Genmitsu 10W Compressed Spot Laser Fixed Focus Module User Manual

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the Genmitsu 10W compressed spot laser fixed focus module. This 10W diode laser operates with a 445nm wavelength. The module was especially designed for use with the Jinsoku LC-60A, LE-1620 Laser Engraver and Genmitsu PROVerXL 4030 CNC Machines. However, it is highly compatible and can also be used with a large number of other desktop CNC machines.

The current version of this user manual can be found at https://docs.sainsmart.com/.

You can also get help and support in our Facebook group: (SainSmart Genmitsu CNC Users Group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/SainSmart.GenmitsuCNC).

In addition, SainSmart support is available to you anytime via e-mail: support@sainsmart.com.

Safety Instructions

Always exercise safety and caution when working with laser marking systems. Consider the following recommendations to minimize risk:

• You must be at least 13 years old to operate the laser engraver.
• Direct exposure to the laser beam can cause severe burns and eye damage. Ensure that you are wearing proper laser safety goggles when working in the vicinity of the laser equipment.
• When you focus the laser, do so only on the lowest power setting.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, as use of the laser may lead to an unexpected fire.
• Never leave an operating laser unattended.
• Fumes and smoke generated during the engraving/cutting process must be extracted from the room, as some can be poisonous. Ensure there is a ventilated system to the outdoors.
• Make sure the cutting area under the laser is metal or non-flammable.
• Ensure that the room or area where you are operating the laser is sufficiently labeled to prevent someone from unknowingly walking into an active work area.
• Be sure to disconnect the power when cleaning, maintaining, or servicing the laser equipment.
• DO NOT stare at the bright and intense light appearing during the engraving process. Doing so can cause serious eye damage.
• Never use the laser except for the purpose intended.

SainSmart does not accept any responsibility or liability for any use or misuse of the Laser.

Package List

The package includes the following items:

• 1. Laser Module with Air Assist Nozzle: The main laser component with an integrated nozzle for air assist.
• 2. Focus Calibration Tool: A cylindrical tool with dimensions ⌀16*40mm used for setting the laser's focal length.
• 3. Connection Cable (XH2.54-3P, 1.5m): A standard 3-pin connection cable for connecting the laser module.
• 4. Connection Cable for 3018 PRO (XH2.54-3P, 1.5m): A specific 3-pin connection cable for the 3018 PRO model.
• 5. Connection Cable for PROVer XL 4030, 1.5m: A specific 3-pin connection cable for the PROVer XL 4030 model.
• 6. Safety Goggles (Green): FDA-Certified safety goggles to protect your eyes from laser light.
• 7. Allen Wrench: A 2.0mm Allen wrench for assembly.
• 8. User Manual: This document.
• 9. Screws: Five M3*6 screws for mounting the laser module, specifically for the PROVer XL 4030.

Product Specifications and Performance

1. Application: Suitable for desktop laser engravers, CNC routers, and laser cutters.
2. Engravable Materials: Cardboard, plastic, PCB, Aluminum alloy, stainless steel, black metal, etc.
3. Cuttable Materials: Wood, cardboard, non-woven fabric, bamboo, laser-safe plastic, etc.
4. Laser Power: 10W
5. Spot Size: 0.08*0.08mm
6. Focal Length: 40mm
7. Laser Wavelength: 455 ± 5nm
8. Input Power: 12V / 3A (36W). A 12V 5A power supply is recommended.
9. Electrical Interface: XH2.54-3Pin terminal (three-code cable: a: PWM +, b: GND, c: 12VDC).
10. Laser Shield: A movable laser shield that effectively shields the laser beam without affecting its working position.
11. Air Assist System: When performing laser cutting jobs, an air assist system blows air through the air nozzle, enhancing cutting performance and reducing burn marks. The air assist nozzle can be removed for non-cutting jobs. This laser kit includes an air assist nozzle; an air assist pump and air tubing may need to be purchased separately.
12. Recommended Air Tubing: Inner diameter 4.0mm, outer diameter 7.0mm.
13. Recommended Air Pump: Flow rate 5-8L/min.

