FIBERMARK S2
Laser System Manual | Model 8000

Register your system now for driver
updates and access to our Training Suite!
TRAINING.EPILOGLASER.COM/REGISTERTechnical Support: +1 (303) 215-9171
Knowledge Base: support.epiloglaser.com
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Driver/Firmware: epiloglaser.com/fibermark-drivers

UPDATED JANUARY 2020 | EPILOGLASER.COM/MANUALSTABLE OF CONTENTS
﻿Fire Warning

1

Introduction

2

How to Use This Owner’s Manual...............................................................................................................................................2
Icons Used in this Manual..........................................................................................................................................................2

Section 1: Safety3Laser Safety...............................................................................................................................................................................3
Electrical Safety..........................................................................................................................................................................4Emergency Stop Button.............................................................................................................................................................5Fire Warning...............................................................................................................................................................................6
Safety Features and Regulatory Compliance..............................................................................................................................7
Do and Don’t............................................................................................................................................................................10

Section 2: Getting Started

11

1. Unpacking the Laser System................................................................................................................................................11
2. Choose Where to Locate the System...................................................................................................................................12
3. Connecting the Exhaust........................................................................................................................................................12
4. Connecting Electrical Power.................................................................................................................................................14
5. Connect the Laser to Your Computer...................................................................................................................................15
6. Set the FiberMark S2 IP Address.........................................................................................................................................15
7. Sign Up for Driver Updates and Register Your System........................................................................................................16

Section 3: Driver Installation17

Epilog Job Manager Instructions.............................................................................................................................................17
Uninstalling the Previous Job Manager....................................................................................................................................17
How to Install the Epilog Software Suite..................................................................................................................................19
Windows 10: Ethernet Installation............................................................................................................................................25
Troubleshooting the Job Manager............................................................................................................................................27
Important Job Manager Notes.................................................................................................................................................27

Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager

29

Using the Epilog Job Manager.................................................................................................................................................29
Printing to the Epilog Job Manager..........................................................................................................................................30
Organizing Your Print Jobs......................................................................................................................................................31
Searching for a Job..................................................................................................................................................................34
Finding Job History..................................................................................................................................................................35
Material Settings Tab................................................................................................................................................................36
Job Settings Tab.......................................................................................................................................................................39
Using the Material Setting Configurations................................................................................................................................41
Changing Program Settings.....................................................................................................................................................43
Troubleshooting the Job Manager............................................................................................................................................44

Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™

47

Setting Up CorelDRAW for the Laser........................................................................................................................................48
Sending Your First Project.......................................................................................................................................................49
Presetting Your Cut Lines.........................................................................................................................................................55
Placing Your Artwork ..............................................................................................................................................................55
Dividing Your Job Into Processes............................................................................................................................................56
Saving Your Settings................................................................................................................................................................66
File Settings.............................................................................................................................................................................66
Settings in Detail......................................................................................................................................................................67- i -Table of Contents﻿Processes Tab..........................................................................................................................................................................69
Advanced Tab...........................................................................................................................................................................70
Notes Tab.................................................................................................................................................................................70
Additional CorelDRAW Laser Dashboard Features...................................................................................................................71
File Setup FAQs........................................................................................................................................................................72

Section 6: FiberMark S2 Control Panel73

Display.....................................................................................................................................................................................73
Job Storage: Temporary Memory.............................................................................................................................................79

Section 7: Quick Start Guide

81

First Test Job............................................................................................................................................................................81
Artwork Setup..........................................................................................................................................................................81
Setting a Vector Marking Line..................................................................................................................................................83
Piece and Page Size.................................................................................................................................................................87

Section 8: Cleaning & Maintenance89

Cleaning on a Regular Basis.....................................................................................................................................................89
Cleaning the Optics..................................................................................................................................................................89
Exhaust Cleaning......................................................................................................................................................................90
Cleaning and Lubricating the Bearing Rails..............................................................................................................................91
Cleaning the Optical Strip and Encoder....................................................................................................................................92
Viewing Window......................................................................................................................................................................92

Section 9: System Features

93

Air Assist..................................................................................................................................................................................93
Air Assist Compressor.............................................................................................................................................................93
Manual Focus...........................................................................................................................................................................93
Image Dithering.......................................................................................................................................................................94
Red Dot Pointer........................................................................................................................................................................96
Movable Home Position...........................................................................................................................................................96
Center Engraving......................................................................................................................................................................97
Integrated Vacuum Hold-Down Table.....................................................................................................................................100
Top-Access Door....................................................................................................................................................................100
Fold-Down Front Loading Door..............................................................................................................................................100
Internal LED Lighting.............................................................................................................................................................100

Section 10: Optional Features

101

Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment................................................................................................................................................101
3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment ...........................................................................................................................................107
Optional Lenses.....................................................................................................................................................................115

Section 11: Printing From AutoCAD

117

How to Print from AutoCAD to the Laser...............................................................................................................................117

Section 12: Material Engraving Techniques

119

Fiber Laser Materials/Techniques...........................................................................................................................................119
Metal Annealing..................................................................................................................................................................119
Metal Etching .....................................................................................................................................................................119
Metal Polishing...................................................................................................................................................................120
Plastic Marking ..................................................................................................................................................................120- ii -

Table of Contents﻿Section 13: Specifications

123

Epilog FiberMark S2 Laser Technical Specifications...............................................................................................................123
Compatibility..........................................................................................................................................................................124
Recommended PC.................................................................................................................................................................124
About the Fiber Laser Source.................................................................................................................................................125
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Notice..............................................................................................................126

Section 14: Technical Support

127

Contacting Technical Support.................................................................................................................................................127
Frequently Asked Questions ..................................................................................................................................................128

Appendix A: Warranty Statement

131

Warranty Statement for the Epilog FiberMark S2 Laser..........................................................................................................131

Appendix B: Material Settings

133

FiberMark S2 Suggested Material Settings ...........................................................................................................................133

Index

137

- iii -

- iv -

FIRE WARNING
﻿Fire Warning
Laser systems can represent a significant fire hazard. Some engraving materials are inherently combustible (including
some metals and coatings) and can ignite without warning. Should the work piece actually ignite into flames, the fire must
be extinguished by the operator at once!
Please read the following warnings and recommendations and follow them closely at all times!
• Stay with the laser. Never operate the laser system while unattended.
• Keep the area clear. Clean around the machine and keep the area free of clutter, combustible materials, explosives,
or volatile solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or gasoline.
• Be prepared with a fire extinguisher. Always keep a properly maintained and inspected fire extinguisher on hand.
Epilog recommends a Halotron fire extinguisher or a multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher. The Halotron
extinguishers are more expensive than a dry chemical, but offer certain advantages should you ever need to use an
extinguisher. The Halotron extinguisher discharges a clean, easily removable substance that is not harmful to themechanics or wiring of the laser system. The dry chemical extinguisher discharges a sticky, corrosive powder that isvery difficult to clean up.

- 1 -INTRODUCTION
How to Use This Owner’s Manual

How to Use This Owner’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing a FiberMark S2 laser system. Your Epilog system has been designed to be easy to operate, but
you will utilize it to its fullest potential by taking some time to read this owner’s manual prior to use. You will be readyto use the Epilog Laser system as soon as you read the first few sections. Then you can refer to topics in the remaining
sections, as you work.

Icons Used in this Manual
Look for these symbols to help you find valuable information throughout the text:

Helpful notes to keep in mind when running the laser!

This icon signifies advice you can try that will save you significant time.

This icon highlights current contact information for receiving help.

Warnings and cautions to keep in mind when running the laser.

This icon indicates the potential for fire damage when operating the laser.

- 2 -SECTION 1: SAFETY
Laser Safety

Laser Safety
The Epilog Model 8000 Laser System is a Class 2 laser product, as defined in International Standard IEC 60825-1.
The Epilog Model 8000 complies with 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, the Federal Performance Standards for Light-Emitting
Products, except for deviations pursuant to Laser Notice No. 50, dated July 16, 2001. The Center for Devices andRadiological Health, of the US FDA, issued Laser Notice No. 50 to permit manufacturers to classify and manufacture theirproducts in accordance with the International Standard.
The laser beam produced by the FiberMark S2 laser can cause severe damage to the eye or skin if directcontact is made with the beam.
To prevent direct contact with the laser beam, it is fully contained in the laser cabinet. The laser cabinet has safety interlocks
that turn the laser off if either the front door or top window is opened during operation. The green window in the top accessdoor is made of a special acrylic that is designed to block the infrared wavelength of light that is produced by the laser.
It is common to see bright reflections coming from the marking surface when viewing through the green window as thelaser operates. The reflections are normal and it is not harmful to view the machine in action through the green window,
but because the reflections can be very bright, it is recommended that viewing be limited while the machine is operating.
No special precautions are necessary to operate the laser safely; however the visible output beam of the Laser Diode
Pointer (Red Dot Pointer) is accessible to the operator. While this device employs the same technology as the familiar laser
pen-pointers, like them it is potentially hazardous if its beam is directed into the eye.
We have made every effort to make the Laser Diode Pointer (Red Dot Pointer) as safe as possible. Its beam path is locatedwell inside the cabinet, and under normal conditions, no hazardous levels of laser radiation can escape.

The operator of the Epilog Model 8000 should observe the following general precautions:• DO NOT disassemble the machine or remove any of its protective covers while the unit is plugged in.
• DO NOT attempt to defeat the door interlocks.
• DO NOT operate the machine with any door open or cover removed.
• DO NOT view directly into the beam of the Laser Diode Pointer (Red Dot Pointer).
• DO NOT operate the Laser Diode Pointer (Red Dot Pointer) without the machine’s focus lens in place. If theunfocused beam strikes a reflective surface, it could be directed out of the cabinet.
• Caution – Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure.
The standard reference for laser safety is the American Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers, Z136.1-2000, developed- 3 -Section 1: Safety
Electrical Safety

by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This reference is the basis for many of the federal regulations forlaser and laser system manufacturers, and for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) laser safety
guidelines. It contains detailed information concerning proper installation and use of laser systems.
While the ANSI standard itself does not have the force of law, its recommendations, including warning signage, training,
and the designation of a laser safety officer, may be compulsory under local workplace regulations when operating laser
systems above Class I. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the installation and operation of the Epilog Model
8000 Laser System is performed in accordance with all applicable laws.
Copies of ANSI Standard Z136.1-2000 are available from Epilog Corporation or from:
Laser Institute of America
12424 Research Parkway, Suite 125
Orlando, FL 32826(407) 380-1553

Electrical Safety
The AC input power to the Epilog Model 8000 Laser System is potentially lethal and is fully contained within the cabinet.
• DO NOT open any of the machine’s access panels while the unit is plugged in. Opening a panel may
expose the operator to the unit’s AC input power.
• DO NOT make or break any electrical connections to the system while the unit is turned on.

- 4 -Section 1: Safety
Emergency Stop Button

Emergency Stop Button
The Emergency Stop Button is a safety feature designed to immediately stop the laser from firing and stop the motion
control system from moving should an emergency occur. By depressing the Emergency Stop Button, the electrical circuits
leading to the laser source and the main power supply are opened and all system functions, except the cooling fans, cometo an immediate stop.

Emergency Stop Button

In order to restore the laser system to its standard operating mode after activating the Emergency Stop Button, follow
these steps:
1. Press the main power switch to the off position.
2. Reset the Emergency Stop Button by twisting it in a clockwise direction to spring it back into its active position.
This step is important as the laser system will not function if the Emergency Stop Button remains in its recessed
position.
3. Power on the system using the main power switch.

- 5 -Section 1: Safety
Fire Warning

Fire Warning
Didn’t you see this already? Yes! That’s how important we think it is for you to read this information.

Laser systems can represent a significant fire hazard. Some engraving materials are inherently combustible (including
some metals and coatings) and can ignite without warning. Should the work piece actually ignite into flames, the fire must
be extinguished by the operator at once!
Please read the following warnings and recommendations and follow them closely at all times!
• Stay with the laser. Never operate the laser system while unattended.
• Keep the area clear. Clean around the machine and keep the area free of clutter, combustible materials, explosives,
or volatile solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or gasoline.
• Be prepared with a fire extinguisher. Always keep a properly maintained and inspected fire extinguisher on hand.
Epilog recommends a Halotron fire extinguisher or a multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher. The Halotron
extinguishers are more expensive than a dry chemical, but offer certain advantages should you ever need to use an
extinguisher. The Halotron extinguisher discharges a clean, easily removable substance that is not harmful to themechanics or wiring of the laser system. The dry chemical extinguisher discharges a sticky, corrosive powder that isvery difficult to clean up.

- 6 -Section 1: Safety
Safety Features and Regulatory Compliance

Safety Features and Regulatory Compliance
Epilog has incorporated specific safety features into the Model 8000 Laser System in order to meet the requirements of
21 CFR 1040 and the International Standard IEC 60825-1. These safety features include:•

A safety enclosure (cabinet), which fully encloses the engraving laser and its beam path.

•

Dual redundant interlock systems that turn off the engraving laser when the window is opened.

•

A visible emission indication when the Laser Diode Pointer (Red Dot Pointer) is operating. There is an LED indicatoron the machine’s front panel.
Epilog Laser systems and products are not designed, manufactured, tested, authorized, or intended to be
used in any medical, surgical, non-medical or any similar or related procedure or process that would allow
the laser beam to come into contact with living tissue or organisms of any kind.

21 CFR 1040 and IEC 60825-1 require that certification, identification, and warning labels be placed on laser products.
Reproductions of labels on the Epilog Model 8000 Laser System follow, with their locations specified:
1. Certification/Identification Plate: This engraved plate is located on the rear of the machine’s cabinet.

2. Warning Logotype: This label is located on the rear of the machine’s cabinet, below the Certification/Identification
plate.

- 7 -Section 1: Safety
Safety Features and Regulatory Compliance33.

Descriptive Label: This label identifies the classification of the Model 8000
in accordance with 21 CFR 1040.10 and IEC 60825-1. It is located on the rearof the machine’s cabinet, beside the Warning Logotype.

4.

Non-interlocked Protective Housing Safety Labels (4): Two of these labels
are located on the rear of the machine beside the edges of each of thecabinet’s end covers. The other two are located on the cabinet walls under
the covers, so that they are visible when the covers have been removed.

5.

Defeatably-interlocked Protective Housing Safety Labels: This label islocated on the machine’s cabinet door, in the upper left hand corner.

6.

Electrical Safety Label: This label is located on the access panel on the rearof the machine’s cabinet.

7.

Fire Safety Label: This label is located on the machine’s cabinet door, in theupper right-hand corner.

8.

Aperture Safety Label: This label is located on the steering mirror coverinside the machine’s cabinet, beside the aperture where the laser beams
enter the cabinet.

4

5

6

7

8

- 8 -

Section 1: Safety
How to Use This Owner’s Manual

Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
47 CFR Paragraph 2.1077 Compliance Information
Laser Materials Processing System Model 8000
Epilog Laser Corporation
16371 Table Mountain Parkway
Golden, CO 80403
Telephone: (303) 277-1188
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and(2) This device must accept any interference received, includinginterference that may cause undesired operation..

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with thelimits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equpment in a residential area islikely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.

- 9 -Section 1: Safety
Do and Don’t

Do and Don’t
Don’t
Do Not Run the Laser Unvented: Never operate the machine without a properly operating vent to the outside or to afiltration unit! Most material will only produce an irritating smoke when engraved. Some materials, including but notlimited to paint, varnish, composition board and plastics, produce compounds that can be harmful if concentrated. A
properly installed vent is the only way to ensure that problems do not occur.
Do Not Engrave or Mark PVC: Never engrave or mark any material containing PVC or vinyl. When engraved, a corrosive
agent is produced that will destroy your machine. Your warranty will be void if your machine is damaged by corrosion fromengraving or marking PVC or Vinyl.
Do Not Operate Machine While Unattended: Never operate your machine without someone watching the system. Thereis a significant risk of fire if the machine is set improperly, or if the machine should experience a mechanical or electricalfailure while operating.
Do Not Operate in Vector Mode Unattended: Never run the laser in vector mode without someone watching the system.
Because vector mode moves relatively slowly compared to raster engraving, a tremendous amount of heat is applied tothe material. This buildup of heat can cause significant fire risk and the machine should always be monitored.
Do Not Operate The System While Doors are Open: Never operate with any of the covers or enclosures removed, andnever modify the enclosure. The laser beam is invisible and is very dangerous!

Do
Clean the System: Please allow a few minutes a week for cleaning your machine. Just a small amount of effort at the endof the week will pay off with years of trouble free operation of your machine.
See the “Section : Cleaning & Maintenance” on page 73 for specifics.

- 10 -

SECTION 2: GETTING STARTED
1. Unpacking the Laser System

Setting up your Epilog Laser System is easy to do! If you’ve ever installed a paper printer, this is only slightly more difficult.
The following information will help you understand the entire system and how it works.
Your laser system consists of the following components:
1. FiberMark S2 Laser System
2. Epilog Driver Disc
3. USB and Ethernet Cables
4. Air Assist Pump
You will also need:
1. A computer or laptop.
2. An exhaust fan: The exhaust fan is mandatory and is used to remove smoke and debris from the laser’s work area.
The exhaust air can be ported to the outside or into a filter box.
Follow these steps to setup your FiberMark S2 Laser system:
1. Unpack the laser system.
2. Choose where to locate the system.
3. Connect the exhaust system to your laser.
4. Connect the electrical power.
5. Connect the laser to your computer through USB or Ethernet.
6. Sign up for driver update and register your system at www.epiloglaser.com/register.

1. Unpacking the Laser System
Unpack the laser system from the crate provided by Epilog. Please be sure to hold on to all packing
materials and crating in case you need to move the system in the future.

- 11 -

Section 2: Getting Started
2. Choose Where to Locate the System

2. Choose Where to Locate the System
Cooling Requirements and Operating Temperatures
All Epilog Laser systems use air-cooled laser sources. Laser technology is such that the laser tubes generate a lot ofexcess heat and the tubes must be cooled for proper operation. There are cooling fans located at the back of the laser. The
fans and vents should always be clear of restrictions and should never be covered. Use compressed air to remove any dust
buildup on the fans or laser cooling fins.
Warning: The cooling fans and vents are located on top and back of the FiberMark S2 and should never becovered or blocked in any way. Lasers that overheat will not operate properly and may begin to produce
erratic laser output or possibly complete failure.

Cooling Fans

Cooling Vents

Ambient air temperature where the laser system is operating should not exceed 90 degrees F (32 C).
Operating in an environment where the ambient air temperature is above 90 degrees F (32 C) will void the
Epilog warranty.

