LaserPro New Mercury Engraver User Manual

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Content
QUICK MENU ...........................................................................- 4 Chapter I - INTRODUCTION .....................................................- 5 1.1 Principles of CO2 Laser................................................- 5 1.2 Safety ............................................................................- 5 1.3 Precaution.....................................................................- 5 1.4 Fire Precaution .............................................................- 5 1.6 Warning Label...............................................................- 6 1.7 Frequently Asked Questions .......................................- 7 1.8 Lens and Manual Focus Gauge.................................- 12 1.9 Instruction of Rotary Attachment ..............................- 13 1.10 TOP VIEW..................................................................- 14 1.11 Operation: .................................................................- 14 1.12 SIDE VIEW.................................................................- 15 1.13 Dual Head Installation ..............................................- 16 Chapter II - RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION ..................- 18 2.1 Computer ....................................................................- 18 2.2 Scanner.......................................................................- 18 2.3 Software ......................................................................- 18 Chapter III - HARDWARE INSTALLATION ..............................- 19 3.1 Cabling Connection: ..................................................- 19 3.2 Parallel Transmission ................................................- 19 3.3 USB Transmission......................................................- 20 3.4 Exhaust Ventilation ....................................................- 20 Chapter IV - SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ..............................- 22 4.1 LaserPro New Mercury driver installation ................- 22 Chapter V - Operating the LaserPro New Mercury ...................... 29
5.1 Using the Hardware........................................................ 29
5.1.1 LCD Display Contrast Adjustment ............................. 29
5.1.2 Graphic Control Panel Overview (Description) ......... 29
5.1.3 Graphic Control Panel Navigation Chart ...............- 32 5.1.4 Graphic Control Panel Function Pages .................- 33 5.2 The LaserPro New Mercury Print Driver ...................- 60 5.2.1 Page Setup and Orientation....................................- 61 5.2.2 Color Management ..................................................- 63 5.2.3 Using the LaserPro New Mercury Print Driver ......- 64 5.2.3.1 New Mercury Print Driver >> Option Page..........- 64 5.2.3.2 New Mercury Print Driver >> Pen Page...............- 71 5.2.3.3 New Mercury Print Driver >> Advance Page.......- 74 -
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5.2.3.4 New Mercury Print Driver >> Paper Page ...........- 78 5.2.3.5 New Mercury Print Driver >> Language Page ....- 80 5.2.3.6 New Mercury Print Driver >> Raster Page ..........- 81 5.2.3.7 New Mercury Print Driver >> Stamp Page...........- 84 Chapter VI - BASIC MAINTENANCE ......................................- 86 6.1 Cleaning the mirror..- 86 6.2 Cleaning the focus lens .. ..........................................- 88 Chapter VII - TROUBLE SHOOTING ......................................- 89 7.1 Quality Problems........................................................- 89 7.2 Non-operational Problems.........................................- 89 Appendix A. 3D Function.........................................................- 90 Tip for 3D Application ......................................................- 90 Appendix B. Modifying settings for better engraving quality.....- 91 Appendix C. Specification........................................................- 91 -
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QUICK MENU
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Connect the air exhaust system.
Set up computer and connect with the engraving system properly.
Turn ON the host computer system.
Install the NEW MERCURY Driver. (for first time use only)
Use Windows-based program (such as CorelDraw, PhotoShop, Illustrator, AutoCAD,
etc.) to operate with the engraver.
Turn ON the engraver. The lens carriage moves to the home position (upper left corner)
and the working table moves down 50mm approximately after system initialization. (If a
rotary attachment is installed, the working table will move down to the bottom.)
Auto-focusing: Press the AUTO FOCUS button and the table will move upward and
stop at the focal position automatically.
The following is an example by using CorelDRAW V.11. Graphics can be outputted to
the machine by following the instructions below to start work.
1. Layout
2. Page Setup
3. Set from Printer, choose Portrait
4. OK
5. Edit desired file (picture etc.)
6. File
7. Print
8. Properties
9. Options, choose desired Mode (refer to Fig. 11) then set up proper resolution,
power and speed
10. OK
11. Print
12. File name is shown on LCD then press START.
6.
7.
8.
NOTE:
Turn on the air exhausting system before engraving.
The maximum loading weight of working table is 20 kg.
NOTICE:
1. In order to match New Mercury driver’s color. Make sure that the Color Management
option is disabled on your CorelDRAW V.11 or later. Please follow these steps:
Tools
Color Management
Color Management Off
OK.
2. When operating with CorelDRAW V.11 or later version, please choose Layout
Page Setup
Set From Printer.
3. When using the available artworks from the Clipart of CorelDRAW, to prevent the
hidden vector lines shown on your engravings. Please do as follows:
Choose a file from Clipart, go to Bitmaps
Convert to Bitmap, after converting
the file, go to Bitmaps
Mode
Grayscale
OK.
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Chapter I - INTRODUCTION
1.1 Principles of CO2 Laser
LASER is a Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
A CO2 laser works by exciting the molecules of a carbon dioxide gas mixture.
To engrave, the beam is focused through a lens. The intensive beam can vaporize
the surface of the material leaving an engraved image or, in some cases, cutting through the
material.
1.2 Safety
Laser engravers that have the CDRH safety rating of Class 1 are required to have key safety
features such as an enclosed laser beam and safety interlock mechanisms designed to protect
the operator. In addition to the safety features of a Class1 machine, the LaserPro New
Mercury has been equipped with a red guidance pointer. This red dot allows the operator to
safely see the focal point of the laser beam. It also gives New Mercury the improved CDRH
safety rating of 3R.
1.3 Precaution
1. The suitable temperature for working environment is 15℃~30℃ (60℃~86℃).
2. Always wear certified safety goggles. Reflective materials such as mirrors, enameled
brass and anodized aluminum may reflect a portion of the invisible laser radiation.
This may cause sever eye damage if appropriate safety goggles are not worn.
NOTE: Each LaserPro laser machine is equipped with a safety goggle. Please
contact LaserPro if more is required. Goggles with the following specifications should
be used.
190-398 nm OD5+
10,600 nm OD5+
Visible light transmission: 92.9%
3. Do not attempt to modify or disassemble the laser system at any time.
4. Wear appropriate safety goggles especially when engraving with mirrors or coated
metals such as enameled brass and anodized aluminum.
5. Good ventilation is required to remove odors and vaporized materials to the outside of
the building or structure. An exhausted system is recommended.
6. Do not work with reflective metals, heat sensitive surfaces or other materials that may
produce toxic substances, such as PVC and Teflon.
7. A fire extinguisher should be available on hand at any time.
8. Never leave the machine unattended during operation.
9. Follow the recommendations for maintaining and cleaning your system. Not only will
this enable you to engrave efficiently, it will ensure that your machine runs safely as
well.
1.4 Fire Precaution
1.
2.
When cutting materials that easily catches fire, such as acrylic, wood or paper, it is
advised to have the air compressor turned on to prevent flame.
If a cutting table, or a honeycomb table, is used for cutting purpose, do not leave any
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material underneath, as when material at top is cut through, the material at below will
be burned easily due to trapped heat.
3.
Do not run the machine while it is unattended, especially with materials mentioned
above.
1.5 The Safety Interlock System
The LaserPro NEW MERCURY is complete with a safety interlock system that automatically
shuts off the power supply to the laser whenever the top or front door is opened. There are
magnets on the top and front door, which activate this safety mechanism. Do not attempt
to remove or modify these magnets or any other component of the safety interlock system.
1.6 Warning Label
On the surface of Carriage
On the front cover of Laser Tube
On the front center of the top door
On the backside of the machine
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On the upper left side of the machine
1.7 Frequently Asked Questions
1.What materials can be processed by CO2 laser?
Virtually any materials such as acrylic, wood, fabrics, glass, leather, marble, stone,
rubber stamps, paper products, coated metals, plastics (especially micro plastic
developed by IPI, Spectrum and Rowmark etc.) other hard-surface materials blended
with polyester and fibers ( Corian™, Fountainhead™, and Avonite™ etc.) or laserable
simulated products of stone, wood and metal etc.
Bare metals cannot get a good engraving result by using CO2 laser. However, special
kind of spray has been developed that allows CO2 laser to mark on the bare metals
such as stainless steel, aluminum etc. Do not engrave or cut materials which are heat
sensitive or toxic substances can be produced ( e.g. PVC and Teflon coating ).
2.What is the life cycle of the laser source?
The life cycle of laser source is around 20,000 hours.
3.What is the main purpose of air assist system?
The air assist system can provide a much better engraving & cutting effect, as it will blow
away vaporized particles and prevent fire due to overheating.
4.What does cutting table do?
The cutting table, also known as honeycomb table, is especially useful for vector cutting
application. The space between materials and working table, gapped by cutting table,
allows heat and smoke to be disbursed and vented out which may otherwise cause bad
cutting effect.
5.What is the maximum engraving speed of LaserPro New
Mercury?
The maximum engraving speed of LasePro New Mercury is 1066 mm/sec (42 inch/sec).
