AcuBeam Manual Rev B 10-6-2011

8/13/2019 AcuBeam Manual Rev B 10-6-2011

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User Guide

ACUBEAM LASER GALVOCONTROL SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE VERSION:3.3.1.

User Guide Rev. B


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Issued: 10/26/2011 Original Instruction 2011 Preco, Inc. All rights reserved. Project: AcuBeam

Document Policy

COPYRIGHT

The contents of this manual are the property of Preco, Inc. (Preco) ofSomerset,Wisconsin. Any reproduction of this information without the express writtenpermission of Preco is prohibited.

NON-DISCLOSURE

The contents of this manual, and all referred or associated documents markedPreco Confidential, are provided to the original purchaser of the system for internaluse only. Any disclosure of documents marked Preco Confidentialto outside partieswithout the express written permission of Preco is strictly prohibited.

POLICY

This manual is based on the data available at the time of publication. While sincereeffort has been made to make the manual accurate, the information contained hereindoes not claim to cover all the details or variations in hardware or software nor toprovide for every possible contingency in connection with installation, operation,maintenance, repair, or replacement.

The policy of Preco is one of continuous improvement. Therefore, the information inthis manual is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as acommitment by Preco. Preco also assumes no obligation to notify manual holders ofsubsequent revisions.

Preco makes no representation of warranty, expressed or implied, nor assumes anyresponsibility for accuracy, completeness, sufficiency, usefulness or any problemsthat may arise from the use of the information contained herein.

MADE IN THE USA

Precoproducts are designed and manufactured in the USA.

PATENTS

Precoproducts are made under one or more of the following U.S. and relatedpatents issued in other countries: U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,436; U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,879;

U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,758; U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,648; U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,932; U.S. Pat.No. 6,538,230; U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,952; U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,294; U.S. Pat. No.6,794,604. Other patents pending.

TRADEMARKACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Preco is a registered trademark of Preco, Inc.AcuBeam is a trademark of Preco, Inc.All other product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes only,and may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Copyright 2011 Preco, Inc. All rights reserved.

500 Laser DriveSomerset, WI 54025 USA

Voice: 715.247.3285Facsimile: 715.247.5650Sales:1.800.77.LASER

Service:1.800.799.2583email:[email protected]

website: www.precoinc.com
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control SoftwareUser GuideContents i


INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 1OVERVIEW ....................................................................................... 1ABOUT THIS GUIDE .......................................................................... 1HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE ................................................................. 2ALERT MESSAGES ........................................................................... 2HOW THIS GUIDE IS ORGANIZED ....................................................... 3

SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION ............................................................... 5OVERVIEW ....................................................................................... 5APPLICATION ................................................................................... 6

WEB:CUT-ON-THE-FLY .............................................................. 6WEB:INDEXED ........................................................................... 6INDIVIDUAL PARTS ..................................................................... 6

ACUBEAM FUNCTIONAL MODES....................................................... 7MULTI-STATION MODE ................................................................ 7STAND-ALONE MODE ................................................................. 7

ACUBEAM APPLICATION TERMS....................................................... 7OPERATING SYSTEM .................................................................. 7DISTRIBUTION ............................................................................ 7

HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE ............................................................. 8OPERATOR INTERFACE ................................................................... 9

OVERVIEW ....................................................................................... 9ACUBEAM MAIN SCREEN LAYOUT.................................................... 9JOB EXECUTE MODE INTERFACE .................................................... 10

SINGLE SYSTEM ....................................................................... 10DUAL SYSTEM ......................................................................... 11

JOB EXECUTE MAIN SCREEN REGIONS ........................................... 12JOB EXECUTE MENU TOOL BAR REGION................................... 12JOB EXECUTE MODE FILE MENU.............................................. 12

JOB EXECUTE MODE FILE MENU OPTIONS.......................... 13JOB EXECUTE MODE VIEW MENU ............................................. 13

JOB EXECUTE MODE VIEW MENU OPTIONS......................... 14

JOB EXECUTE MODE UNITS MENU ............................................ 14JOB EXECUTE MODE UNITS MENU OPTIONS............................. 14JOB EXECUTE MODE DIAGNOSTICS MENU................................ 15

JOB EXECUTE MODE DIAGNOSTICS MENU OPTIONS............ 15JOB EXECUTE MODE DIAGNOSTICS MENU WINDOWS...................... 15

SCANHEAD STATUS WINDOW ................................................... 15RTCSTATUSSYSTEM 1 ........................................................ 16

CONTENTS


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AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control SoftwareUser Guideii Contents


DIGITAL I/OWINDOW ............................................................... 17PMACAUXILIARY I/OWINDOW ................................................ 18PMACAXIS I/OWINDOW ......................................................... 18PMACSTANDARD I/OWINDOW............................................... 18

