Monport Fiber Laser Marking Machine User Manual

1.5.1 Main Parts

Diagram of the laser marking machine with numbered parts.

• 1: Height Adjustment Knob: This knob moves the laser arm up and down for the correct alignment across different materials and thicknesses.
• 2: Support Column: The support column holds the laser arm and includes a precise scale for quick height adjustment to work with different materials and thicknesses.
• 3: Laser Galvo Scanner: The laser galvanometer achieves fast and precise laser control, guiding it to the proper position on the target material during the engraving process.
• 4: Work Table: The work table can hold the target material and has optional positioning holes for precise alignment and positioning of the marking target.
• 5: Positioning pole: The positioning pole is fixed with screws, making it easier to secure the object to be marked.
• 6: Main Tower: This houses the fiber laser source, its mainboard, and various connections.

1.5.2 Buttons

There are three switches on the front of the main unit:

1. Emergency Stop Switch: Immediately press this switch to stop the machine and disconnect the power supply in case of an emergency.
2. Laser Power Switch: This switch turns the laser power on and off.
3. Laser Key Switch: This switch is used to start or stop the operation of the marking machine. Please keep the key safe and do not lose it.

1.5.3 Interfaces

The rear panel of the main unit includes the following interfaces:

1. USB Interface
2. Rotary Axis Cord Input
3. Foot Pedal Cable Input
4. Power Cord Input
5. Laser Cable
6. Cooling Fan

1.5.4 Adjust the Focus Instructions

Manual adjustment controls the laser head up or down until the three red dots overlap, indicating the best focal point. The measured focal length of this machine is ____ mm, which is the distance from the reference line on the side of the laser head to the surface of the engraving material. This parameter is measured manually, and each device may have different focal lengths due to variations in laser sources and field lenses.

Note: We calibrate the red light before the machine leaves the factory. At the position where the three red light spots overlap, the laser emits the strongest light. However, due to transportation, the red light focus point you receive may shift, and the focus point might not be at the best focal length.

Please follow these steps to adjust:

1. Place the stainless steel test plate on the work table.
2. Raise or lower the laser head to the best focus point according to the handwritten number above.
3. Turn on the machine and connect it to the computer.
4. Import the "TEXT" for testing, select the default parameters, and tick the "continuous part" option.
5. Press "red (F1)" to ensure it will be marked on the test material. Click "mark" and the laser will start marking continuously.
6. Meanwhile, raise or lower the laser head and observe the intensity change of the laser beam. Stop when it reaches the strongest laser output.
7. At this point, loosen the screws for the two beams of the auxiliary red light.
8. Manually adjust the relative positions of the red light dots to make them overlap. Then tighten the screws.

2.1 Disclaimer

Your engraver may differ somewhat from those shown in this manual due to options, updates, etc. Please contact Monport if your marking machine comes with an outdated manual or if you have any other questions.

2.2 General Safety Instructions

• Use this laser marking device ONLY in accordance with all applicable local and national laws and regulations.
• Use this device ONLY in accordance with this instruction manual and the manual for the engraving software included with it.
• ONLY allow this device to be installed, operated, maintained, and repaired by individuals who have read and understood both manuals. Ensure that this manual and the software manual are included with this device if it is ever given or sold to a third party.
• DO NOT operate this device continuously for more than 5 hours. Stop every 5 hours for at least half a hour.
• DO NOT leave this device unattended during operation. Observe the device throughout operation and, if anything seems to be operating strangely, immediately cut off ALL power to the machine and contact Monport customer service or your dedicated repair service. Similarly, ensure the device is FULLY turned off in the correct order after each use.
• DO NOT allow minors, untrained personnel, or personnel suffering from physical or mental impairment that would affect their ability to follow this manual and the software manual to install, operate, maintain, or repair this device.
• Any untrained personnel who might be near the device while it is in operation MUST be informed that it is dangerous and fully instructed on how to avoid injury during its use.
• ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher, water hose, or other flame retardant system nearby in case of accidents. Ensure that the local fire station's phone number is clearly displayed nearby. In case of a fire, cut electrical power before dousing the flame. Familiarize yourself with the correct range for your extinguisher before use. Take care not to use your extinguisher too close to the flame, as its high pressure can produce blow-back.