3. Connecting the Exhaust
It is mandatory that an exhaust blower is hooked up and operating whenever your laser system is running a job. The
exhaust blower removes the dust, debris and smell from the engraving cavity and exhausts it to the outside of the building.
You should never operate your laser system without a properly working exhaust. Prior to the installation of the laser
system, a contractor should install the exhaust system. The blower should be mounted outside your building for noise
considerations. The blower should not be more than 20 feet (6 meters) from the laser. You should provide a rigid, smooth
duct (either PVC or galvanized sheet metal will do) from the blower to the vicinity of the laser. All Epilog model 8000 laser
systems require an exhaust fan that is rated at a minimum of 350 CFM for external exhaust.
- 12 -

Section 2: Getting Started
3. Connecting the Exhaust

Epilog provides recommended exhaust flow rates (CFM) only for direct ventilation exhaust systems that are ported to theoutside. Please note that this is also a recommendation and not a requirement because factors such as length and typeof tubing from the Epilog laser to the exhaust fan and from the exhaust fan to the outside of the building can produce
significant losses on the true amount of air that is drawn from the Epilog laser.
Exhaust flow rates (CFM) for filter systems are not specified in this document. However, exhaust flow rates for filtration
units will be lower than a direct ventilation exhaust systems because filters are designed to be placed directly adjacent to
the laser system and do not exhibit the air-flow losses that are typically found with direct exhaust fans. Epilog has worked
with most major filter manufacturers to recommend a specific filter system for each model of Epilog laser. Please contact
your Epilog distributor to match a filter to the Epilog laser system you are using.
Note: Remember to put the blower switch for the laser system in an obvious and accessible place so it can beroutinely switched on prior to using the engraver. Please connect the exhaust blower to the laser as shown
below and on the following pages.
Remember, you may need a contractor to install the exhaust. This must be done PRIOR to installation of the laser system.
Warning: It’s important that either rigid or flexible
metal ducting be used for all connections leading toand from the laser system and the exhaust fan. Vinyl,
plastic, or any type of “soft” ducting is potentially flammable andshould not be used unless provided by the filtration systemmanufacturer and made from fire-proof materials.
Epilog Exhaust/Filter Connections
As part of the unpacking process you will find a 4” (100mm) exhaust port in the accessories kit. This part needs to be
attached to the rear of the system chassis before connecting the Exhaust blower to the system.
The mounting screws for the exhaust port are in the mounting holes in
the chassis. Remove these four screws, align the exhaust port to themounting holes and secure the exhaust port with the four screws. Thereis one 4” (102 mm) port attached to the back of the laser system. Attach
your ducting to the machine as shown in the diagram.
Once the exhaust ports are installed on the back of the laser system,
use the flexible aluminum or galvanized sheet metal ducting to connect
the laser system to the intake side of the exhaust fan. Then connect theexhaust side of the exhaust fan to the metal duct leading outside.
- 13 -

Section 2: Getting Started
4. Connecting Electrical Power

Check your exhaust system for leaks. Most small leaks can be remedied with duct tape. DO NOT OPERATE
your laser with inadequate or leaking exhaust.
The drawings show the typical exhaust setup. The left drawing shows the exhaust near the machine and the right drawing
shows the exhaust fan on the roof. Where the exhaust fan is placed is a choice of personal preference. Some users like theexhaust fan outside because of noise considerations.
Roof or Exterior Wall4” (102 mm) flexible
aluminum duct orrigid galvanized sheet
metal (do not use
vinyl, plastic or “soft”
flexible duct).

Exhaust Blower

Roof or Exterior Wall4” (102 mm) flexible aluminum
duct or rigid galvanized sheet
metal (do not use vinyl, plastic or“soft” flexible duct).

Exhaust Blower

4. Connecting Electrical PowerAll Epilog Laser systems have an auto-switching power supply that detects the incoming
voltage and automatically switches itself to operate properly at any single-phase voltage
between 110 and 240 VAC. The power supply will also automatically compensate for either
50 or 60 Hz. Epilog supplies the appropriate power cord for all of our equipment. The
electrical cord is found in the accessory package with your machine. It is recommended thata dedicated 15 amp circuit be used if available, but it is not required.

- 14 -

Section 2: Getting Started
5. Connect the Laser to Your Computer

5. Connect the Laser to Your
Computer
You can choose to connect your laser to your computerwith either an Ethernet cable or a USB cable. For yourconvenience Epilog includes both an Ethernet crossovercable and a USB cable in the Accessories kit.
Choose one or the other, but do not plug bothcables into the laser at the same time.
Test Port: Not intended
for consumer use.
Ethernet PortUSB Port

USB Connection
A USB cable is included in the accessory kit. The USB port
is located on the right side of the laser, at the rear of thesystem. USB cables have different connectors on eachend. Before plugging in the USB cable, turn the laser
OFF, then connect one end to the laser and connect theother end into any available USB port on your computer.
After connecting the USB cable, turn the laser back on.
Your computer will recognize a new USB device and walk
you through the print driver installation.
If your laser will be a long distance from your computer,
you will see better performance using the Ethernet cable.

Connect to the laser.

Ethernet Connection
The Ethernet Port is a standard 10BaseT connection. Your
Epilog Laser has all of the versatility of a network capable
peripheral. As such, there are many different ways that thelaser can be connected to a computer or a network. A directconnection using a crossover cable is the only method thatwill be described in this manual. Connect the crossovercable (included in the accessories kit) to the Ethernet port,
located on the right side of the machine near the rear. Plugthe cable into the Ethernet port on the laser, then plug theother end into the Ethernet port on your computer.
The Epilog Dashboard is the print driver that allows yourcomputer to talk to your Epilog Laser system when either
the USB or Ethernet Crossover cables are connected. The
driver is included in the accessories kit on a CD-ROM oron our website at www.epiloglaser.com. To install the print
driver, see “Windows 10: Ethernet Installation” on page25.

6. Set the FiberMark S2 IP
Address

1. To set the IP Address, press the Go and Pointer keys
on the control panel at the same time. You will see
FUNCTIONS MENU displayed on the control panel
LCD screen.
2. Press the Go key. SERIAL # will appear on
the screen. This is a factory set number andcorresponds to the serial number of the laser
system. You should not change this number.
3. Press the Go key again. IP ADDRESS will appear on
the screen.
- 15 -

Section 2: Getting Started
7. Sign Up for Driver Updates and Register Your System

7. Sign Up for Driver Updates
and Register Your System

4. Press the Go key again. The factory set IP address
will appear on the screen. It will look similar to
192.168.003.004 with a flashing box over the 1 in
192.
Most Epilog users will use the IP Address of
192.168.003.004, which is what we use inthis manual.
5. If you want to change the IP address, follow these
instructions:•

The numbers are treated as groups of three. If you
want to change the first number to 4, press thecorresponding number on the keypad (the Power
key).

•

Repeat for the second and third numbers in thegroup.

•

After changing the third number in the group, theflashing cursor will move back to the first number.
Press Go to move to the next group of numbers.

•

Repeat this for each of the four groups of threenumbers.

•

You cannot skip to change a single number in agroup of three - all three must be typed in to changethat group. For example if you want to change 003
to 004, you must press all three numbers to changethat grouping.

•

To save your new IP Address, continue to click Go
through the Subnet Mask and Gateway settings until
you see Save-GO No-Stop. Press Go to save yourchanges (or stop to not save your changes.)- 16 -

Go to www.epiloglaser.com/register and register yoursystem. You can also sign up for our monthly e-newsletter,quarterly customer printed newsletter, and sign up fordriver update notifications.

SECTION 3: DRIVER INSTALLATION
Epilog Job Manager Instructions

Epilog Job Manager Instructions
The Epilog Job Manager is a powerful new tool that will quickly become one of your favorite features on your laser system.
From one piece of software, you can access any job you have sent to the laser, view the settings you used on any past job,re-run projects, access your material database, and much more. It’s a great addition to the Epilog Laser product features,and we look forward to seeing how our customers use this software!
• Windows 10 is required to use the Epilog Job Manager.

Uninstalling the Previous Job Manager
If you have installed a previous version of the Job Manager on your computer, you must uninstall it first before youcontinue.
1. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features and click on Epilog Job Manager

2. Click “Uninstall” and confirm if asked again.

- 17 -

Section 3: Driver Installation
Uninstalling the Previous Job Manager

3. Select “Remove all components” and then click “Next”.

4. Click “Uninstall”.

5. Click Finish to complete the uninstallation of the previous Job Manager.

- 18 -

Section 3: Driver Installation
How to Install the Epilog Software Suite

How to Install the Epilog Software Suite
1. Go to epiloglaser.com/drivers and select the Epilog FiberMark S2. Then under the Epilog Software Suite, click on
the download button to download the installation file.
2. The installation file will download as a .zip folder that will need to be extracted. Right click the folder and click“Extract All”. Once finished, double click on the EpilogSuite file.
Note: Make sure that the “Ghostscript” folder included in the download is always in the same location as your
Epilog Suite installation file, or the installation will not be able to complete.

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Section 3: Driver Installation
How to Install the Epilog Software Suite

3. A welcome screen appears, click Next.

4. Select a directory location for the installation file and click Next.

- 20 -

Section 3: Driver Installation
How to Install the Epilog Software Suite

5. Read and accept the license agreements and click Next.

6. Click Next to use the default start menu, or choose a start menu name of your choice.

- 21 -

Section 3: Driver Installation
How to Install the Epilog Software Suite

7. Click Install to begin the installation.

8. The Epilog Software Suite will begin installing, during the installation a dialog box will pop up to also install the
AGPL Ghostscript Package, click Next.

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Section 3: Driver Installation
How to Install the Epilog Software Suite

9. Read and accept the AGPL Ghostscript License Agreement, then click Next.

10. Click Finish to complete the AGPL Ghostscript installation and resume the Epilog Software Suite installation.

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Section 3: Driver Installation
How to Install the Epilog Software Suite

11. Select whether or not you want to run the program now. Click Finish to complete the installation.

12. An icon for the Job Manager will be automatically added to your Desktop. You are now ready to use the Job
Manager.

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Section 3: Driver Installation
Windows 10: Ethernet Installation

Windows 10: Ethernet Installation
Set Up TCP/IP Address in the Computer
Go to your Network and Sharing Center in your computer’s Control Panel.
1. Click Change Adapter Settings.

2. Right click Local Area Connection, then click Properties.

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Section 3: Driver Installation
Windows 10: Ethernet Installation

3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP). Make sure you do not select Version 6. Then click Properties.

4. Select Use the following IP Address. Type in the following IP Address: 192.168.3.3.
This number is not an error; the last digit of the IP address in this window must be different than the IP
address you set in the laser.
5. Type in a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, then click OK.

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Section 3: Driver Installation
Troubleshooting the Job Manager

Troubleshooting the Job Manager
If you were unable to install the Job Manager, it’s possible that your Anti-Virus software is blocking installation. To disable
Symantec Anti-Virus software, choose Options. Other anti-virus packages should have something similar to Symantec.

Disable all Virus and Spyware Protection Features. After the Job Manager has been installed go back into your Anti-Virus
software and re-enable the setting that was disabled.

Important Job Manager Notes••

Warning: Before activating your laser, install the newest version of the driver to properly associate
the correct machine with the Job Manager.
We suggest a minimum of 1 GB of free RAM space when managing very large engraving and vector jobs.

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Section 3: Driver Installation
Important Job Manager Notes- 28 -

SECTION 4: THE EPILOG JOB MANAGER
Using the Epilog Job Manager

Using the Epilog Job Manager
1. The first time you open the Job Manager you’ll see a tab for each of the machine models. Begin by selecting thecorrect model, naming your machine, setting the IP Address, and selecting the correct fiber laser wattage, thenclick Save.

2. Your new laser has been activated in the Job Manager and now appears in the left panel. It is now ready to accept
jobs from the print driver. Use the Add or Delete buttons to add or remove additional machines. Below you can see
we have installed an additional FiberMark S2 laser system.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Printing to the Epilog Job Manager

Printing to the Epilog Job Manager
Create a file in your graphic software and select Print. When the print dialog opens up, make sure you select Epilog
Engraver as your printer and set the Page to Match Orientation and Size. Once your desired settings are selected, click
Print again.

The file will open in the Epilog Dashboard first. To send it to the Job Manager, click the “Send to JM” button. The Job
Manager window will open and the Dashboard window will close.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Organizing Your Print Jobs

Organizing Your Print Jobs
Once the Job Manager is open, click the Jobs tab. All print jobs sent to the Job Manager from the Dashboard will be
displayed in the Uncategorized Jobs folder by default. Printed jobs that are not sent to the Job Manager can be found in
the Temporary Jobs folder. Click on your job to highlight it. You can now Print, Edit, Preview, Move or Delete this job using
the available icons.

Create and Delete Job Folders
Click the “Add Folder” icon to add new folders. You can add as many folders as you’d like.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Organizing Your Print Jobs

Type in the folder name and click the check mark to create your new folder.

Move an Uncategorized File to a Folder
When you select a folder, you will see From Uncategorized on the right side of the folder. Click From
Uncategorized to move a job from the Uncategorized Jobs folder to this subfolder. Select the job you want to move andclick OK.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Organizing Your Print Jobs

Create Subfolders
First, select the folder in the left panel where you want to add a subfolder. Below we have selected the Betty’s Electronics
folder. Click the Add Subfolder icon. Type the subfolder name in the Add Subfolder field, then click the check mark tocreate the subfolder.

Move a Job Between Folders
You can also move any job to another folder or subfolder by clicking and dragging it up or down between folders. An
arrow will indicate where you are placing the job. Once you see the arrow selecting the correct folder, let go of the job file
to place it in that folder.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Searching for a Job

Switch Machine Selection
By clicking on the machine photo in the upper left corner, you can quickly change which machine model you want to haveactive.

Searching for a Job
The Job Manager has a powerful search function. Type in part of a file name and press enter to find all files related to thatname. You can organize files by Standard, Created, Last Printed, or Alphabetically to find a specific file.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Finding Job History

Notice that the jobs are displayed differently if you change the search category to Alphabetical. Your jobs are now
displayed in alphabetical order. Once the search is finished, most users revert back to the default selection of Standard.

Finding Job History
You can find the Job Manager Print History under the Laser System tab to see a full print history of a machine, including
settings you used in each print. Clicking on each job will expand it and reveal its settings. Clicking on each machine’s iconon the left will only reveal the print history on the selected machine.

Under the Jobs tab you can modify, print or save jobs from this window using the listed settings or with new settings. The
new settings will be saved as the next print job complete with time stamp and date. You’ll see which machine it was printed
to, when it was first printed (Initial Print), all subsequent prints, and all laser parameters used. To access this, double-clickon the job, then select History. To view the laser parameters of this job, click on the print version. In this example we haveclicked on the FiberMark S2 1.1 print.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Material Settings Tab

Material Settings Tab
The Material Settings Tab allows you to save and import settings for individual processes. If you frequently use the samesettings for engraving or cutting, this feature allows you to import those settings into a single process quickly. You may
follow these steps to create folders in the Job Settings tab as well.

Saving Material Settings
1. To save a process setting, first you need to create a folder in the Job Manager under the Material Settings Tab byclicking the “Add Subfolder” button.

2. Name the folder and click the check mark to save it.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Material Settings Tab

3. Now print a file to the Epilog Dashboard and set up the file to your preferred settings. Click on the process that has
settings you want to save. In this example we have clicked on Blue. The Process box should open, then click the“Export Settings to Material” button.

4. A box will appear asking you to name the Material Setting and select a folder to save it in. Fill out this informationand then click “Save”.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Material Settings Tab

Importing Material Settings
1. To import previously saved settings to a new job, click on the process you want to apply the settings to. Then click
the “Import Material Settings” button.

2. A box will appear asking you to select the settings you want to load into this process. Select your settings and click“Import”.

3. The material settings should load on to that process and be ready to print to the laser.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Job Settings Tab

Job Settings Tab
The Job Settings Tab allows you to store all the information that is in a job, except for the artwork, as a file you may import
into future jobs. If you have a project you run frequently that requires the same settings every time, this feature allows
you to import those settings quickly.

Saving a Job’s Settings
1. To save a job’s settings, first open the job in the Epilog Dashboard and set up the file as you normally would toprint. Once your settings are ready to save, click the Export Job Settings button at the bottom of the screen.

2. A box will appear asking you to name the Job Settings file and select a folder to save it in. Fill out this informationand then click “Save”.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Job Settings Tab

Importing Job Settings
1. To import previously saved settings to a new job, click the Import Job Settings button at the bottom of the screen.

2. A box will appear asking you to select the settings you want to load into this job. Select your settings and click“Import”.

3. The job settings should load into the file, ready for printing to the laser.
Note: You may also create Job and Material settings from scratch in their respective Job Manager tabs.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Using the Material Setting Configurations

Default Job Settings
If you are consistently using the same job settings every time you send a new job to the laser, setting your own default job
settings is a useful way to save time and run new jobs quickly. This is useful when you’re working with the same materials
frequently that require the same Speed, Power, and Frequency/Resolution settings.
In the Job Settings tab of the Job Manager, select a job setting you have already saved. Once selected, click the check markbutton in the menu above your list of job settings to set it as the default.

This job setting is marked with a check mark to signify that it will now be the default. Now every time artwork is printed to
the Epilog Dashboard, those settings will be automatically applied, and the job will be ready to be sent straight to the laser.
To turn off the default, select the job setting that is set to the default and click the check mark button again. This will returnthe default job settings to the standard default.

Using the Material Setting Configurations
The Material Settings tab stores all of the suggested laser parameters like speed, power, etc. These settings were loaded
based on the wattage you specified in the Laser System tab (adding your laser was the very first thing you did to start
using the Job Manager).

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Using the Material Setting Configurations

To use the Material Settings that are automatically loaded in your Job Manager, go to the Jobs tab and double-click on thejob you want to process.

Click the Import Material Settings icon.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Changing Program Settings

Navigate to the material setting you need. We have highlighted Stainless Steel Marking/Etching. Click Import.

Your new settings have been automatically applied to your job file. You can now save the job file, save the job settings as
a different name, or print the job.

Changing Program Settings
You can access the Program Settings by clicking on the gear at the top right of the page.
On this screen you can set several different system settings, including:
Display Tab:
• Language: Choose from several languages.
• Default Length Units: Choose from inches, centimeters, or millimeters.
Dashboard Tab:
• New Job Settings: Uses the Epilog Default, Previous Settings, Split by Color, Split by Hairlines, or Split by Color andHairlines. For more information see “Dividing Your Job Into Processes” on page 56.
• Open Job Manager Automatically: When “Send to JM” is clicked, and this option is On, the Job Manager willautomatically be opened.
• Discard After Printing: When “Print” is clicked, and this option is On, the job will be discarded.
Alerts Tab:
Choose when the program asks for confirmation when you delete machines, folders, subfolders, or jobs and materials.
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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Troubleshooting the Job Manager

Database Tab:
• Backup Database: Save a backup of all files, material settings, etc.
• Restore Database: Reload settings from a previous backup.
• Clear Entire Database: Delete all settings, machines and jobs from the database.
• Clear All Jobs: Delete all jobs in the database.
• Clear Uncategorized: Clear out all uncategorized jobs in the database.
• Clear Dashboard Jobs: Delete all queued jobs in the database.

We will be adding new features to the software often, so sign up for the Driver Update Notification list atwww.epiloglaser.com/tech-support/epilog-drivers.htm.

Troubleshooting the Job Manager
If you’re having trouble getting the Job Manager to load, or having an error that the Job Manager cannot communicate
with the Dashboard, your computer’s graphics card may need to be updated. To do so, follow the steps below:
1. In the Windows search bar, search for “Device Manager”.

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Section 4: The Epilog Job Manager
Troubleshooting the Job Manager

2. Once the Device Manager opens, click on “Display Adapters” to reveal your graphics card. Right click on thegraphics card and select “Update driver”.

3. Choose which way you want to search for an update for your driver and then update the driver.

4. Restart your computer and open the Job Manager. If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

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SECTION 5: USING THE LASER DASHBOARD™
﻿The Epilog Dashboard is your portal between your graphic file and the laser. Install your Dashboard at epiloglaser.com/
drivers. There are four main areas we’ll cover to get you started:
1. Sending Your First Project
2. Presetting Your Cut Lines
3. Placing Artwork
4. Dividing Your Job into Processes
If you have worked with Epilog’s previous print driver, you’ll see some new ways that the Dashboard lets
you interact with your file. It may seem different at first, but you’ll quickly find that you can still use yourtraditional methods of printing to the laser, or use several new ones that make file setup quicker and easier!

