Makera Carvera Air Desktop CNC Machine Instruction Manual

Safety

Disclaimer: Please read this manual carefully before using the Carvera Air. Failure to read the manual may lead to personal injury, inferior results, or damage to the machine.

This manual is for reference only. Makera reserves the right to modify this manual. The latest version can be downloaded from the website.

Always monitor machines when in use. Milling cutters and laser modules can be dangerous. Please read the safety instructions below carefully.

Safety Instructions:

1. Always wear safety goggles when operating the machine, especially with the protective cover open.
2. Always wear laser protection goggles when using the laser module.
3. Wear hearing protection when machining hard materials.
4. Do not leave the machine unattended while machining.
5. Be aware of the sharpness of milling bits during installation and dust collection.
6. Milling generates heat. Inappropriate parameters can cause fire hazards. Keep an extinguisher nearby.
7. Some materials, like carbon fiber, are harmful. Wear a face mask and use a vacuum for dust collection.
8. Do not expose the machine to rain or wet conditions.
9. Keep children and bystanders away from the operating machine. Adult supervision is required for children.

Emergency Procedures: If an emergency occurs (e.g., workpiece loosening, component damage, unusual noises), press the main button or the E-Stop button to stop all procedures, or cut off the power.

The Carvera Air has a safety feature that automatically stops the machine when the cover is opened, which is useful for environments with children.

FCC Compliance:

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. Maintain a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.

ISEDC Compliance:

This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received.

Users can obtain Canadian information on RF exposure and compliance. Maintain a minimum distance of 20cm from the body.

Safety Labels:

• Keep hands clear of moving parts: On the machine cover.
• Wear safety goggles: On the machine cover.
• Caution sharp cutters: On the machine cover.
• Laser radiation - Class 4 laser product: Avoid eye or skin exposure to direct or scattered radiation. On the laser module cover.
• Laser aperture: Laser radiation is emitted from this aperture. On the laser module.

Unpack

The box weighs over 50Kg (110lb). The Carvera Air machine weighs approximately 35Kg (77lb). We suggest two people (with gloves) move the machine to ensure safety. Ensure your desk is sturdy and has at least 60 x 60 cm of space.

Steps:

1. Remove the protective foam from the top and sides of the box.
2. With the help of another person, carefully lift the machine out of the box. Keep the carton, foam, and plastic bag for future use.
3. Place the machine on a stable, flat surface.
4. Remove the plastic packaging bag.
5. Carefully open the machine's top cover by following the operational steps: Hold the middle of the handle, lift the cover to a horizontal position, push the cover backward until it reaches its limit, then lift the cover until it is properly secured. Avoid damage when opening the cover.
6. Gently remove the inner foam and accessories from inside the machine.

Preparation

Voltage Adjustment:

The default voltage is 220V. Adjust the machine's power voltage according to your supply voltage to avoid damage.

1. Open the cover, find the voltage switch on the right side of the beam, and set it to your local specifications (115V or 230V).
2. Connect the power port seal and connect the power supply.

Power On:

1. Plug in the power cable and turn on the power switch.
2. Carvera Air will automatically home all axes and turn on the illumination lights.

Phone/Tablet Stand Installation:

To facilitate transportation, the stand is not pre-installed. Remove screws from the stand base, position the stand, and reattach the screws. The stand can be installed on the right or left side of the machine; the default is the right side.

Control Software Installation:

1. Download and install the Carvera Controller from www.makera.com. It supports computers, tablets, and phones. The computer version is recommended for first-time use. Refer to the next chapter for software instructions.
2. If connecting via USB, download and install the Carvera Air USB driver.

WiFi Configuration (Recommended):

Configuring WIFI allows Carvera Air to join your network for computer control without restrictions.

1. The network can be configured via USB cable or the machine's built-in WiFi accessing point.
2. Connect via USB: Connect the USB cable, open the Carvera Air control software. Click the status button, then "USB...", select your USB device. The status button will update to show connection.
3. Connect via accessing point: On your computer, find the WiFi network named CARVERA_AIR_XXXXX (no password). Connect to it. Open the Carvera Air control software, click the status button, then "WIFI...". Carvera Air will search for connectable devices. Refresh if needed. The status button will update to show connection.
4. WiFi configuration: Click the "more" button in the status bar, click the WIFI icon, and select a WIFI network, enter the password, and connect.
5. Disconnect: Click the status button, then "Disconnect". Switch back to your WiFi.
6. Redo step 3: Click "WIFI" to connect Carvera Air through WIFI.

Software Introduction

The Carvera Air software interface includes a Status Toolbar and a Task Toolbar.

Status Toolbar:

Located at the top, it shows real-time data of key indicators.