Precautions

1. Please read the instructions carefully before use.
2. Direct exposure to the laser beam can cause severe burns and eye damage. Ensure that you are wearing proper laser safety goggles when working in the vicinity of the laser equipment.
3. Understand the laser module's compatibility regarding maximum input voltage and current to avoid damaging the laser.
4. When engraving reflective materials such as mirror stainless steel, it is recommended to paint the material surface black with a marker before engraving. This prevents laser damage and unwanted laser exposure from reflective beams.
5. After long hours of laser working, residue from smoke and dirt can accumulate on the laser lens. Cleaning the lens regularly is necessary. After working with oily materials such as pine boards, clean the lens promptly. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe the lens.
6. Please use a smoke exhaust device and ensure that the room or area where you are operating the laser is well-ventilated.

Laser Module Installation

STEP 1: Install the Laser Module on Jinsoku LC-60A/LE-1620

1. Prepare your 4mm ID (7mm Outer Diameter) Air line tubing. Connect one end of the tubing to the air assist nozzle and the other end to the air pump. If you do not have an air pump or flexible tubing, you can ignore this step.
2. Choose the correct laser module adapter plate for your machine. Fix the laser module onto the adapter plate using four M3*6 screws, and then install the plate onto your machine with four M3 screws.
3. It is recommended to remove the air assist nozzle when performing non-cutting jobs (engraving). To remove the nozzle, first unplug the air tubing, then loosen the screw fixing the nozzle, and turn the nozzle counter-clockwise to remove it.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows the laser module assembly. Air flows from the top left, indicated by an arrow labeled "Air". Air tubing with an outer diameter of 7.0mm and inner diameter of 4.0mm connects to the Air Nozzle. An Adapter Plate is shown attached to the laser module with M3*6 screws. The module itself has connection pins labeled VccDC12V 3A, GND, and PWM (5V, 0~1kHz). Dimensions of the module are indicated as 30mm and 70mm.

STEP 2: Laser Control Board and Laser Module Connection

Choose the corresponding connection cable for your model and connect it to the machine's controller. Ensure you have selected the correct cable before connecting.

Example 1: If the laser interface of the laser control card has the sequence 12V GND PWM, use the XH2.54-3P 1.5m connection cable, as shown in the figure.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows a Laser Control Card with pins labeled "12V GND PWM" and a connection cable with matching connectors. The cable connects to the laser module.

Example 2: If the laser interface of the laser control card has the sequence 12V PWM GND, use the XH2.54-3P 1.5m connection cable for 3018 PRO, as shown in the figure.

Diagram Description: Similar to Example 1, this diagram shows a Laser Control Card with pins labeled "12V PWM GND" and a matching connection cable connecting to the laser module.

Note: After connecting the laser cable, ensure the connection is firm. A loose connection or high contact resistance can lead to overheating of the connector and damage to the laser module interface.

STEP 1: Install the Laser Module on Genmitsu PROVer XL 4030

Find the Adapter Plate for PROVer XL 4030 (this usually comes with the machine). Fix the laser module onto the adapter plate using four M3*6 screws. Then, install the plate onto your machine using four M5*10 screws.

Diagram Description: Two diagrams illustrate the installation on the PROVer XL 4030. The first shows the laser module being attached to the Adapter Plate with M3*6 screws. The second shows the assembled adapter plate and module being mounted onto the CNC machine's gantry with M5*10 screws.

STEP 2: Connecting to a PROVerXL 4030

To connect the laser to the PROVerXL 4030, use the 3-pin cable for GND, PWM, and +12V.

STEP 3: Laser Focus

1. Loosen the two screws fixing the laser shield and lift it to the angle shown in the illustration, then retighten the screws.

2. Place the focus calibration tool on the workpiece, beneath the laser. Position the laser module directly above the tool to quickly set the focal length to 40mm and lock it in place.

3. Remove the focus calibration tool. Ensure the laser module does not move during this process, and then lower the laser shield.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the laser focusing process. It shows the Laser Head positioned above a Material. A Focus Calibration Tool is placed on the Material. The distance from the laser nozzle to the Material is indicated as 40mm (Focal Length). Screws for fixing the Laser Shield are also labeled.

Installation is now finished. If the fan or laser is not working when the machine is powered on, check that the correct cable is used to connect the laser module and the machine controller, and verify that the connection cable is plugged in correctly.

Installing LaserGRBL

LaserGRBL is a free program that works with Grbl-based routers fitted with a Laser and Laser Engravers. It is used here to assist with setting up the Laser, although it is capable of both sending GCode and converting images to G-Code for Laser Engraving. It can be downloaded from https://lasergrbl.com/download/.