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Setting Up CorelDRAW for the Laser

Setting Up CorelDRAW for the Laser
If you are using CorelDRAW, first make this quick, one time change to the settings.
1. Go to Tools > Options > Global > Printing > Driver Compatibility.
2. Select Epilog Engraver from the drop-down list.
3. Select “Printer can match document page sizes”, and click OK. You’re ready to go!

- 48 -

Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Sending Your First ProjectSending Your First Project
1. When you have your file designed, print it to the laser. Choose the Epilog Engraver as your printer and set the Page
to Match Orientation and Size.

2. Click on the Color tab and select Output colors as RGB.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Sending Your First Project

3. Click on the PostScript tab and uncheck “Convert True Type to Type 1”.

4. You will need to save these setting under the CorelDRAW Print style defaults by returning to the General tab, andclicking “Save As”.

5. Save the settings and click on Apply.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Sending Your First Project

6. Then click Print.
7. Your file will open in the Laser Dashboard. Select “To Fit” to zoom in on your object.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Sending Your First Project

8. On the right side of the screen you can see two processes in the process list: Engrave and Vector.
These layers automatically separated because we set the line width of cut lines to .003” (0.077 mm) or thinner).

You can set the Dashboard to automatically separate vector lines by line thickness, color, or no action. For
more information, see “Presetting Your Cut Lines” on page 55.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Sending Your First Project

Auto Focus
Enable Auto Focus when you want to use the machine’s Auto Focus capabilities. You can choose between On or Off.

OffThis is the default option for Auto Focus. If “Off” is selected, the table will not move up or down when the job starts. Whenset to “Off”, you must use another method of focusing, since the table must be in focus before running a job.
You may also focus the table using the Manual Focus Gauge. For more information about the Manual Focus gauge, see“Manual Focus” on page 93.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Sending Your First Project

9. With the Engrave process selected, we can now adjust the settings for this process.
•Process Name: Click on the process name (“Engrave” in this example) torename the process.

Engraving Process• Split By: Select either “Color” to move every color in the graphic to separate
processes (useful for color mapping), or “Hairlines” to manually move .003”(0.077 mm) or thinner vector lines to a separate process.
•Merge With: Merge the current process with another process layer. For
more details, see “Merging Processes” on page 64.

•

Process Type: Choose if you want the process to be “Off” (ignored by thelaser), “Engrave”, or “Vector”.
Setting the process to Engrave will engrave all graphics and lines,
regardless of line width.
Setting the process to Vector will ignore any raster graphics and only cut allvector lines in the process, regardless of line width.

• Resolution can be set anywhere between 75-1200 DPI. For more
information about resolution, see “Resolution” on page 84.
•

Set your Speed and Power. Frequency will only be active when the process
type is set to Vector. For more information, see “Frequency” on page 68.

• Dithering / Vector Sort: The dithering drop-down will appear for Engrave
processes, and Vector Sort for Vector processes.
For more information on Dithering settings, see “Image Dithering” on page
94. For more information on Vector Sorting, see “Vector Sorting” onpage 62.
•

Cycles: How many times to repeat this process.

•Thickness: Measure the thickness of the material and input the number into
the Thickness box. Active only when Auto Focus is enabled to “Thickness”.

•

Offset: Offset allows you to focus at any point above or below the surface ofyour material. For more information, see “Offset” on page 69.

•

Registration: Feature coming soon.

• Direction: Choose whether you want the engraving to start at the bottom ofyour piece or the top. For more information, see “Engrave Direction” onpage 67.
10. Repeat this set up with the Vector process layer.
11. Print the file to the laser.
- 54 -

Vector Process

Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Presetting Your Cut Lines

Presetting Your Cut Lines
Although you can select any vector line in the Dashboard and set it
as a cut line, there are several ways in the Dashboard to preset yourcut lines to save you time.
in the Dashboard and go to the
Click the Settings icon
Dashboard tab. Choose between New Job Settings:
1. Epilog Default: No automatic separation of processes when a
new job is sent to the Dashboard.
2. Previous Settings: Use the settings from the last job sent to
the laser.
3. Split by Color: Automatically split all processes by colors. Thisis helpful when using color mapping to set different settings to different colors in your artwork, or if you always set
your cut lines to a specific color.
4. Split by Hairlines: Automatically split all thin vector lines (line thickness set to .003” (0.077 mm) or less).
5. Split by Color and Hairlines: Automatically split files by both color and line thickness.
By using the same process to identify your cut lines every time you are setting up a file, you will find theprocess to be quick and easy to have your processes set up whenever you print a new job to the Dashboard!

Placing Your Artwork• Edit: You can click on the artwork and move it wherever you would like on the table.
• Pan: Change to Pan mode to move around the table without moving the graphic’s
position on the table. You may also center-click and drag, or hold down the space bar toactivate Pan mode.
• Selection Mode: The default mode for selecting your artwork and setting up your job.
This is selected when the cursor arrow icon is highlighted.
• Reset: Reset the entire file back to its original status when printed to the Dashboard. This
will also reset all laser parameters such as speed and power settings.
• Undo / Redo: Undo one change, or redo one change.
•

Group / Ungroup: The file will initially appear grouped. If you want to move individual
sections of the file, with the graphic selected click the ungroup icon several times until all
items are ungrouped.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes•

Boundary: This is the working boundary the laser will recognize. It will ignore any graphics outside this boundary
area.

Dividing Your Job Into Processes
When you have your job in the Dashboard, there are several ways to split your project into separate processes.

Split by Color (Color Mapping)
When you set several items to different colors in your design file, you can color map them to their own processes anddefine their speed and power settings individually. There are two ways to separate each color into a different process:1. In your Dashboard settings, select “Split by Color” to automatically process. For more information “PresettingYour Cut Lines” on page 55.
2. When the file appears, select “Split by Color” in the single process on the right side of the screen. (See below).
3. Now all of your colors have been separated into different processes and you can assign settings to each process
separately. Processes are labeled by the name of each color.

While Color Mapping is a very powerful tool, most users use it for three main reasons:
1. Using different colors to engrave at different speeds and powers within one document.
2. Using different colors to allow users the ability to sequence the order that objects will be marked.
3. Using color to define different levels of focus. Many objects need to be marked at different locations that are atdifferent relative heights. Color Mapping can be used to change the focus in a single job setup.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes

Using Color Mapping for Multiple Settings
The most typical way that Color Mapping is used for the FiberMark
S2 is when users want to produce a different metal etched look on
two separate areas of a single piece of material using different speed,
power, frequency, and focus settings. In this example we are etchinga luggage tag with three different types of marks - annealed, polishedand etched, and vector marked with an annealed mark as well.
We’ve set the four RGB colors in the file to match the four RGB colors
setup in the Laser Dashboard’s Color Mapping tab. The red is set to
etch into the metal, the green to create a white, polished mark, theblue to anneal the metal, and finally the yellow to vector mark anannealed mark. You MUST use an RGB color scheme in your artwork with the Color Mapping feature. CMYK values will
not translate.

1. Make sure to select the process and click Split by Color so we can set up our color mapping settings.
2. In our example we want to laser etch first, so red must be the first color at the top of the list. If it is not at the top of
the list, click and drag it to move it into position.
3. With the red engraving process selected in the processes list, we adjust the settings to 30% speed, 100% power,and 1 frequency to etch the metal.
4. Repeat by selecting the Green process, then adjusting the settings, and continue through the remaining colors.
5. When you have the file ready, click OK and print it to the laser.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes

Settings for Each Color Process
1. Select a color in the Processes Tab. We selected the color Red. Once selected your laser settings will be revealed.

2. Adjust the laser settings on the selected process.
3. Once the laser values have been adjusted, you may select any other color processes that need to be changed.
4. When any process tabs are collapsed, you can still see their speed and power settings displayed under eachprocess name.

Color Mapping Functions
Engrave: Setting a specific color process to Engrave means the laser will apply the same engraving settings to all objects
set to that color.
Vector: Setting a specific color process to Vector means the laser will apply the same vector settings to all objects set tothat color.
Speed: Applies a speed setting for all objects of the same color.
Power: Applies a power setting for all objects of the same color.
Frequency: Applies a frequency setting for all objects of the same color (Vector only).

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes

Offset: Offset allows you to focus at any point above or below the surface of your material. A positive value will move thetable away from the focus lens. A negative value, such as -.095, will move the table closer the focus lens.

Using Color Mapping to Adjust Object Order
Another popular use for color mapping is to adjust the order a series of objects will be engraved or cut. In the example
below, there are three columns of names we are engraving. If we engrave the left file in the image below, the laser carriage
will have to travel all the way across the table, covering a lot of empty space, to engrave the image. For more information,
see “Ordering Processes” on page 63.
If we adjust the colors in each bar, we can setup the color mapping to engrave first the red bar, then the green
bars in the center, and finally engrave the blue bar on the right side of the page. The engraving time drops
from 39:09 to just 22:14 by using Color Mapping in the file setup.
Engraving Time: 39:09

Engraving Time: 22:14

Using Color Mapping to Adjust Focus
To engrave at multiple focal points on an object with several levels, the Color Mapping feature is very useful. In thefollowing example we want to mark on both Surface 1 and Surface 2 on the following part where Surface 1 is 0.250” (3mm) higher than Surface 2.
We will set up our artwork so that we engrave the Model Number on Surface 1 and the Serial Number on Surface 2. For
this job, the only change we will make is to the Focus distance. Everything else will be the same. A glance at the Summary
section shows the Focus for the color red at 0 and the Focus for blue at -.250”. When you run the job, the red will engraveon Surface 1 first and then the table will move up and engrave the blue text.
Surface 1
Surface 2

We’ve setup the graphic with the model number in red and the serial number in blue. In the Color Mapping tab you can- 59 -

Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes

see that we’ve set the blue to engrave at a focus point of -.250”. Since every increase of 1 moves the table further from thelaser by 0.001” (0.0254 mm), we are telling the table to raise .250” (6.35 mm).

Additional Color Mapping Notes
When color mapping is used, the laser always starts from the top color in the Processes Tab and then descends throughthe remaining colors. You can rearrange the order of the process by clicking and dragging them up and down in theProcesses Tab.

Color Mapping in Combined Mode
After all of the raster objects have been engraved, the vector objects will be vectored in the order they appear in the Processes Tab.

Split by Hairline
When you print your file to the laser, you can manually select to split your processes by hairline.
1. Click on the process and select “Split by Hairline”.
2. All hairline vector lines will be grouped into a separate process.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes

Split by Selection
After you have ungrouped your artwork, select a portion of your artwork you want to separate into its own process andselect “+ Selection”. In this example we have moved the text into a separate process from the other graphics, letting us
adjust the speed and power settings for just that portion of the engraving.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes

Vector Sorting
You can determine the cutting order of vector lines directly from the Epilog Dashboard.

You can choose from three different vector sorting options:
1. None: Vector line cutting order is determined by the order they were created.
2. Inside/Out: All internal vector paths in the file will be process prior to the external vector paths. For example, if
cutting the letter O, the inner oval will be cut before the outer oval.
3. Optimized: The laser will process the vector lines looking for the next closest node for quicker vectoring.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes

Ordering Processes
In the Processes section of the Dashboard, you may rearrange the order in which each process runs on the laser. The orderof the processes in the list is the order that they will be completed by the laser. You can change the order of the processes
by clicking and dragging them up and down in the list. In this example we are engraving and cutting a control panel board.
The three topmost processes will engrave first, and the job will finish with the vector processes.

The process order will always begin with any engraving processes, then follow with your vector processes. If you attempt
to move a vector process above an engraving process, it will automatically go back to its previous position below all theengraving processes. This is to ensure that the engraving processes are completed while the piece is as flat as possible.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes

Merging Processes
If you want certain processes to be engraved at the same time with the same settings, you may merge them into one
process. Click on the process you want to merge with other processes, then click on the icon next to “Merge with”.

A list of processes will drop down, select a process to merge with by clicking on it.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Dividing Your Job Into Processes

If you want to merge multiple processes all at once, hold down “Ctrl” on your keyboard before clicking on multiple
processes in the list.

Once you let go of the “Ctrl” button, all of the processes should be merged together as one process.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Saving Your Settings

Saving Your Settings
You have two ways you can save settings for your jobs - by material and by job.
1. Settings by Material: Next to each process you will see a small
upload and download folder icon. These settings will only affect thecurrently selected process.
●

Import current material settings by clicking the folder with thedown arrow. Select between the Engrave and Vector tabs, thenchoose your material from the list.

●

Export your new material settings by clicking the folder with theup arrow. Add a settings name and add it to an existing folder.

●

For step by step instructions see “Material Settings Tab” onpage 36.

2. Settings by Job: Your settings for the entire job can be saved by clicking on the folder icons at the bottom of the
Dashboard.
●

Click the folder with the down arrow to import saved job settings.

●

Click the folder with the up arrow to export your current job settings.

●

When is this helpful? When you have a series of processes you use frequently. For example, you often use a
specific two-ply plastic for creating signs. You can save both your engraving and vector processes.

●

For step by step instructions, see “Job Settings Tab” on page 39.

File Settings
At the top of the Dashboard, you will see several file-related settings:• Machine: Choose which laser you are sending the file to. This will show any lasers you have installed in the Job
Manager.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Settings in Detail• Name: Set your file name.
• Folder / Subfolder: Which folder and subfolder you want to save the file to in the Job Manager.
• View: This will change what portions of the graphic are shown in the preview. Choose to show all processes(Combined), or just your Engrave or Vector processes. This is a good way to preview your job and make sure you
have set all of the lines you want to cut rather than engrave.
At the bottom of the page you’ll see several additional file settings:• Time: Displays the estimated time the project will take to run at the laser.
• Created / Printed: Displays the date and time the file was created and last printed.
• Print: Press the print button to send the job to the laser.
• Send to JM: Press this button to send the job to the Job Manager.
• Discard: Delete the file from the Dashboard.

Settings in Detail
Resolution
Set your print resolution anywhere from 75 to 1200 DPI. For the best engraving results, use a resolution equal to theresolution in the raster images within your project setup. We recommend using a resolution of 400-500 for most standard
engraving jobs. Use 600 DPI for jobs requiring finer detail. The resolution setting in the print driver will affect the engraving
time (there are twice as many engraved lines at 600 DPI as at 300 DPI) and the quality. For a detailed discussion on
Resolution, visit “Resolution” on page 84.

Engrave Direction
This feature applies to engraving only and allows you to engrave your project either from the top-down or
the bottom-up direction. In standard top-down engraving there can be a large amount of engraving debris
generated, especially on materials such as plastic, wood and rubber. As the debris moves toward theexhaust plenum, some of it collects in the area that has just been engraved. Bottom-up engraving prevents
the debris from collecting in the freshly engraved spaces.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Settings in Detail

Process TypeChoose between the three modes of operation.
• Off: This setting will tell the laser to ignore any items within this process.
• Engrave Mode: Used for engraving or marking materials. Typical uses include engraving clipart, scanned images,
photos, text and graphic images.
• Vector Mode: Selected when you are running only cut lines or for use with the Red Dot Pointer for previewing thejob processing area.

Speed
Determines the travel speed of the carriage and is adjustable in 1% increments from 1 to 100%. The slower the speed,
the deeper the engraving or cutting. Speed settings are heavily dependent on the hardness and the thickness of thematerial being engraved or cut, with harder materials requiring slower speeds for deeper engraving/cutting. Please refer
to “FiberMark S2 Suggested Material Settings” on page 133 in this manual.

Power
Determines the amount of laser energy that is delivered to the piece being cut and is adjustable in increments from 1
to 100%. The higher the power, the deeper the engraving/cutting. Please refer to “FiberMark S2 Suggested Material
Settings” on page 133 in this manual.

Frequency
The frequency setting is only active on vector processes, and controls the number of laser pulses that the laser fires perinch of travel. The frequency is set in the dashboard and can be adjusted from 1 to 18%. A lower frequency number will
have the effect of less heat because fewer pulses are being used to cut the material. Lower frequency rates are helpful for
products like wood, where charring is evident at higher frequencies. High frequencies are useful on materials like acrylic
where a large amount of heat is desirable to melt or flame polish the edges.

Dithering
Dithering is used only for Raster engraving and has no effect on vector cut lines. This setting defines how the dot patterns
will be engraved in raster images that contain grayscale images, blends, or color. The Dashboard offers six different
dithering patterns to enhance your engraving projects. The default mode is Standard. This mode can be used for all images
including photographs, but some images improve when engraved with other dithering patterns. For more information, go
to “Image Dithering” on page 94.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Processes Tab

OffsetOffset allows you to focus at any point above or below the surface of your material. When engraving acrylic, many users
like to focus above the surface to produce a “softer” finish to the engraving. Conversely, when cutting acrylic, many users
like to focus about halfway into the acrylic. Offset allows you to do this automatically. A positive value will move the tableaway from the focus lens. A negative value, such as -.095, will move the table closer the focus lens.

Processes Tab
The Processes tab is an alternative view of the various processes within your file. You can see each process with thesettings located next to the process without the video view of the table.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Advanced Tab

Advanced Tab
On the Advanced tab, you can change settings that will affect the entire job.

• Copies: Set the number of times you would like to rerun the job. If you have 2 processes, the laser will complete
each of the two processes, then run the two processes a second time. If you have a process with more than one
cycle (process 1: cycles 1, process 2: cycles: 2) and set the copies to 2, it will run process 1 once, process 2 twice,then process 1 once again, and process 2 twice more.
• Centering Point: This feature allows you to define the center of your artwork as the primary reference point (Home
Position) of your engraving or cutting. For more information on Center Engraving, see “Center Engraving” on page97.

Notes Tab
Use the Notes tab to keep notes on running your file. This can include suggestions for artwork placement, speed andpower notes, or anything else a laser operator may find helpful when running that project.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
Additional CorelDRAW Laser Dashboard Features

Additional CorelDRAW Laser Dashboard Features
Each program you use will provide different ways to manage these functions. CorelDRAW offers a very straight forward
way to access each of these features.

Multiple Passes
You can automatically engrave or cut a job multiple times by setting the Number of Copies to the number of passes thatyou want to make. When each pass is finished the laser will automatically start another pass until all passes are complete.

Print Range
If you only want to print one aspect of your project (for example, just the
text in the document), you can select that part of the file, then when you
select your print settings click Selection and the laser will only engrave or
cut that piece of your file.

Multiple Pages
When you want to engrave multiple pieces within one document, such as five different engraved plates, each with adifferent name, you can use the Multiple Pages feature of CorelDRAW. Set up each of the files on a separate page in yoursingle CorelDRAW file, then when you print to the laser you can choose either Current document to print all of the pages or
you can specify which pages you want to print by adjusting the settings in the Print range box. You can view the different
pages in the Print Preview screen.
When a multiple page job is printed to the laser, each of the pages will transfer to the Control Panel with the first filecoming across as Job:1. File Name, then Job:2. Page 2, Job: 3. Page 3. Remember, the last page of the job will be thecurrent file when you go to the Fusion’s control panel, so scroll back to Job 1: File Name to run that one first.
If you start engraving the jobs and become uncertain about which pages are which, you can refer back to your print
preview screen and the Page number in the laser will correspond to the page number in the print preview.

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Section 5: Using The Laser Dashboard™
File Setup FAQs

File Setup FAQs
I have a file with only cut lines, but they came in as an “Engrave” process. How do I change it
to a cut process?
Select the process and change the Process Type to “Vector”.