2.3 Laser Safety Instructions

This machine uses an invisible CLASS 4 LASER, the strongest and most dangerous class of laser available for public use. Used without care, it can cause serious property damage and personal injury, including but not limited to the following:

• The laser will easily burn nearby combustible materials.
• Some working materials may produce radiation or harmful gases during processing.
• Direct exposure to the laser will cause bodily harm, including serious burns and irreparable eye damage.
• NEVER interfere with the laser beam.
• DO NOT place any part of your body under the laser lens during operation. Use screens or personal protective equipment to protect yourself from potentially reflected laser beams.
• NEVER attempt to view the laser directly without protective eyewear. ALWAYS wear safety goggles or glasses designed to filter the specific wavelength of your engraver's laser with an optical density (OD) of 5+. As even seemingly matte materials can produce harmful reflected beams, care should be taken to keep anyone without protective eyewear from observing the machine during operation. EVEN WITH protective eyewear, do not stare or allow others to stare continuously at the laser beam during the operation.
• DO NOT leave potentially combustible, flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials nearby where they could be exposed to the direct or reflected laser beam.
• DO NOT use or leave sensitive EMI equipment nearby. Ensure the area around the laser is free of strong electromagnetic interference during any use.
• ONLY use this machine as described in the MATERIAL SAFETY SECTION of this manual. The laser settings and engraving process must be properly adjusted for specific materials.
• ENSURE the area is kept free of airborne pollutants, as these might pose a similar risk of reflection, combustion, etc.
• NEVER use this marking machine with the fiber source's housing opened, as the closed laser light path is necessary to prevent laser radiation leakage.
• DO NOT modify or disassemble the laser and do not use the laser if it has been modified or disassembled by anyone except trained and skilled professionals. Dangerous radiation exposure and other injury may result from the use of adjusted, modified, or otherwise incompatible equipment.

2.4 Electrical Safety Instructions

• ONLY use this device with a compatible and stable power supply with less than 5% fluctuation in its voltage.
• DO NOT connect other devices to the same fuse, as the laser system will require its full amperage.
• DO NOT use standard extension cords or power strips. Use only surge protectors rated over 2000J.
• ONLY turn on the power via a firm connection to a 3-prong outlet.
• Turn the device on and off using its power buttons in the correct order. Pushing all the buttons at once, too quickly, or in the wrong order may send electrical current to an ungrounded component, causing short circuits and other electrical hazards.
• ONLY use this device with one hand at a time. The laser is powered by an extremely high voltage connection and placing two hands on the machine at one time during operation has the potential to create a closed circuit with the human body, resulting in electrical shock.
• The area around this laser marking device should be kept dry, well-ventilated, and environmentally controlled to keep the ambient temperature between 32–104°F (0–40°C). The ambient humidity should not exceed 70%.
• Adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the electrical components of this device must be done ONLY by trained and skilled professionals to avoid fires and other malfunctions, including potential radiation exposure from damage to the laser components. Because specialized techniques are required for testing the electrical components of this marking system, it is recommended such testing only be done by the manufacturer, seller, or repair service.
• Unless otherwise specified, ONLY undertake adjustment, maintenance, and repair of the device when it is turned off and disconnected from its power supply.

2.5 Material Safety Instructions

Users of this fiber marking machine are responsible for confirming that the materials to be processed can withstand the heat of the laser and will not produce any emissions or by-products harmful to people nearby or in violation of any local or national laws or regulations. In particular, DO NOT use this device to process polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Teflon, or other halogen-containing materials under any circumstances.

Users of this fiber laser are responsible for ensuring that every person present during operation has sufficient PPE to avoid any injury from emissions or by-products of the materials being processed. In addition to the protective laser eyewear discussed above, this may require goggles, masks or respirators, gloves, and other protective outer clothing.

