omtech POLAR350 Olar 350 50w Desktop Laser Engraver Owner’s Manual
- June 12, 2024
- omtech
Table of Contents
POLAR 350
50W DESKTOP LASER ENGRAVER
OWNER’S MANUAL
V20221207Read Carefully Before Use
Keep for Future Reference
POLAR350 Olar 350 50w Desktop Laser Engraver
PREFACE
Thank you for choosing the OMTech Polar 350 as your new laser engraver!
Your CO₂ laser engraving machine is intended for personal and professional
use. The Polar is a CLASS 4 laser that must be used with great care to avoid
serious property damage and severe personal injury, including burns and
permanent eye damage. Never disable the preinstalled safety devices and always
use your laser safely and responsibly.
Read this manual carefully before operation. It covers the details of correct
installation, adjustment, maintenance, and—most importantly—safe operation of
your new laser. It is intended to be used in conjunction with your engraving
software manual, as the software not only provides image design and conversion
but also serves as the main interface to the laser settings and machine
controls. You and any other users of this device should thoroughly understand
BOTH manuals before attempting to operate the laser.
Keep both manuals for future reference and provide them to ANYONE who will
install, operate, maintain, or repair this machine. Both manuals should be
included if this device is given or sold to a third party.
If you have any questions after reading these manuals, please contact us and
our support department will address your concerns as soon as possible.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Information
This manual is the designated user guide for the installation, setup, safe
operation, and maintenance of your desktop laser engraver. It is divided into
six chapters covering general information, safety instructions, installation
steps, operation instructions, maintenance procedures, and contact
information.
ALL personnel involved in the installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and
repair of this machine should read and understand this manual, particularly
its safety instructions. Some components are extremely high voltage and/or
produce powerful laser radiation. Substandard performance and longevity,
property damage, and personal injury may result from not knowing and following
these instructions.
The Polar 350 works by emitting a powerful laser beam from a glass tube filled
with carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen, and insulating gases; reflecting that
beam off three mirrors and through a lens; and using this focused light to
etch designs into certain substrates. The active laser is invisible to the
human eye. This device should never be used while any cover or access panel is
open to avoid potentially permanent injury. When its pass-through is used,
care should be taken to avoid possible reflective rays.
The laser tube typically travels along the Y axis during engraving. The first
mirror is fixed near the left end of the laser tube, the second mirror is
fixed nearby, and the third mirror is attached to the laser head that travels
along the X axis. The first and second mirrors are located within protective
housing but, because dust is generated by the engraving process, the 2nd
mirror’s window, the 3rd mirror, and the focus lens require frequent cleaning.
With low intensity use, the provided laser tube has an average lifespan around
10,000 hours before requiring replacement. However, constantly running your
laser above 70% of its maximum rated power can significantly shorten its
service life. It is recommended to use settings from 10–70% of the maximum
rated power to enjoy optimal performance and longevity.
The cover’s viewing window naturally absorbs most reflected beams from the
high infrared laser but it is NOT otherwise protected against it. Protective
eyewear should ALWAYS be used by EVERYONE present when the laser is active.
Such eyewear should be at least OD6 at the laser’s main wavelength of 10.6
microns.
The integrated water cooling system must be used with this engraver to
dissipate the heat produced by the laser tube. Similarly, the provided exhaust
system must be used in conjunction with an external vent or dedicated air
purifier to remove the dust and gases produced by the engraving process and
ensure compliance with laws and regulations for workplace and environmental
air quality. Never operate the engraver without both of these systems
operating properly.
Note that this device broadcasts signals in the radio spectrum as part of its
wireless connectivity. Special shielding or equipment may be necessary to
minimize interference with emergency & licensed broadcasting, particularly in
residential areas.
1.2 Symbol Guide
The following symbols are used on this machine’s labeling or in this
manual:
These items present a risk of serious property damage or personal injury.
These items address similarly serious concerns regarding the laser beam.
These items address similarly serious concerns regarding electricity.
These items address similarly serious concerns regarding fire hazards.
Protective eyewear should be worn by anyone nearby during use.
Nearby objects present a risk of pinching or crushing injury.
** This product is sold in conformity with applicable EU regulations.
Safe and legal disposal of this product requires special considerations.
1.3 Designated Use
The Polar 350 is intended for use engraving signs and other consumer products
on applicable substrates. This laser can process a wide variety of materials
including wood and cork, paper and cardboard, most plastics, glass, cloth and
leather, and stone. It can also be used with some specially coated metals. Use
of this system for non-designated purposes or materials is not permitted.
The system must be operated, maintained, and repaired by personnel familiar
with the field of use and the dangers of the machine and the material being
engraved including its reflectivity, conductivity, potential for creating
harmful or combustible fumes, etc.
Laser beams are dangerous. The manufacturer and/or seller bear(s) no
responsibility and assume(s) no liability for any improper use of this device
or for any damage or injury arising from such use. The operator is obliged to
use this desktop laser engraver only in accordance with its designated use,
the other instructions in its manuals, and all applicable local and national
laws and regulations.
1.4 Technical Specifications**
Model | Polar 350 |
---|---|
Input Power | 110–120 V~ 60 Hz |
Power Consumption | 600 W |
Rated Power | 50 W |
Expected Service Life
at <40% / 40–70% / >70% Power| 11,000 / 10,000 / 8,000 hr.
Laser Wavelength| 10.6 μm (10,600 nm)
Laser Tube| Diameter| 2.2 in.| 5.5 cm
Length| 35 in.| 90 cm
Mirror| Diameter| 0.8 in.| 20.5 mm
Thickness| 0.12 in.| 3 mm
Focus Lens| Diameter| 0.6 in.| 15.5 mm
Thickness| 0.08 in.| 2 mm
Focal Length| 2 in.| 50.8 mm
Honeycomb Workbed Dimensions| 22.5×13.2×0.9 in.| 57.1×33.6×2.2 cm
Processing Area| Standard (L×W)| 20.1×11.8 in.| 510×300 mm
Trayless (L×W)| 13.7×8.2 in.| 350×210 mm
Rotary 1 (L×D)| 0–9.4×2.4–2.9 in.| 0–240×60–75 mm
Rotary 2 (L×D)| 0–9.4×1.2–2.3 in.| 0–240×30–60 mm
Front/Back Pass-Through Area (L×H)| 14.1×0.19 in.| 360×5 mm
Max. Processing Speed| 19.6 ips| 500 mm/s
Rec. Processing Acceleration| X Axis| 196 ips²| 5000 mm/s²
Y Axis| 118 ips²| 3000 mm/s²
Max. Material Thickness| Standard| 0.67 in.| 1.7 cm
Without Workbed| 2 in.| 5.1 cm
Max. Resolution| 1000 dpi
Min. Letter Size| 0.04×0.04 in.| 1×1 mm
Mainboard| Ruida 6442S (RDC6442S-B)
Integrated Water Pump| Capacity| 1.6 qt.| 1.5 L
Flow Rate| 142 gph| 540 L/hr.
Integrated Air Assist| Port Diameter| 0.4 in.| 10 mm
Air Flow| 18.8 cfm| 533 L/min.