I merged two of my layers, but now it lost part of the graphic.
Change the Process Type to “Engrave” and see if they show up now. It may have changed your process to Vector andhidden any non-vector parts of your image.

I want to set up the Dashboard to automatically process all files I print to the laser withhairlines as cut lines. How do I do this?
Go to the Settings icon and in the Dashboard tab, change your New Job Settings to “Split by Hairlines”.

I forgot to remove part of the artwork I don’t want to engrave. How do I get rid of that part of the
file?
There are two ways to do this. Either ungroup your image, select the item and delete it, or separate it by selection and turnthat process to Off.

The video checkbox disappeared, how do I get it back?
De-select all of your artwork in the Dashboard. The video checkbox should now re-appear on the left side of the Dashboard
screen, allowing you to turn live view on and off.

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SECTION 6: FIBERMARK S2 CONTROL PANEL
Display

Display
You will see one of two displays - icon only or text. The display shows valuable information associated with the highlighted
Functional Menu items. We will explain the different information that will be displayed as we go through the descriptionof each menu item.
Icon Only Control Panel:Go

Set Home

Data

Speed

Up/Down FastPause

X/Y Off

Jobs

Power

Up/Down Slow

Reset

Pointer

ConfigFrequency

Focus

Text Control Panel:- 73 -

Section 6: FiberMark S2 Control Panel
DisplayGo•

Press the Go key to start or resume a job. Once the job starts, the display changes to show a job timer and theengraving resolution. The timer is a useful production tool that displays the elapsed time of job as it runs.

Pause
•

Pressing the Pause key will stop the lens carriage and the laser beam will be shut off. If the Pause key is pressed
during raster engraving mode the lens carriage will stop on either the far left or far right of the engraving line that isin process. If the Pause key is pressed while in vector mode, the lens carriage will stop at the end of a line segment
or at the next line node location.

•

Once the lens carriage has stopped, you can open the door to examine the engraving. By closing the door andpressing the Go key, the engraving job will commence where it left off. If the item being engraved is not moved theengraving registration will not be affected.
Note: Opening the door on the laser during engraving will stop the laser from firing; however, the lenscarriage will continue to move. It is important to stop the job before you open the door to ensure theengraving is completed.

••

If you press the Pause key while in vector mode it may take some time for the system to actually stop. The systemneeds to get to the next node in a vector before it can stop.

Reset
•

Pressing the Reset key will move the carriage back to its Home Position. Press the Reset key after you have pressed
the Pause key, or after you have moved the carriage when using the X/Y off function.

•

Reset does not erase the job from the laser systems memory; rather it will stop the engraving job in process andsend the carriage back to the Home Position.

Set Home
Once you have moved the lens assembly by hand to a temporary Home Position, pressing the Set Home key will set thisnew position as you new temporary Home Position. This temporary home now becomes your new upper left corner.
The process of setting a temporary Home Position involves the following steps:
1. Press X/Y Off.
2. Press Go to disable X and Y axis (press Pause to cancel and send the carriage back to its park position.)- 74 -

Section 6: FiberMark S2 Control Panel
Display

3. Move the lens assembly by hand to your desired location (remember to turn the Red Dot Pointer on as a visual
locator aid).
4. Press Set Home to establish your new Home Position.
5. After you have set home, pressing the Reset key will move the carriage to its park position approximately 1/2 inch
(12 mm) to the front of where you set home.
6. Resetting Home Position: Once you are finished with your temporary Home Position and want to restore thecarriage to the upper left corner of the machine, press the Set Home key and Reset key at the same time. Press theGo key and the carriage will move back and to the left to its normal upper left corner park position.

X/Y Off
Pressing the X/Y Off key and then pressing the Go key disables the X and Y motors and allows the operator to movethe carriage by hand to any location on the table. Moving the carriage by hand allows you to perform several different
functions:
1. Manually focus anywhere on the table or on the optional Rotary Attachment. To manually focus anywhere on thetable, disable the axes by pressing the X/Y Off key, then the Go key. Move the carriage to the desired focus position.
Place the manual focus gauge on the carriage and press the Up or Down cursor keys on the keyboard to move thetable up or down until the focus gauge is just touching your work. Your focus is now set to the proper focus height.
After you have focused, press the Reset key to send the carriage back to its park position.
2. Accurately determine the X- and Y-axis location. When you disable the axes and move the carriage by hand, theX- and Y-axis coordinates will be displayed on the LCD panel.
3. Create a new temporary Home Position. Using the Red Dot Pointer helps to locate the precise position where youwant your new Home Position to be located. Use the X/Y Off key in conjunction with the Set Home key to create a
temporary Home Position.
Be careful to avoid touching the optics while moving the carriage!

Pointer
The Pointer key is a toggle switch that turns the laser system’s Red Dot Pointer on and off. When the Red Dot Pointer is on, theindicator light directly to the left of the pointer key will be illuminated. For more information visit “Red Dot Pointer” on page 86.

Data
This light will illuminate when data is being passed to the laser. This is a handy tool when you are checking to see if yourlaser is connected to your computer.
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Section 6: FiberMark S2 Control Panel
Display

Jobs
Pressing the Jobs key displays the file name of the last job stored in memory. After pressing the Jobs key, pressing the Up
or Down arrows allows the operator to scroll through all of the saved jobs that are stored in the laser system’s on-board
memory.
You can loop continuously through all of the jobs stored in the laser system. Pressing the go key will start the job that isdisplayed. The jobs are numbered, so if you send the same job more than once, you will still be able to distinguish it fromthe other jobs with the same name.
Jobs stored in the laser system will be erased when it is turned off. Turning off the laser system also servesto clear the laser system’s memory.

ConfigThere are a number of factory settings that normally only need to be set once at the factory to calibrate the system. All of
the calibration settings can be accessed using the Config key. To access the settings menu, press the Config key, then use
the right arrow to scroll through the options.
1. X Home: Increasing this value moves X Home closer to the left ruler. Range: -600 to 0.
2. Y Home: Increasing this value moves the Y Home closer to the top ruler. Range: -600 to +200.
3. X R Home: Increasing this value moves the X Rotary Home closer to the left ruler. Range: -3000 to +600.
4. Y R Home: Increasing this value moves the Y Rotary Home closer to the top ruler. Range -1200 to +1200.
5. Laser Match: Establishes left to right vertical alignment of alternating raster lines. Range -20 to +20.
6. Sys Units: Choose between inches and millimeters.
7. Europe: If set to yes, European system regulations are implemented in the system.

Two-Key Configuration Menu Items
The Epilog Fibermark S2 has several additional configuration settings that can be changed with two-key combinations on
the key pad. Press the two-key combination, then use the up or down arrows to change the settings. Press the Go key tosave the new setting.
1. Auto Delete: Automatically deletes every job after it has finished running or if the job is stopped and reset. The
factory default is No. Press the Reset and Job keys simultaneously. Range: Yes or No.
2. Laser Pwr: Sets the system to match the wattage of the laser source. This is important because if it does not- 76 -

Section 6: FiberMark S2 Control Panel
Display

match, the system will act erratically. Press the Reset and Power keys simultaneously.

Speed
During an engraving job or when the laser is idle at Home Position, the speed of the job can be viewed on the control panel
by pressing the Speed key. In raster mode you can change the speed on the fly. Speed can only be changed on the fly inraster mode. You cannot change the speed on the fly during vector marking.

00:00:12 SP=100%

Pressing the Speed key while engraving will change the display to show the speed setting of the job while it is running (seeimage above). Pressing the Up or Down arrow key will increase or decrease the speed of the carriage. Normally you willneed to increase or decrease the speed by 10% or more before you start to notice a visible change in the speed.
Changing the speed on the fly is a useful way to experiment to get just the right speed setting for a material you are notused to engraving. You cannot change the speed on the fly in vector mode.

Power
During an engraving job or when the laser is idle at Home Position, the power of the job can be viewed on the control panel
by pressing the Power key. In raster mode you can change the power on the fly, but you cannot change the power on the
fly during vector marking.
Pressing the power key while engraving will change the display to show the power setting of the job while it is running.
Pressing the Up or Down arrow key will increase or decrease the power output of the laser in raster mode. Normally you
will need to increase or decrease the power by 10% or more to see a visible change in the laser’s speed.
You can also change the power from the laser system when it is in idle mode. To do this, press the Power key, then press
the Up or Down arrow keys to change the power. Press Go and job will run at the changed power setting.

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Section 6: FiberMark S2 Control Panel
DisplayFrequency
During an engraving job or when the laser is idle at Home Position, the laser frequency of the job can be viewed on thecontrol panel by pressing the Laser Freq key. In raster mode you can change the frequency on the fly, but you cannotchange the frequency on the fly during vector marking.
Pressing the Frequency key while engraving will change the display to show the power setting of the job while it isrunning. Pressing the Up or Down arrow key will increase or decrease the frequency output of the laser in raster mode.
You can also change the laser frequency from the laser system when it is in idle mode. To do this, press the Frequency
key, then press the Up or Down arrow keys to change the frequency. Press Go and job will run at the changed frequency
setting.

Focus
Pressing the Focus key allows the operator to raise or lower the table by pressing the two sets of Up or Down arrow keys.
There are two sets of cursor keys that control the up and down movement of the table:
The double-triangle cursor keys control the coarse speed of the table and move the table up and down quickly inlarge increments of .030” to .050” (0.75 mm to 1.2 mm).
The single-triangle cursor keys control the fine speed of the table and move the table up and down slowly in small
increments of .001” to .003” (0.02 mm to 0.07 mm).
If the table is too high, the carriage may collide with any material that is between the park position and focus
position. To prevent the carriage from colliding with your material you can do one of two things:
1. Press the Pause key first before pressing the Focus key. Pressing the Pause key immediately before pressing Focus
holds the carriage in its park position allowing you to lower the table with your material in place.
2. Remove your material, press the Focus key and use the Down arrow to lower the table.
To manually focus anywhere on the table see the description for the X/Y Off key and Set Home key for a full explanation ofthis feature.
Z-Axis Position: When the Focus key is pressed, a numeric readout is displayed. Wherever the table is whenthe machine is initially powered on is the 00.000 (Z-axis) position. Once the table is moved, the readout will
display how far the table has moved up or down from this position. Once you move the table up or down tothe position you want, you can zero out the numeric display by pressing both double-triangle keys simultaneously. Thisfeature is very helpful when very precise focus is important.

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Section 6: FiberMark S2 Control Panel
Job Storage: Temporary Memory

Job Storage: Temporary Memory
While there is no key for this, the laser has the capability to store multiple jobs in temporary memory. The machine willstore any and all jobs sent until there is no free temporary memory left. For all practical purposes, there is no limit to thenumber of jobs you can send to the laser.
Note: Temporary jobs stored in the laser systems will be erased when the laser system is turned off. For
permanent job saving, print the file to the Job Manager, where you can file the job for later retrieval along withall settings you used in the past.

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SECTION 7: QUICK START GUIDEFirst Test Job

First Test Job
When you have your laser and print driver installed, you are ready to start engraving! To get started quickly and run asample piece of material on your new laser, the following is a quick setup guide outlining the general steps for running afirst job. A detailed set of instructions for each step of the process follows this quick start guide:
1. Find a piece of scrap material to engrave. This might be a piece of anodized aluminum or other metal.
2. In your graphic program, create a new page that is the same size as the piece of material you will be engraving.
3. Turn on your laser and wait for a beep to note the machine is initialized.
4. Place your sample material on the table in the upper left corner. Make sure the table is low enough to accommodate
the material. If not low enough, press the Focus button, then the down arrow to lower the table before placing youritem on the table. Focus your material by placing the Focus Gauge on the lens assembly and raising the table bypressing the up arrow until it is just touching the material.
5. In your graphic software, print the file. Select the laser as your printer.
6. Click Properties to see the Laser Dashboard. Set a resolution (300 or 600 DPI usually), set a page size to match
the page size of the file, and choose a speed and power setting under raster settings. See “FiberMark Suggested
Material Settings” on page 127 for suggested speeds and powers.
7. Click OK to exit the Laser Dashboard and click Print to print the page to your laser.
8. Turn on your exhaust fan or filtration unit.
9. At the laser, the job you sent over will be shown on the LCD display. Press the Go button to run the job. The job will
start running.

Artwork Setup
When setting up artwork for the laser, you can use most graphic software package of your choice, such as CorelDRAW
or Adobe Illustrator. There are three different modes of operation for the laser and the way you setup your artwork will
determine if you raster engrave, vector mark, or use combined mode.

Raster Engraving
Raster engraving can best be described as very highresolution dot matrix “printing” with a laser. Rasterengraving is used to create highly detailed graphic images.
The laser head scans back and forth, left to right, engraving
a series of dots one line at a time. As the laser head moves
down line by line, the dot pattern forms the image thatwas printed from your computer. You can raster engrave
scanned images, text, clipart, photographs, bar codes orline drawings.
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Section 7: Quick Start Guide
Artwork Setup

Vector Marking
When you are vector marking, the laser is following a continuous path that follows the outline, or profile, of an image.
Vector marking is normally used to quickly mark materials. It can also be used for quick marking of characters andgeometric patterns. You can vector mark with the laser by setting objects and text to be unfilled and drawn with a 0.001”(0.025 mm) outline. The thin outline will produce a vector mark.
This graphic shows a vector image made up of lines. You can tell it is a vector image because you can individually selectany of the lines and manipulate that part of the graphic.

Note: If your raster artwork contains thin lines between .001” (.025 mm) and .007” (.177 mm) depending on
resolution, and you are using Vector or Combined mode, those thin lines will all vector mark. The mostcommon setup where this occurs is when you have a clipart image with hidden lines that you send to the laserusing Combined mode. The artwork shown below is a good example of a piece of clipart as it appears on the screen (top)and the hidden lines (bottom) that will vector mark if you are in Combined or Vector mode. If you only want to rasterengrave, make sure you select Raster mode in the Epilog Dashboard.

Clipart that looks like it is a raster
file is actually often made up ofsmall lines. If the lines are set too
thin, then they may vector mark as
well as engrave if you send to thelaser in combined mode.

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Section 7: Quick Start Guide
Setting a Vector Marking LineIn CorelDRAW you can view just the lines (bottom view) by clicking on the View button in the menu bar and selecting
Simple Wire Frame. The upper image is a complex piece of clipart. The lower image shows all of the hidden lines that arein this piece of clipart. If this clipart image were run in Combined mode, it would first raster engrave most of the car thenvector mark any of the thin lines below .007” (.177 mm). You can also use the Preview function of the Epilog Job Manager
to view only vector lines. See “Previewing Your Job” on page 43.

Setting a Vector Marking LineThe laser determines which lines to engrave or vector mark based on the width (stroke) of each line. If you’re using
CorelDRAW, any line set to hairline width will vector mark. But in other software what width should you set a line to?
Different line weights will engrave and vector mark at different widths and resolutions.
The table below shows various line widths and which will vector mark at the different resolutions. To be safe, set all vectorlines to .004” (.101 mm) or less to make sure they will always vector mark.
Line Width

150 DPI200 DPI300 DPI

400 DPI600 DPI

1200 DPI.001” (.025 mm)

VectorVectorVectorVectorVectorVector.002 (.058 mm)

VectorVectorVectorVectorVectorVector.003 (.076 mm)

VectorVectorVectorVectorVectorVector.004 (.101 mm)

VectorVectorVectorVectorVectorVector.005 (.127 mm)

VectorVectorVectorRasterRasterRaster.006 (.152 mm)

VectorVectorVectorRasterRasterRaster.007 (.177 mm)

VectorVectorRasterRasterRasterRaster

Where do I set the Vector Line Width?
Different software packages set the line width indifferent places. In CorelDRAW, you can find theoutline width in the top menu bar when a vector line
is selected. In Adobe Illustrator it is called the stroke
width and you can find this setting in the Stroke
Panel.
If you can’t select a line to set thewidth, it may be because it is part ofgrouped object. Try to ungroup theobject, then select the line. You also can’t select anindividual line if that line is part of a raster image.

a- 83 -

Section 7: Quick Start Guide
Setting a Vector Marking Line

Resolution
Print quality is commonly referred to as Resolution and is one of the variables that determine image quality. Resolution
is expressed in dots per inch (DPI) and is determined by the number of lines or dots that are engraved for every inch of
movement. Each horizontal line is referred to as a raster line. The higher the resolution setting, the finer the detail thatcan be achieved. Keep in mind that engraving resolution is only one factor in determining image quality. The quality of theartwork being sent to the laser can have a bigger influence on the look of the final product than the resolution. If low quality
artwork is being used, even the highest resolution will not improve it. Also keep in mind that image quality is subjective.
300 DPI may be just fine for some images and some customers, while 600 DPI is the absolute minimum for others.
The diagram below shows the concept of raster lines and dots-per-inch (DPI). The arrows show the change in direction of
the carriage between raster lines. The difference in dot density between 300 DPI and 600 DPI.

600 DPI300 DPI

Resolution Settings:
75 – 200 DPI
These resolution values are typically used for non-production purposes where you want to experiment with image location,or if you want to quickly produce a rough draft.
300 DPI
This resolution can be good for production work where image quality needs to be good but not great. Attempting to
produce fine detail with 300 DPI is not recommended.
400 DPI
This resolution value is ideal for many applications. It combines very good image quality with fast engraving times. Many
users like 400 DPI for all of their work.
600 DPI
When really fine detail or overall excellent results are required, most users choose 600 DPI.
1200 DPI
This resolution is used for projects that require the best engraving quality possible, or if engraving extremely small fonts.
Although it’s seldom used because, under normal circumstances, most people cannot visually discern the difference
between 1200 and 600 DPI. There are some users that appreciate this high level of quality and are willing to take twice aslong to produce an image at 1200 DPI as it would take them at 600 DPI.

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Section 7: Quick Start Guide
Setting a Vector Marking Line

Helpful Hints•

There are four times as many dots engraved at 600 DPI as there are at 300 DPI. Twice as many horizontally andtwice as many vertically.

•

The gap between the dots is very small at 600 DPI. At 300 DPI the lesser overlap is responsible for the jagged edges
that are visible when engraving at lower resolutions.

•

It’s important to remember that while resolution plays a part in producing good image quality, the artwork that issent to be engraved is just as important. If the artwork that is sent to the laser is poor quality, trying to engrave it at
600 DPI will not improve the quality. It’s always best to start with high resolution images. Poor artwork will probably
always look poor at any resolution, while good artwork will look good at any resolution.

•

Twice as many dots and twice as many lines at 600 DPI produces a much deeper burn into materials like woodthan you would see engraving the same image at 300 DPI. This is important to understand because depth of burnis closely associated with engraving resolution – the higher the resolution, the greater the depth of burn for a given
speed. The relationship between resolution, depth of engraving and Speed and Power setting is something that mostpeople figure out with just a little experience. “Appendix B: Material Settings” on page 127 helps to make thiseasy to understand by providing different Speed and Power settings and suggested engraving resolutions for eachdifferent material listed.