Users must exercise special caution when working with conductive materials, as the build-up of their dust and ambient particles may damage electrical components, cause short circuits, or produce other effects, including reflected laser radiation.

This machine can be safely used with the following materials:

• Aluminum
• Brass
• Carbide
• Gold
• Silver
• Steel
• Stone, including Granite, Marble, etc.
• Titanium
• Tungsten

This machine can be used with some other metals, hard plastics, and other materials with some care. For other materials, if you are unsure about their safety or laser compatibility with this device, seek out its material safety data sheet (MSDS). Pay special attention to information about safety, toxicity, corrosiveness, reflectivity, and reactions to high heat. Alternatively, contact Monport support department for further guidance.

See section 4.4 Instructions for Specific Materials (Page 24) for the recommended parameters for the most commonly engraved materials.

This machine CAN NOT be used with the following materials or with any materials which include them:

• Artificial leather containing Hexavalent Chromium (Cr[VI]), due to its toxic fumes
• Astatine, due to its toxic fumes
• Beryllium oxide, due to its toxic fumes
• Bromine, due to its toxic fumes
• Chlorine, including Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC, Vinyl, Cintra, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
• Fluorine, including Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon, PTFE, etc.), due to its toxic fumes
• Iodine, due to its toxic fumes
• Paper and paperboard, due to their high flammability when exposed to the concentrated laser
• Phenolic resins, including various forms of epoxy, due to their toxic fumes
• Wood, including MDF, plywood, balsa, birch, cherry, oak, poplar, etc., due to its high flammability

3.1 Overview

A complete working system consists of the following parts:

• Fiber laser source
• Laser arm with the galvanometer lens
• Computer (not included) with BslAppSimple software
• All applicable connection cables
• Support column
• Working platform

Users can also configure additional accessories (such as a rotary axis) to suit their needs. Use only the hardware, wiring, and power sources that came with or are compatible with this device. Installing equipment that your device is not designed to work with can lead to poor performance, shortened service time, increased maintenance costs, property damage, and personal injury.

Please note the specific requirements of your system's installation. Every customer must understand these notes before installation to execute a proper setup and achieve safe laser performance. If you have any installation questions or problems, contact Monport technicians and customer support team.

Any auxiliary equipment must be adjusted to the base machine. Queries may be directed to the dealer or manufacturer of such equipment.

3.2 Location Selection

Before assembling your laser marking machine, select an appropriate location for its use, meeting the following conditions:

• Be sure that it meets all the requirements discussed in the Safety Information above.
• The location should be stable, level, dry, and climate-controlled to ensure an ambient temperature of 32–104°F (0–40°C) and an ambient humidity under 70%.
• In particular, the temperature and humidity together should NOT be close to the dew point.
• It is also advisable to use a windowless room or use blinds and/or curtains to avoid exposure to the potential additional heat of direct sunlight.
• The location should be free of dust and other airborne pollutants and well-ventilated enough to process any fumes produced by the engraving process in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Depending on the materials to be processed, this may require the construction of a dedicated ventilation system.
• It should be away from children; combustible, flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials; and sensitive EMI devices.
• The power cord should be plugged into a compatible and stable power source via a grounded 3-prong outlet. No other item should be drawing current from the same fuse.
• There should be firefighting equipment nearby, and the local fire station's phone number should be clearly displayed.
• It is highly recommended to have an extra work table nearby to avoid placing objects on or directly adjacent to the machine, which could become a fire or laser hazard.

3.3 Electrical Grounding

This device uses a powerful laser and operates at extremely high voltage, making proper grounding crucial for safety. To prevent the build-up of static electricity, users must securely ground the device.

1. Using a Standard Outlet: Plugging the device into a standard 3-prong outlet provides sufficient grounding.
2. Alternative Grounding Method: Use the included grounding cable if a 3-prong outlet is unavailable. Ensure the far end of the cable is securely connected to a metal rod driven at least 8 feet (3 m) deep into the soil, located at least 5 feet (1.5 m) from the machine. The resistance along the grounding line should not exceed 5Ω.