When engraving an A4 (18 x 28 cm) size square with 250dpi at full speed, it takes
LaserPro New Mercury about 18 minutes to complete.
6.How to engrave an extremely long working piece?
The back door (or panel) of LaserPro New Mercury can be removed by taking away the
screws. For a better ventilation and safe purpose, this special design is to prevent the
back door being opened without notice during operating. However, you have to use
magnetic devices to short the connector of the magnetic switches on both side of the
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front door while opening for engraving extremely long work-piece. When doing so, make
sure that you wear safety goggles to operate the machine.
Front View
Top View
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Back View
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Left View
Right View
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Motion System
Dust Prevention Box (Mirror 2 inside)
Mirror 3 & Holder
Release the Screw to Pull
Out the Mirror
Mirror 4 and Focus Lens inside
Y-axis Belt
X-axis Bearing
X-axis Motor
X-axis Belt
Bearing Track
Y-axis Belt
Manual Focus
Gauge Holder
Focal-Sharp™
Auto-focus Gauge
Magnetic Sensor
for Dual Head
Port for Rotary Attachment
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1.8 Lens and Manual Focus Gauge
Focal Length
1.5”
2.0”
2.5”
4.0”
Matched Color
LENS
Purple
Blue
Gold
Red
Option
Standard
Option
Option
MANUAL FOCUS GAUGE
Blue (same as 2.0”)
Blue
Gold
Red
Manual Focus Gauge
Insert to the hole of
the holder for
manual focusing
Mirror
Lens 2.0, 2.5 or
4.0
Slot position for
Lens 1.5 only
Manual Focus
Gauge Holder
Auto Focus Gauge
Focal-Sharp™
Focus Probe
Focus Carriage Assembly
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1.9 Instruction of Rotary Attachment
1) Turn off the power of the engraver.
2) Put the rotary attachment onto the engraving table. Ensure the two screw holes should match the two
corresponding holes on the table and the white mark of the left side aligns to the position of 24cm (9.45 inch)
on the ruler, and then tighten the screws.
3) Plug the cable of the rotary attachment into the port in the middle front of the engraver.
4) Turn on the power and the engraving table moves down to the lowest position automatically.
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1.10 TOP VIEW
Ruler
Track
White Mark
Lever
Port
Screw
Holes
Top
Window
1.11 Operation:
NOTE: The maximum length of the engraving object is 450 mm (17.71 inch). The maximum diameter of the
padded rubber wheel is 94 mm. To get an accurate engraving position during rotating, it is better that the diameter
of the engraving object is not smaller than 90mm (3.54 inch). However, the maximum diameter of the loaded
object is 180mm and the limited loading weight is 7 Kg (15.4 Lb.).
1. Measure the diameter of the engraving area for setting up the software operation before engraving.
2. Lift the lever, loading the engraving object, slide the adjustable end to the bottom of the object firmly, then
lower the lever of the fixture to secure it in place shown as in Fig II.
3. If the engraved object is too small, please use 4-inch lens to prevent collision between carriage and rotary
attachment devise.
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1.12 SIDE VIEW
Adjustable end
Motor
Lever
Base of the
padded
rubber
wheel
Open end of the engraving object
4. Turn on the power. The rotary attachment is detected and the working table moves down to the bottom
automatically. The system initializes to the home position, at the same time.
5. Set up focus.
6. The following is an example of engraving process by using CorelDRAW V.11 or after version
a. File
b. Print Setup, choose NEW MERCURY
c. Properties
d. Paper, select Rotary Fixture
e. key in the Offset value, X value and Diameter value
f. OK
NOTICE:
When doing the Print Setup under print driver setting, please always choose Layout
→ Page Setup → Set From Printer, no matter operating with CorelDraw V.11, or
after version.
NOTICE:
Please always choose Portrait for Page Setup on CorelDraw V.11 no
matter X or Y value whichever is lager.
Layout → Page Setup → Set From Printer → Portrait
Define engraving location by moving the arrow keys and the red point will show the right position you want.
Moving the red point from rotary home position (at the base of the padded rubber wheel) to the open end of
the engraving object, the Offset value will be displayed on LCD.
Caution:
Adjust the working table and set up the focus under STOP status.
Set up focus after initializing the system to prevent the carriage hit the engraving
object.
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1.13 Dual Head Installation
Step 1：Turn off the system.
Step2：Put the dual head carriage onto the X-axis belt bearing track.
Step3：Cut 25mm (1 inch) off the air assist tube on the original lens carriage.
Step4：Connect the air assist tube of the dual head with that of original carriage by “T” connector.
“T“
Connector
Metal
Frame
Step5：Screw the metal frame which is attached to the right side of dual head to the original lens carriage.
Step6：Turn on the power to test whether the dual head is installed properly. During initiation, the system will
detect the dual head carriage when it moves the lens carriage to front-right side, so it would not crash
the dual head carriage when move the origin position.
Note：
：
1. Keep the screws on the lens carriage after taking off the dual head.
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2. Put the black cap on the “T” connector after taking off the dual head to prevent air flowing leaking.
3. Please choose dual head item from Paper option of printer properties before outputting a graph with dual head
carriage.
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Chapter II - RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION
2.1 Computer
Your PC must be sufficient to equip with Window XP at least.
We recommend the specification of PC for better work as following.
CPU
Pentium at least
DRAM
32 MB RAM or up
FDD
One 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy
HDD
1.2 GB Hard Drive or up
SVGA
15" Super VGA Monitor
★ ★On Board Parallel Mode(Setup from PC BIOS):
SPP—Preferred Mode
ECP—Cable length less than 1.8meters
2.2 Scanner
Flat Bed
Minimum resolution:
200 DPI
2.3 Software
GCC driver (designed under Window XP or higher level)
Windows
Window XP or higher
CorelDRAW
Version 7.0 or higher version
Any program that can output HPGL commands
TIP
AutoCAD is the preferred application software for mass cutting production when working with the
LaserPro New Mercury for better output performance.
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Chapter III - HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Caution:
Turn all equipment off before making any connection.
Check the plug of the power cord to see if it matches the wall outlet. If not, please contact your dealer.
3.1 Cabling Connection:
1. Insert the power cord (male) into a grounded power outlet.
2. Plug the other end (female) into the engraver. The engraver has been design to autoswitch from 100 ~ 240 VAC
automatically (40W and above laser engravers require 220~240 VAC only).
3. The laser engraver can communicate with a computer through either the serial (RS-232C) port, the parallel port,
or the USB port.
Power on/off
Switch
15 AMP
resetable fuse
3 AMP
resetable fuse
AC Power
Connector
Parallel
Interface
Connector
USB Connector
3.2 Parallel Transmission
Connect a parallel cable to the engraver (parallel port) then to the parallel port of the host computer.
Caution:
Never use a mechanical switch box when a second printer port is required.
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The electrical surges can cause damage to the computer and the engraver.
3.3 USB Transmission
Connect USB cable to the engraver (USB port) then to the serial port of the host computer.
3.4 Exhaust Ventilation
There are two exhaust ports on the New Merucry that can be used to connect to the odor reduction unit.
(i)
Exhaust port from beneath the machine
Exhaust
Blower
Seal
Clip
4 inch diameter
flexible hose
Connect to an air
filter or exhaust air
outside of the
building
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(ii)
Exhaust port from the rear of the machine
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Chapter IV - SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
4.1 Install LaserPro New Mercury driver to PC. Please follow the procedure below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Choose Settings and click Printers
Double click Add printer and start Add printer wizard. Then Next step.
Choose Local and click Next step
Choose Have disk and click Next step
Insert the New Mercury Driver disk properly into the floppy drive then click
OK
Choose the port where your laser system is connected and click Next step
Name your system or bypass
Choose the driver to be default printer
Select No when asked to print a test page and click Finish
Now the LaserPro New Mercury printer driver is installed completely. Don't forget to take the
GCC driver disk from the floppy drive and store in a safe place.
NOTE
Window Vista USB Driver installation:
correctly under Window Vista
The main purpose is to install USB Driver
OS
Vista
USB Driver Version
USB Setup1.12_01
Firmware Version
1.22_AAS
Fig: Vista Operation System
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Installation process:
< Step1> Go to GCC Distributor Club and download the latest USB driver.
<Step 2>
Please do the following steps to install the USB driver.
1.
Run the remove.exe ( right mouse click and click ”Run as Administrator”) to make sure that
we remove any previous of the USB driver
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2.
Run the “USBSETUP.EXE” file ( right click and click ”Run as Administrator”)
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3.
•
Double check if the GCC USB driver has been installed correctly by going to the “Device
Manager ” and locate the “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”
Attention: Remove previous installations if any.
(Right click on previous installations and
select remove driver, then unplug and plug USB cable from laser engraver again.)
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Fig: If the USB Print Support has been installed on the computer, it will be shown on the above
screen.
Fig: Unplug and reconnect the USB cable and the “GCC USB Driver” icon will be shown.
NOTE
Installation of “Upgrader.exe” under Win Vista
Even if the GCC USB has been installed correctly, it will still not be worked correctly
when you are not logged in as an administrator to run “upgrader.exe” file.