The photos below show a clipart image engraved at 300 DPI (top) and at 600 DPI (bottom). This clipart image is full ofdifferent shades of gray and you can see that the dot spacing is spread out more on the 300 DPI than it is on the 600 DPI.
Just changing the resolution to 600 DPI produces so much dot overlap that the fill patterns tend to blend together. It’s amatter of personal preference as to which resolution looks better, but these photos show the dramatic difference resolution
can make, especially when engraving with grayscale images.
300 DPI600 DPI- 85 -

Section 7: Quick Start Guide
Setting a Vector Marking LineLandscape or Portrait
You can engrave using either landscape or portrait modes. Depending on the artwork, you can increase yourefficiency and decrease the time it takes to engrave an image by changing the orientation of your file. Many
users set up their artwork in portrait mode and then rotate the artwork 90 degrees if they are going to print
from landscape mode.
This project setup shows the same job in portrait mode (left) and landscape mode (right). The landscape mode willengrave quicker because there is less turnaround time as the laser makes longer passes across the engraving table. For
example, at 100% speed and 100% power in portrait mode this graphic will take 56 minutes, 56 seconds, while inlandscape mode it takes 38 minutes, 54 seconds, a 34% time savings.
Engraving Time: 56:56

Engraving Time: 38:54

The drawings below show a job that works in the opposite way - the horizontal mode will take longer than the portrait
mode. You’ll notice in the portrait mode there are a number of white space lines that the laser can skip through, saving
engraving time. In the landscape mode there is not white space for the laser to recognize as it moves down the page, taking
the engraving time from 10:12 to 17:14. Experiment with the artwork that you use. It will quickly become second nature
which mode works best for different types of artwork.
Engraving Time: 10:12

Engraving Time: 17:14- 86 -

Section 7: Quick Start Guide
Piece and Page Size

Piece and Page Size
Many users like to create their artwork on a page size that matches the size of the piece that is to be lasered. Compensating
for beveled edges or placing an image in an exact location is easy when there is a one-for-one relationship between thematerial and the page size of the artwork. If this method works for you, remember that you must also set the Piece Sizedimensions in the Laser Dashboard to match the page size you have set in your graphics software.
On the other hand, many users do not want to change the Piece Size dimensions in the Dashboard every time they print
something new. They prefer to use a page size that matches the table size and place their artwork into the upper left cornerof the page. Both methods are effective and it is a matter of personal preference which method is used.
Place the material to be engraved on the engraving table in the upper left hand corner, pressing the material firmly against
the metal rulers along the top and left edges.
Most material does not need to be held or clamped in place. Simply setting it on the table and letting gravity hold it in placeis enough. If you are using a material that is likely to move during operation or is very thin, you can hold it in place using
the Epilog Integrated Vacuum Table. Simply place it on the table flush against the upper left hand rulers, then cover any
remaining holes in the metal table with scrap material or a jig. This will create a semi-suction and hold the piece of material
in place. The material can also be held with a variety of materials such as masking tape, clay, magnets, etc. Creating jigs
is also an excellent method of holding materials that are high volume, or high value.

- 87 -

SECTION 8: CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Cleaning on a Regular Basis

Cleaning on a Regular Basis
The single most important thing you can do to keep your laser working as if it were new is to keep it clean. Five minutes
once a day will keep the residue and debris from building up and causing problems. There is almost no maintenancerequired for you laser if you keep it clean!

Cleaning the Optics
About once a week, or if you notice dust building up, you will need to clean the optics (mirrors and lenses) of your laser.
If contaminants are allowed to accumulate they will reduce the available laser power and may cause damage to the optics.
The two optical components most likely to require cleaning are the focus lens and the mirror directly above it. The lensand mirror are a single assembly and can be removed from the machine for cleaning, but it is generally not necessary. If
you need to remove the assembly for a more complete cleaning, remove the two 3/32” hex screws that hold the lens tothe carriage.
MirrorTo clean the optics, use a high-quality cotton swab
moistened with the optics cleaner supplied in theaccessory kit. Please read the label on the bottle carefully.
If you run out of the cleaner supplied by Epilog, Reagentor laboratory grade Alcohol can be substituted. Also, if“Golden Grain” or “Everclear” are available in your area
these are also good substitutes for the optical cleaning
solution.

Focus Lens

Never use Isopropyl Alcohol, Acetone or water. They contain impurities which can damage the optics in yourmachine.

Wet the swab thoroughly with the solvent, and then blot it against a piece of cotton so that it is no longer soaking-wet.
Then daub the optic gently, rotating the swab after each daub to expose clean cotton to the surface until the optic is freeof visible contamination. At that point, prepare a fresh swab and clean the surface with a gentle zigzag motion across it.
Avoid any hard “scrubbing” of the surface, especially while there are visible particles on it, and try not to use repetitive
circular motions. When you are done, be careful to remove any cotton threads that may have snagged on the mountings.
Allow the optics to dry before you operate your engraver.

- 89 -

Section 8: Cleaning & MaintenanceExhaust Cleaning

In addition to the focus lens and the mirror directly above it,
there is a mirror located on the left side of the laser systemthat is mounted to the X-beam.
This mirror is very well protected and should not need regularcleaning. It can be accessed with a cotton swab if it does needcleaning.

Exhaust Cleaning

Secondary Mirror

Cleaning the Vents
Make sure the exhaust blower you are using receives proper maintenance. Periodically clean the exhaust blower and ductsystem to remove built-up debris. If you detect odor while engraving, or if the smoke in the cabinet is visible in the area
off the lens carriage, inspect the exhaust system. Check for loose or broken hose connections or obstructions.

Clean the vents from the insideof the machine. It is best to use
a flexible plastic or wire brushthat can access the inside of
the vent.

Periodically clean the exhaust plenumat the back of the laser. To access theplenum, remove the two small screws
to the left and right of the exhaust
port.

- 90 -

Section 8: Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning and Lubricating the Bearing Rails

Lubricate the X-axis Bearing Rail
After cleaning the rail, place about an inch long beadof Epilog supplied grease into the top and bottom
grooves of the X-axis rail. The following photo showswhere to grease the bottom groove of the rail.
After applying the grease to both grooves, run the
X-carriage over the grease to work it into the bearing
block and rail. Turn the machine off to easily movethe X-carriage back and forth over the grease.

Cleaning and Lubricating the Bearing Rails
Clean the Right Side Y-Axis Rail
Clean the length of the right side Y-axis rail using a soft cotton cloth.
Lubrication is not required.

Clean the right side Y-axis
rail with a soft cloth.

Clean the Left Side Y-Axis Rail
Clean the length of the left side Y-axis rail using a soft cotton cloth.
Lubrication is not required.
After cleaning the rails and bearings, clean off the table and the rest of
the inside of the machine. Spending just a few minutes a week will pay
off in the long run with better quality and performance.
The left side Y-axis rail should also be wiped with asoft cloth.

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Section 8: Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning the Optical Strip and Encoder

After cleaning the rails and bearings, clean off the table and the rest of the inside of the machine. Spending just a few
minutes a week will pay off in the long run with better quality and performance.

Cleaning the Optical Strip and Encoder
If you engrave a lot of material that generates
dust and debris, this can build up overtime and prevent the optical encoder fromworking properly. Occasionally you may needto clean the optical encoder strip and thereader assembly. These are located under theprotective cover of the X-axis assembly. The
optical encoder provides precise positioning
for the X-carriage. If the encoder reader or
Optical Strip
encoder strip gets dirty, the X-axis can lose
position. If the X-axis carriage loses position,
it is just a matter of removing the X-beam’s protective cover and wiping off the optical encoder strip using a soft cotton
cloth or cotton swab soaked in water or a mild dish washing soap.
To remove the X-beam cover, turn off the laser and loosen the two screws in front of the cover and five in the rear of thecover. You do not need to remove the screws - they just need to be loosened to remove the cover. Lift the cover from thebeam to expose the optical encoder and the optical strip.

Viewing Window
Special care should be taken when cleaning the top viewing window in the lid of the FiberMark S2. Use only a soft clothand a mild glass cleaner to wipe off the window. Do not use paper towels or other coarse materials to clean the window.
The window is susceptible to scratching if not properly cleaned. Damage to the window from cleaning is not covered under
the warranty.

- 92 -

SECTION 9: SYSTEM FEATURES
Air Assist

Air Assist
The integrated Air-Curtain Air Assist consists of a perforated tube that is mounted to the X-beam. A continuous streamof air is pumped into the tube and exits through the perforations. The perforations direct the air toward the work surface
at an angle that pushes the air down and toward the front of the machine. The Air Assist is designed to move engraving
debris or combustible gases generated from engraving away from the mechanical components of the machine. You should
always use the Air Assist any time the laser is in operation.
You can use clean, dry shop air or the Air Curtain Pump included with your FiberMark S2 laser system. There is .25” (6mm) air receptacle at the back of the machine on the side where the light switch is located.

Air Assist Compressor
The Air Assist Pump attaches to the back of the FiberMark S2 using a .25” (6mm) flexible hose. This is a standard accessory for the FiberMark S2.

Manual Focus
In order to engrave or vector mark a crisp, clean image, your material must be
the correct distance from the bottom of the focus lens. Setting the distance from the bottom of the focus lens to the top ofyour material is the process of focusing, and is accomplished by placing your material on the table and moving the tableup or down.
The photo shows the “V” shaped manual focus gaugethat is used to determine the correct distance fromthe focus lens to the top of your material. This gauge
is included in the Accessories Kit that comes th yoursystem. Place the manual focus gauge on the carriage
and place the object to be vector marked or engraved- 93 -

Section 9: System Features
Image Ditheringin the upper left corner of the machine. Press Focus on the keypad, then use the Up and Down Arrows to move the table
to the correct height. Once the focus position has been established, remove the gauge. Press the Reset key.
If your material has a taper or curve, pick an intermediate point between the highest and lowest points being engraved andfocus on that point. In general, the area of the material being engraved needs to be relatively flat. If the area being engraved
differs in height by more than about an .125” (3 mm), the image will begin to look “fuzzy” or out of focus.
When you press the Focus key, the laser carriage will move out and away from the edge of the table. To prevent the carriage
from moving out before focusing, press the Pause key first before pressing the Focus key. The laser carriage will remainin the parked position, allowing you to use the Up and Down Arrows to move the table to the correct focus height.
Manually Focus Anywhere on the Table: If you wish to focus at a point on the table other than in the upper
left corner, you can do so by disabling the axes and moving the carriage by hand to the location where you
would like to focus. Press the X/Y Off key, then the Go key. This disables the X- and Y-axes and you can now
move the carriage by hand to any point on the table. Press the Up or Down cursor keys on the keyboard to move the table
to the proper focus height. After you have focused, press the Reset key to send the carriage back to its park position. This
process also works with the Rotary Attachment.

Image Dithering
Dithering defines how the dot patterns will be engraved in raster images that contain grayscale graphics, blends, or color
images. The Dashboard offers six different dithering patterns to enhance your engraving projects. The default mode isStandard. This mode can be used for all images including photographs. Dithering is used only for raster engraving andhas no effect on vector marked lines.

What is Dithering?
The best way to show dithering is to look at the exact same photo engraved in Standard mode and Stucki mode. Bothphotos were engraved at 300 DPI. With the two different dithering patterns you achieve a very different result, with a morestructured pattern for the Standard mode, while the Stucki mode results in a more random pattern that looks more naturaland pleasing to the eye.

300 DPI Stucki Mode

300 DPI Standard Mode
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Section 9: System Features
Image Dithering

Dithering is a great way to enhance your engraved products, but it is very material dependent. A dithering pattern thatlooks good on marble might look very different when engraved on plastic. Give yourself some time to experiment withthe different dithering patterns. It’s easy to do and once you have a feel for it, you will be able to use it with confidence.
The drop-down list of dithering patterns is easier to think about if you separate the six options into two categories that wewill refer to as Clipart and Photograph:

Clipart Modes• Standard: This mode is the default mode and will be used for most engraving jobs that include text and clipart at
600 DPI.
• Brighten: This lightens the clipart and decreases the number of dots in the engraving pattern.
• Low Res: Adds an artistic half-tone type look to the engraving which sometimes helps when engraving lowresolution photos.

Photograph Modes:•

Floyd-Steinberg: Produces an almost wave-like pattern to an image. This works well for some photos containing
a great deal of detail. Photos with more monotone swatches of color may not be as pleasing as Jarvis or Stucki
modes.

•

Jarvis: Many users find this mode good for engraving photographs at 300 DPI. This mode produces a very nicelooking pattern on almost all photos.

•

Stucki: This mode produces results that are only marginally different than the Jarvis dithering pattern. It is also very
good for engraving photographs at 300 DPI. The differences between Jarvis and Stucki are very subtle.

Experiment with the different dithering patterns to determine which effect is most pleasing. It is not mandatory that you
use the clipart modes with only clipart images or photograph modes with all photographs. Many users prefer one of thephotograph modes for many clipart images, and one of the clipart modes for photographs. The choice is entirely up to you
and will take some experimentation.

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Section 9: System Features
Red Dot PointerReset Home Position

To reset your Home Position, press the Set Home key and Reset key at the same time. Press the Go key and the carriage
will move back and to the left to its normal upper left corner park position.

Red Dot Pointer
The Red Dot Pointer is a visible laser beam that runs in the same line as the invisible fiber laser beam. The Red Dot Pointerserves several purposes on the laser, and will become one of your favorite features of your laser system. It is activatedby pressing the Pointer button on the display panel. While the device employs the same technology as the familiar laser
pen-pointers, like them it is potentially hazardous if its beam is directed into the eye. When the Red Dot Pointer is tunedon, do not place your head inside the engraving area as you may look into the beam.

Set a New Home Position
Use the Red Dot Pointer to set a new Home Position by pressing the X/Y Off button, then Go. Move the laser to the new
Home Position by hand and set a new Home Position by pressing the Go button.

Position Your Artwork
This is a popular use for the Red Dot Pointer and is one of the easiest ways to make sure each project you run
is going to engrave or vector mark in the correct position. Learn this easy task and use it!
1. For a visual representation of the engraving area on a project, create a box around your engraving area with a stroke
width of .001” (.025 mm).
2. On the General Tab, set a vector setting of 0% power. With the door of the laser raised so the laser won’t fire,run the job. The Red Dot Pointer will outline the area where the job will run, so you can make sure that you havethe correct positioning before running any job. (Setting the power to 0% will also protect you in case you forget toleave the door open).
3. Now you can reposition the artwork, or the piece you area engraving, so you have a perfectly placed engraving
project.

Movable Home Position
When engraving irregularly-shaped objects, Epilog’s Movable Home Position feature will quickly become one of yourfavorites. You can simply set a new Home Position display panel on the FiberMark S2 system.
Setting a new Home Position has never been quicker or easier. Let’s say you’re engraving on a custom key chain that won’t
quite fit in the upper left corner of the work area. By moving the key chain out into the center of the table and setting a new- 96 -

Section 9: System Features
Center Engraving

Home Position at the upper left corner of the key chain, you can rest assured that your engraving will be placed accurately
on your engraving piece every time in a few easy steps.
1. Start by turning on the Red Dot Pointer at the Control Panel by pressing the Pointer button.
2. Press the X/Y Off button, then the Go button.
3. You can now move the laser carriage by hand. Using the Red Dot Pointer as a visual reference point, move thecarriage until you have positioned the pointer above your new Home Position.
4. Press the Set Home button.
5. Your new Home Position has been set. Once you are finished with your temporary Home Position and want torestore the carriage to the upper left corner of the machine, press the Set Home key and Reset key at the sametime. Press the Go key and the carriage will move back and to the left to its normal upper left corner park position.

Center Engraving
The Center Engraving feature allows you to define the center of your artwork as the primary reference point (Home
Position) of your engraving. The Center Engraving feature has been designed to be used in conjunction with the Set Homefeature of the laser. Center engraving differs from standard printing where the upper left corner of the page and the upper
left corner of the laser table define your primary reference point. To see where to set Center Engraving in the driver, see“Center Engraving” on page 48.
•

You can identify a Center Engraving job at the laser when you see an asterisk at the end of the job name.

•

If you get a Position Error reading on the display screen, your artwork is going to go outside of your available work
space.

•

There are four choices for Center Engraving: Center-Center, Left-Center, Top-Center and Page-Center.

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Section 9: System Features
Center Engraving

Center-Center
When using Center-Center, the overall size of your work piece and the upper-left corner reference point are not important.
With Center-Center engraving the important starting points are the size of your artwork and the available space for it on
your work piece. With Center-Center you’re interested in positioning the center of your artwork to a specific point on yourwork piece, no matter where your work piece is on the laser table. When using Center-Center you can place your artworkon almost any size of page and almost anywhere on that page.
The detailed examples on the next few pages show how easy it is to think differently about Center-Center jobs.
Example: A customer brings you a small electronic item to engrave, such as an iPhone. To
quickly engrave the item without extensive measuring, follow these quick steps:
1. Measure the area you have available for engraving. For the iPhone we have about 2” x
1.5” (51 x 38 mm) of engraving area.
2. In your graphic software, create a new page. Page size is not important, so set the page
size to larger than the area you want to engrave. We have created a page 4” x 4” (101 x
101 mm). Place your image anywhere on the page and size it to fit in the 2” x 1.5” (51 x
38 mm) engraving area.
3. To ensure the graphic is correctly positioned, draw a vector box around your artwork witha vector line stroke width (.001” or .025 mm). Print the box to the laser.
4. Click the check box next to Center Engraving in the General Tab of the driver.
5. In the drop-down box, select Center-Center.
6. Set the page size to match the page size in the Laser Dashboard (4” x 4” or 101 x 101 mm).
7. Select Vector as your job type.
8. Set a Vector Power Setting of 0% and print the job to the laser.
9. Run the job with the laser door open (so the laser won’t fire). If the engraving area is lined up, delete the outline
you created and print the engraving job to the laser.
10. Once you are finished with your temporary Home Position and want to restore the carriage to the upper left cornerof the machine, press the Set Home key and Reset key at the same time. Press the Go key and the carriage will
move back and to the left to its normal upper left corner park position.

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Section 9: System Features
Center Engraving

While Center-Center is the most common use for the Center Engraving features you can also use Center-Left and set a
Home Position that is the left portion of your engraving area. Center-Top is at the middle, top area of the area you want toengrave. Depending on the object you are engraving, this may be easier to find than the center point of the engraving area.

Center-Center

Center-Left

Center-Top

The red circle signifies the Home Position for each Center Engraving choice.

Page-Center
When you are engraving an unbalanced image (not equal left to right or top to bottom), you will want to use the PageCenter feature. For this example, if we engrave the image with Center-Center settings, the graphic will not look centeredon the object because the actual center point is to the right of the point we want to center in the logo. To get around this,we’ll use Page-Center.

Actual center point.

Center point we want to use.

1. Set the page size to the area you want to engrave. Unlike when we used Center-Center, page size is importantwhen using Page-Center.
2. Center your graphic on the page with the center point you want to use (the image on the right).
3. In the Laser Dashboard, check the box next to Center Engraving in the General Tab, then select Page-Center fromthe drop-down box. Set the piece size to the size of the page you created.
4. Set the Home Position as the center of the object you are engraving using the steps in the previous example.
5. Run the job and you’ll have a perfectly centered image.

- 99 -

Section 9: System Features
Integrated Vacuum Hold-Down Table

Integrated Vacuum Hold-Down TableThe unique design of your FiberMark S2 system incorporates several valuable features into the engraving table. The
exhaust system is designed so that it evacuates from both the top and the bottom of the table, so as the exhaust pulls air
through the small holes in the table, it forms enough of a vacuum that it will flatten slightly warped sheet stock.
As long as the exhaust is operating and the table is no more than 1” (25.4 mm) below its highest point, the vacuum table
will work.
If you have a piece of sheet stock that does not flatten out because it is not covering enough of the vacuum
holes, you can use any material (including paper) to cover some of the exposed holes. Simply blocking mostof the vacuum holes will be enough to flatten most sheet stock as long as it is not too severely warped, bent
or too rigid. Magnets can be used to hold oddly shaped items in place if needed.