Integrated Digital Camera| Max. Resolution| 5 MP
Field of View| 20.1×11.8 in.| 51×30 cm
Accuracy| ±0.04 in.| ±1 mm
External Exhaust Fan| Rated Power| 60 W
Port Diameter| 5.9 in.| 150 mm
Air Flow| 282/353 cfm| 480/600 m³/hr.
Req. Operating Environment| Humidity Range| 20–85%
Temp. Range| 40–104°F| 5–40°C
Compatible Operating Software| CADLaser, CorelLaser, LightBurn, RDWorks
Dimensions| 38.2×22.3×9.2 in.| 97×56.5×23.4 cm
Net Weight| 104 lb.| 47 kg
1.5 Components
Main Components
Top View
A. Exhaust Fan—This fan pulls out gases and airborne debris from the
workbed. To minimize noise, it only activates with the laser.
B. Cover Interlocks—These switches automatically pause work if the cover is
opened.
C. Rotary Plug—This small aviation plug connects to the provided rotary axes
to provide them with power and command signals.
D. Wifi Card—The 2.4 GHz wireless terminal device located behind the central
part of the rear panel provides wifi connectivity for your engraver.
E. Laser Power Supply—This device transforms standard electricity into the
extremely high voltage charge necessary for the laser tube.
F. Y-Axis Rail—The Y-axis rail supports the movement of the laser tube and
X-axis rail up and down the workbed.
G. Rotary Switch—This switch directs the mainboard and power supply to provide
power and commands to the Y-axis rail (Standard) or to a rotary axis (Rotary)
connected to the rear aviation plug.
H. Laser Tube—This CO₂-filled glass tube is mounted beside the X-axis rail
within a protective housing. They normally move together along the Y-axis
rail. The laser’s connection to its power supply is extremely high voltage and
extremely dangerous.
I. Ammeter—This digital display provides the current of the laser in milliamps
(mA).
J. Air Assist—This small air compressor directs pressurized air through a
narrow tube to the laser head. To minimize noise, it only activates with the
laser.
K. 1st & 2nd Mirrors—The protective housing for these fixed mirrors moves with
the laser tube and X-axis rail to allow the laser beam to travel along the Y
axis.
L. Laser Head—The laser head holds the 3rd mirror, focus lens, and air assist
outlet and directs the laser beam down into your materials. Its components are
normally protected by a rectangular shell that locks magnetically into place.
M. X-Axis Rail—The X-axis rail supports the movement of the laser head left
and right across the workbed.
When using either of the rotary axes, this rail should be positioned to
connect the matching arrows.
N. Tray Interlock—This switch stops your laser when the debris tray is
removed. For pass-through and rotary engraving, close this switch using the
nearby bracket.
O. Water Pump—This pump circulates your water or laser-safe coolant through
the laser tube to keep it cool and stable.
P. LED Light Strips—These integrated lights help keep your workbed easy to
see.
Q. Camera—This fisheye camera helps you position your designs precisely.
R. Water Tank—This tank helps keep your laser tube cool and stable. It arrives
full of OMTech antifreeze but can also be replaced with distilled water.
S. Mainboard—This circuit board located under the left panel controls the
engraving process, responding to commands from your computer’s engraving
software. It has a total memory of 128 MB, about 95 MB of which is available
to store designs.
T. Honeycomb Workbed—The workbed supports your material up to 0.59 inches (15
mm) thick while allowing effective airflow. It can also be removed to fit
thicker materials or to use the rotary axes. There are vertical and horizontal
inch and cm rulers on opposite sides of the bed.
U. Start Button and Laser Status—This button can be used to pause and restart
engraving or to repeat the previously loaded design with its former settings.
To start a new design or engrave with adjusted settings, use your software’s
commands. The ring around the button changes color to indicate your engraver’s
current status:
Status Color | Meaning |
---|---|
Blue | Active Laser |
Green | Ready to Work |
Red | Error or Malfunction |
Front View
A. Cover—This acrylic window allows you to monitor the engraving process,
absorbing most reflected laser beams. However, always use protective eyewear
when observing the active laser and never stare at it for extended periods.
B. Debris Tray—This tray is easily removable to clean debris after use and to
install or remove the honeycomb workbed. It can also be left open to function
as the front pass-through.
C. Laser Key—This lock turns the laser power supply on and off, helping ensure
only approved operators can use your laser.
D. Legs—These padded legs help avoid any damage to your table or counter.
Rear View
A. Beam Attenuator—This dial provides a master power control for your
engraver. It should be turned completely clockwise to enable your software to
use the engraver’s full power range.
B. Remote Interlock Connector—This port functions as a second key necessary to
activate the laser tube.
Insert the provided switch to enable the laser or remove it to completely
disable the laser.
C. Power Switch—This switch turns on the engraver’s mainboard, cooling system,
LED lighting, and wireless card and places the exhaust fan and air assist into
standby mode, ready to activate with the laser. It should always be turned off
between sessions.
D. Power Socket—This socket connects to your main power supply and grounds
your machine’s electronic components.
E. Exhaust Fan—This fan pulls out gases and airborne debris from the workbed,
sending it through your vent to a window or air purifier.
F. Rear Pass-Through—This door can be unsealed to allow larger pieces of
material to be fed into or across the workbed. Additional care must be taken
to avoid exposure to the laser beam and its reflections when it is open.
G. Camera Port—This USB port connects the engraver’s camera to your control
computer and engraving software.
H. Computer Port—This USB port connects the engraver’s mainboard to your
control computer and engraving software.
I. Ethernet Port—This port allows a fast connection between the engraver’s
mainboard and your control computer either directly or via the internet.
Laser Head
A. 3rd Mirror—This fixed mirror transfers the laser from the 2nd mirror at
the end of the X-axis rail downward to the focus lens.
B. Focus Lens—This 15.5 mm lens directs and focuses the laser beam to its
point of contact with your material.
C. Air Assist—This tube provides the pressurized air from its compressor to
kill sparks and minimize dust and gases.
D. Laser Beam—The engraving laser itself is invisible but highly dangerous.
Avoid any direct exposure to your skin or eyes.
Rotary Axes
A. Rotary Aviation Plug—This plug should be covered during normal engraving.
When you will use the rotary axes, the 4-pin connection will power and direct
the rotary motor.
B. Alignment Arrows—These arrows indicate the correct position of the laser
and the X-axis rail for use with Rotary Axis 1 (on the right) or Rotary Axis 2
(on the left).
C. Rotary Switches (covered)—These switches redirect power and control from
the Y-axis motors to the rotary axis connection and back again.
D. Tray Interlock—This switch must be held closed by the nearby bracket during
rotary engraving. Remember to reenable the switch by removing the bracket
after your work.
E. Rotary Axis 1—This four-wheel rotary axis is installed into the bottom left
corner of the open bay as shown. The arrow at the end of the laser tube casing
should be aligned with the arrow marked 1 on the right side.
F. Rotary Axis 2—This four-wheel rotary axis is also installed into the bottom
left corner of the open bay as shown but the arrow at the end of the laser
tube casing should be aligned with the arrow marked 2 on the left side.
