Trotec SP500

The Trotec SP500 was Trotecs speediest laser once! This laser boasts 100 watts of output.

Trainers

• See Ryan for training.

Getting Help

• The Trainers will answer questions on the operation of the laser cutter.
• If you have a concern, just ask, it's cheaper then replacing equipment!
• Design help not actually included, but sometimes we know and can help!

Safety Rules

• This model is primarily focused for engraving. Cutting materials in this laser tends to cause excessive smoke, or sometimes fire.
• Only attempt these materials or PLEASE ask prior to using new stuff.
• Keep area clear of debris, cutoff pieces and other hazards.
• Take your time. Accidents happen because someone is in too big of a hurry.
• Think about what you are doing. If something seems unsafe, it probably is. If there is any flame it's always unsafe!
• If you see flames between the lens and your work, stop the equipment until you can isolate the issue.
• If your work is catching on fire, melting, or similar stop the equipment until you can isolate the issue.
• Leave the space as clean as you found it. If you find it in a messy state, please contact Ryan or Zack describing the mess, date, and time, and then please be extra awesome and clean up after those before you.

Operating Procedures

Max Power Setting

Set the power to no more than 85% to protect the tubes life. Going over this value causes the tube excessive wear and heat degradation.

Startup

1. Power on the machine from the back left toggle switch
   • You should expect machine to startup and calibrate the head to 0,0 (top left) while the bed goes to the bottom.
     • If this movement doesn't start, open and close the lid.
2. Turn on the circuit breaker for SP500 to power the tube.
3. Remember to use the exhaust fan (power strip) when you start this laser!
4. Click Start in Ruby

Shutting Down

NOTE: Leave the tube circuit breaker on 5 minutes to protect equipment life

• Just after finishing, the tube is very hot. To maximize tube life, run the circuit breaker 5 minutes after completing your work to maximize the tube health and longevity. It's free to you, and ensures the hourly charge stay as low as possible in the future. Our tube system is just air-cooled, heat is the enemy like in a video projector. The extra cooling time helps a lot!

Shutdown sequence has no required order (except the breaker, 5 minutes!):

1. Turn off the laser unit in the back/rear left.
2. Turn off the workstation power strip for the exhaust fan.
3. Clean up laser bed of debris.
4. Close Trotec software and open windows.
5. Wait 5 minutes
   1. Turn off the circuit breaker after the tube is cooled.

Common Troubleshooting

Problem 1: Start the laser, but it doesn't fire - it just tracks my work...

Solution 1: Open and Close the Lid Interlock

1. Click the stop button in Ruby.
2. Just open and close the laser lid.
3. Start the laser again.

There is a safety switch interlock on the tube (to ensure the lid isn't open while on.) If you turned on the tube last minute, you probably didn't trigger the interlock switch. It will move as-if its operating, but the laser emits zero power for safety. The back of the laser tube LED light will even blink pink (nothing is happening), and the bill timer will still be progressing normally. You are billed for this time, so just stop quickly to prevent extra charges.

Software

• Trotec Ruby