Boss Laser Startup

• Check Lightburn is not open on the computer.  (If lightburn is open first, it will fail to connect)

• Confirm there is no material on the table.  (On startup laser will auto zero and can run into material)

• Turn the laser on by turning the key and pulling up on the red emergency button. 

• Confirm air compressor is turned on and pressure is ~15 PSI.  (Air compressor should always be on)

• Test shoot laser. If below ~30 mA, the tube may need to be replaced.  Post on SLACK.
  
  

Lightburn

• Login to computer: User = members Pass = bosslaser Open lightburn on desktop

• Import file or design in Lightburn.  (Lightburn can import .ai files directly from illustrator)

  • Note for illustrator: text must be first converted to outlines; 

• If necessary, separate your work onto separate color layers and apply different speeds and powers to your Fill or Lines

• Confirm the origin setting matches where you want to start on the material.  (Default is top right corner)

• Send job to laser (Optional: save Lightburn file and put on flash drive into machine) and name the job when prompted

• Note: Never press play through Lightburn on computer. Always send to the machine and operate the job on the machine.
  
  

Running Your Boss Laser Job

• CRITICAL: Confirm the fan and chiller switches are ON.   

• Drop table and place material on bed; secure with weights NOT magnets (magnets can confuse the machine)

• Jog laser head to be above material

• Auto focus laser: Auto > Focus > Autofocus

  • Troubleshoot: check the auto focus censor with your fingers stopping it first, then your material. 

  • Note: Cone can  punch through cardboard or paper - use a thin rigid cover material (e.g. thin stainless steel)

• Origin laser: Jog laser to top right corner of where you want to cut  and press “Target” button in center of X/Y jog arrows on touchscreen 

  • sets the origin at whatever point the red laser dot is currently at.  

  • Note: if machine power is cycled, it will return to origin after homing - and can run into materials.   but also useful in case you need to resume a job

• Load file: Auto > File > Select your file from list > Confirm in preview window > Select

• Run perimeter: Trace the outline of your piece to confirm it fits

• Optional: Troubleshoot the power and speed for your material on spare material

• Start! 

  • Closely watch the first minute to make sure the settings look good. 

  • Stay close as job proceeds - be ready to push emergency stop button

  • Keep water chiller 

• Laser is not firing?

  • Is the lid all the way down?

  • Is the chiller on? Is the chiller water level correct (back - should always be green).
    
    

Shut down

• ALWAYS drop table to remove your work to avoid hitting the nozzle

• Turn off the fan

• Turn off the machine with key

Adobe Illustrator and Lightburn Tips:

• To create different layers on Lightburn, have your image be different colors for each layer of cut

• Lines do not need to be .125 thickness as with the Full Spectrum

• Convert Text in Illustrator to Outlines prior to importing into Lightburn

Lightburn Tutorial videos

How to focus laser

• • Auto > Focus - Autofocus - adjusts the height of the laser bed by tapping the nozzle cone to the material;  note: this will punch through cardboard or paper - use a proxy material (e.g. thin stainless steel)

Reference cutting settings

Material Speed Power Max Power Min

3mm - ⅛” Baltic Birch Plywood 25mm/sec 55% 50%

6mm - ¼” Acrylic Plexi Glass 15mm/sec 85% 80%