After installation and connecting to the router, the screen should look like this:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the LaserGRBL software interface (v3.3.1 or v4.6.2) is shown. It displays the main window with menus (Grbl, File, Colors, Language, Tools, ?), COM port and Baud rate settings, Filename, Progress bar, a console area for G-code input, a visualization pane, and status information at the bottom (Lines, Buffer, Estimated Time, Status).

There are a couple of customizations to be made before proceeding.

Enable Z axis Jog

Select 'Grbl' → 'Settings' and click on the 'Jog Control' Tab. Make sure the 'Click'n Jog' box is ticked and save.

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the LaserGRBL 'Settings' window is displayed, focusing on the 'Jog Control' tab. Options include 'Continuous Jog' and 'Show Z up/down control' with a checkbox for 'Click'n Jog'. Notes explain the functionality of these settings, including limitations for Z-axis support and the usefulness of 'Click'n Jog' for positioning.

Add Custom buttons FIX URL

Download the file CustomButtons.gz from the SainSmart WIKI at the following URL: https://lasergrbl.com/usage/custom-buttons/. Right-click on the text 'Right click here to add custom buttons' in the Buttons pane and select 'Import Custom buttons'. In the Open Window, select the downloaded file and click Open. The dialog box for importing custom buttons will appear.

Diagram Description: A screenshot shows the LaserGRBL interface with a dropdown menu open from right-clicking the 'Add Custom Button' area. Options include 'Lock position', 'Export custom buttons', and 'Import custom buttons'. Below this, a progress bar and status are visible.

A short dialog is displayed for each of the three additional buttons. You can now select for each individual button contained in the archive file whether it should be imported or not. Select 'Yes' for each button.

LaserGRBL Window with Custom Buttons

The LaserGRBL window should now look like this. The three added buttons are arranged from left to right and contain the following functions:

• Turn on laser at low power (S100): Press again to turn off.
• Set for Laser mode ($32=1): Enables laser mode.
• Turn on the laser at low power (S30) for 2 seconds, then turn it off again: Useful when setting an origin position.

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the LaserGRBL interface highlights three custom buttons. The first button shows a laser icon and text "Laser Mode ON". The second shows a 2-second timer icon. The third shows a laser icon with "S100". Labels point to 'Router Connection', 'Console Output', 'Visualisation Pane', 'Jog Feed Rate', 'Jog Step in mm', and 'Custom Buttons'.

Note: The laser power is set by 'S100' in the custom button commands, but this is dependent on the Maximum spindle speed ($30) set on the router. If your maximum spindle speed has been changed, you may need to adjust the laser power by editing the buttons to change the S100 value. When the Laser is on, the power should be set so you can see the dot the laser beam makes while wearing the Laser Goggles. Normally, the S value should be 10% of the $30 setting.

Use LaserGRBL to Focus the Laser

To cut or engrave efficiently, the laser beam needs to be tightly focused into the smallest possible point at the top of the stock. Although the focus point of the Laser is fixed, the height of the laser above the stock needs to be set correctly. Do not forget to wear the Safety Goggles.

• Place the Laser Alignment tool on the top of the stock at the side of the Laser, not underneath.
• Use the Z-axis adjustable knob to move the laser up and down until the laser calibration tool will just slide underneath the heatsink.
• Set the zero point at this position by clicking the globe icon.

If using very thin stock, place a flat material underneath it to bring the top of the stock higher and into the range of the Laser.

If using thick stock, it is possible to slacken the bolt clamping the laser in the motor mount and slide it upwards to give more clearance.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the laser focusing setup. It shows the Laser Head positioned above a Stock. A Laser Alignment Tool is placed on the Stock. The Focal Length is indicated as 40mm. The diagram shows the laser beam's focal point relative to the alignment tool and the stock surface.

Test the Focus

If desired, test the focus of the laser by placing something that will not burn off, with a known thickness, on top of the stock underneath the laser.

Click the 'Laser Fire' button to turn the Laser On.

Diagram Description: Two images compare the laser dot. The left image shows a "No focused" laser dot, appearing larger and less defined. The right image shows a "Focused" laser dot, appearing as a small, sharp point.

If necessary, use the Z-Axis Adjustable Knob to move the Laser up and down to achieve the smallest possible laser dot. Then, click the 'Laser Fire' button once more to turn the Laser Off. Finally, move the laser down using the Z-axis jog control by the thickness of the object placed on the material to set the Z-axis zero point.