Top-Access Door
The green viewing window in the top-access door is an acrylic sheet thatis specifically designed to block infrared light between 830 nm and 1700
nm (the FiberMark S2 laser produces a wavelength of 1062 nm).

Fold-Down Front Loading Door
The FiberMark S2 system has an interlocked front door that folds down
and allows access to the front of the system. This fold-down door makes
inserting and removing parts and pallets quick and easy and is mucheasier than loading pallets through the top window.
• Do not attempt to defeat the door interlocks.
• Do not operate the machine with the door open.

Internal LED Lighting
The inside of the cabinet is equipped with a viewing lightthat enhances your ability to see inside the machine when
the top access window is closed. The switch for the lights is
located on the top of the machine at the back right corner.

- 100 -

SECTION 10: OPTIONAL FEATURES
Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment

Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment
The optional Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment allows you to mark and engrave on cylindrical objects.

Rotary Attachment Installation
1. Lower the engraving table to its lowest point.
2. Turn off the power to the laser.
Remember to turn off the power to the engraver. It’s important that the laser system is turned off before
installing (or removing) the Rotary Attachment!
3. Insert the Rotary Attachment into the offset locating holes.
There are three pins in the bottom of the Rotary Attachmentthat mate to three holes in the table. It is important to place theRotary in the offset locating holes so the Home Position isproperly maintained. Two of the holes are shown in the photo.

4. With the machine off, insert the connector from the Rotary
Attachment to the mating connector on the inside of thecabinet.
5. Turn the power on. The FiberMark S2 will recognize that the
Rotary Attachment is installed and changes its Home Position
to a point directly above the center point of the drive wheels on
the attachment.

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Section 10: Optional Features
Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment

Placing Your Item in the Rotary Attachment
The wheels on the left are the drive wheels which spin the cylinder. The wheels on the right are for support. The right-side
wheels are mounted on a scissor jack so they can be raised or lowered to level the top surface of your cylinder with the
X-beam. The scissor jack can be moved left and right to accommodate cylinders of different lengths.
In most cases you will want to load your cylinder with the larger diameter on the left (drive wheel side). The scissor jackis used to elevate the right side of your cylinder so that the top surface is horizontal. Load your cylinder onto the Rotary
Attachment so that it is just touching the black bumper. Using the clamp to hold the cylinder in place is optional. Some
oddly shaped parts rotate better if they are clamped to the drive wheels, but most mugs and other cylindrical objects do
not require clamping.
Set your item so that it is close to thisbumper but not touching the rubber.

Use the scissor jack to raise the right side of the cylinder so that the engraving surface is horizontal. The photo below
shows the same flashlight at a severe angle to horizontal. If your cylinder is not horizontal to the X-beam, the laser willlose focus as the carriage head moves across the flashlight. This causes the engraving quality on the right hand side tosuffer dramatically.
To ensure the area you want to engrave is flat, try placing a small level on the cylinder to double check the levelness of thearea you are going to be engraving.

Incorrect Setup: The flashlight is not horizontal. Raise theright side of the flashlight by turning the jack screw.

Correct Setup: The flashlight is horizontal to the X-beam- 102 -

Section 10: Optional Features
Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment

Setting Focus with the Rotary Attachment
To manually focus your item, place your cylinder on
the Rotary Attachment, place the focus gauge on thelens carriage and press the Focus button. Use the Up
and Down Arrows to move the table to the correct focal
distance.
If you want to move the focus gauge to a different area ofthe cylinder, press the X/Y Off button, then the Go button
to move the laser carriage to the point where you want
to focus the laser, then press the Focus button and use
the Up and Down Arrows to bring the table to the correctheight. Press the Reset button to move the laser back to
the Home Position.

Removing the Drive Wheel
The drive wheels are each two-piece assemblies when fully assembled.
Removing the front part of the drive wheel enables users to accommodatea wide variety of mugs with handles. Not all mugs with handles require
the front drive wheels to be removed, but for certain types of mugs
removing the front wheels adds flexibility to the Rotary Attachment.
Loosen the two thumb screws on eachwheel to remove them.

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Section 10: Optional Features
Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment

Artwork Layout
Because the Rotary Attachment automatically compensates for the diameter of the cylinder, artwork setup is relatively
easy. The most important thing to remember when working with the rotary is that your artwork needs to be rotated 90
degrees to the way it would normally be setup for flat work. There are several visual tools later in this procedure that will
help make artwork setup easy.
1. Set the width of your page (in the X direction) to the length ofthe cylinder you are engraving. For this flashlight the width ofthe page is 11” (279 mm).

2. Set the height of your page (in the Y direction) to thecircumference of the cylinder you are engraving in the area
where you will be etching. Use a flexible tape measurer to findthe circumference of the cylinder at its largest diameter. For thisflashlight, the height of the page is 6” (152 mm).
3. Place your artwork close to the top edge of the page. When thejob starts, the first part of the process is for the cylinder to rotate
through any white space that is between the top of your page and the top of your artwork. Once it has rotatedthrough the white space it will begin to laser your artwork. It is useful to visualize the orientation of the cylinderwhen it is being engraved, as is show in the screen shot on the right. We want to have the logo start engraving half
way at 4” (100 mm) down the shaft of the flashlight, so we’ve positioned the logo at 4” in on the page.

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Section 10: Optional Features
Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment

Stretching or Shrinking Your Artwork for Objects with Multiple
Circumferences
These instructions show you how to shrink or expand your artwork to accommodate a cylinder where the area being
engraved is a different circumference than the circumference at the drive wheels. The Rotary Attachment works withthe assumption that the cylinder is the same circumference from end to end and that your artwork doesn’t need to be
stretched. But some cylinders have a big difference in circumference from the middle to the end that affects how theengraved image looks. It is sometimes necessary to stretch or shrink your artwork so it looks proportional on uniquelyshaped items.
This part has a circumference of 4” (100 mm) at the ends and a circumference of 3.2” (81 mm) in the middle where wewant to engrave. Most artwork will look acceptable on this part without stretching or shrinking, but because the middle ofthe part is a smaller diameter than the ends, some artwork will look compressed (more as an oval than a circle), so we’ll
want to adjust the artwork before engraving.
To determine how much to adjust your artwork, we’ll need to do a simple calculation that tells us the percentage of stretchor shrinkage we need to perform. You can use either the diameter or the circumference to make the calculation; just don’t
mix the two.
Middle Section
Diameter = 4.2” (106.7mm)

Determining whether you use diameter or circumference is a matter of which one is easier tomeasure. If you want to measure circumference, use a flexible ruler and wrap it around the part.
To calculate circumference, measure the diameter and multiply by Pi (3.1416):

Drive Wheel Side
Diameter = 3” (76.2 mm)

Circumference = Diameter x 3.1416.
For objects with a larger middle section:
Shrink the artwork by dividing the drive wheel side diameter by the middle diameter and multiply
by 100 to calculate the percentage of adjustment. For our example the calculation is:3”
4.2”= .715 x 100 = 71.5%
Drive Wheel Side
Diameter = 3.5” (89 mm)

Because our calculation percentage is less than 100, we need to shrink the artwork to 71.5% of its
original size. Adjust the size of your artwork in one axis only.
For objects with a smaller middle section:
Expand the artwork by dividing the drive wheel side diameter by the middle diameter and multiply
by 100 to calculate the percentage of adjustment. For our example the calculation is:
3.5”
2.7”

= 1.296 x 100 = 129.6%

Because our calculation percentage is greater than 100, we need to expand the artwork to 129.6%
of its original size. Adjust the size of your artwork in one axis only.
- 105 -

Middle Section
2.7” (68.6 mm)

Section 10: Optional Features
Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment

Other considerations:
In these two examples you’ll notice that the “middle” varies depending on where you measure. Because of this, you’ll never
be able to get every piece of artwork perfectly sized. Depending on how much room the artwork takes up, you may want
to experiment with the expansion or shrinkage of your artwork to fit your particular shape.

Rotary Removal
1. Turn off the power before removing the Rotary Attachment.
2. Unplug and remove the Rotary Attachment.
3. Turn on the machine and the Home Position will return to the Home Position.

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Section 10: Optional Features
3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment
The 3-Jaw Chuck style rotary is an extremely versatile tool for marking and engraving cylindrical objects. It comes with avariety of interchangeable components that make it easy to hold different sized and shaped cylinders. There are two basic
setups:
1. 3-Jaw Chuck
2. Fixture platesThis photo shows the 3-Jaw Chuck style Rotary Attachment with thelarge fixture plates installed.

Fixture Plates and Additional Components
The following fixture plates and additional components are included with all 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachments:
1. Small fixture plates (2 each)2

2. Large fixture plates (2 each)
3. Idle-side centering fixture (1 each)
4. Plate spindle (1 each)1

3

5. Plate fixture thumb screws (2 each)
6. 3-Jaw tightening pins (2 each)4
5- 107 -

6

Section 10: Optional Features
3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment
Installation

5. Once the Rotary Attachment is plugged in you canpower on the system.
6. When the FiberMark S2 powers on with the Rotary
Attachment installed, the carriage moves to the
Rotary Home Position, which is directly above the3-Jaw Chuck.

1. Lower the engraving table to its lowest point.
2. Turn off power to the FiberMark S2.
Important! It is important that you power down themachine before inserting the rotary connector at the table.
The FiberMark S2 laser system will not recognize theRotary Attachment until the system is rebooted and you
could damage the electronics if the rotary is installed while
the laser system is powered on.
3. With the FiberMark S2 powered off, place the pinson the bottom of the 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary
Attachment in the three offset holes in the table.

Set the Rotary Numeric Display
Units (First Time Use Only)
With the laser system turned on,
you will see numbers displayed on
the Rotary Attachment’s display
panel. The numeric display is used
to set the diameter of the cylinder
you are engraving.
The display can show number iseither inches or mm. The only indicator is if there is adecimal point showing on the display. A decimal indicatesthat the display is showing millimeters. To toggle between
inches and millimeters, press and hold the Lock/Unlock
key for several seconds until you see the display change.
Once the display is set to the units you want, the Rotary
Attachment will default to those units every time it ispowered on.
In the above example there is no decimal, so themeasurement is in inches and 1220 is equivalent to 1.220”.

4. Insert the connector into the mating connector on
the inside of the cabinet.

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Section 10: Optional Features
3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment Setup
1.

Measure your Cylinder: The cylinder diameter will be used in the print driver.

2. Enter the Diameter: The numeric display on the Rotary Attachment is used to
set the diameter of the cylinder you are engraving. Pressing any of the cursor
keys will increase or decrease the diameter settings. The single triangles will
increment in small units, and the double-triangles in larger units.

3. Adjust the Rotary for Cylinder Length: Depress the blue anodized idle-side
handle to move the support mechanism left or right to accommodate
different length cylinders. There are photos later in this section that show thedifferent configurations available for the Y-Axis idle side support.

4. Clamp your Cylinder: insert your cylinder into the 3-Jaw Chuck andtighten the chuck so the cylinder is held firmly in place.
You will need to use the two tightening pins that are provided withthe chuck in order to clamp the cylinder tightly into place.

Cylinders can be held from the outside diameter or the inside diameter.

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Section 10: Optional Features
3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

The chuck jaws can be flipped from Standard mode to Wide mode (180 degrees) to accommodate larger radius cylinders.
Notice that there is a stamped number on each side of each jaw and next to each slot. For wide-radius turning, simply
remove jaws 1 and 3, flip them, and then insert jaw 1 into slot 3 and jaw 3 into slot 1. Remove jaw 2, flip it and return it toslot 2. The jaws do not need to be inserted all the way just yet. You will need to rotate the cam to capture the jaws inascending order (1,2,3). Rotate the cam so that it catches jaw 1 first, then jaw 2, then jaw 3.
Slot

Jaw

Cam
Standard

Wide

Pay particular attention to aligning the numbers as shown on the diagram when flipping the jaws! Failure to align thecorrect jaw in the correct slot will result in uneven spacing of the jaws when they are tightened.

3-Jaw Chuck Diameter Capacities
The 3-Jaw Chuck allows four different ways to hold your object based on cylinder diameter and whether you are holding
it from the inside or outside diameter.
Jaws in Standard Mode

Jaws in Wide Mode

Piece Held From Inside Diameter

0.875” to 3” (22.2 to 76.2 mm)

2.125 to 3.125” (54 to 79.4 mm)

Piece Held From Outside Diameter

0.040” to 1.25” (2.54 to 31.7 mm)

1” to 3” (25.4 to 76.2 mm)

Vector Speed Limitations based on Cylinder Diameter
Important! There are speed limitations in Vector mode based on cylinder diameter. Speed should be set between 40 and
80% and your power setting will need to be adjusted according to the speed.
The 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary was designed to rotate cylinders that range in size from 0.040” (12.7 mm) to approximately 3”(76.2 mm) in diameter. However, from a practical point-of-view, it is difficult to produce a legible mark on cylinders thatare smaller than .080” (2 mm).

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Section 10: Optional Features
3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

3-Jaw Chuck Focus
With your cylinder in place on the Rotary Attachment,
place the focus gage on the lens carriage and press the
Focus button on the FIberMark S2 Control Panel. Press theUp and Down Arrows to raise or lower the table.
When you are finished focusing press the Reset buttonon the Control Panel. The lens carriage will go back to its
standard Rotary Home Position. You are now ready to start
the job.
The 3-Jaw Chuck can be used with the standard 3” lens, or the optional 1.5” lens can be used to accommodate larger
diameter pieces.

Artwork Layout
There are two different methods used for artwork layout with the 3-Jaw Chuck, and each is based on cylinder size:
1. Method 1: 0.5” - 3.0” (12.7 to 76.2 mm) in Diameter Artwork Setup
2. Method 2: 0.5” or Smaller in Diameter Artwork Setup

Method 1: 0.5” - 3.0” (12.7 to 76.2 mm) in Diameter Artwork Setup
Set up a custom page size in your engraving software that will accommodate the length and circumference of your cylinder.
To set up your page, measure the length of the cylinder you are engraving. Use this as the minimum size of the horizontal
dimension of your page. Measure the diameter of the cylinder and multiply this number by Pi (3.1416) to determine thecircumference of the cylinder. Use the circumference as the minimum size of the vertical dimension of your page.
The actual size of the page is not overly important. If you have a cylinder that’s
5.23” (133.8 mm) long with a circumference of 2.3” (56.7 mm), use a pagethat’s slightly larger, say, 6” x 3” (152 x 76 mm).
This image shows a page size of 6” x 3” (152 x 76 mm). The gray innerrectangle represents the cylinder that is 5.23” x 2.3” (133.8 x 56.7 mm). Insure
your artwork fits within the cylinder size.

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Section 10: Optional Features
3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

It’s important that you set up your artwork so the top of the artwork is as
close to the top of the page as you can comfortably place it.
Any white space between the top of the page and your artwork is consideredpart of the print job and your cylinder will rotate that amount until it reaches
the first point of engraving.
Once your artwork is set up, you can print and run your job.
Method 2: 0.5” or Smaller in Diameter Artwork Setup
Processing small diameter cylinders involves two significant changes from Method 1:•

Inputting the circumference instead of the diameter of the cylinder onto the rotary keypad.

•

Stretching the artwork in your graphics package in the vertical dimension only.

For our example we’re going to use the same type of image as we did earlier in these instructions that will engrave all theway around a cylindrical rod. We’re going to use a 0.250” (6.35 mm) rod in this example.
The number we need to input on the Rotary Attachment’s keypad is the circumference(not the diameter) of the cylinder. The formula for calculating circumference is D x
Pi, where D is the cylinder diameter and Pi is 3.1416. For our example multiply 0.250
x 3.1416 = .785 (19.94 mm). Enter 0.785 inches (or its nearest equivalent) into therotary keypad (remember, the decimal point does not appear when the rotary display
is in inches so we have to use 0785. For millimeters we would insert 19.94.
Setup the artwork using the circumference of the cylinder as your vertical dimension.
Once you have set up your artwork you will need to stretch the artwork. Measure thevertical dimension of your image and multiply that dimension by Pi (3.1416). In thissituation we have measured .785” for the circumference of the rod. Because we areengraving around the entire circumference of the rod, the vertical high of our artwork
before stretching will also be .785”.
Multiply .785 x 3.1416 = 2.466. Stretch your artwork so that it has a vertical dimension of 2.466” (62.63 mm). You will alsoneed to increase the page size in the vertical dimension to accommodate this larger stretched image.
You’re now ready to print to the laser. Set your speed and power as you normally would and print to the laser.

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Section 10: Optional Features
3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

Rotary Removal

The fixture plate will look like the photo when the spindle
is assembled.

1. Turn off power to the laser.
2. Open the door.
3. Depress the release tabs on the connector andunplug the connector.

Using the Fixture Plates andAdditional Rotary Components
The 3-Jaw Chuck Rotary comes with additional
attachments that make it easy to hold different sized
and shaped cylinders. The photos below show different
configurations that can be used to hold a wide variety ofcylinders. The components can be mixed and matched.
There is no single, correct method of holding a cylinder.

Slide the spindle into the chuck. Make sure the spindle isfully inserted into the chuck, then secure it using thechuck tightening pins.
Be sure to check that your Home Position is where youneed it once the fixture plate has been installed.

Attaching the Fixture Plate to the
Chuck
Secure a large or small fixture plate to the spindle using
one of the plate thumb screws.

Attaching the Idle-Side Centering
FixtureThe idle-side centering fixture is used to hold small
diameter cylinders in place. It can be removed if the fixture
plates are required for larger diameter cylinders. Remove
or install it using the supplied hex wrench.

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Section 10: Optional Features
3-Jaw Chuck Rotary Attachment

Attaching the Idle-Side Fixture
PlatesDifferent Configurations for
Fixturing Cylinders

The fixture plates can be used on both the chuck side of
the rotary as well as the idle-side. Attach the plate byplacing it on the idle-side spindle and securing with athumb screw.

This photo shows a typical example of a part that might beused with the 3-Jaw Chuck on the left side and the small
idle-side plate fixture on the right.
This configuration is used when the cylinder diameter on
the right side is too large for the centering fixture.

The splines on all the fixture plates can be reversed toaccommodate parts using the inside diameter (ID) or
outside diameter (OD). To reverse the spline orientation,pull the spring-loaded splines away from the plate androtate them 180 degrees.

This photo shows a typical example of a larger part that
requires a fixture plate on both the left and the right sides.
Notice that the left side fixture plate is held in place withthe 3-Jaw Chuck.

This photo shows the small idle-side plate fixture. The
small plate fixture can accommodate sizes up to 1” indiameter.
This photo shows the standard 3-Jaw Chuck on the left
side and the idle-side centering fixture on the right. The
idle-side centering fixture can accommodate sizes up to 1”
in diameter.

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Section 10: Optional Features
Optional Lenses

The centering fixture is used to support small diameter parts that sag when held in place using only the 3-Jaw Chuck.
Some parts do not need the idle-side centering fixture for support and can be held using only the 3-Jaw Chuck.