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Example 1:
If we run the” Upgrader.exe” file, but did not use “Run as Administrator”.
will not show up in the pull down menu of the Com Setup
The GCC USB driver port
Example 2:
Under the same situation as sample 1, right click on the “Upgrader.exe ”and click” Run as
Administrator”, you can see GCC USB port on pull down list of Com Setup.
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Chapter V - Operating the LaserPro New Mercury
Once you have installed the LaserPro USB Driver (USB connectivity only), LaserPro Print Driver, and have
connected the LaserPro New Mercury to your computer, you will need to familiarize yourself with the LaserPro
New Mercury’s control panel and LaserPro Print Driver. The print driver will be where you spend most of your
time configuring specific laser parameters for your jobs, while the control panel will allow you to set repeat times,
manipulate the file order, perform auto / manual focusing, configure the start point, and more.
5.1 Using the Hardware
5.1.1 Adjusting the LCD Display Screen’s Contrast Setting
Depending on the lighting of your immediate work area, you may need to adjust the contrast of LCD display
screen. You may increase or decrease the contrast via the contrast adjustment wheel found on the inside of the
right shoulder. You can access this area by opening the front door and looking inside to the right shoulder (as
shown in the picture below).
LCD Display Screen’s
Contrast Adjustment
Wheel
5.1.2 Graphic Control Panel Overview (Description)
The Control Panel
The control panel on the LaserPro New Mercury provides an easy access to all the manual
controls needed for cutting and engraving. The liquid crystal display (LCD), functional,
directional and selection buttons make navigating through the machine’s manual controls easy
to do.
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LED Indicator Lights
LCD Display Screen
Function Buttons
Directional and
Selection Buttons
LED Indicator Lights
Three indicator lights on the LaserPro New Mercury’s control panel are part of the system’s
safety interlock system.
•
Door - The door light will illuminate when either the top lid or external pass through doors on the
LaserPro New Mercury are open or improperly closed.
•
Power - The power light will illuminate when the LaserPro New Mercury is powered on.
•
Laser - The laser light will illuminate when the laser is active and in operation.
WARNING
•
•
DO NOT attempt to remove or modify any component of the safety interlock system.
If at any time, any of the access doors are open and the “laser” LED is illuminated,
unplug the laser system IMMEDIATELY and contact GCC technical support for service
instructions.
• DO NOT operate the laser system if any component of the safety system is
malfunctioning.
NOTE
There is an 8 second warm up period after the door LED is triggered for systems
equipped with Synrad laser tubes. i.e. opening the top lid or the external pass through
doors of the machine. Operator must wait for 8 seconds before the laser tube can
begin to work.
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Directional and Selection Buttons
Func
unction (F1
(F1 / F2 / F3 / F4)
F4) – Four function buttons allow you to select various functions which will
change depending on what section of the menu you are in. Each function button’s
corresponding task will be displayed right above its respective button on the LCD display screen.
Please note that in certain menus, not every function button will always be mapped to a
corresponding action. In these situations, that particular button will not have a function.
Directional (
/
/
/
) – Four directional buttons allow you to navigate the selection cursor
through the control panel menu and adjust the value of specific settings. In general, the
/
directional buttons cycle through the various selections, while the /
directional buttons
adjust the value of that particular selection.
Enter – Confirms the current selection.
Start / Stop – Allows you to start or stop engraving jobs, once those jobs have been successfully
loaded onto the system.
Delete – Provides quick access to delete the current job.
Pause – Pauses the current engraving process. Press again to resume the current process.
Auto Focus – After you have positioned your material and moved the laser carriage head to the
area you want to engrave, press this button and the system will automatically adjust the optimal
vertical focal distance for the laser.
Manu
Manua
nual Focus (▲ / ▼) – To manually adjust the vertical focal distance between the laser head
and the material, you can use the ▲ / ▼ buttons to do so. Doing so will adjust the vertical height
(z-axis) of the worktable.
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5.1.3 Graphic Control Panel Navigation Chart
Main Work Page
Functions Page
File Management Page
Machine Information Page
Machine Setting Page
Link / DLink Page
File Information Page
Smart Memory
Select Lens
Tune Auto Focus
Table Down
Red Beam
Vector Mode
Save Position
Carriage Free
Command Mode
File Save Mode
USB Setup Wizard
SmartGuard
Scaling
Other
Reset
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5.1.4 Graphic Control Panel Function Pages
When the LaserPro New Mercury is powered on, the machine will perform a series of safety
checks and initializing routines. The LCD display screen will display the GCC copyright,
LaserPro logo, and machine initialization pages before going to the main work page.
Main Work Page
The main work page is the page that the LaserPro New Mercury will default to upon startup and will
be the “home base” for when navigating through the various functions of the control panel. This will
be the page that is displayed when you are processing your jobs. This page contains specific job
information such as the current job’s name, Speed, Power, PPI, DPI, processing / remaining times,
and jobs loaded.
Main Work Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Prev)
Scroll through previous jobs
F2 (Next)
Scroll through next jobs
F3 (Z)
Go to Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page
F4 (Func)
Go to Functions Page
/ / / Directional
Go to Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page
Start / Stop
Start / Stop the current job
Delete
Delete the current selected job
Cutting Mode
Set Acceleration
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Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press , , , , or F3
Carriage / Work Table
Adjustment Page
The Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page allow you to manually increase and decrease the
height of the work table (Z-axis). In addition, you can manually adjust the Y-axis and X-axis of the
laser carriage.
Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
/ Directional
Manually adjust the Y-axis position of the laser carriage
/ Directional
Manually adjust the X-axis position of the laser carriage
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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SmartCenter Page
☼ navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F3
SmartCenter Page
Under SmartCenter mode the job will be started after the system positions the pen carriage at the
center position between two points indicated by the user. There are two ways to activate the
SmartCenter mode, either through driver or direct from control panel.
Enter SmartCenter page and we can move the pen carriage by hand and press enter to save the
positions indicated by the red pointer. After both points are set, the pen carriage will move to the
Center of the two entered points and the job will begin.
Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F2 (Reset)
F4 (Save)
/ Directional
/ Directional
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Back to previous page
Reset all saved positions
Save current lens carriage position
Manually adjust the Y-axis position of the laser carriage
Manually adjust the X-axis position of the laser carriage
Back to Main Work Page
Initiate the auto focus function
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
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Functions Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
The Functions Page allows you to edit file management and machine settings. From this page, you will
be able to access the File Management, Machine Setting, and Machine Information pages.
•
•
•
File Management Page – this page allows you to manage the files that you have loaded onto the
LaserPro New Mercury.
Machine Setting Page – this page allows you to access and modify various machine settings,
including: Set Lens, Tune Auto Focus, Set Table Down, Set Red Beam, Carriage Lock, Set
Command Mode, Save Position, Flash Memory, Set File Save Mode, Set Vector Mode, Tune
Image Power, Set Laser Wattage, Set Fine Mode, Other, Reset.
Machine Information Page – this page allows you to view information regarding the system such
as the GCC logo, machine name, firmware version, and other information.
Functions Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F3 (Help)
Display help
F4 (Recall)
Back to previous page
/ Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
Enter
Perform the selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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File Management Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <File Management>
from the menu
File Management Page
The File Management Page allows you to manage the files that you have loaded onto the LaserPro
New Mercury. You can scroll through your jobs, delete a selected job, delete all jobs, and go to the
Link/DLink Page to set and arrange multiple loaded jobs into a single job queue for processing.
File Management Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F2 (Link)
Go to the Link/DLink Page
F3 (D-All)
Delete all loaded jobs
F4 (Del)
Delete the selected job
/ Directional
Scroll through your loaded jobs
Enter
Go to the File Information Page for the selected job
Start / Stop
Go to the Main Work Page for the selected job
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☼ Navigating to this page:
Link/DLink Page
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <File Management>
from the menu
File Management Page
Press F2
Link / DLink Page
The Link/DLink Page allows you to set, arrange, and remove loaded jobs to and from a job queue
for processing. Use the directional keys to cycle through your loaded jobs, then simply press the
<F2 (Link)> key to add a file to the job queue. The job queue will be set in a sequential order based
on the order you link the files. Press the <F4 (DLink)> key to remove a job from your job queue.
The first column field (before the file name) displays the job number. The sequence for your job
queue is displayed in the two columns to the right of your file names. The first column to the right of
your job file name displays the job number of the previous file in the job queue sequence. The
second column after the file name displays that job’s next file in the job queue sequence. First and
last jobs in the job sequence you set will have a (---) in the first and second columns respectively.
So according to the image above, the job queue sequence has been set to be processed in this
order: 03:Marble.cdr 01:Marble.cdr 02:Marble.cdr.
Link/DLink Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F2 (Link)
Add the currently selected job to the job queue
F4 (DLink)
Remove the currently selected job from the job queue
/ Directional
Scroll through your loaded jobs
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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File Information Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <File Management>
from the menu
File Management Page
Select a job file and
press Enter
File Information Page
The File Information Page allows you to view the speed, power, DPI, and PPI settings of the
selected job. In addition, you will be able to go to the File Management Edit Page from this menu to
change raster / vector speed and power settings for the selected job.