• 1.1. Symbol: Unique color to distinguish status.
• 1.2. Main data: Explains device status.
• 1.3. Sub-data: Current connection mode (No connection, WiFi, or USB).
• 1.4. Drop-down list:
  • 1.4.1. WIFI: Connecting Carvera Air via WiFi.
  • 1.4.2. USB: Connecting Carvera Air via USB.
  • 1.4.3 Unlock/Reset: Unlock or reset Carvera Air.
  • 1.4.4. Disconnect: Disconnect Carvera Air from your device.

Explanation of Carvera Air Statuses:

Task Toolbar:

Located at the bottom, it manages G-Code files, configuration, tracking, and machining control.

G-Code & MDI:

Displays G-Code of the currently opened file. Can be switched to show command information sent/received by the machine.

G-Code Preview:

Graphically displays the currently opened G-Code file.

Manual Operation:

Manually control Carvera's movement and execute commands. The interface is hidden by default; click the arrow on the right side to display it.

Coordination Status and Control:

• 2.1. Symbols: X/Y/Z/A axes.
• 2.2. Main data: Work Coordinates (tool position relative to work origin).
• 2.3. Sub-data: Machine coordinates (tool position relative to machine origin).
• 2.4. Drop-down list:
  • Set Origin: Set work coordinates (X, Y, Z, A) to zero or a specific value.
  • Rotary axis (A axis): Shrink Function and Fast Move Function.

Feed Status:

• 3.1. Symbol: Feed icon.
• 3.2. Main data: Real-time feeding speed.
• 3.3. Sub-data: Target feeding speed/Feeding speed scale.
• 3.4. Drop-down list:
  • Feed Status: Target feeding speed/Feeding speed scale.
  • Speed Scaling: Set feed rate by percentage (50% to 200%).

  Note: Adjusting feed rate takes a few seconds to take effect.

Spindle Status and Control:

• 4.1. Symbol: Spindle icon.
• 4.2. Main data: Real-time spindle rotary speed (RPM).
• 4.3. Sub-data: Target spindle rotary speed/Spindle speed scale/Real-time spindle temperature.
• 4.4. Drop-down list:
  • Spindle Status: Target spindle rotary speed/range, temperature summary.
  • Auto Vacuum: Turn on/off auto vacuum while spindle rotates (default: on).
  • RPM Scaling: Set spindle speed range by percentage (50% to 200%).

  Note: Turning on vacuum or adjusting spindle speed takes a few seconds to take effect.

Tool Status and Control:

• 5.1. Symbol: Tool icon.
• 5.2. Main data: Current tool number (1-6), or "None"/"Probe".
• 5.3. Sub-data: Current Tool Length Offset (TLO)/Wireless Probe Power.
• 5.4. Drop-down list:
  • Tool Status: TLO/Wireless Probe Power summary.
  • Change tool: Change to selected tool or wireless probe, perform automatic calibration.
  • Calibrate tool: Automatically calibrate current tool and set TLO.
  • Drop tool: Drop current tool.
  • Set tool: Manually set current tool number (use if number is wrong).

Laser Status and Control:

• 6.1. Symbol: Laser icon.
• 6.2. Main data: Current laser rate.
• 6.3. Sub-data: Laser power scale.
• 6.4. Drop-down list:
  • Laser Status: Laser power scale.
  • Enable Laser: Switch to laser mode. Coordinates update automatically. Carvera drops the current tool and calibrates for laser height.
  • Laser Test: Perform a low-power laser test for focus calibration.
  • Power Scaling: Set laser power by percentage (50% to 200%).

  Note: Coordinate offset for laser is preset. Reset only if coordinates deviate. Online instructions will provide tutorials.

Other Functions:

• 7.1. Manual control: Similar to the arrow buttons on the interface. Switch to manual control and file preview.
• 7.2. Device status diagnose: Check and debug Carvera Air. Use only when needed.
• 7.3. WiFi configuration: Refer to chapter 4.
• 7.4. Software Upgrade:
  • Controller: Controller software upgrade.
  • Firmware: Firmware upgrade.
  • Download: Link to download page.
  • Upgrade: Install new version for controller software. Upload firmware to machine using control software.
• 7.5. Language selection.
• 7.6. Parameters settings:
  • Basic parameters: Adjust functional parameters.
  • Advanced parameters: System-level settings, usually set in factory. Do not change unless necessary.
  • Restore setting: Restore factory settings or save current settings as factory settings.

  Note: Click "Apply" to save parameters and reboot the machine for changes to take effect. Parameter introductions and recommended settings are in the parameter list. Online instructions will provide more details.

Tool Kit

• Wired Probe
• Manual Probe
• Emergency Stop Button
• Workholding Tools
• Bit Collar Installer
• Dust Collection Module
• Spindle Collet Installer
• Air Assist Module
• Laser Module

Feed & Speed

This section details how to adjust feed rate and spindle speed for optimal machining results.

CAM

This section likely covers Computer-Aided Manufacturing processes for the Carvera Air.