Optional Lenses
Epilog offers three optional lenses for the FiberMark S2 system: 1.5” (38 mm), 5” (127 mm), and 8” (203 mm) lenses.
The 1.5 inch lens is intended for use with larger diameter objects on the rotary device, or with taller (longer Z dimension)
objects. By using the 1.5 inch lens, the maximum diameter that can be marked with the rotary attachment is 4.25 inches(108 mm). The maximum material thickness (Z-height) of a flat object (not using the rotary attachment) is 6.75 inches(172 mm).
The 5.0 inch lens is being offered for those products that have a slight curvature or marking area that is not perfectly flat.
The 5.0 inch lens produces a slightly longer depth of field which will provide for a more consistent mark over a non-flat
surface. The 5.0 inch lens cannot be used with the Rotary Attachment.
The 8.0 inch lens offers the greatest depth of field for the FiberMark S2 and provides consistent engraving and marking
on the most curved surfaces. It is excellent for engraving on the inside or bottom surface of an item, such as a bowl, box
or tooling, up to 8” tall.

Remove the two screws that hold the lensassembly to the mounting block.

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SECTION 11: PRINTING FROM AUTOCAD
How to Print from AutoCAD to the Laser

How to Print from AutoCAD
to the Laser
AutoCAD is a very powerful software tool that isoften used in conjunction with the laser for vector
applications. Like any tool, understanding how it works
and its limitations are helpful in getting the most outof it. Below are general instructions for printing from
AutoCAD. AutoCAD versions 14 to the present are
mostly compatible with Epilog systems. Each version of
AutoCAD uses slightly different printing conventions that
may or may not affect the way you print from AutoCAD
and each different version may produce different output
from the laser.

Printing/Plotting
Sending jobs from AutoCAD is heavily dependent on
the print settings in the AutoCAD Print/Plot window.
Since there are so many different settings that AutoCAD
requires, it is important that you double-check all of thesettings that are critical to success. Previewing yourimage before sending it to the laser is very helpful inpreventing print problems.
AutoCAD is capable of producing extremely complicateddrawings with many layers, colors, etc. Since there
is no limit to the level of complexity that an AutoCAD
drawing can achieve, users should keep in mind thatthe laser is a 2D marking machine that usually marksa single piece of material in any given job. While yourlaser system is capable of handling complex drawings,
users may find that eliminating extraneous detail before“Printing/Plotting” may make their laser equipment
more productive.

an object based on its color allowing you to both engrave
and mark in a single setup. For a detailed description of
how Color Mapping works, refer to “Split by Color (Color
Mapping)” on page 56.

Model Space, Paper Space, andPrecise Location
AutoCAD was designed to print to paper plotters and someof the assumptions (especially Scaling and Margins) that
AutoCAD makes when printing can cause frustration for
laser users that are used to being able to send a job to
the laser and have its precise location be very predictable.
Printing from either Paper Space or Model Space will
work. Be aware that the scaling and margin assumptions
made by AutoCAD can affect both the size and location of
the work.

Helpful Hints
When printing from AutoCAD you need to set up your
AutoCAD page so that it is square. This prevents theobjects from rotating 90 degrees when you print them.
The page in the example below is set to 24” x 24” (610 x
610 mm).
Place all of your objects in the upper portion of the
AutoCAD page (see illustration below). If you are printing
to a bed size of 24” x 12” (610 x 305 mm) and you havea 24” x 24” (610 x 610) page, the objects in the lower 12”(305 mm) will not be processed.

Color Mapping
Creating objects of different colors in AutoCAD allows
the user to take advantage of the Vector Color Mapping
capabilities of the Epilog Dashboard print driver. Color
mapping assigns different Speed and Power settings to- 117 -

Section 11: Printing From AutoCAD
How to Print from AutoCAD to the Laser

Set the Piece Size to match your AutoCAD pagesize. Setting your AutoCAD page and the
Dashboard print driver settings to a squareconfiguration (36” x 36”, for instance) is necessary to
overcome AutoCAD’s tendency to rotate your artwork 90
degrees.

In the AutoCAD print window, set the pen colors that you
are using to .001” (.0254 mm).
The AutoCAD default for all pens is .010 and a line weight
this large disables vector marking. If the line weight is notchanged to .001 inch, vector marking will not be possible.

When the laser receives a job where the line weights are
too large, the laser system will just beep when you attempt
to run the job.
- 118 -

Other useful settings in the AutoCAD print window are:•Set the page orientation to Portrait.

•

Set Plot area to Limits.

•

Scale set to 1:1.

•

Pen Sizes .001 inch (0.0254 mm).

SECTION 12: MATERIAL ENGRAVING TECHNIQUES
Fiber Laser Materials/Techniques

Fiber Laser Materials/Techniques
The fiber laser can etch and mark a wide variety of metals and plastics. Below are a few techniques for creating different
marks including annealing, polishing and etching into metals, as well as information on plastic marking with the fiber laser.

Metal Annealing
Annealing can be done on most metals that contain high levels of carbon and metal oxides. These are generally, but
not limited to, steel alloys, iron, titanium, cobalt, molybdenum, and chrome-plated iron/steel. To anneal, you mustuse a slow rate of speed to heat and change the surface color of the material, but a higher wattage Fiber laser will
help reduce the cycle times.
To change the surface color without penetrating the metal, the laser beam’s focal point is crucial in achieving a dark mark.
An annealed mark is accomplished with the focal point down (further away) .060” to .090” (1.524 to 2.286 mm) fromzero. Adjusting the speed, focus and frequency setting will vary the contrast of mark generally resulting in shades of blue,
purple and black.
The frequency is the amount of laser power per pulse. The lower the frequency, the more burst of power is being applied.
Because we’re intentionally applying a broader beam of laser light to achieve an annealed mark, frequency is always set
to 1%.
For best results, print at 600 DPI. 1200 DPI should be considered for metals that are more difficult to anneal, if there isinconsistent color change at the recommended settings, or when cycle times aren’t a concern. The extra overlapping of
pixels offered at 1200 DPI will assure a darker mark.

Metal Etching
Deep metal engraving can be accomplished with the fiber laser. Using a slow speed setting doesn’t necessarily equate
to depth. Longer laser dwell time typically results in more eruption of metal, leaving a raised mark instead of deep
penetration.
We find for the best deep metal etching, moderate speed settings (20-30%) and more passes slowly chip away at themetal for a better mark. Deep metal engraving requires maximum wattage.
Frequency is generally set at 1%. A lower frequency provides more bursts of laser power per pulse and is crucial toablating the metal. We’ve found that focusing “into” the metal by .010” to .030” (.254 to .762 mm) helps in the removalof metal. No technical data is available on whether refocusing after each pass is helpful or not. To better assist in
removing metal cleanly, higher resolution (1200 DPI) with more overlap of laser pulses tends to provide a cleaner, moredefined etch.
Deep engraving will require multiple passes, which can be easily accomplished by changing the number of copies in theprint dialogue box for CorelDRAW. As with all materials including metals, the hardness or grade will ultimately determine- 119 -

Section 12: Material Engraving Techniques
Fiber Laser Materials/Techniques

what settings and how many passes are needed to achieve a certain depth. Use the guidelines above as starting points
and experiment for best results.

Metal Polishing
Polishing of metals is accomplished by quickly heating up the metal’s surface, changing its color, resulting in a
mirror-like finish. Polishing can be done on just about any metal including, but not limited to, raw alloys, heattreated metals, plated metals and precious metals.
For a high-contrast mark, polishing is best done on darker, matte finish metals. Cleaning the surface prior to processing
is recommended as oils, grease and other chemicals can affect the consistency and finish of the final marks. Dialing in thesettings for a polished mark is the most difficult of the three most popular metal marking techniques. Speed, power andfrequency play the biggest role.
•

Speed is generally set on the high side, 50-100%.

•

The power is set in the 30-60% range.

•

Frequency is also set on the higher side, typically around the 9-18% range. A higher frequency setting equates toless power per laser pulse. Too strong of a laser pulse and the laser beam starts penetrating the metal instead ofpolishing, resulting in a dull or browning effect.

•

Focus should be set at zero. Printing resolution is mostly done at 400 or 600. Start by determining your base speed,frequency and resolution setting. From there, select a power setting and start fine tuning by adjusting the power in
1% increments or decrements.

Plastic Marking
The term “plastics” is commonly used to describe various grades and types of polymers. To keep things simple,
we’ll refer to all polymers as plastic. There are many plastics that are compatible with the fiber laser’s 1065 nm
wavelength of light. We refer to these as “engineered plastics” because many were designed to be laser-etchedat some point during the manufacturing life cycle. These plastics are doped with an additive that results in acontrasting mark when the 1065 nm wavelength of light is applied.
There are many other plastics that work just as well as the engineered ones. It’s amazing how many different plastics
we receive for applications testing, most of the time their trade name and chemical composition aren’t disclosed or are
unknown. The guidelines below will help in your quest to provide the best possible mark.
Most plastics that tend to work on the FiberMark S2 are those that are mold-injected and are physically hard. Industries
where injection molded parts are common include automotive, aerospace, medical device and general manufacturing, toname a few.

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Section 12: Material Engraving Techniques
Fiber Laser Materials/Techniques

Some of the more common compatible plastics include PET, ABS, polycarbonate and colored delrin. Some that are moredifficult to mark using this wavelength of light include polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon.
Settings for processing plastics:•

Moderate to fast speed, typically in the 50-80% range.

•

Moderate power, generally around the 30-60% range.

•

Medium to high frequency (9-18%) is helpful for processing plastics as it provides a steadier stream of laser power
per pulse. Using a low frequency would result in inconsistent contrast and possibly cause foaming of the surface.

•

Focus is generally left at zero. Adjusting the focus up or down in .010” (0.254 mm) increments can provide slightly
better contrast but instead, consider adjusting the speed / power / frequency for the same effect.

Most plastics are processed at 600 DPI for high contrast and detail. Cycle times are generally fast, so dropping theresolution would only affect print quality. Increasing resolution may prove helpful only on those plastics that are difficult
to mark. The majority of compatible plastics will provide a high-contrasting mark using the above settings. Darker plastics
will turn white or varying shades of gray. Lighter plastics will turn dark gray to black. Fine tune the mark by increasing/decreasing power or frequency. Speed and focus can be left alone.
Incompatible plastics will either be transparent to the 1065 nm wavelength of light or will require the use of metal marking
settings (low to medium speed, high power, and low frequency). The final mark for these plastics isn’t as appealing,
consistent or contrasting as their compatible counterparts.
Pigmentation of plastic can also dictate what settings are needed to produce a nice mark. The core polymer may becompatible, but due to chemicals used to add color, some colors may mark better than others. Having to adjust theprinting parameters for different colors of the same compatible plastic is not uncommon.

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SECTION 13: SPECIFICATIONS
Epilog FiberMark S2 Laser Technical Specifications

Epilog FiberMark S2 Laser Technical Specifications
Epilog FiberMark S2
Maximum Engraving Area24” x 12” (610 x 305 mm)

Max Material Thickness

5.0” (127 mm)

Laser Source Wattages

30 watt Fiber Laser. Air cooled, includes collimator. 1065 nm. Beam quality: M2 <1.1.

Standard Features

Relocatable Home Position, variable focus control, work table of .05” (12.7 mm) tool plate with integrated
vacuum hold-down capability, internal LED lighting, front and top access doors.

Intelligent Memory BufferStore multiple files up to 64 MB. Rolling buffer allows files of any size.

Operating Modes

Optimized raster, vector and combined modes.

Motion Control System

High-speed, continuous-loop, DC servomotors using linear and rotary encoding technology for precise
positioning.

X-axis Bearings

Ground and polished, stainless steel long-lasting bearings.

Belts

Advanced B-style double-wide Kevlar belts.

Resolution

User controlled from 75 to 1200 DPI.

Speed and Power Control(engraving depth)

Computer controlled speed and power in 1% increments to 100%. Color mapping links speed, power, frequency
and raster/vector mode settings to any RGB color.

Print Interface

10Base-T Ethernet or USB connection. Compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10.

Size (W x D x H)

34.5” x 24.5” x 16” (W x D x H)
(876 x 622 x 406 mm)

Weight120 lbs (55 kg) without standElectrical Requirements

Auto-switching 110 to 240 volts, 50 or 60 Hz, single phase, 15 amp AC.

Ventilation Systems

350-400 CFM (595 - 680 m3/hr) external exhaust to the outside or internal filtration unit is required. There is
one output port, 4” (102 mm) in diameter.

Laser System Classification

Class 2 Laser Product - 1 mW CW MAXIMUM 600-700 nm.

Technical specifications and product configurations subject to change without notice.

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Section 13: Specifications
Compatibility

CompatibilityYour Epilog Laser has been designed as an “open architecture” product that can be run from almost any Windows based
software. Epilog provides both Windows 32-bit and 64-bit print drivers.

Recommended PC
For Optimum Computer Performance
Investing in a new computer is a great way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your new laser equipment. Why?
Because today’s software (CorelDraw for instance) requires a lot of computer processing speed and memory to function
properly. A good computer won’t make a big difference in how your laser runs, but when compared to a slow computer
it will save untold amounts of time and frustration setting up the artwork that you “print” to the laser. Many users do notpurchase new computers for use with their new laser because their current computers are perfectly adequate. There’s nomagical cut-off that makes a computer too slow. If you’re comfortable with the performance and speed of your current
computer, there’s probably no reason to purchase another one. The following recommendations are just advice to consider
if a new computer is necessary.
A new computer doesn’t have to be expensive to work great. Even many of today’s lower cost computers work great for
laser applications. Read these recommendations and consider spending just a few dollars more for those components thatwill save you time and frustration.
Operating System
While the laser is compatible with Windows 32-bit or 64-bit XP, 2000, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10
operating systems. The Epilog Job Manager will only work with Windows 7, 8 or 10.
RAM – Random Access Memory
4 GB is the minimum that is recommended. RAM is like short-term memory. It’s fast and readily available for the computer
to access and makes time consuming tasks go much quicker if you have lots of it. Having more than 4 GB of RAM is nice
if you demand a lot from your computer.
Processor Speed
A faster processor will allow you to do more tasks in less time. While it’s not necessary to purchase the fastest processor
available, you’ll want adequate speed to operate your graphics program. Processor speeds are always improving, but
processor speeds of about 2.0 GHz or faster are a good place to start.
10/100 Network Interface Card (NIC)
All new computers have a 10/100 network connection as standard equipment. As well as allowing multiple computers to
be linked together in a network, this technology also allows direct printing from the computer to the laser. Epilog supplies
a network Crossover cable with each laser system that allows one computer to print to a single Epilog Laser system.

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Section 13: Specifications
About the Fiber Laser Source

Hard Drive
This is the permanent memory in your computer. Many users feel that you can never have a large enough hard drive.
Luckily, most computer manufacturers put high capacity drives in new computers these days. When in doubt, buy bigger
than you think you might need. It’s so in-expensive that it’s worth the peace of mind to have it available.
Software
Many users use Corel as their graphics software. Many other Windows software applications can also be used, although
all software is different and may not be predictable, user friendly or functional. Additionally, the technical support staff at
Epilog may be less familiar with software other than Corel and less able to help with questions. Consult with your Epilog
distributor on software compatibility issues. Epilog does not guarantee compatibility with any software.
PhotoLaser Plus is a third party software for converting photos to laser compatible format. This is an indispensable option
for engraving photos.
Heavy Duty Surge Protector
The need for a surge protector varies greatly throughout the world. If the laser is operated anywhere that the electrical
power is subject to spikes, outages, lighting, fluctuations, etc, a surge protector should be used on both the laser and thecomputer. A surge protector is a very cheap insurance policy against catastrophic electrical damage. A surge protector
is designed to be an inexpensive device that absorbs any electrical problems before they can damage the expensive
equipment (computer and laser) they are protecting.

About the Fiber Laser Source
The fiber laser source generates a laser beam by pumping intense diode light into the end of fiber optic cables that havebeen doped with ytterbium. The energy from the diode light is absorbed by the ytterbium in the fiber optic cables. The
ytterbium then releases the energy in the form of photons that travel down the optic cables. The photons that leave theoptic cables create the laser beam. The wavelength of light generated from a fiber laser is 1065 nm.
The fiber laser source generates laser light by pumping intense diode light into fiber optics cables that are doped withthe rare-earth element, ytterbium (Yb3+), which is referred to as the medium or gain medium. As this diode light energy
travels into the fiber optic cable, it energizes the electrons in the ytterbium and the ytterbium electrons go from a groundor stable state, to an excited state.
Essentially, all that is happening in this first step is that the electrons in the medium are absorbing and storing the energy
that’s coming from the external energy source (diodes). For reference, the CO2 medium is the CO2 gas in the tube, and theexternal energy source is RF electrical current. In the fiber laser (and also most YAG lasers these days and YVO lasers) theexternal energy source is a laser diode.
The electrons in the medium don’t really want to store the external energy they’ve absorbed, so they emit the extra energy
by releasing a photon (a quantum packet of light). Once a photon has been emitted by one electron in the medium it
stimulates other excited electrons to also emit photons, creating a chain reaction where the absorption and emission ofenergy is at a constant rate. The photons travel through the optic fibers and some are released through the end of thefibers as the laser beam.

- 125 -

Section 13: Specifications
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Notice

By continually pumping energy into a medium, that medium tries to shed the excess energy by emitting photons. The
type of medium is important because different mediums absorb different types of energy (for instance, a CO2 gas
medium is not going to absorb the energy from a diode in a way that will make the CO2 gas lase). Different mediums
also emit different wavelengths of photons, and hence, the different properties of different wavelength lasers.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) NoticeThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant toPart 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and canradiate radio frequency energy; and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmfulinterference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense.

- 126 -

SECTION 14: TECHNICAL SUPPORTContacting Technical Support

Contacting Technical Support
The technical support department at Epilog is available to assist with solving problems you may encounter using your
Epilog. Please review first the common problems and solutions as noted below, then if you are still in need of assistanceyou may contact Epilog’s technical support department at the number or website listed below. Technical support is available
in Golden, Colorado USA during the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mountain Time.
Technical Support Direct Line: 1 (303) 215-9171
Email: tech@epiloglaser.com
Technical Support Online: support.epiloglaser.com

What to do prior to contacting Epilog Technical Support:
1. Have the machine serial number available.
2. Have time to work on machine. Many issues will require troubleshooting.
3. Clean your machine (especially the optics), this will solve many issues.
		The machine serial number can be found on the Certification/Identification Label. This engraved plate is located on theback of the machine’s cabinet. The ID label shown on next page is for the Model 8000 30-watt FiberMark S2 system.

- 127 -

Section 14: Technical Support
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
Engraver Will Not Vector
1. Verify that the print driver is set to Vector or Combined mode.
2. Verify that the lines that you want to vector are set to .001” (0.025 mm).
3. Make sure the images are vector lines. Scanned and raster images will not vector.
4. Filled or solid images will not vector (outlines only).

Engraving Appears Lighter Than Usual
1. All mirrors and lenses need to be cleaned and inspected for damage. See “Cleaning the Optics” on page 89 forcleaning instructions.
2. Verify that the lens is in correct focus.
3. Verify correct Speed, Power and Frequency settings for the type of material that you are engraving.

The Exhaust Is Not Pulling Enough Air
1. Move the blower closer to the machine. The closer the two are, the better exhaust you will receive.
2. If you are using a flex hose, do not bundle up the excess. Stretch out the flex hose, cut it to the desired length anduse only what you need.
3. Clean your exhaust system on a regular basis, including the engraver and blower. Use a bottle-brush and a vacuumon the areas where the exhaust buildup accumulates.

The Engraver Will Not Power Up
1. Verify there is power being supplied to the engraver, that your outlet is in good, working condition and that theengraver is plugged in.
2. Check to make sure the carriage can be moved freely with the power off. If the engraver can’t find the Home
Position, it will not power on properly.