File Information Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Edit)
Go to the File Management Edit Page for the selected job
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
LaserPro NEW MERCURY User Manual
39
File Management Edit Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <File Management>
from the menu
File Management Page
Select a job file and
press Enter
File Information Page
Press F4
File Management Edit Page
The File Management Edit Page allows you the choice to modify your raster or vector settings for the
selected job, as well as setting the number of times to repeated the process of the job selected (Repeat
Num).
File Management Edit Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
/ Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
/ Directional
Cycle through the available selections
Enter
Perform the selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
File Edit Raster Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <File Management>
from the menu
File Management Page
Select a job file and
press Enter
File Information Page
Press F4
File Management Edit Page
Select <Raster Setting>
from the menu
File Edit Raster Page
The File Edit Raster Page allows you to edit the raster power and speed settings, as well as enable or disable
SmartACT for the selected job. These settings correspond to the same settings found on the LaserPro New
Mercury print driver. This page allows you to easily adjust these values to make immediate adjustments while
processing your loaded jobs, even when you have disconnected your computer from the LaserPro New Mercury
•
•
•
Raster Power: 0.0% - 100%
Raster Speed: 0.0% - 100%
SmartACT: YES / NO
File Edit Raster Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
/ Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
/ Directional
Adjust the value for that selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
LaserPro NEW MERCURY User Manual
41
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
File Edit Vector Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <File Management>
from the menu
File Management Page
Select a job file and
press Enter
File Information Page
Press F4
File Management Edit Page
Select <Vector Setting>
from the menu
File Edit Vector Page
The File Edit Vector Page allows you to edit the vector pen, vector power, vector speed, and vector PPI, and
power ramp settings for the selected job. These settings correspond to the same settings found on the LaserPro
New Mercury print driver. This page allows you to easily adjust these values to make immediate adjustments
while processing your loaded jobs, even when you have disconnected your computer from the LaserPro New
Mercury.
•
•
•
•
•
Vector Pen: 1 - 16
Vector Power: 0.0% - 100%
Vector Speed: 0.0% 100%
Vector PPI: 30 - 1524
Power Ramp: YES / NO
File Edit Vector Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
/ Directional
Adjust the value for that selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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42
Machine Setting Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine
Setting> from the menu
Machine Setting Page
The Machine Setting Page allows you to access and modify a variety of your machine settings, including:
SmartMemory, Select Lens, Tune Auto Focus, Set Table Down, Set Red Beam, Vector Mode, Save Position,
Carriage Lock, Set Command Mode, Set File Save Mode, USB Setup Wizard, SmartGuard, Scaling, Other, Reset.
Machine Setting Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
/ Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
Enter
Perform the selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
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43
SmartMEMORY Page
Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine
Settings>from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select<SmartMEMORY
>from the menu
SmartMEMORY Page
The SmartMEMORY Page allows you to read and write data with the optional SmartMEMORY
module installed. Selecting <Save to SmartMEMORY> will copy all current jobs on the LaserPro
New Mercury to the SmartMEMORY module. Selecting <Load SmartMEMORY> will copy all job files
from the SmartMEMORY module to the LaserPro New Mercury.
SmartMEMORY Page
Relevant Buttons
F1 (Back)
/
Directional
Function
Back to previous page
Scroll through the menu selections
Enter
Perform the selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
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44
Set Lens Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Setting>
from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <Set Lens>
from the menu
Set Lens Page
The Select Lens Page allows you to modify the lens setting after you have changed to a different focal lens.
Remember to save your settings after you have made the proper changes. Now by pressing the Auto Focus
button, the LaserPro New Mercury will auto focus properly using the new lens. The LaserPro New Mercury’s
default setting is <2.0”>
Lens: 1.5” / 2.0” / 2.5” / 4.0”
Set Lens Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Cycle through selections
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
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45
Tune Auto Focus Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine
Setting> from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <Tune Auto Focus>
from the menu
Tune Auto Focus Page
The Tune Auto Focus Page allows you to manually set the default auto focus distance / vertical height of the
worktable (Z-axis) for when the Auto Focus button is pushed.
Tune Auto Focus Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
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46
Set Table Down Page
Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine
Setting>from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select<Set Table
Down>from the menu
Set Table Down Page
The Set Table Down Page allows you to select whether or not the LaserPro New Mercury displays a
warning prompt at startup. If the Table Down selection is set to <YES>, the LaserPro New Mercury will
display a warning prompt: at startup, stating: “Table will move down and remove objects on table”.
Pressing the Enter key at this point will confirm the prompt to move the work table to its lowest position.
If the Table Down is set to <NO>, then the LaserPro New Mercury will not display this warning prompt at
system startup.
•
•
Table Down: YES / NO
Distance: 0 - 165 mm
Set Table Down Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/
/
Directional
Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
Adjust the value for that selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
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47
Set Red Beam Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Setting>
from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <Set Red Beam>
from the menu
Set Red Beam Page
The Set Beam Page allows you to turn on or off the red dot laser pointer on the laser carriage. Enabling this function
will indicate the exact area the engraving laser will fire upon.
Red Beam YES / NO
Set Red Beam Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Cycle Red Beam between YES / NO
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
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48
Set Vector Mode Page
Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine
Setting>from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select<Set Vector
Mode>from the menu
Set Vector Mode Page
The Set Vector Mode Page allows you to adjust and balance vector mode’s quality and speed
settings based on your specific job. Speedy Vector Mode offers the highest output speed, sacrificing
quality. Whereas Quality Vector Mode offers the highest quality, sacrificing output speed. Keep in
mind that speed and quality are usually at a tradeoff. The system’s default is Fine Vector mode,
sacrificing some speed for higher quality. The LaserPro New Mercury’s default setting is <Fine
Vector>.
•
Modes: Quality Vector, Fine Vector, Coarse Vector, Speedy Vector
[Slower speeds / higher quality -------------------- Faster speeds / lower quality]
Set Voctor Mode Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/
Directional
Cycle Set Vector Mode between QUALITY VECTOR/
FINEVECTOR/ COARSE VECTOR/ SPEEDY VECTOR
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
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49
Save Position Page
Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine
Setting>from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select<Set File Save
Mode>from the menu
Set File Save Mode Page
The Save Position Function allows you to save the current X-axis and Y-axis positions of the laser
carriage and sets this position to be the origin for subsequent jobs.
Tip
This is an excellent function to use when you are processing identical items or
engraving relatively smaller objects positioned away from the default start position
(top left) of the work table.
Recall Position
Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
press F4
Functions Page
Select<Recall> by pressing F4
To recall the saved position, simply go to Functions page and press F4 again to recall the saved position.
The laser carriage will be moved to the saved position.
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50
Carriage Lock Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Setting>
from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <Carriage Lock>
from the menu
Carriage Lock Page
The Carriage Lock Page allows you to set whether the laser carriage is locked or free. If the Carriage Free
setting is set to <YES>, then you will be able to manually move the laser carriage along the X and Y axis by hand
with the top door open. Whereas setting the Carriage Free to <NO> will lock the laser carriage, and movement or
positioning can only be done by the control panel.
•
Carriage Free YES / NO
Carriage Lock Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Cycle Carriage Free between YES / NO
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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51
☼ Navigating to this page:
Set Command Mode Page
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Setting>
from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <Set Command
Mode >
from the menu
Set Command Mode
Page
The Set Command Mode Page allows you to configure vector settings when outputting in Default or HPGL mode.
Default mode is the standard Windows print driver recognized by the most popular graphic software programs,
such as CorelDraw, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. Whereas, HPGL mode is a less common output format generated
from some RIP applications (signage industry). Regardless of which format you will be working with, both output
formats are supported.
•
•
•
•
•
Mode: Default / HPGL
Vector Pen: 1 - 16
Vector Speed: 0.0% - 100%
Vector PPI: 0.0% - 100%
Power Ramp: YES / NO
Set Command Mode Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
/ Directional
Adjust the value for that selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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52
☼ Navigating to this page:
File Save Mode Page
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Setting>
from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <Set File Save
Mode > from the menu
Set File Save Mode
Page
The File Save Mode Page allows you to set whether or not the LaserPro New Mercury automatically deletes
each job file after processing. Setting File Save to <NO> will automatically and immediately delete each job file
from the LaserPro New Mercury after the engraving or cutting process. Setting File Save to <YES> will retain all
job files on the LaserPro New Mercury, even after each job has been processed.
•
File Save: YES / NO
Set File Save Mode Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Cycle File Save between YES / NO
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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53
☼ Navigating to this page:
USB Setup Wizard Page
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Setting>
from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <USB Setup
Wizard>
from the menu
USB Setup Wizard Page
The USB Setup Wizard allows you to set the USB connection mode between GCC_mode and Common_mode.
USB Setup Wizard Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
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54
SmartGUARD Page
Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine
Settings>from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select<SmartGUARD
>from the menu
SmartGUARD Page
After hardware installation, please enter the function menu on the control panel to enable the
SmartGUARD fire alarm.