G. Height Adjustment Knob—Turn this knob to adjust the height of the right-
side wheels when it is necessary to create a level surface while engraving
conical objects.
SAFETY INFORMATION
2.1 Disclaimer
Your Polar may differ somewhat from those shown in this manual due to options,
updates, etc. Please contact us if your engraving machine came with an
outdated manual or if you have any other questions.
2.2 General Safety Instructions
-
Your Polar 350 should come with warning labels in the following locations:
If any of these labels is missing, illegible, or becomes damaged, it must be replaced. -
Use this laser engraving device only in accordance with all applicable local and national laws and regulations.
In the United States, the Polar’s wireless network is a certified transmitter module that emits radio signals in compliance with 47 CFR 15 for commercial locations but may require operators to provide additional equipment in residential areas to avoid interfering with emergency and FCC licensed broadcasts. Similarly, the Safe Use of Lasers (Z136) standards published by the American National Standards Institute do not have the force of law, but adherence to its provisions may be required by some companies or local authorities to minimize risk and liability. In particular, it may be necessary in commercial settings to formally designate a laser safety officer, to post warning signs in areas with active lasers, and to document that all operators of laser equipment have been properly trained. -
Use this device only in accordance with this instruction manual and the manual for the engraving software included with it. Only allow this device to be installed, operated, maintained, repaired, etc. by others who have also read and understood both manuals. Ensure that this manual and the software manual are both included with this device if it is ever given or sold to a third party.
-
**** DO NOT leave this device unattended during operation. Observe the device throughout operation and, if anything seems to be operating strangely, immediately cut off ALL power to the machine and contact either our customer service or your dedicated repair service. Similarly, ensure the device is FULLY turned off after each use.
-
DO NOT allow minors, untrained personnel, or personnel suffering from physical or mental impairment that would affect their ability to follow this manual and the software manual to install, operate, maintain, or repair this device.
-
Any untrained personnel who might be near the device while it is in operation MUST be informed that it is dangerous and fully instructed on how to avoid injury during its use.
-
Always keep a fire extinguisher, water hose, or other flame retardant system nearby in case of accidents. Ensure that the local fire department’s phone number is clearly displayed nearby. In the case of a fire, cut electrical power before dousing the flame. Familiarize yourself with the correct range for your extinguisher before use. Take care not to use the extinguisher too close to the flame, as its high pressure can produce blowback.
2.3 Laser Safety Instructions
The Polar 350 uses an invisible CLASS 4 LASER, the strongest and most
dangerous class of laser available for public use. Used or modified without
care, it can cause seriously property damage and severe personal injury
including but not limited to the following:
-
The laser will easily burn nearby combustible materials
-
Some working materials may produce radiation or harmful gases during processing
-
Direct exposure to the laser will cause bodily harm including serious burns and irreparable eye damage As such,
-
DO NOT modify or disable this device’s provided safety features except as specifically instructed elsewhere in this manual. Do not modify or disassemble the laser and do not use the laser if it has been modified or disassembled by anyone except trained and skilled professionals. Do not activate the laser without its focus lens. Dangerous radiation exposure and other injury may result from the use of adjusted, modified, or otherwise incompatible equipment.
-
NEVER leave any part of the Polar open during operation except (when needed) the pass-through doors. Never interfere with the laser beam, do not place any part of your body in any part of the laser path during operation, and never attempt to view the laser directly. When using the pass-through doors or otherwise risking exposure to the laser beam, take measures to protect yourself from potentially reflected laser beams including the use of personal protective equipment.
-
DO NOT look or allow others to look directly at the active laser even when the cover is closed. The viewing window naturally absorbs most reflected beams from the high infrared laser but is NOT otherwise protected against it. EVERYONE nearby during use should wear eye protection specially designed to filter the specific wavelength of your engraver’s laser with an optical density (OD) of 6 or greater. Do not stare or allow others to stare continuously at the active laser even when using protective eyewear.
-
ONLY use this engraver if its automatic shutoffs are working properly. Never disable any of these shutoffs except as specifically instructed elsewhere in this manual. When you first get this engraver and if you subsequently notice any problems, test them (see below) before undertaking any other work. Do not continue use if the shutoffs do not occur. Turn off the device and contact technical support or your repair service.
-
ONLY use this engraver in a flat and stable location. Using it on an unstable surface or at a tilted position may cause the laser to deviate from its intended path or permanently damage internal components of the device.
-
DO NOT ever under ANY circumstances use this laser engraver if the water cooling system is not working properly. Always visually confirm that water is flowing through the entire system before turning on the laser tube. Immediately stop use if the water cooling system malfunctions. If the system pauses operation because the coolant has reached its maximum temperature of 122°F (50°C), allow at least thirty minutes for the system to cool before resuming operation.
-
DO NOT use generic coolant or antifreeze in your cooling water, as they may leave corrosive residues and solidify inside your hoses and piping, causing malfunctions and even explosions. Use custom laser-safe formulations or use and store your engraver in a climate-controlled area.
-
DO NOT leave potentially combustible, flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials below the laser or nearby where they might be exposed to the direct or reflected laser beam.
-
DO NOT use or leave sensitive EMI equipment nearby. Ensure the area around the laser is free of strong electromagnetic interference during any use.
-
ONLY use this machine for working the materials described in the Material Safety section of this manual.
The laser settings and engraving process must be properly adjusted for specific materials. -
Ensure the area is kept free of other airborne pollutants, as these might pose a similar risk of reflection, combustion, etc.
2.4 Electrical Safety Instructions
- ONLY use this device with a compatible, stable, and grounded power supply with less than 5% fluctuation in its voltage. Do not use with an ungrounded 3 to 2 prong adapter. The device’s grounding should be checked regularly for any damage to the line or loose connections.
- DO NOT connect other devices to the same circuit, as the laser system may require its full amperage. Do not use with standard extension cords or power strips. Use only surge protectors rated over 2000J.
- The work area around this laser engraving device should be kept dry, well ventilated, and environmentally controlled to keep the ambient temperature between 40–104°F (5–40°C). For best results, keep the temperature at 75°F (25°C) or below. The ambient humidity should be between 20–85%.
- Adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the electrical components of this device must be done ONLY by trained and skilled professionals to avoid fires and other malfunctions, including potential radiation exposure from damage to the laser components. Because specialized techniques are required for testing the electrical components of this marking system, it is recommended such testing only be done by the manufacturer, seller, or repair service.
- Unless otherwise specified, ONLY undertake adjustment, maintenance, and repair of this device when it is turned off, disconnected from its power supply, and fully cooled.
2.5 Material Safety Instructions
- Users of this laser engraving machine are responsible for confirming that materials to be processed can withstand the heat of the laser and will not produce any emissions or byproducts either harmful to people nearby or in violation of local or national laws or regulations. In particular, do not use this device to process polyvinyl chloride (PVC), teflon, or other halogen containing materials under any circumstances.
- Users of this laser engraver are responsible for ensuring that every person present during operation has sufficient PPE to avoid the injury from the emissions and byproducts of the materials being processed. In addition to the protective laser eyewear described above, this may require goggles, masks or respirators, gloves, and other protective outer clothing.
- DO NOT operate the laser without its air assist.