JOB EXECUTE MODE LANGUAGE MENU.......................................... 19JOB EXECUTE MODE LANGUAGE MENU OPTIONS...................... 19

JOB EXECUTE MODE HELP MENU ................................................... 19JOB EXECUTE MODE HELP MENU OPTIONS.............................. 19

JOB EXECUTE STATUS BAR REGION ............................................... 20SYSTEM MODE BUTTONS REGION .................................................. 20

ALARMS ................................................................................... 20JOB EXECUTE .......................................................................... 21SETUP MODE ........................................................................... 21SYSTEM ALARMS WINDOW ....................................................... 21

JOB EXECUTE MODE DRAWING PALETTE REGION........................... 22JOB EXECUTE MODE PROPERTIES REGION............................... 23

JOB TAB ........................................................................................ 23MESSAGE TAB ............................................................................... 24VISION TAB .................................................................................... 25JOB EXECUTE MODE SYSTEM REGION........................................... 26

CYCLE CONTROL BUTTONS ...................................................... 26FEEDRATE CONTROLS ............................................................. 27

JOB EXECUTE MODE CONTROL BUTTONS REGION.......................... 27JOB EXECUTE MODE CONTROL WINDOWS................................ 28

MDIMODE WINDOWS .................................................................... 28RTCCONTROL WINDOW ................................................................ 28ACUPOWER CONTROL WINDOW ..................................................... 29JOG MODE WINDOW ...................................................................... 30CALIBRATE MODE WINDOW ............................................................ 31

GALVO TAB .............................................................................. 32VISION TAB .............................................................................. 38LASER TAB .............................................................................. 39

JOB EXECUTE I/OCONTROL BUTTONS REGION.............................. 40SETUP MODE INTERFACE ............................................................... 40

SETUP MODE MAIN SCREEN..................................................... 41SETUP MODE MAIN SCREEN REGIONS............................................ 42

SETUP MODE MENU TOOL BAR REGION................................... 42SETUP MODE FILE MENU ......................................................... 42

SETUP MODE FILE MENU OPTIONS..................................... 43SETUP MODE EDIT MENU ............................................................... 47

SETUP MODE EDIT MENU OPTIONS.................................... 47SETUP MODE VIEW MENU ........................................................ 48

SETUP MODE VIEW MENU OPTIONS................................... 49SETUP MODE UNITS MENU ....................................................... 50

SETUP MODE UNITS MENU OPTIONS.................................. 50SETUP MODE DRAW MENU...................................................... 50

SETUP MODE DRAW MENU OPTIONS.................................. 51SETUP MODE SYSTEM MENU................................................... 52


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AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control SoftwareUser GuideContents ii i


SETUP MODE SYSTEM MENU OPTIONS............................... 52 SETUP MODE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION WINDOWS................... 53SCREEN 1SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONGENERAL PROPERTYTAB ......................................................................................... 54SCREEN 1SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONTEMPLATES DISPLAY.. 56SCREEN 2SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONBLOCKS PROPERTY TAB58SCREEN 3SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONCELLS PROPERTY TAB60SCREEN 4SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONSUB CELL PROPERTYTAB ......................................................................................... 62SCREEN 5SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONPROCESS ON THE FLYTAB ......................................................................................... 64

WEB CONTROLLED PROCESS ON-THE-FLY.......................... 66SETUP MODE SYSTEM TABLE PARAMETERS WINDOW............... 67SETUP MODE SYSTEM WEB INDEXER PARAMETERS WINDOW... 70

SETUP MODE SETTINGS MENU ....................................................... 73END POINT TOLERANCES OPTION............................................. 73

SNAP MODE OPTION .......................................................... 73SETUP MODE TOOLS MENU...................................................... 75

SETUP MODE TOOLS MENU OPTIONS................................. 75SETUP MODE HELP MENU ........................................................ 76

SETUP MODE HELP MENU OPTIONS................................... 76SETUP MODE STATUS BAR REGION.......................................... 76SETUP MODE DRAWING PALETTE REGION................................ 77SETUP MODE PROPERTIES REGION.......................................... 78

AUTOMATION TAB .............................................................. 78VISION TAB .............................................................................. 81GALVOPEN SETTINGS TAB.................................................... 83

PEN VARIABLES:GENERAL ................................................. 83PEN VARIABLES:CUT ......................................................... 84ANALOG CONTROLS ........................................................... 86PEN VARIABLES:CUTTER COMPENSATION.......................... 87

ACUBEAM CUTTER COMPENSATION DETAILS............................ 87RULES FOR USING CUTTING COMPENSATION............................ 88

GROUP/PATH SETTINGS TAB .............................................. 89TRANSFORM WINDOW .............................................................. 90ARRAY WINDOW ...................................................................... 91