SmartGUARD Enable / Disable:
Press directional key (left or right) to enable the SmartGUARD device or disable it.
Sensitivity：
Press directional key (left or right) to set the sensitivity of SmartGUARD. There are five sensitivity
settings (1, 3, 5, 7, 9 seconds) that can be selected. Sensitivity is defined by the delay time from when
a fire is detected until the fire alarm alerts user, and automatically shuts down the system. For example,
if the sensor delay switch is set to the 3 second position, the SmartGUARD will start an alarm and
automatically shutdown the laser system after detecting a fire for 3 seconds.
SmartGUARD Setting Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/
/
Directional
Directional
LaserPro NEW MERCURY User Manual
Scroll through the menu selections
Adjust the value for that selection
55
☼ Navigating to this page:
Scaling Page
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Setting>
from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <Scaling>
from the menu
Scaling Page
The Scaling page allows you to set the scaling factor of the machine.
Scaling Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
LaserPro NEW MERCURY User Manual
56
Other Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Setting>
from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <Other> from the
menu
Other Page
The Other Page allows you to change various settings that correspond to the control panel.
The Language setting will allow users to change available languages displayed by the control
panel. The Unit setting will allow you to change whether the units displayed by the control
panel is in the metric or imperial system. The EOF (end of file) Alarm setting will enable or
disable an audible notification when your jobs are complete. The Air Delay setting allows you
to specify the delay in seconds of the SmartAIR air-assist after the point of laser firing.
•
•
•
•
Language: ENGLISH (others dependent on Firmware)
Unit: METRIC / ENGLISH
EOF Alarm: YES / NO
Air Delay: 1-100 seconds
TIP Depending on the material you are engraving with, your
laser settings, and the desired results, please experiment with the air
delay to achieve your desired results.
Other Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
/ Directional
Adjust the value for that selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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Reset Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Setting>
from the menu
Machine Setting Page
Select <Reset> from the
menu
Reset Page
The Reset Page allows you to reset all changes made to the LaserPro New Mercury’s
Machine Settings Page to their default settings. This does not affect the settings saved to
an image file on the computer. The User Reset setting will set all settings back to the
default. After any firmware updates, you must use the System Reset setting (your previous
settings are saved).
•
•
User Reset (will pop up a confirmation, press Enter to confirm and continue)
System Reset (will pop up a confirmation, press Enter to confirm and continue)
Reset Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
/ Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
Enter
Perform the selection
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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Machine Information Page
☼ Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page
Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine Information>
from the menu
Machine Information
Page
The Machine Information Page allows you to view information regarding the system such
as the GCC logo, machine name, firmware version, and other information.
Machine Information Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
/ Directional
Scroll through pages
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
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5.2 The LaserPro New Mercury Print Driver
With the LaserPro New Mercury print driver successfully installed, you will need to adjust
the printer and page size default settings before you can begin editing and completing jobs.
By doing so, you will be setting the work area in your graphics software to match the
LaserPro New Mercury’s worktable area.
NOTE
Please make sure New Mercury is set to the default printer before proceeding
to the page and layout setup.
Ensure that the LaserPro New Mercury has been selected as the DEFAULT
PRINTER. You can do so by going into your Windows Control Panel Printers
and Faxes.
If LaserPro New Mercury is not selected as DEFAULT PRINTER, you may set it up through
the graphics software as well. The following example takes Corel Draw to demonstrate how
to set up LaserPro New Mercury as the Printer.
1)
From the primary menu, click FILE PRINT SETUP.
2)
From the navigation bar Name, click Mercury II OK
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5.2.1 Page Setup and Orientation
The first thing you must do before working with the LaserPro New Mercury Print Driver will
be to make sure the page and layout settings are properly configured within your graphics
software. You will need to access and edit the Page Setup or Layout page of your graphics
software to set your graphics software’s page layout to match the LaserPro New Mercury’s
work table’s dimensions and orientation.
From your graphic software’s Page Setup page:
• Set the page orientation in the graphics software to Landscape mode.
•
Set page size horizontal length to 635 mm (25 inches) and vertical height to 458 mm
(18 inches).
Corel Draw Example (Page Setup and Orientation)
The following is an example of how to set the Page Setup and Orientation in the graphics
software. CorelDraw is the designated graphics software used for this example. For other
graphics software, you will need to access the corresponding Page Setup page.
1)
From the primary menu, click LAYOUT PAGE SETUP.
2)
From the navigation bar on the left, click DOCUMENT PAGE SIZE.
3)
Ensure that NORMAL PAPER and LANDSCAPE are selected.
4)
Ensure the Paper Width and Height dimensions match the LaserPro New Mercury’s
work table dimensions of 635 mm (25 inches) and 458 mm (18 inches).
5)
Click OK to complete the paper size adjustment.
TIP
Instead of manually selecting the Landscape and setting the Paper Width and Height,
you can simply click the Set From Printer function and CorelDraw will automatically
set the proper orientation and dimensions based on LaserPro New Mercury’s work
table. (You MUST have the New Mercury set as the default printer prior to doing this.)
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LaserPro NEW MERCURY User Manual
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5.2.2 Color Management
LaserPro driver uses pen color settings to control laser engraver’s engraving and cutting
parameters. In addition to having your Page Setup and Orientation properly set in your
graphics software, you will also need to make sure Color Management is DISABLED prior
to working with the LaserPro New Mercury Print Driver.
From your graphic software’s Color Management page:
• Disable Color Management or set Color Management to Off.
Corel Draw Example (Color Management)
The following is an example of how to properly disable Color Management in the graphics
software. CorelDraw is the designated graphics software used for this example. For other
graphics software, you will need to access the corresponding Color Management page.
1) From the primary menu, click TOOLS COLOR MANAGEMENT and CorelDraw’s
Color Management will appear.
2) Under the Style pull down menu, select COLOR MANAGEMENT OFF.
3) Click OK to complete the color management adjustments.
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5.2.3 Using the LaserPro New Mercury Print Driver
Now after you have properly set the Page and Layout and Color Management of your
graphics software, you are ready to configure the details of your actual job through the
LaserPro New Mercury Print Driver. The LaserPro New Mercury print driver allows you to
adjust your engraving / cutting options. After you have setup your image, design, or text to
be engraved in your software application, you can access the LaserPro New Mercury print
driver by going to FILE > PRINT > PROPERTIES.
The LaserPro New Mercury Print Driver consists of seven primary sections (pages) in which you
will be able to choose various engraving / cutting options and settings:
• Option Page
• Pen Page
• Advance Page
• Paper Page
• Language Page
• Raster Page (appears only in Black & White Mode)
• Stamp Page (appears only in Stamp Mode)
TIP
The following sections describe the specific functions for each of the settings found in the LaserPro New
Mercury Print Driver. If you are new to laser engraving, it is recommended that you first familiarize
yourself with the general principles of the laser process in Section 6, especially the Vector Cutting and
Raster Engraving concepts. This will make it easier to understand the various descriptions and
terminologies used in this section.
5.2.3.1 LaserPro New Mercury Print Driver >> Option
Page
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Mode Setting (OPTION PAGE)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Black & White]
You can select from four primary mode settings, depending on your application or results
you would like to achieve.
Black & White: Select this mode when using clipart images or drawings with several colors,
shades of gray, or many outlines. This mode outputs in a method similar to that of a black
and white laser printer. The entire selected image will be engraved using a single set of
power and speed settings (the black pen from the PEN menu. Please refer to the next
section of the manual for details regarding the PEN functions). The LaserPro New Mercury
print driver will interpret colored and shaded areas as different shades of gray by producing
a halftone effect while engraving. Instead of engraving only solid lines, gray/halftone
areas will be a collection of dots with varying density.
The resolution and depth of these halftone areas can be adjusted with the DPI setting
found on the Options page. Please note that selecting the Black & White mode will add a
new Raster page to the menu. The Black & White mode dithering settings can be changed
from the Raster page. (Please refer to the Raster section below for details). Experiment
with different dithering settings to attain the desired results.
TIP
The Black & White mode interprets the processed image by the varying colors and
shades. For the best results, we suggest you convert the image to a grayscale image
LaserPro NEW MERCURY User Manual
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with your graphics software prior to engraving in the Black & White mode.
NOTE
Selecting the Black & White mode will enable the Raster page on the LaserPro New
Mercury Print Driver, allowing you to adjust advanced stamp-related settings.
Manual Color Fill: Select this mode when you would like to designate specific power and
speed settings and link them to certain colors of your image. The LaserPro New Mercury
print driver allows a maximum of 16 pen parameters to be set.
3D Mode: Select this mode to attain a sculptured 3D effect on your engraving. By using
images that have a range of gray areas, the LaserPro New Mercury print driver can
manipulate the image to give it an added depth, by linking the laser power (depth of
engraving) to specific colors. The settings can be adjusted through the DPI setting
(Option page) and PPI, power and speed settings (Pen page).
Stamp Mode: Select this mode when you would like to engrave stamps. The stamp mode
is one of the more dynamic functions of the LaserPro New Mercury. Due to the unique
engraving nature when engraving a stamp, the stamp production requires different
operational steps than most engraving or cutting operations.