- Users of this laser engraver are responsible for ensuring that otherwise safe dust and debris created during use is fully cleaned afterwards. Dust allowed to build up on the surfaces of the main bay and the tray under it is a fire hazard that can easily be ignited by the heat of the laser.
- DO NOT ever under any circumstances use this laser engraver if the exhaust system is not working properly. Always ensure that the exhaust fan can remove the dust and gas produced by the engraving process in accordance with all applicable local and national laws and regulations. Immediately stop use if the exhaust fan or vent pipe malfunctions.
- Users must exercise special caution when working with conductive materials as buildup of their dust and ambient particles may damage electrical components, cause short circuits, or produce other effects including reflected laser radiation.
This machine can be safely used with the following materials:
- Cardboard
- Ceramics, including Dishes, Tile, etc.
- Glass
- Leather
- Paper & Paperboard
- Some Plastics
- Nylon (Polyamide, PA, etc.)
- Polyethylene (PE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE, PEHD, etc.)
- Biaxially-Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (Mylar, Polyester, etc.)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG, PET-G, etc.)
- Polyimide (PI, Kapton, etc.)
- Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA, Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite, etc.)
- Polyoxymethylene (POM, Acetal, Delrin, etc.)
- Polypropylene (PP, etc.)
- Styrene and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Rubber
- Stone, including Marble, Granite, etc.
- Textiles, including Cotton, Suede, Felt, Hemp, etc.
- Wood, including Cork, MDF, Plywood, Balsa, Birch, Cherry, Oak, Poplar, etc.
See §4.4 for recommended parameters for the most commonly engraved materials.
This machine CANNOT be used with the following materials or with any materials
which include them:
- Artificial Leather containing Hexavalent Chromium (Cr[VI]), due to its toxic fumes
- Astatine, due to its toxic fumes
- Beryllium Oxide, due to its toxic fumes
- Bromine, due to its toxic fumes
- Chlorine, including Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl, Cintra, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
- Fluorine, including Polytetrafluoroethylenes (Teflon, PTFE, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
- Iodine, due to its toxic fumes
- Metals, due to their conductivity and reflectivity
- Phenolic Resins, including various forms of Epoxy, due to their toxic fumes
- Polycarbonate (PC, Lexan, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
For all other materials, if you are unsure about its safety or laserability with this device, seek out its material safety data sheet (MSDS). Pay especial attention to information about safety, toxicity, corrosiveness, reflectivity, and reaction(s) to high heat. Alternatively, contact our support department for further guidance.
INSTALLATION
3.1 Installation Overview
A complete working system consists of the laser engraving machine, its
integrated air assist and water pump, its vent and exhaust fan, its control
computer, all applicable connection cables, the interlock connector, and the
laser key. The cabinet can receive designs and commands from the control
computer directly from its USB cable or remotely from its wireless network or
ethernet cable. It can also store some design files on its own circuit board.
The designs can be applied to flat surfaces resting on the honeycomb workbed
or to round surfaces supported on one of the provided rotary devices. Users
can configure other additional accessories (such as a fume extractor) to suit
their needs.
Use only the hardware, wiring, and power sources that came with or are
compatible with this device. Installing equipment that your device is not
designed to work with can lead to poor performance, shortened service time,
increased maintenance costs, property damage, and personal injury.
Please note the specific requirements of your system’s installation. Every
customer must understand these notes before installation to execute a proper
setup and achieve safe laser performance. If you have any installation
questions or problems, contact our technicians and customer support team.
Any auxiliary equipment must be adjusted to the base machine. Queries may be
directed to the dealer or manufacturer of such equipment.
3.2 Location Selection
Before you install your engraver, select an appropriate location for its use.
Be sure that it meets all of the requirements discussed in the Safety
Information above.
The location should be stable, level, dry, and climate controlled to ensure an
ambient temperature of 40–104°F (5–40°C) and an ambient humidity of 20–85%. In
particular, the temperature and humidity together should not be close to the
dew point. It is also advisable to use a windowless room or to use blinds
and/or curtains to avoid exposure to the potential additional heat of direct
sunlight. The location should be free of dust and other airborne pollutants
and well ventilated enough to process any fumes produced by the engraving
process in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Depending on
the materials to be processed, this may require construction of a dedicated
ventilation system. It should be away from children; combustible, flammable,
explosive, or corrosive materials; and sensitive EMI devices. The power cord
should be plugged into a compatible and stable power source via a grounded
3-prong outlet. No other item should be drawing current from the same circuit.
There should be firefighting equipment nearby and the local fire department’s
phone number should be clearly displayed.
It is highly recommended to have extra space nearby to avoid placing any
object on or directly adjacent to the machine, which could become a fire or
laser hazard.
3.3 Unpacking Your Engraver
Your new Polar 350 arrives in a wooden crate with its accessories (including
this manual) packaged inside the main bay. You should have placed the crate in
a spacious flat area for unpacking, ideally near where you plan to operate the
machine permanently. Use at least two people to move and adjust the engraver’s
position to help keep it level and avoid any sharp or sudden movement.
Step 1 Open the top of the crate. Remove the honeycomb workbed and
surrounding foam insulation.
Step 2 Carefully remove the other packaging and foam insulation from the
sides and set them aside. With at least one other person, use the two straps
around the engraver to lift it out of the crate and move it to a sturdy table
or countertop.
Step 3 Carefully remove the straps and plastic packaging from around the
engraver.
Step 4 Open the cover and confirm that you have received all of the
following accessories: Two 4-wheel rotary axes with their aviator connection
cords; a duct fan, its wired and remote controls, an adapter ring, 2 exhaust
pipes, and 3 hose clamps; five 3 mm basswood, cardboard, and acrylic blanks; a
main power cord; an Ethernet cable; two USB cords; a USB flash drive with
engraving software; a storage box with cotton swabs, tape, 2 rulers, 2 laser
keys, the interlock connector, and sets of hex wrenches, target discs, and
O-rings; and this manual.
Step 5 Carefully remove any remaining interior packaging and
stays—including the strap around the laser head—and set them aside. The laser
tube is a highly fragile object and should be handled delicately and as little
as possible.
Step 6 Pull out the debris tray. The honeycomb bed has inch and metric
rulers on opposite sides. Place the one you prefer to use facing up and slide
it into place. Slide the tray back in underneath it.
Never attempt to place or remove the honeycomb bed through the main cover.
Always remove it along with the debris tray instead.
Step 7 You may keep the packaging in case of future return but, if you
dispose of it or any accessories, be sure to do so in compliance with
applicable waste disposal regulations.
3.4 Exhaust System Installation
The provided duct pipes extend to a total length of 16′4″ (5 m). Plan out the
route that they will take from your engraver’s fan to a dedicated purifier
or—if your engraving fumes and debris will not be hazardous and meet local and
national air safety standards—to any window or exterior vent. Generally
speaking, the straighter you can keep the pipes between your engraver and
their outlet, the better your system’s ventilation will be and the less
quickly dust and debris will build up within the pipes over time.
Slide the two small hose clamps onto the smaller exhaust pipe. Attach one end
directly onto the rim surrounding the exhaust fan behind the laser. Use a
screwdriver to tighten one of the clamps around this connection. Attach the
other end of the pipe to the inlet side of the 60W duct fan using the provided
adapter ring. Tighten the second clamp around this connection.
