PC.
Open the file
Click "Plot"
Make sure you have "Epilog Engraver" selected as Printer
Select "Engraver" as Paper Size
Click "OK"
Rotary Tool
Quick 6 Minute training video on using the rotary tool!
Be sure to turn "Rotay" mode on with "Rim-Style" type under "Advanced" tab.
Lenses and Focus
Know which lens you have! The Epilog ships with a 2" focal lens which is in the machine today - BUT - we will soon aquire a 4" lense. Always be aware of which lens you are using - it will affect quality!
How to change lenses (YouTube, < 2 Min)
2" Lens (Standard)
Standard lens on most laser systems.
Multipurpose for both engraving and cutting applications.
Recommended for raster engraving from 300 DPI to 600 DPI resolutions.
Produces spot size of 0.004 to 0.007 inches in diameter.
Laser head runs CLOSER to bed!
4" Lens
Produces focused beam over longer vertical distance
Specialty lens typically used for engraving within recessed area (bowl or plate).
Used for deeper cuts - cutting thick materials.
Software
Standard software on the laser PC. Recomended open-source ones (below) may be downloaded at home for free use!
Inkscape - Free open-source vector graphics program with basic bitmap capabilities.
GIMP - Free open-source bitmap and photo editing software
Fusion360 - Professional, grade Freemium 3D CAD
Adobe Illustrator - Professional high-end vector graphics editor
Adobe Photoshop - Professional high-end photo and bitmap editor
Autodesk DWG Trueview - Program to view and print exported DXF and DWG files from the creators of the standard
LibreCAD - Open source 2D CAD software, capable of decent DXF input
Programs generally work in either BITMAPS or VECTORS. Bitmaps are grids of pixels of different colors, each of which may be set to a different color to create an image. Vectors are the representation of a line or curve. Epilog can engrave either bitmaps or vectors but can only use vectors as cut lines. Thus if you are are engraving a bitmap image and which to subsequently cut the image out, you need to pull the bitmap into a vector program such as Inkscape
Critical Parameters
Deep Throat Thickness Offset = ???
Deep Throat Focal Tube Distance = ????
If you do not know what these parameters mean - WATCH THE VIDEO!
Deep Throat
Deep Cutting Lens
Deep Throat allows greater clearance for deep cuts, multi-pass cuts, or cuts which require greater distance between the focal tube and your workpiece. Special training is required to use Deep Throat. Please watch THIS VIDEO before using.