NOTE
Selecting the Stamp mode will enable the Stamp page on the New Mercury Print
Driver, allowing you to adjust advanced stamp-related settings.
DPI (Option Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 500]
DPI (dots-per-inch) represents the number of times the laser will fire over a one-inch path.
This setting determines the image resolution and quality when performing raster engraving
functions. Higher DPI settings result in cleaner and deeper engravings, but require more
time to complete. Lower DPI settings result in coarser and shallower engravings, but
require less time to complete. The LaserPro New Mercury offers 8 DPI options: 125, 250,
300, 380, 500, 600, 760, and 1000, experiment with different settings to get your desired
effect.
Below is a chart for your convenience detailing the Set DPI (your input setting) vs. Actual
DPI (your output results).
Set
DPI
125
250
300*
380
500
600*
760
1000
Actual
DPI
127
254
381
381
508
762
762
1016
Mirror (Option Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
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Checking this box will automatically engrave your image with a mirrored effect.
This setting will flip the image along the Y-axis from left to right and vice-versa.
TIP
When engraving a stamp, via the stamp mode, the stamp image needs to be
engraved in reverse (mirrored) for the final stamp to be correctly laid out.
Mirror Effect
Invert (Option Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
Checking this box automatically inverts / reverses the color of your image (the white areas
become black and vice versa). The Invert option is not available if disabled with Manual
Color File mode is selected.
TIP
Invert mode is useful when creating a stamp in Stamp Mode, as inverting your normal
image will set the negative space to be engraved out, with the remaining positive
space (your stamp design) protruding out.
Invert Effect
Print Immediately (Option Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
Checking this will instruct the LaserPro New Mercury to immediately begin the laser
engraving process, when you select Print from your graphic software program. If Print
Immediately is not checked, then selecting Print will transfer the job file to the LaserPro
New Mercury system and will need to be initialized from the LaserPro New Mercury control
panel.
File Function (Option Page):
The file function section allows you to manage various laser parameters. This section is
useful when performing duplicate jobs on a variety of objects, allowing you to save your
frequently used laser parameters and load them in the future.
•
History File: This section contains a list of the recent files you have recently created
and worked with.
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•
Save: This function will save the current print driver parameter settings to a file and
location on your computer of your selection. (Saved parameter setting files will be
tagged with the .MER extension)
•
Load: This function allows you load previously saved print driver parameters or
LaserPro parameter database.
•
Original: This function will load the print driver’s original factory parameter settings.
•
Save To Default: This function allows you to save your current print driver parameters
as the default start-up settings.
•
Delete: This function will delete the file you select from the History File section. Please
note the Delete function only removes the file from the history file section, it does not
remove the .MER file from your hard drive, if you wish to completely remove the file
from your hard disk, then you will have to manually delete the file from your operating
system.)
NOTE
If you are using Windows 2000 or XP as your operating system, then make sure you
log in with an administrator or administrator-rights account in order to properly save
laser parameter settings.
TIP
LaserPro material database settings allow you easy to load the several parameters.
you are loading LaserPro parameter database as your operating parameter, please
direct load from several build-in parameter folders.
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If
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5.2.3.2 New Mercury Print Driver >> Pen Page
The LaserPro New Mercury incorporates the use of 16 different colors to represent 16
different laser power and speed settings when cutting and engraving. These colors are
referred to as “Pens”. Think of each pen as a designated laser setting, rather than as a
color. As an example, a black and white image will use only one power and speed laser
setting (Black). An image that is made up of black, red and blue colors will be processed
using the laser settings designated for each particular color. In order to utilize up to 16
different pens (laser parameter settings), make sure your graphics software can recognize
and utilizes the 16 pen colors designated by the New Mercury print driver.
If you would like to specify your own colors to designate to a particular laser setting, then all
you have to do is to double-click on that particular pen color from the pen menu and a color
manager window will open where you can select “define custom colors” to define your own
color (shown in the picture below). This is useful when your image is composed of colors
that are not part of the pen menu’s default color selection, and instead of modifying your
image, you simply assign the laser settings based on the existing colors based on your
current image.
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NOTE
The New Mercury print driver can store up to 16 pen colors or different laser
parameter settings per file.
Speed (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 50]
The speed slider controls the laser’s speed during operation (engraving speed) with a
range setting from 0.1 – 100%. The New Mercury’s maximum laser processing speed is 40
inches per second, therefore a setting of 100% speed is equivalent to 40 inches per second
and a 10% speed setting would be equivalent to 4 inches per second. Keep in mind, this is
the speed the laser moves at when cutting or engraving straight lines. The machine will
automatically slow down when processing curves.
TIP
Cutting / engraving depth and quality are determined by a combination of power and
speed. Slower speeds at higher power will produce deeper cuts and engravings,
whereas higher speeds at lower power will produce more shallow cuts and
engravings.
Power (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 50]
The power slider controls the laser’s power during operation (engraving power) with a
range setting from 1 – 100%. The percentage setting represents the power for each laser
pulse fired.
TIP
Cutting / engraving depth and quality are determined by a combination of power and
speed. Higher power and slower speeds will produce deeper cuts and engravings,
whereas lower power and higher speeds will produce more shallow cuts and
engravings.
PPI (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 400]
PPI (pulses-per-inch) represents the number of times the laser pulses (fires) per linear inch,
exclusive for vector cutting. Higher PPI settings will generate deeper, overlapping laser
pulses, resulting in cleaner cuts. Lower PPI settings (lower than 150) will result in the
individual laser pulses being spread apart, resulting in a perforated effect (similar to the
perforation in the paper between mailing stamps).
If you drag the PPI slider to the furthest right (maximum), the value will change to X. This
completely disables the PPI control and continuously fires the laser non-stop, without
pulsing. Think of setting PPI to X as being equivalent to turning a water facet on with the
water continuously flowing out. This also disables the power ramp functionality, which
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automatically controls the PPI depending on the speed of the laser carriage (such as vector
cutting around the corner of a square).
TIP
For Vector Engraving jobs, we recommend a PPI setting > 150
For Vector Cutting jobs, we recommend a PPI setting of > 400
Raster / Vector (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Selected]
Checking the Raster checkbox will process only the raster functions for the areas of your
design that correspond to that particular “pen” color.
Checking the Vector checkbox will process the vector functions for the areas of your design
that correspond to that particular “pen” color.
As an example: a particular “pen” color may be assigned to areas in your design containing
color fills (raster engraving) and very thin lines (vector cutting). By checking / un-checking
the Raster and Vector will force the driver to process / ignore the color fills / thin lines.
Raster Checked
Vector Checked
Vector Unchecked
Processes both Vector and Raster
Processes only the Raster functions
functions for that particular color
for that particular color (Vector
functions ignored)
Raster Unchecked
Processes only the Vector functions
Does not process Vector or Raster
for that particular color (Raster
functions for that particular color
functions ignored)
Air (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
This checkbox controls the SmartAIR air-assist function (if you have the optional air
compressor installed). By selecting a pen color and checking this box will enable the
SmartAIR air-assist function for that particular pen color. As an example, if you are
performing a combination of both surface raster engraving job and deep vector cutting on a
material such as acrylic, you may want to enable the SmartAIR air-assist for the vector
cutting sections to get the cleanest cuts. To do this, you would simply need to select the
pen color that you have assigned to the sections to be cut and select the Air checkbox for
those particular pen colors.
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5.2.3.3 New Mercury Print Driver >> Advanced Page
Scaling (Advanced Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 0]
In some cases you may find a slight output inaccuracy in the actual output compared to
what you have set in the computer. This margin of error or offset is extremely small
(approximately 1/300). What this means is that there may be a 1-unit offset for every 300
unit increments. As an example, if you engrave a 300mm straight line, it may end up
measuring only 299mm or 301mm in the final output. In this case, you will want to set the
scaling setting to +1 / 1000 or -1 / 1000 respectively to compensate. A general rule of
thumb is for every 300 unit increment, you will want to adjust the slider by +1 if the final
output is 1 unit increment shorter or -1 if the final output is 1 unit increment longer than
your graphic design setting.
Position Modes (Advanced Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Home]
These selections allow you to control the positioning of the lens carriage after each job
completion and before the next subsequent job.
•
Home: Resets the positioning of the lens carriage to the ‘home position’ (upper-right)
before and after each job.
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•
Without Home: The lens carriage will start the next job based on the position from its
graphic application software setting, from the last position of the previous job. Upon
completion of the current job, the lens carriage will remain at the last position of the
previous job.
•
Relative: This mode sets the current lens carriage position to correspond to the origin
(top left) position of the graphic software. Therefore, the lens carriage will process the
job from its current position relative to its setting in the graphics software.
•
Center: Sets the current position of the lens carriage as the center point for your
subsequent job. As an example, if the subsequent job is to vector cut a circle and you
have the Position Mode set to Center, then the New Mercury will vector cut a circle
around the initial position of the lens carriage.
TIP
It is highly recommended you enable the red dot laser pointer when setting /
adjusting the Position Modes, as this will ease your job positioning with more
accuracy.