Slide the large hose clamp onto the larger exhaust pipe. Attach one end of the
pipe to the outlet side of the duct fan and tighten the clamp around this
connection. Attach the other end of the pipe to a fume extractor or vent it
into the open air outside your work area.
Connect the duct fan to power, ideally on a separate circuit from the one that
will be used to power the laser itself. Turn it on and confirm that it
operates at both speeds.
NEVER operate the laser if the exhaust system is not removing the fumes and
dust produced by your materials out of your work area. Always research
materials before use and never operate the laser on any that can produce
corrosive, hazardous, or even deadly fumes.
3.5 Main Power Connection
Confirm that the voltage on the label above the laser’s power socket matches
your local power supply. Insert the interlock connector and power cord into
their sockets on the rear side of the machine. (If the interlock connector
does not fit, pull back its outer casing, align its holes with the pins, and
try again.) Connect the other end of the power cord directly to a grounded
outlet or to a surge protector rated over 2000J that is itself connected to a
grounded outlet. Do not connect the other end to any standard extension cord,
power strip, or ungrounded adapter. For best results, have a trained
technician verify that your power supply has less than 5% fluctuation and that
your outlet is properly grounded with less than 5Ω resistance along the line.
Poor grounding WILL cause equipment failure and create a serious electrical
shock hazard. The manufacturer and/or seller bear(s) no responsibility and
assume(s) no liability for any damage, accidents, or injuries caused by bad
grounding connections.
3.6 Cooling System Inspection
The provided water pump is essential to your engraver’s performance and
longevity. When this laser works without a properly maintained cooling system,
its glass tube WILL crack from excess heat.
Open the cover and confirm that the plastic tank to the right of your main bay
is full. The integrated water pump should arrive with about 1.6 quarts (1.5L)
of OMTech coolant already in place. This should not require replacement during
the first year of service, but refill it if the tank ever seems below two-
thirds full before activation.
Flip the engraver’s main power switch, insert and turn the laser key, and
confirm that the coolant begins to flow out of its tank, through the laser
tube, and back into the tank.
3.7 Air Assist Inspection
Your air assist should also arrive preinstalled and correctly wired. Confirm
that pressurized air begins to blow from the laser head when the engraver is
connected to power and turned on.
If any tubing or wiring needs to be adjusted or reconnected, turn off the
machine and disconnect it from power before making any such adjustment.
3.8 Control Computer Connection
Your computer comes with a copy of Ruida Technology’s RDWorks software and a
digital copy of its official instruction manual, both located on the USB flash
disk provided with the other accessories. You can also download a free copy of
the most recent version of RDWorks from our website at
www.omtechlaser.compages/software-download or from Ruida’s own website at
www.rdacs.com/en. See the software manual
for details on the requirements for the control computer.
To configure your control computer and software for the Polar 350,
-
Connect your computer to the engraver using the provided Ethernet cable or one of the provided USB cables. Use the other USB cable to connect your computer to the port marked “Camera”.
-
Connect the USB flash drive to a third port or to a USB hub connected to your computer. Alternatively, move all of its files to a folder on your computer.
-
Install and open RDWorks on your control computer.
-
In RDWorks, go to Model (ALT+M) on the main toolbar and select “RDC6442S”.
-
Go to File (ALT+F) on the main toolbar and select Vendor Settings. Enter the default password rd8888.
Select Open. Load the file Manufacturer _ parameters.RDVSet from the USB or the folder you created on your computer. -
Go to Config (ALT+S) and select System Settings. Select Import Soft Para. Go to the USB or your folder and load the file Software _ parameter.cfg.
-
On the System Work Platform on the upper right side of the main screen, change the tab from Work to User. Select Open. Go to the USB or your folder and load the file User _ parameters.RDUSet.
-
Configure the camera by going to Laser Work at the lower right and changing the Position from “Current Position” to “Absolute Coordinates”.
-
On the Canvas Tools toolbar, click the unlabeled radio box and enable the canvas function and controls.
Click on the unlabeled gear icon nearby to open the Canvas Para Settings submenu. Select Import Calibration and go to the USB or your folder. Load the file Camera calibration file.calx.
Familiarize yourself with the software’s image design features and laser
control settings before using it to operate the laser. For help configuring
your engraver for use with LightBurn or other engraving software, contact our
customer support team for complete details.
3.9 Wifi Configuration
Check your local wifi networks to see if “Polar350” already appears. If so,
log into it using the default password 123456abc.
If it does not appear, you may need to reconfigure your own device’s TCP/IP
address. The default address of the Polar 350’s wireless network is
192.168.1.100. You will need to set your computer’s wireless network card to
use a similar but not identical address. Use 192.168.1 for the first three
sections and choose a unique value for the last section. Typically any value
from 2–252 except 47 and 100 should be ok but avoid any other values that are
already being used by your other networked devices. Use the subnet mask
255.255.255.0.
Enable wireless control in RDWorks by going to Device at the lower right. If
you cannot find it, go to View (ALT+V), deselect System Work Platform to
remove it from view, and make sure that Process Control Bar is selected for
viewing. If Device is still not visible at the lower right, use your mouse to
raise the Laser Work menu until Device becomes visible. Click Setting. In the
submenu that will open, select Add on the bottom left. Toggle the selection to
Web, enter the IP address 192.168.1.100 if it is not automatically generated,
and select OK. The wifi connection should automatically be set for use. Click
Exit, confirming and saving your changes. You can now use Device’s drop down
menu to switch between using the cable connection
(“USB:Auto”) and the wireless connection (“IP:192.168.1.100”).
3.10 Interlock Testing
Because of the risk of blindness, burns, and other injury from direct exposure
to the invisible engraving beam, this device shuts off the laser automatically
when parts of its protective housing are opened.
Cover Shutoffs (Interlock)
You should test that the cover shutoffs activate properly before conducting
any other work on your machine. Turn on the engraver and duct fan. Confirm
that the cooling system, air assist, and exhaust fan have activated. Place a
piece of laserable scrap material onto the workbed, insert and turn the laser
key, and close the cover. Create or load a simple design into RDWorks and
begin engraving. Taking care not to expose yourself to seeing or being hit by
any possible reflected laser light, open the cover as little as possible. The
laser should pause automatically and then restart once the cover is closed
again. If the laser continues to engrave the design while the cover is raised,
the automatic shutoffs are not working and must be repaired before the
engraver can be used. Turn off the machine and contact our technical support
team.
Tray Shutoff (Interlock)
After ensuring that the cover protection works, you should also test that the
tray shutoff activates. Perform the same procedure as before but, instead of
opening the cover, open the debris tray. The laser should stop completely. If
it continues to engrave the design while the debris tray is open, the
automatic shutoff is not working and must be repaired before the engraver can
be used. Turn off the machine and contact our technical support team.
This is the only safety feature that should ever be circumvented. You will
need to disable this switch— located at the back right side of the main bay
near the ammeter—when engraving thick materials or while using the front pass-
through or the rotary axes. To do so, remove the debris tray and the workbed.