Failure to properly ground the device WILL lead to equipment failure and pose a serious electrical shock risk. The manufacturer and/or seller(s) do not bear responsibility or liability for any damage, accidents, or injuries resulting from improper grounding connections.

4.1 Operation Overview

⚠️ Operate this laser marking machine only in accordance with all the instructions provided in this manual. Failure to follow the guidelines detailed here can result in property damage and personal injury.

This section addresses only some of the options and features provided by the operation software. Before using the machine, ensure you have read this entire manual (particularly the Safety Information section), the separate software manual, and any warnings provided on the machine itself.

4.2 Software Installation

4.3 Instructions for Specific Materials

When engraving a new material, it can be helpful to engrave a test matrix of small boxes produced with various speed, power, and frequency settings to determine the exact effect you are looking for. Here are some general guidelines for commonly engraved materials. However, these are only guidelines for your convenience, and it is the responsibility of the user to consult material safety data sheets and other sources to ensure the safety of working with various materials and setups.

Some of the materials listed may require additional workspace and personal protective equipment in addition to this engraver:

Metals

When engraving metals, generally use high power, low frequency, and low to medium speed settings. To avoid using your marker at greater than 80% power for extended periods, you can achieve similar effects by reducing the power somewhat while increasing the number of passes or decreasing the engraving speed. Be mindful that some metals produce conductive, reflective, and/or toxic dust. Softer metals naturally produce more dust during engraving, while harder metals can require higher power settings that also produce more dust. In addition to the risk to the user's skin and eyes, there may be enough dust produced (especially for repetitive industrial applications) that a full ventilation system is required to address the problem. Operators and others in the work area may need to use breathing PPE such as masks and respirators.

• Aluminum: Bare aluminum requires a somewhat higher frequency than other metals and will never produce a strong black mark similar to those created by engraving steel. For darker marking, consider employing anodization or producing a deep engraving that can be darkened with black epoxy or other filler. Anodized aluminum requires a little more speed but a very low frequency.
• Powder-Coated Metals: Metals with a powder coating usually require a very high frequency and, for best results, at least three passes to remove the coating and polish the bare lower layer.
• Precious Metals: Gold and similarly soft metals should be engraved with less power but at a moderate speed. Silver and other semi-durable metals are best engraved at slightly higher power and slightly slower speed but not at the same power and speed as steel or aluminum.

Plastics

When engraving plastics, generally use low power and high-speed settings. Marking and engraving with too much power or at too low a speed can concentrate too much energy at the point of contact, causing the plastic to melt. This may produce poor engraving quality, noxious fumes, and even fires.

Stone

When engraving various kinds of stone, generally use moderate power and speed at low frequency. As with ceramics and metals, be mindful of the dust created (especially for repetitive industrial applications) and take similar measures to ensure the safety of users and others in the work area.

5.1 Maintenance Overview

⚠️ Unless otherwise specified, perform adjustment and maintenance of this device only when the power is turned off and the power supply has been disconnected. Only trained and skilled professionals should modify or disassemble this device.

5.2 Regular Maintenance Procedures

• Keep the workroom clean and dust-free at all times.
• Ensure the device is fully powered off when not in use.
• Cover the galvanometric lens when it is not in use.
• Clean the worktable after use with a cloth wetted with more than 75% rubbing alcohol.
• Never clean this device with abrasive or caustic cleansers, aerosol sprays, or enough water to enter any electrical component. Always allow surfaces to fully dry before further use.
• When removing dust from the device's vents using a vacuum, ONLY use the lowest power setting to avoid damage to internal components.

No other servicing should be done by the operator. Do not attempt to service or replace other parts yourself.

5.3 Troubleshooting Guidance

5.4 Disposal Instructions

♻️ Electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. In the EU and UK, according to Directive 2012/19/EU, used electrical products must be collected separately and disposed of at designated collection points. Canada and the US may have similar regulations. Contact your local authorities or dealer for disposal and recycling advice.