Image Output Direction (Advanced Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Top to Bottom]
These selections allow you to control the direction in which the system processes an
engraved image.
•
•
Top To Bottom: Selecting this will force the system to process the current task by
moving the laser carriage from the top to the bottom of the image (rear end to front end
of the work table).
Bottom To Top: Selecting this will force the system to process the current task by
moving the laser carriage from the bottom to the top of the image (front end to rear end
of the work table)
(Normally, the LaserPro New Mercury engraves from left to right, top to bottom. Selecting
Bottom Up will force the machine to start from the bottom and work its way to the rear of the
working table.
TIP
In situations where the material you will be working with may produce a lot of dust
byproducts and you are utilizing the optional air extraction system, it is recommended
you select the Bottom To Top image output direction option. This will minimize the
amount of dust byproducts lodged in the engraved sections as the air extraction
system is vented from the rear of the machine, the same direction as the image is
processed.
Border (Advance Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
In cases where you are working with a negative image (negative outline areas of your
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image are engraved, rather than the positive areas), you may wish to include a border
around your image. To properly add a border, you will first need to Invert your design from
the Option Page, then check Use Border and specify a value for the thickness of the
border you would like to add to your design.
This mode is useful for engraving rubber stamps, as it allows you to create the outline
around your stamp image.
NOTE
If you wish to use the Border and Cluster function simultaneously, then the Border
Thickness value must be less than the Distance value specified in the Cluster
setting.
Vector Function (Advanced Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Normal]
•
Normal: This selection will not apply any special advanced vector function to your job.
This is the default Vector Function setting.
•
All Raster Output: This selection will instruct the print driver to process your entire
image as a raster engraving. Any vector lines within the image will be treated as raster
data and outputted as a raster engraving, similar to a dot-matrix printer.
•
Vector Sorting: When performing a vector cutting job in which your image has one
vector cut area enclosed within another vector cut area, select the Vector Sorting
mode. This mode will automatically instruct the print driver to process the inside vector
image and moving outwards. If you try to process a vector image that has multiple
layers without using this mode, what may occur is the laser engraver may process the
outer vector cutting first, and any inner vector cutting will not be possible as your
centerpiece material may have dropped to the cutting table. This setting will always
automatically direct the laser to cut from the inner most vector shape and move
outwards.
•
Optimization Sorting: This is a setting that will minimize your process time. When
selected, the print driver will analyze your image and automatically determine the most
efficient processing path to process your image.
Use Cluster (Advanced Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
This setting allows you to change how the New Mercury interprets and processes
individual / independent areas of an image in order to minimize job-processing times. The
Cluster function is only applicable when multiple areas of an image are broken down and
isolated from each other (areas not touching each other, blank space in-between). Another
condition that must be met for the Cluster function is that these individual areas of your
design must have some X-axis overlap, meaning that they should be to some extent
side-by-side with empty spaces between them. The distance value can be set by the user
and represents the limit or cutoff point in which side-by-side objects will be processed in
Cluster mode or not. If the distance between side-by-side objects is greater than the set
distance value, then the individual areas will be processed in Cluster mode. Conversely, if
the distance between side-by-side objects is lesser than the set distance value, then the
individual areas will be processed normally (not via Cluster mode).
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An example of an image that would benefit from the Cluster function would be: 2 squares
to be engraved, side-by-side on the X-axis with a 20 cm gap in between them. In this
scenario, you would want to enable the Cluster setting and set the distance to a value less
than 20. By doing so, the laser will completely process one square and “leap-frog” to the
second square, rather than processing both squares simultaneously. The result: you
shorten the processing time by minimizing the unnecessary travel distance the lens
carriage needs to make across the X-axis in between squares, if they were to be
processed simultaneously.
NOTE
If you wish to use the Border and Cluster function simultaneously, then the Border Thickness
value must be less than the Distance value specified in the Cluster setting.
Enhanced Vector Mode (Advanced Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
This setting allows you to improve the cutting quality at the expense of speed. Your
engraving speed will be dropped by 50%, to maximize the cutting power. We recommend
that you enable this function when cutting thicker materials.
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5.2.3.4 New Mercury Print Driver >> Paper Page
Paper Size (Paper Page)
The paper size represents your total work area. Ensure that the paper size is never set
greater than the New Mercury’s worktable area of 25” x 18” (640mm x 460mm). The X
value represents the length and the Y value represents the width.
NOTE
When using the optional rotary attachment system and with the Rotary Fixture option
checked, the X value represents the length of your working piece. The Y value will be
changed to Diameter, which represents the diameter of your working piece (at the position
you wish to engrave).
Unit (Paper Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Metric (mm)]
Here you can set your preferred measurement standard in which you would like use with
the New Mercury print driver. You can choose between metric or imperial standards.
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Image Tuning (Paper Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 0]
In the event that you are processing extremely fine and detailed designs requiring
near-microscopic edge-to-edge precision, you will need to adjust the image tuning setting.
To adjust this setting, we recommend that you engrave a small black square design as a
sample and apply a magnifying glass to the engraved results.
When you look at your engraved test square under a magnifying glass, you may notice the
edges of your square may be slightly offset, with every consecutive engraved even or odd
line protruding past the square’s ideal edge. This occurrence may occur on the left or right
side of the square and can be compensated for by the image tuning setting. In the diagram
below, the arrows refer to the direction the lens carriage is moving to generate that
engraved line. If the first and every other line protrude to the left of the square’s ideal edge,
you will want to set the image tuning to a negative value. If the first and every other
consecutive line protrude to the right of the square’s ideal edge, you will want to set the
image tuning to a positive value. The further the protruding lines are from the square’s
ideal edge, the larger you will need to set the Image Tuning value to compensate.
Square’s Left Edge (Ideal)
Square’s Right Edge (Ideal)
The following is an example that has the proper image tuning, and demonstrates this
significance when engraving fine, small, intricate text. The following two pictures show
engraved text magnified with no image tuning (left picture) and image tuning enabled (right
picture).
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5.2.3.5 New Mercury Print Driver >> Language Page
This page allows you to specify the language displayed by the New Mercury Print Driver.
Current language options allow for: English, Spanish, French, and Chinese (Simplified,
Traditional), Japanese, and German.
Uninstall Driver (Language Page)
Select this to uninstall the New Mercury print driver. You will then need to restart your
computer to complete the process.
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5.2.3.6 New Mercury Print Driver >> Raster Page
NOTE
The Raster Page is only available when Black & White Mode Setting is selected from
the Option Page; this page offers a number of advanced Raster Engraving output
options.
Contrast (Raster Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 0]
This provides a quick and easy way to immediately adjust the contrast of an engraved
image. Moving the slider to the Dark setting will increase the contrast levels of the
engraved output, whereas moving the slider to the Light setting will decrease the contrast
levels of the engraved output.
TIP
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There are other ways to adjust an engraved image’s contrast such as: adjust the
power / speed settings or simply adjust the contrast of the image in software with the
graphic software application.
Halftone (Raster Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Dithering]
This option controls the way a raster-engraved image is processed. The “digital image to
engraved output” process can be processed via two methods: Dithering or Error Diffusion.
Each offer additional output options yielding different output effects, style, and quality.
Dithering: Interprets and outputs the raster engraving via the dithering method.
This mode will allow you to select the Pattern Type and Dithering Matrix, and
Enhanced Dithering.
o
Pattern Type: Dot, Bayer, Corner, 45 Degree
[DEFAULT SETTING: Dot]
Each pattern type uses a different shape and arrangement of dots to compose
the shading effect of a raster image.
The following diagram is an example of the raster effects when using the
different pattern types.
Dot
o
Bayer
Corner
Dithering Matrix: Variable depending on the Pattern Type selected.
[DEFAULT SETTING: 8x8]
This controls the resolution (dot size) and the number of dots the image is
broken down into for the dithering process. As an example, selecting 2 x 2 will
shade with a 5-grade halftone, where as an 8 x 8 Dithering Matrix will dither
with a 65-grade halftone.
The following diagram is an example of the raster effects when using the
different dithering matrices.
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2x2
2 x 2 Dithering
8 x 8 Dithering
(Enhance
Dithering)
8x8
(Enhance Dithering)
Enhance Dithering
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
o
Selecting this will produce a finer dithering output.
Error Diffusion (Raster Page): Interprets and outputs the raster engraving via
the error diffusion method. This mode will allow you to select from three diffusion
types: Floyd, Stucki, and Jarvis.
o
Diffusion Type: Floyd, Stucki, Jarvis
[DEFAULT SETTING: Floyd]
Each diffusion type presents the shade of image as different spread halftones
instead of dots to compose a raster image.
The following diagram is an example of the raster effects when using the
different diffusion types.
Floyd
Stucki
Jarvis
TIP
There is no “correct” or “best” setting when using the Raster options. The most
appropriate settings will be based on a variety of factors: your design, the material
you are engraving on, and the results you wish to achieve, etc. Please take some
time to experiment with the multitude of raster options to get the one you feel is the
best for your piece. This is where much of the fun in engraving is….experimentation!