Move the switch into a closed position and hold it there by sliding the nearby
metal bracket to the right. Never leave the switch in this position after
completing your work. Reenable the switch before leaving the work area.
Rear Key (Interlock Connector)
After ensuring that the cover and tray interlocks work properly, you should
test that the rear key functions correctly. Perform the same procedure as
before but, instead of opening the cover or tray, remove the interlock
connector from its socket beside the power switch. The laser should stop
completely. If it continues to engrave the design without the rear key in
place, the automatic shutoff is not working and must be repaired before the
engraver can be used. Turn off the machine and contact our technical support
team.
Water Shutoff
Because of the danger posed by an uncooled laser tube, this engraver also
shuts off the laser automatically when its sensors do not detect the correct
water flow. This can be tested by crimping or tying the water hoses and
attempting to fire the laser. If you perform this test, be careful not to
damage the hoses themselves and to only briefly activate the laser. If the
laser does fire, the automatic shutoff is not working and must be repaired
before the engraver can be used. Turn off the machine and contact our
technical support team. If the laser does not fire, the automatic shutoff is
working correctly. Release the two hoses and run the water system for a minute
or two, checking that no damage or leaks have occurred.
3.11 Security
For your own safety and that of passersby, this engraver requires two keys to
provide power to the laser tube, the interlock connector at the back of the
machine and the laser power key in the front. Operators should always remove
at least one of these between uses to prevent unauthorized operation of the
machine. Only leave them in place if the work area itself is completely secure
and inaccessible to any children.
OPERATION
4.1 Operation Overview
Operate the Polar 350 only in accordance with all the instructions provided in
this manual. Failure to follow the proper guidelines detailed here can result
in property damage and personal injury.
This section will address only some of the options and features provided by
the operation software. Before beginning to use the machine, make sure that
you have read this entire manual (particularly the Safety Information above),
the separate software manual, and any and all warnings provided on the machine
itself.
4.2 General Operation Instructions
Step 1 Create your design that you’d like to engrave. You can do this
directly in your engraving software or use any other graphics program.
Step 2 Turn on your duct fan and any fume extractor or other ventilation
equipment.
Step 3 Insert the interlock connector—if you don’t normally leave it in
place—and turn on your engraver using its rear power switch and the laser key.
Put on your protective laser glasses and any other PPE necessary for your
material. Confirm that the cooling system, air assist, exhaust fan, and
internal lights have activated.
Step 4 Confirm that your control computer has a connection to the Polar,
either directly through the provided cables or wifi connection or via the
internet. Load your design into your engraving software.
Step 5 Confirm the thickness of your material with the provided ruler and
place a sample piece into the main bay. The standard location is in the top
left corner of the workbed. This can be changed by moving either your design
or the origin position in your software. Confirm that the rotary switch is
flipped down to its standard position and then close the cover.
For pieces thicker than 0.67 inches (17 mm), you will need to open the tray
and remove the honeycomb workbed to provide the extra space. For pieces longer
than 20 inches (510 mm), you should open the rear pass-through door, remove
the debris tray and workbed, hold the tray interlock switch back using the
adjacent metal bracket, and replace the workbed.
DO NOT insert anything through the pass-through doors other than your
material. As you work, confirm the ventilation system is removing all dust and
fumes. If it cannot, cease use of the pass-through for that material unless
sufficient PPE is worn by everyone nearby.
For round pieces, you will need to use a rotary axis (see §4.3 below).
Step 6 Focus your laser using the Offset parameter in your software,
located on the Test tab of the System Work Plat on the upper right side of the
main interface. For the 2-inch focus lens, this value will be 17 minus the
thickness of your material in mm:
Material Thickness | Offset Value |
---|---|
Inches | mm |
0 | 0.000 |
0.1 | 2.540 |
1/8 | 3.175 |
0.2 | 5.080 |
1/4 | 6.350 |
0.3 | 7.620 |
3/8 | 9.525 |
0.4 | 10.160 |
1/2 | 12.700 |
0.59 | 15.000 |
These are the values for materials passed through or placed at the level of
the workbed. For thicker materials, find their height relative to the bed’s
usual level, roughly 2¾ in. (70 mm) above the bottom of the laser’s support
legs. Save your changes by pressing Z− on the same tab.
Step 7 Adjust your software’s parameters to suit your project. When
working with new materials, remember that you should always start on the low
end of likely settings. If the effect is not yet strong enough, you can always
rerun the design loop several times or rerun it with more powerful settings
until you create the effect that you want.
It is NOT recommended to use the laser at full power. The recommended maximum
power setting is 70%, as prolonged use above that amount will shorten your
laser’s service life. The threshold for the lowest setting is around 10% and
the laser may not fire at all when set lower than this.
To improve the laser’s engraving or cutting effect without increasing its raw
power, increase the amount of energy per unit area by decreasing the speed
parameter or increasing the number of loops. Working too intensely, however,
increases the risk of fire and reduces image quality, especially with coated
materials.
Resolution should usually be set to 500 dots per inch. Lowering your image
resolution can be helpful in some cases, reducing flaming and increasing the
energy of the pulse in a way that improves the quality of the resultant image
in some materials such as some plastics.
Step 8 Begin engraving your design by clicking the Start button in Laser
Work on the lower right side of the software’s main interface. Watch for
possible issues like sparks or fires using the camera view. Do not stare
continuously at the active laser even through your protective eyewear. Be
prepared to quickly extinguish a fire if necessary. If any dust or fumes begin
to build up within the main bay, increase the power of the duct fan or pause
work periodically to allow it to clear the air.
You can pause and resume work by pressing the Start button on the right side
of the engraver. Once the laser has stopped, examine the quality of your first
run. Adjust the parameters in your software as necessary and begin your real
work in a different location or on a different piece of material. You can also
use the engraver’s Start button to repeat your last design without applying
any changes.
If your engraver stops during repetitive engraving and cutting, the cooling
system may have reached 122°F (50°C) and automatically paused work. Resume
work only after the system has had time to adequately cool. If possible, use
lower power settings while reducing speed or increasing the number of times
your design is processed.
Step 9 When you have finished your project, close your engraving
software. Allow the cooling and ventilation systems to continue to run until
the air in the main bay is clear and the tube has safely cooled. Turn off the
engraver using the laser key and the main power switch and then turn off the
external fan. For best results, fully unplug your engraver or turn off its
intermediary surge protector.
Step 10 Open the cover and remove any dust or debris buildup from the
workbed and the various surfaces within the bay. Remove the debris tray, empty
and clean it, and replace it.
4.3 Rotary Operation Instructions
The Polar 350 comes with two separate 4-wheel rotary axis devices to engrave
round and cylindrical surfaces.
Use Rotary Axis 1 for larger items and use 2 for smaller ones.
Step 1 Create your design that you’d like to engrave. You can do this
directly in your engraving software or use any other graphics program.
Step 2 Remove the debris tray and the honeycomb workbed. Set them aside
where they will not be damaged or fall over. Gently move the laser tube and
X-axis rail forward. Use the nearby bracket to hold the tray interlock switch
closed.