- 128 -

Section 14: Technical Support
Frequently Asked Questions

The Laser isn’t Communicating with My Computer
1. Is the computer’s TCP/IP address set to a different number than the IP address of the laser? See “Set Up TCP/IP
Address in the Computer” on page 28.
2. Is the computer’s ethernet connection enabled? Go to the Network and Sharing Center, select Change Adapter
Settings. If the Local Area Connection says Disabled, right click and choose Enable.

LCD Screen Displays “Position Error”
The engraver is informing you that it has lost its correct positioning. Power off the engraver and verify there is nothing
obstructing the travel of the carriage both left-to-right and front-to-back. After removing any obstruction, turn the laserback on. Contact Technical Support if there still is an error displayed.

How Can I Increase the Life of my Laser System?
• Clean your system: Debris in the laser and on the mechanics of the system can reduce the life of parts in yoursystem. Wipe down your system on a regular schedule to keep the mechanics clean and long lasting.
• Clean the lenses: Lens life is greatly increased by keeping them clean and free of debris. Get in the habit of wipingthem off on a regular schedule to keep them clean and well maintained.
• Reduce speed when running very small items: When you run at 100% speed on a graphic with a very short stroke,
the lens assembly comes up to speed and slows down extremely quickly, which can place wear on the mechanics ofthe laser. Slow down to 80 - 90% speed and increase the lifetime of your laser system.

How to Shorten Your Engraving Time
• Lower the Resolution: How important is the highest resolution image? Processing jobs at 400 DPI vs. 600 DPI can
reduce cycle times by up to 30%, and processing at 300 DPI could mean half the cycle time.
• Reduce White Space: Orientate the parts to minimize engraving dead space (area where head travels, but has
nothing to engrave).
• Horizontal Layout: If an option, horizontal text will engrave faster than vertical or curved (fit text to curve) text.
• Color Mapping: Use the Color Mapping feature to save time by adjusting the order in which the objects engrave/mark.
• Run Multiples: If you need to engrave multiples of the same image. You’ll find you have a time savings per piece.
If these do not correct your issue or your issue is not listed, please contact the Technical Support Team at +1 303‑2159171 or tech@epiloglaser.com.
- 129 -

APPENDIX A: WARRANTY STATEMENT
Warranty Statement for the Epilog FiberMark S2 Laser

Warranty Statement for the Epilog FiberMark S2 Laser
Epilog Corporation warrants to the original purchaser of Epilog Model 8000 that this product will be free from defects inmaterial or workmanship when purchased, and under proper, normal use within two (2) years from the original date ofpurchase.
Epilog will replace or, at its option, repair the defective part(s). Normally, Epilog will supply a replacement part for thecustomer to replace. Once the replacement has been performed, the replaced part must be returned to Epilog. In the casewhere repair is required, Epilog requires that the defective part, or machine, be returned to the Epilog factory or other
Epilog designated facility. Epilog will be responsible solely for the cost of repairs, including parts and labor, which are
made at an authorized Epilog facility. All other costs for replacement or repair, including, but not limited to, packaging andshipping both to and from Epilog, shall be paid by the owner. A “Core” charge may be required by Epilog to insure the returnof replacement and repair parts. This warranty excludes any damage from abuse (including, without limitation, incorrect
voltages, power surges, fires, improper or insufficient ventilation “acts of God” or other situations out of the control of
Epilog), failure to operate in accordance with instructions provided in the Owner’s Manuals for the Epilog models 8000,
including specific safety and operational warnings contained therein, cosmetic damage sustained in use, and damage
caused by unauthorized modifications of any equipment. All warranties to original purchasers are non-transferable. The
registered owner must initiate warranty claims within the warranty period.
THE ABOVE AND FOREGOING IS THE ONLY WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED; INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, THAT ARE
MADE BY EPILOG ON MODEL 8000. ANY WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY LAW ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED.
No oral or written information or advice given by Epilog, its dealers, its distributors, agents, officers, or employees shallcreate a warranty or in any way increase the scope of this warranty. Neither Epilog nor anyone else who has been involvedin the creation, production, or delivery of the Epilog Model 8000 shall be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential,
or incidental damages, including but not limited to damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss ofbusiness information, adverse health impacts, fire, and the like, arising out of the use or inability to use these products.
Epilog Corporation provides no warranties whatsoever on any software used in connection with Epilog Model 8000.

- 131 -

APPENDIX B: MATERIAL SETTINGS
FiberMark S2 Suggested Material Settings

FiberMark S2 Suggested Material Settings
Material

DPI/Freq.

30 watt

600 DPI

Speed: 40 - 50%
Power: 100%
Frequency: 1%
Focus: +.06 to +07

Aluminum (Anodized)
Etching/Marking

The contrast / brightness of marks achievable on the fiber laser are excellent and can often be much brighter than marks from a C02 laser. Taking the fiber
laser out of focus by +.06” - .09” broadens the beam and produces a very bright mark on anodized coating. Lower frequency and higher power settings help
offset the change in focal point. Different grades of anodized & core aluminum alloy will affect how the final marks look.

Aluminum (Bare)
Etching/Marking

600 DPI

Speed: 30 - 40%
Power: 100%
Frequency: 9 - 11%
Focus: -.01 to +.01

Engraving aluminum will result in various shades of gray, not black. Fine tuning the settings can provide a bit more contrast but the range of applicable marks
is very narrow. If the application calls for a black etch, consider using an oxidizer after engraving. Oxidizers are used most commonly if the aluminum has aprotective coating (urethane, clear coat, clear anodized) covering the area that is not engraved. Deep metal engraving on aluminum can be done using multiple
passes. Consider deep engraving and using a black epoxy/color fill. Although the marks on aluminum are not black like they are on steel, we have no difficulty
getting 2D, UID barcodes to scan and verify.

Brass
Etching/Marking

600 DPI

Speed: 30 - 40%
Power: 100%
Frequency: 2 - 4%
Focus: 0

600 DPI

Speed: 50 - 60%
Power: 60-70%
Frequency: 9%
Focus: 0

Annealing

600 DPI

Speed: 7-12%
Power: 100%
Frequency: 1%
Focus: +.08 to +.110

Etching/Marking

600 DPI

Speed: 30 - 40%
Power: 100%
Frequency: 1-2%
Focus: -.01 to +.01

Polishing

600 DPI

Speed: 60 - 70%
Power: 35-40%
Frequency: 9 - 11%
Focus: 0

Laserable Plastic
Etching/Marking

Stainless Steel- 133 -

Appendix B: Material Settings
FiberMark S2 Suggested Material Settings

FiberMark S2 Suggested Material Settings
Material

DPI/Freq.

30 watt

Etching: Like our C02 counterparts, the slower the speed setting, the deeper the etching. However, many metal applications can be processed at higher speed
settings in the range of 50-100%. Again, consider the marking requirements. If the only stipulation is permanency, you’ll find the FiberMark S2 can engrave abroad range of metals at higher speeds, regardless of laser wattage. Don’t be afraid to turn up the juice!
Annealing: To achieve an annealed mark, the focal point should be significantly away from zero. The unfocused, broader beam provides the heat to change thesurface color without actually penetrating the metal. The focal point can be either closer to or away from zero. Focusing away from the material should be in
the range of -.060” to- .090”. Focusing closer to the material is generally in the range of +.070” to +.110”.
Both focusing methods will result in a dark black annealing of the metal. Focusing up typically results in a slight indentation of the metal.
Multiple passes can darken the mark even more (no data to confirm whether multiple passes offer more permanency).
Polishing: Some steel alloys are easier to polish than others. For best results, clean off the surface with alcohol prior to processing. Any leftover grease, oils
or residue can affect how well the polished mark turns out. Polishing the metal where the final marks result in a bright white engraving requires finer tuning ofsettings, more so than the etched or annealed marks. Determine a base speed and frequency setting and adjust the power in small increments/decrements. If
you are unable to get a white bright mark, increase the frequency setting and try again by adjusting only the power.

Titanium
Annealing

600 DPI

Speed: 7-12%
Power: 100%
Frequency: 1%
Focus: +.08 to +.110

Etching/Marking

600 DPI

Speed: 30 - 40%
Power: 100%
Frequency: 1-2%
Focus: -.01 to +.01”

Titanium and Ti alloys are highly amenable to marking at this wavelength. Similar to aluminum, a black mark from the etching process is difficult to achieve.
Various shades of gray can be made, from very dark gray to light gray. Annealed marks can also be made on titanium materials using the same processing
parameter described for stainless steel. Depending on the Ti alloy, marks of various colors can be achieved by changing the frequency values for 1% up to
100%. It is common to see red, blue, green, orange, yellows and purple marks, depending on the frequency selected.

Plated Metals
Etching/Marking

600 - 1200 DPI

Speed: 20-30%
Power: 100%
Frequency: 1-2%
Focus: -.09 to -.100”+.09 to .100”

Metals are often plated to assist with conductivity, to provide a protective coating against rust and elements and for aesthetic purposes. Plating thickness will
depend on application and purpose. Most of the plated metals processed through the applications lab are electronic components (to enhance conductivity)and various fittings (protection against environment & rust). The typical plating thickness varies from .001” up to .005”. Our recommended settings forgeneral metal engraving works well for ablating through the plating; exposing the base metal. Ablating the plating will also provide high contrast. Using an
oxidizer will enhance the look.
Our recommended settings for polishing of metals are a good starting point where ablating through the plating isn’t an option. This is likely the most common
plated metal application as exposing the raw metal underneath will break continuity and / or expose the bare metal to rust and other elements. Note that thecontrast of polishing of plated metals won’t be as consistent or contrasting as a direct ablation. Multiple passes will help and end results will vary based on
the metal used for plating, thickness of plating & size of mark. Our recommended settings for annealing will often work for plated metals where the plating has
a thicker wall and material used has high levels of carbon or metal oxides.

- 134 -

Appendix B: Material Settings
FiberMark S2 Suggested Material Settings

FiberMark S2 Suggested Material Settings
Material

DPI/Freq.

30 watt

600 DPI

Speed: 40 - 50%
Power: 100%
Frequency: 18%
Focus: +.05 to .07”

Powder Coating
Etching/Marking

Two to three passes are suggested (one pass to ablate the powder coating, 2nd or 3rd pass to polish up the metal underneath). A little less power, higher
frequency and less focus adjustment will be required for the 2nd or 3rd pass, depending on the base metal. The idea is to ablate then polish. An alternative torunning two or more passes is to run one pass and then use a common cleaner such as Simple Green or a citric-based cleaner with short, stiff bristle brush to
scrub out the residual material remaining in the mark area. If using this technique, it may be necessary to raise or lower the marking table from around 0.07”
to 0.10”.

•

These are only guidelines: Brightness or darkness of a mark is a matter of personal preference and can be very dependent of the type ofmaterial being marked. As such, there is no “correct” setting. Working with the four different fiber settings becomes fairly intuitive in a very
short period of time for most users. If you have a material that is not listed, try to compare it to similar materials listed and use those settings
as your starting point.

•

Speed Settings: The speed setting scale of 1% to 100% is not linear – i.e. 100% speed will not be twice as fast as 50% speed. This non-linear
scale is very useful in compensating for the different factors that affect engraving time.

•Power Settings: The power settings are linear – i.e. 50% power is half as much as 100% power.

•

General Metal Engraving / Base Settings: In the world of metals the grade, type, hardness and chemical composition are endless. Metal
alloys are engineered for specific applications and have their own strengths and weaknesses. With such an unlimited selection, we’ve yet tocome across a metal which proved to be incompatible with the FiberMark S2. Metals can be engraved at just about any settings. Of course,
there are many variables to consider for metal engraving. The lasers wattage, hardness of metal, desired mark (etch, polish, anneal) and therequired time/contrast/depth will have to be considered when deciding on the final settings.

•

General Annealing Settings: Producing an annealed mark is very dependent on the material being out of focus. Run the laser at slow speed
and full power then adjust the focus while the machine is running until you achieve the annealed mark you need.

•

Test your material: If you do not achieve the results you are looking for with the recommended settings, try resending the job and start bychanging only one variable at a time. Changing only one variable at a time will help to determine the correct setting for your material.

•

Laser settings can sometimes be confusing because many materials can be marked over such a broad range of settings. If you have difficultyin finding the correct setting you can send a sample to the Epilog Laser Applications lab. We will determine if the material can be marked andprovide appropriate setting for your laser.
To print a copy of these settings to keep next to your laser, go to www.epiloglaser.com/material-settings.

- 135 -

INDEX﻿

Index
Symbols
2 Key Configurations 76
10/100 Network Interface Card 124
21 CFR 1040 7
21 CFR 1040.10 3
21 CFR 1040.11 3
32-bit Operating System 124
64-bit Operating System 124

A
Advanced Tab 70
Air Assist 93
Air-Cooled 12
Air Filter. See Exhaust Fan
Air Temperature 12
Alerts Tab 43
Aluminum (Bare) 133
Annealing 119
Anodized Aluminum 133
ANSI 4
Arrow Buttons 78
Artwork Layout 104, 111
AutoCAD 117–118
Auto Focus 53, 54

BBearing Rails
Lubrication 91
Bearings
Specs 123
X-Axis Rail 91
Y-Axis Rail 91
Belts 123
Blower. See Exhaust Fan
Boundary 56
Brass 133

C
Center Engraving 97–99
Center-Center 98
Center-Left 99
Center-Top 99
Page-Center 99
Class A 126
Cleaning and MaintenanceBearing Rails 91

Exhaust Cleaning 90
Optical Strip and Encoder 92
Optics 89
Viewing Window 91
Y-Axis Rail 91
Cleaning the Bearing Rails 91
Color Mapping 117
Adjust Focus 59
Combined Mode 95
Speed and Power 57
Computer Recommendation 124
Config Button 76
Construction Lines 69
Control Panel
Layout 73
Cooling Requirements 12
CorelDRAW Setup 48
Create a Vector Line 83
Cycles 54

D
Dashboard 47
Advanced Tab 70
Auto Focus 53
CorelDRAW Features 71
Dividing Your Job Into Processes 56
Split by Color 56
Split by Hairline 60
Split by Selection 61
Editing Artwork with Live View 66
Guidelines 69
Merging Processes 64
Notes Tab 70
Ordering Processes 62
Placing Your Artwork 55
Presetting Your Cut Lines 55
Process Settings 54
Sending Your First Project 49
Setting Up CorelDRAW 48
Dashboard Tab 43
Data Transfer Light 75
Display 73
Display Tab 43
Dithering 68, 94
Floyd-Steinberg 95
Jarvis 95
Photograph Modes 95
Stucki 95
Door Interlocks
Interlock Safety 7
Driver Compatibility 48
Driver Update 44- 137 -

Index﻿Changing Program Settings 43
Finding Job History 35
How to Install the Epilog Job Manager 19
Job Settings Tab 39
Material Settings 41
Previewing Your Job 34
Printing to the Epilog Job Manager 30
Vector Sorting 62
Jobs Button 76
Job Storage 79

Drive Wheel 103

E
Electrical Requirements 14, 123
Electrical Safety 4Emergency Stop Button 5
Engraving Direction
Bottom-Top 67
Epilog Default 55
Epilog Job Manager 29
Installation 17
Ethernet
Ethernet Installation 25
Ethernet Connection 15
Exhaust Cleaning 90
Exhaust Fan
Connection 12
Positioning 14

L
Landscape vs Portrait 86
Laser Dashboard
Settings and Use 47–72
Laser Safety 3
Laser System Classification 123
Lens
Cleaning 89
Linear Encoder
Cleaning 92
Lubricate Bearning Rails 91

F
Federal Communications Commission 125
Fiber Laser Source Information 125
Finding Job History 35
Fire Warning 1, 5
Focus 93
Focus Button 78
Focusing Manually 93
Fold-Down Front Door 100
Frequency 68
Button 78

M
Maintenance 89. See Cleaning and Maintenance
Manual Focus 53, 93
Match Orientation and Size 30
Material Settings 133
Maximum Engraving Area 123
Max Material Thickness 123
Memory Buffer 123
Merge Processes 54
Metal Etching Techniques 119
Metal Polishing Techniques 120
Mirrors
Cleaning 89
Motion Control System 123
Movable Home Position 96
Multiple Pages 71
Multiple Passes 71

G
Go Button 74
Group / Ungroup 55
Guidelines 69

H
Hard Drive 125

I

N

IEC 60825-1 7
Inside Diameter 110
Interlock Safety 7
IP Address 15

Notes Tab 70

O
Object Order 59
Offset 69, 70
Open Architecture 124
Operating Modes 123

J
Job Folders 31
Job Manager 29, 66, 67. See also Epilog Job Manager- 138 -

Index﻿Enter the Diameter 108
Fixture Plates 107, 114
Installation 108
Outside Diameter 110
Setting Units 108
Vector Speed Limitations 110
Standard Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment 101–106
Adjusting Your Artwork 105
Artwork Layout 104
Drive Wheel 103
Installation 101
Removal 106

Operating System 124
Operating Temperature 12
Optical Strip
Cleaning 92
OpticsCleaning 89–90
OSHA 4P
Page-Center Engraving 99
Pause Button 74
Photo Engraving 81, 94
Photograph Modes 95
Pin Table 101–103
Plastic Marking Techniques 120
Plated Metals 134
Plotting 117
Pointer Button 75
Polishing Stainless Steel 133
Polishing Techniques 120
Polyvinyl Chloride 10
Portrait vs Landscape 86
Powder Coating 135
Power 117, 123
Connection 14
Laser Dashboard 68
Power Button 77
Previous Settings 55
Print Driver. See Laser Dashboard
Print History 35
Print Interface 123
Print Page Orientation 30
Print Range 71
Process Name 54
Processor Speed 124
Process Type 54
Program Settings 43
PVC 10

SafetyEnclosure 7
Features 7–10
Labels. See Warning Labels
Safety Labels. See Warning Labels
Saving Your Settings 66
Serial Number 127
Set Home Button 74
Set the Laser’s IP Address 15
Setting a Vector Cutting Line 83
Setup 54, 55, 72
Software 125
Speed and Power Control 123
Speed Button 77
Split by Color 43, 55, 56
Adjust Object Order 59
Split by Hairline 60
Split by Selection 61
Stainless Steel 133
Annealing 133
Etching/Marking 133
Polishing 133
Standard Features 123
Stretching Artwork 105
Surge Protector 125

R

T

RAM 124
Red Dot Pointer 3, 7, 96
Red Dot Pointer Button 75
Registration 54
Regulatory Compliance 7–10
Reset Button 74
Resetting Home Position: 75
Resolution 123
When to Use Each 84
Rotary Attachment
3-Jaw Chuck 107–115

Technical Specifications 123
Technical Support 127
Temperature 12
Temporary Memory 79
Test Port 15
Test your material 135
Thickness 54
Titanium 134
Top-Access Door 100
Two Key Configurations 76

S- 139 -

Index﻿

U
Uncategorized folder 31
Unpacking the Laser 11

V
Vacuum Hold-Down Table 100
Vector Line Creation 83
Vector Sorting
Inside/Out 62
Optimized 62
Vector Speed Limitations 110
Vent Cleaning 90
Ventilation 123
Viewing Window 91
Vinyl 10
Voltage 14

W
Warning Labels 7
Warranty 131
Wattages 123
Wavelength
Fiber Laser Source 125
Weight 123
Windows 7
Ethernet Installation 25

X
X/Y Off Button 75

Y
Y-Axis Rail 91

Z
Z-Axis Position 78
Reset 78
Zero-Out Z-Axis Position 78- 140 -