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5.2.3.7 New Mercury Print Driver >> Stamp Page
Producing stamps require different operational steps than your standard engraving or
cutting jobs. The Stamp page offers dynamic options allowing you to customize your stamp
production process.
NOTE
The Stamp page will only appear and be accessible when you have selected the
Stamp Mode from the Option Page.
TIP
Functions located on the other pages that are useful when making a stamp: Set
Shoulder, Pitch, Border, Invert, and Mirror.
Ridge:
“Contact section” of
the stamp
Slope of ridge
(Shoulder Level)
Base of ridge (Pitch)
Pitch (Stamp Page)
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Your stamp will be a reversed image composed of engraved depressions and
ridges. Think of these ridges as the “contact sections” of the stamp. If the
ridges of these contact sections are too thin, they may break. The Pitch setting
allows you to increase the width of the ridge base, hence creating more stable
“contact sections” and longer lasting stamp. The pitch value setting allows you to
adjust the base width of the ridge. Broad pitch gives the maximum amount of
support for each ridge. Experiment with different pitch value settings in order to
produce the stamp that is best suited for your application.
Adjustment Bar / Power Level (Stamp Page)
Another important aspect of creating a stamp is setting the slope level of the shoulder. The
shoulder is the section from the “contact section” of the stamp to its base. This function
allows you to adjust the slope for the shoulder sections of your stamp. By sliding the sliders
or directly input of power levels, you will be able to change the slope of the shoulder.
NOTE
The visual representations of the Pitch and Shoulder Levels in the New Mercury
driver are an exaggerated representation to allow for easy visual guidance and
precise input. Remember we are working with distances less than 1 mm here.
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Chapter VI - BASIC MAINTENANCE
Caution:
Keeping the optics and motion system clean is essential to an excellent quality engraving
and the reliability of your engraver. Please clean Bearing track and X-axis (DU) bearing
daily to maintain good condition of machine.
Never pour or spray any liquid directly onto the laser system.
Turn off the power and unplug the system before cleaning.
1. Inside the System: Open the top door, the front door and the back door (if
necessary). Vacuum to clean inside of the engraver and vent area thoroughly.
2. Engraving Table: Dampen the paper towel or cloth with alcohol or cleaner to clean
the Engraving Table.
3. Motion System: Dampen the cotton swab to clean the rails of the Motion System.
Get rid off any debris built up in the bearing tracks.
4. Bearings: Hold a dampened cotton swab against the bearing and moving the motion
system by hand to clean each bearing.
5. Mirrors and Lens: The focus lens and the mirror located on the carriage are
the two components most likely to require frequent cleaning.
Caution:
Don't scratch out the soft coating of the mirror's surface. Excessive cleaning the
mirrors and lens may cause damage and reduce their life cycle (refer to Fig. 24).
TIP
Please clean the AutoFocus pin each time after completing the engraved job to make sure
the AutoFocus pin is not stuck.
6.1 Clean the mirror – Please refer to the figure as below
1. Unscrew and remove front cover of the focus carriage. Release the top
screw and pull out mirror carefully.
2. Put lens tissue on the mirror and drop a little lens cleaner on the middle area
of the tissue, after the fluid has been absorbed evenly, pull the tissue in one
direction gently to clean the mirror.
3. Let it air dry and re-install it.
4. Unscrew and remove the dust prevention box then clean the X-axis Mirror,
Y-axis Mirror and #1 mirror same as above process separately.
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Pull the tissue one
direction gently after the
cleaner has been absorbed
evenly
Lens Cleaner
Lens
Tissue
○ (CORRECT)
○ (CORRECT)
Do not use cotton swab to rub
clean the mirror
╳ (INCORRECT)
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Top Screw
Mirror
Remove Front
Cover
Loading hole for
manual focal tool
L
Auto-focus gauge
Focal-Sharp™
6.2 Clean the focus lens –
1. Unscrew and remove the front cover of the focus carriage. Pull out focus
lens carefully.
2. Flood the focus lens with lens cleanser on both sides then using a cotton
swab or lens tissue to dry off the remaining solution gently.
3. Do not touch the lens surface with your bare hands or press down hard with
any cleaning material.
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Chapter VII - TROUBLESHOOTING
7.1 Quality Problems
Check focus length set under the function key to see if it matches the type of the lens
installed.
Focus Lens is not installed correctly. Focus Lens is loose in the holder.
Debris or dust builds up in the bearing tracks or X-Axis rails.
The focus lens and the mirror in the carriage are damaged or need to be clean.
7.2 Non-operational Problems
Laser beam does not generate.
1. If the red alignment beam is not revealed, the laser beam is misalignment.
Adjust reflection mirrors for exact focus.
2. If the red alignment beam is revealed, please check the driver power. The laser power
may be too low to be detected. Please increase the percentage setting of the Laser
Power from the software driver or the control panel.
3. Please check if the laser power connector is loose.
4. For safety purpose, the laser beam will not be generated when the top or front door is
opened unless you short the connector of the magnetic switches.
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Appendix A. 3D Function
Tip for 3D Application
When doing 3D sample on LaserPro New Mercury (ME-25), acrylic or MDF wood are ideal
materials for the purpose. For acrylic the suggested PWR is 100%, SPD around 30%(depends
on how deep you want to cut).
The perfect image for 3D is like those shown below. When image is ready, choose 3D Effect
as the output mode in the driver.
Sometimes, some material shows better effect if you run
the job with 2nd pass with laser out-of-focus. Especially with acrylic, the 2nd pass will smooth
out the surface.
For engraving wood, as it burns easily and leaves blackened surface after the 1st pass, it is
necessary to run the 2nd pass to remove the burned surface. To do that, simply fill the image
with black color as the mask (see below) and Run the black mask image with PWR 100% and
SPD100%.
Create a black image for
polishing
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Step
1
2
3
4
3D engraving / Material: 1cm Acrylic
by New Mercury 25W
Lens: 2 inch
Speed
Power DPI PPI
Focus
Remarks
25%
100% 600 auto
Auto Focus
3D Mode Engraving
25%
100% 600 auto
Lower down table 2.5mm
3D Mode Engraving
Lower table again 2 mm
Black and White Mode Polishing
100%
100% 600 800
0.2%
100% 500 auto Move table up 1.3mm
Cutting off
Appendix B. To modified image settings of a picture for
better engraving quality
1.
2.
3.
4.
Connect your digital camera to the computer by USB cable.
Download the picture from the digital camera to the computer
Select the picture that you want to engrave.
Import the image from the folder where the picture is located by selecting
File/Import
5.
Convert the image to Bitmap by selecting the image and click on Bitmaps/Convert
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to Bitmap
6.
Change the Bitmap settings by setting “Color” to Grayscale (8-bit) and “Resolution”
to 300 dpi and click OK.
7.
Finally, Invert the image by selecting Effects/Transform/Invert
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8.
Now you are ready to output the modified image by clicking File/Print
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Note:
This instruction is a simple example for general use. There are many tips and tricks to
achieve a good engraving quality. It takes a lot of practice and experience to achieve a
good engraving quality. Different picture may need different modifications and different
material may need different parameters.
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APPENDIX C. Specification
New Mercury
Laser Source
ME-12
ME-25
ME-40
ME-60
12W
25W
40W
60W
Sealed CO2 Laser
Air-cooled, Operating environment temperature 15o- 30o C (60o - 86o F)
Cooling
Work Area
25 x18 in. (640 x 460 mm)
Max. Part Size
(W x L x H)
All doors
closed
All doors open
31.5 x 22.4 x 6.5 in. (800 x 570 x 165 mm)
26.8 x ∞ x 6.5 in. (680 x ∞ x 165 mm)
Table Size
31.1 x 20.9 in. (790 x 530 mm)
Dimensions
44.3 x 28.3 x 39.6 in. (1125 x 720 x 1005 mm)
Drive
Closed-loop DC Servo Control
Throughput*
Speed Control
Power Control
166.3 in2 / hr (1072.8 cm2 / hr)
Adjustable from 0.1~100% of 42 IPS (Up to 16 color-linked speed
settings per job)
Adjustable from 1~100%
(Up to 16 color-linked power settings per job)
Z-Axis Movement
Automatic
Resolution (DPI)
Available 200, 250, 300, 500, 600, 1000
Computer Interface
Standard printer port and RS232 to USB Adapter
MS Windows, MAC OS
Compatible Operating Systems
Memory Buffer
Display Panel
Safety
32MB standard (Upgradeable to 64MB)
4-line LCD panel showing current file name, total working time, laser
power, engraving speed, file(s) loaded into memory buffer, setup and
diagnostic menus
Class 3R for red pointer
Facility Requirements
Below 40 Watt, 100~240 Volt AC Auto Switching；
40 Watt or above, 200~240 Volt AC Auto Switching
Electrical
Power Consumption
700W
880W
2000W
2200W
External exhaust system required, one 4" connection on the back of the
Air Exhaust System
machine.
*Throughput value represents the Max. number of 8" x 10" 500DPI raster jobs that can be done per hour.
Above specification is subject to change without notice.
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