Step 3 Flip the rotary switch up towards the back of the main bay to
deactivate the Y axis motors and control signals and activate the rotary
aviation socket.
Step 4 Uncover the rotary aviation socket and connect one of the rotary
cables. You will need to pull back its outer sheath while aligning the 4 holes
to their pins. Connect the other end of the cable to the motor of the rotary
you will be using.
Step 5 Place your rotary axis in the open bay so that its number label is
in the front left corner and its support frame is flush with the left side of
the open bay.
Step 6 Gently move the laser tube and X-axis rail back so that its arrow
label is properly aligned.
When you are using Rotary Axis 1, align the 1 arrow label on the laser tube
casing with the arrow label on the RIGHT side of the bay.
When you are using Rotary Axis 2, align the 2 arrow label on the laser tube
casing with the arrow label on the LEFT side of the bay.
Step 7 Place your object carefully onto the rotary axis and measure the
distance from the upper surface of the rotary base to the upper surface of
your object. The Offset value for the 2-inch focus lens will be 86.2 minus
this distance in mm.
Follow the other steps as with regular engraving. When you are finished,
remember to reenable the tray interlock.
4.4 Instructions for Specific Materials
The following instructions are suggestions to help speed safe work with a
range of materials. The user should research the specific safety and engraving
requirements of their specific material to avoid the risk of fire, hazardous
dust, corrosive and poisonous fumes, and other potential problems. Once the
product is known to be safe or appropriate protective equipment has been set
up, it can be helpful to engrave a test matrix of small boxes produced at
various speed and power settings to discover the ideal settings for your
design. Alternatively, start with low power and fast speed settings and rerun
your design as many times as needed, using progressively greater laser
intensity.
Average Engraving Settings
Material| Acrylic| Basswood| Canvas| Cardboard|
Leather| MDF| Rubber
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Engraving| Power (W)| 25| 25| 12.5| 22.5| 15| 20| 17.5
50%| 50%| 25%| 45%| 30%| 40%| 35%
Speed (mm/s)| 500| 500| 500| 500| 500| 500| 500
100%| 100%| 100%| 100%| 100%| 100%| 100%
Cutting| Power (W)| 45| 45| 30| 45| 45| 45| N/A
90%| 90%| 60%| 90%| 90%| 90%| N/A
Speed (mm/s)| 35| 65| 350| 200| 80| 30| N/A
7%| 13%| 70%| 40%| 16%| 6%| N/A
Rec. Thickness (mm)| 3| 3| 0.2| 2| 1.5| 3| 3
Resolution (dpi)| 400| 400| 300| 400| 400| 300| 400
Ceramics
When engraving on ceramics, generally use moderate to high power. Using more
loops rather than higher power and lower speed can help avoid cracking the
material during work. Be mindful of the health risk posed by dust generated
from ceramic engraving, especially for repetitive industrial applications.
Depending on the material and the amount of work, a fan or even full
ventilation system may be required to address the problem. Similarly,
operators and others in the work area may need to use breathing PPE such as
masks and respirators.
Glass
When engraving glass, generally use high power and low speed. As with
ceramics, it can be helpful to run more loops at lower settings to avoid
cracks. Care must be taken when engraving fiberglass and carbon fiber to avoid
combinations of settings that produce a laser intensity great enough to damage
the structural integrity of its component fibers, producing blurry marking.
PPE should be worn to avoid exposure of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin to the
dust produced by working with either material, especially for repetitive
industrial applications. Clothing worn while working with fiberglass should be
washed separately afterwards.
Leather
When engraving leather products, generally use low to moderate power at high
speed. Be especially attentive to the possibility of fire, as well as the dust
produced in repetitive applications.
Metal
CO₂ laser engravers should not be used for marking, engraving, or cutting
metal. They are best suited for working coatings applied to a metal base, and
care must be taken not to attempt work on the underlying metal itself. A
variety of coatings specialized for CO₂ engraving are available, and the user
should follow the instructions provided as the parameters vary from product to
product and metal to metal. Generally, work on aluminum coatings should be
done more quickly at lower power and work on steel coatings can be done more
slowly at higher power.
Paper and Cardboard
When engraving various paper products, generally use low to moderate power and
fast speed. Test samples from each batch, as only small parameter differences
can separate effects that are too light from those that burn through the
substrate. As with leather, be especially attentive of the possibility of
fire, as well as the dust produced in repetitive applications.
Plastics
Plastics for engraving are available in many different colors and thicknesses
and with many different coatings and surfaces. The majority of available
plastics can be well engraved and cut with the laser. Plastics with a
microporous surface seem to give the best result, because less surface
material needs to be removed. When engraving plastics, generally use low power
and high speed settings. Marking and engraving with too much power or at too
low a speed can concentrate too much energy, causing the plastic to melt.
Among other problems, this may produce poor engraving quality, noxious fumes,
and even fires. High resolution engraving can cause the same problem, so
medium to low resolution designs should be preferred for most plastics.
Rubber
The various compositions and densities of rubber cause slightly varying
engraving depth. Testing various settings on sample pieces of your specific
rubber is highly recommended for best results. When engraving rubber,
generally use a consistent high power setting and create your effects by
varying the laser’s speed. Microporous rubber materials require a
significantly higher speed than standard rubber. Engraving any kind of rubber
produces a considerable amount of dust and gas. Depending on the amount of
work, breathing PPE and/or a full ventilation system may be required to
address the problem.
Stone
When engraving various kinds of stone, generally use moderate power and
moderate to fast speed. As with ceramics and glass, be mindful of the dust
created (especially for repetitive industrial applications) and take similar
measures to ensure the safety of users and others in the work area.
Textiles
When engraving textiles like cloth and fleece, generally use low power and
fast speed. As with leather, be especially attentive to the possibility of
fire and dust.
Wood
As with rubber, there is a huge variety of woods and testing your specific
material is essential to get the best results. In general, wood with
consistent grain and coloring engraves more evenly. Knotted wood produces
uneven effects, while resinous wood produces greater edge contrast. Some soft
woods like balsa, cork, and pine engrave well (albeit with low contrast) at
low or moderate power settings and high speed. Others like fir suffer from
uneven fibers that produce a poor effect at any settings. Hard woods like
cherry and oak engrave well at high power settings and low speed. Manufactured
wood products can vary from brand to brand, mostly based on its glue
composition and abundance. MDF works well but creates dark edges when cut.
In addition to the risk of fire with any wood product, extra care must be
taken with the fumes from the glue used in plywood and other manufactured
woods. Some are too dangerous to work with at all, while others require
careful ventilation and the use of breathing PPE for repetitive industrial
applications. Wood toxicity should also be examined, as the dust from some
natural woods including oleander and yew can also cause nausea and cardiac
problems in high enough amounts.
MAINTENANCE
5.1 Maintenance Overview
**** The use of procedures other than those specified herein may result in
hazardous laser radiation exposure. Before any cleaning or maintenance work,
always switch off the device and disconnect it from power. Always keep the
system clean, as flammable debris in the working and exhaust areas constitutes
a fire hazard. ONLY allow trained and skilled professionals to modify or
disassemble this device.
- Clean and cool water or laser-safe coolant must be provided to the system at all times. Confirm the tank is at least two-thirds full before and after each use.
- The workbed must be cleaned and the waste bin emptied on a daily basis.
- The lenses of the 1st and 2nd mirror housing, the 3rd mirror, the focus lens, and camera must be checked every day and cleaned if required.
- The exhaust system must be checked every week and cleaned if required.
- The guide rails should be cleaned and lubricated at least twice a month.
- The air assist must be checked every month and cleaned if required.
- All other components of the laser machine should be checked every month and cleaned where required.
5.2 Cleaning
** ALWAYS allow any fluid used in any cleaning to dry completely before
further use of the engraver.
Cleaning the Camera, Mirrors, and Focus Lens
Take care to NEVER touch the surface of any of these windows, mirrors, or
lenses with your finger.
Avoid pressing hard enough to cause scratches by grinding debris into the
lenses.
The 1st and 2nd mirrors are permanently aligned within a protective housing
and should not require adjustment or cleaning. The 3rd mirror and focus lens
are held within the laser head’s protective shell.
Clean the lenses of the protective housing’s window using a laser-safe
microfiber cloth or a cotton swab doused in alcohol or a laser-safe cleaning
solution. Clean with gentle circular motions.
To expose the interior of the laser head, gently remove its shell from the
magnets that hold it in place.
Clean the lens of the 3rd mirror and both sides of the focus lens in the same
way as the 1st and 2nd mirror’s windows. Gently remove any other dust or
debris from other components inside the laser head and wipe the shell’s holes
clean as well before carefully replacing it, allowing the magnets to grab hold
and pull it back into place.
Clean the camera lens in the same way. If any permanent spots or debris appear
under the camera’s glass lens, it cannot be wiped clean and will require
replacing the camera itself. Contact customer or technical support for
details.
Cleaning the Main Bay and Engraver**
Check at least once a day whether dust has accumulated in the main engraving
bay. If so, it must be removed. The exact cleaning interval and requirements
strongly depend on the material being processed and the operating time of the
device.
A clean machine guarantees optimal performance and reduces service costs, as
well as reducing the risk of fire or injury. Clean the viewing window with
mild cleansers and a lens or cotton cloth. DO NOT use paper towels as they can
scratch the acrylic and reduce the cover’s ability to protect you from laser
radiation. Clean the interior of the main bay thoroughly, removing any debris
particles or deposits. Paper towels and window cleaner are recommended.
When it is necessary to clean the right or left sides of the main bay
thoroughly, the plastic panels that cover them can be removed for easier
access. Turn off and unplug the engraver. Open the cover and disconnect all
the electronic items on each side. Removing the left panel requires unplugging
its LED light. Removing the right panel requires unplugging its LED light as
well as the induction switch and key line.
Remove the front and rear screws and remove the panels. Replace them using the
same screws and then restore the electrical connections.
Cleaning the Cooling System
NEVER touch or adjust your engraver’s water supply while your engraver is
still connected to power.
Your coolant tank should be shielded from ambient dust created during work. If
your coolant ever becomes visibly dirty, discontinue work. The debris in the
water will reduce its cooling efficiency, can heat up itself, and can damage
the cooling pipes. Remove the right panel following the instructions above and
use a baster or fluid extractor to remove the contaminated coolant. If the
coolant is especially polluted, use a funnel to refill the tank with clean
water, return the engraver to working order, run the system for a few
minutes, and then immediately extract the water again to remove other
impurities from the line. Use a funnel to refill the tank with clean distilled
water or laser-safe coolant, reseal the tank, restore the right panel, and
resume use.
If your coolant remains visibly clean at all times, it is still recommended
that you clean the water tank at least once a year as a precaution, replacing
the fluid as you do so.
5.3 Cooling System Maintenance
NEVER touch or adjust your engraver’s water supply while your engraver is
still connected to power.
In addition to the regular cleaning above, check that the tank is at least
two-thirds full of coolant or clean water before and after each use. If the
tank ever begins to run low, use a funnel and tube to add more distilled water
or laser-safe coolant or remove the right panel and add the fluid directly
with a funnel.
5.4 Laser Path Alignment
The Polar 350 goes through a complete beam alignment before shipping and its
design should keep your mirrors locked into their proper positions at all
times. If you wish to test the alignment by using the laser to mark pieces of
tape along its path to your material, remember to never place the tape
directly on any mirrors or lenses, to never use power levels above 15% to mark
the tape, and to never disable the cover’s interlock switches during your
testing.
If you ever find that your mirrors are out of alignment, contact our technical
support team to correct the problem.
5.5 Rail Lubrication
For best results, clean and lubricate the engraver’s guide rails every two
weeks. Turn off the laser engraver. Gently move the laser head out of the way.
Wipe away all dust and debris along the X and Y axis rails with a dry cotton
cloth until they are shiny and clean. Do the same to the Z axis screws.
Lubricate both the rails and screws with white lithium grease. Gently move the
laser head and X axis to distribute the lubricant evenly along both rails and
raise and lower the bed to distribute the lubricant evenly along the screws.
5.6 Parts Replacement
The engraver should not be modified or disassembled by anyone except trained
and skilled professionals, but some consumable parts may require replacement
after prolonged use. Be sure only to use identical or compatible replacement
parts with this engraver. Contact your vendor or our technicians if you have
any questions about fitment. Using incompatible components is highly dangerous
and waives all the manufacturer’s liability for any damage or injury caused.
5.7 Disposal Instructions
**** Electrical products should not be disposed of with household products.
In the EU and UK, according to the European Directive 2012/19/EU for the
disposal of electrical and electronic equipment and its implementation in
national laws, used electrical products must be collected separately and
disposed of at the collection points provided for this purpose. Locations in
Australia, Canada and the United States may have similar regulations. Contact
your local authorities or dealer for disposal and recycling advice.
CONTACT US
Thank you for choosing the Polar 350!
Register the warranty for your new laser by contacting us at
support@omtechlaser.com or calling our
support line at 949-539-0458 between 8
am and 4:30 pm PST Monday to Friday.
For a .pdf copy of the latest version of this manual, visit
omtechlaser.com or use the appropriate app on
your smartphone or other device to scan the QR code to the right.
Join the OMTech community at our official laser group on Facebook or visit the
company forums at our website! For helpful hints and instructions videos,
visit our channel on YouTube and, if you encounter any problem regarding your
engraver, do not hesitate to contact our support team at
techsupport@omtechlaser.com.
https://sp9c.com/D7dP
OMTECH—Beaming with Possibilities!
USB-0503-U3
Rev. 7 Dec. 2022
Documents / Resources
|
omtech POLAR350 Olar 350 50w Desktop Laser
Engraver
[pdf] Owner's Manual
POLAR350 Olar 350 50w Desktop Laser Engraver, POLAR350, Olar 350 50w Desktop
Laser Engraver, 50w Desktop Laser Engraver, Desktop Laser Engraver, Laser
Engraver, Engraver
---|---
References
- Laser Engraver and Cutting Machines - OMTech Laser
- Laser Engraver and Cutting Machines - OMTech Laser
- Ruida: Laser Cutting System, Laser Welding, Laser Engraving, Laser Marking
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>