OPERATION ...................................................................................... 93TO LOAD THE ACUBEAM SOFTWARE PROGRAM.............................. 93TO EXIT THE ACUBEAM SOFTWARE PROGRAM............................... 93GALVANOMETER CALIBRATION ....................................................... 94BEAM FOCUS ................................................................................. 94

FOCUS USING THE SMALLEST POINT........................................ 94FOCUS USING THE TENT-SHAPED TARGET METHOD.................. 95FOCUS USING THE MEASURED CUT METHOD............................ 96

GRID CALIBRATION ........................................................................ 96GALVO ROTATION CALIBRATION ................................................... 100OFFSET CALIBRATION .................................................................. 103


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AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control SoftwareUser Guideiv Contents


VISION CALIBRATION .................................................................... 105ENGINEERING UNITS (EU)CALIBRATION................................. 105COORDINATE CALIBRATION (IN-FIELD METHOD) ...................... 106COORDINATE CALIBRATION (OUTFIELD METHOD) .................... 109

POWER PROBE CHECKS .............................................................. 111LASER CALIBRATION .................................................................... 114

PROGRAMMING REFERENCE ...................................................... 115OVERVIEW ................................................................................... 115FILE TYPE AND FILE INTERACTION OVERVIEW............................... 116ACUBEAM RULE SETS AND ASSIGNMENTS .................................... 118PREPARE AND EXECUTE ACUT PATH IN ACUBEAM....................... 118

APPENDIX A: ACUBEAM/ACUVISION II FLOWCHARTS ............ 121APPENDIX B: GALVO AND LASER DELAYS .............................. 125

LASER DELAYS ............................................................................ 125LASERON DELAY ......................................................................... 125LASEROFF DELAY ........................................................................ 125SCANNER DELAYS ....................................................................... 126JUMP DELAY ................................................................................ 127MARK DELAY ............................................................................... 128POLYGON DELAY ......................................................................... 129VARIABLE POLYGON DELAY......................................................... 130MAXIMUM POLYGON DELAY.......................................................... 131OPTIMIZING DELAYS .................................................................... 131

APPENDIX C: AUTO GRID CALIBRATION ................................... 135OVERVIEW ................................................................................... 135AUTO GRID CALIBRATION PROCEDURES ....................................... 135


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AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control SoftwareUser Guide

Introduction 1


INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEWThis guide was designed to provide operating and programminginformation for the laser control software designed by Preco, Inc.

This user guide assumes the reader is familiar with the MicrosoftWindowsoperating system.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The operator must completely read and clearly understand theinformation contained in this manual before any attempt is made tooperate or maintain the laser system. If there are any doubts orquestions related to safety or operation, call the Preco ServiceDepartment for clarification.

Every Preco laser system is built to suit each customer'srequirements. A wide variety of optional accessories/componentassemblies, laser enclosure configurations, and power levels areavailable. This manual is not designed to assist with any type ofservice function. If any problem is experienced with your laser, pleasecontact the Preco Service Department.

Important:Operators should never make unassisted attempts totroubleshoot or repair internal problems with the laser.Troubleshooting and repairing procedures are not included in thispublication because many of them are potentially hazardous andshould only be performed by qualified, Preco Trained ServiceTechnicians.

This manual is designed to provide the operator with the informationneeded to run the laser system safely and effectively. All laser serviceoperations must be performed by either a qualified in-house PrecoTrained Service Technician or by a Preco Service Technician.

The operators should read and familiarize themselves with Chapter 2

-Safety of this manual. Additional safety information is presentedlater in this section and throughout the manual.


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AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control SoftwareUser Guide2Introduction


HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

This user guide contains detailed information about using the lasercontrol software pre-loaded onto your systems computer. Read thisguide in its entirety before using the system. Information given in aprevious section may be needed to understand or complete a step ina subsequent section.

ALERT MESSAGESDANGER,WARNING,CAUTION,IMPORTANT orNOTEstatements alertoperating or service personnel of dangerous situations and need-to-know information. Information is given in the following manner:

DANGER:Identif ies immediate hazards that WILL result in severepersonal injury or death.

WARNING:Identif ies hazards or unsafe practices that COULD result insevere personal injury or death.

CAUTION:Identif ies hazards or unsafe practices that COULD result inminor personal injury or damage to product or property.

IMPORTANT:When you see this symbol, be alert. Always follow ALLinstructions associated with this symbol throughout thismanual and on the system.


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Introduction 3


HOW THIS GUIDE IS ORGANIZEDThis laser control software user guide is designed to provide

information on how to use and program the Laser Control Softwarepre-loaded on your systems computer. This guide is organized asfollows: Introduction provides a description of how this guide is

designed.

Software Description provides an overview of the software andits components.

Operator Interface provides a description of the operatorinterface. It describes the main screen regions and operatorfunctions.

Operation provides procedures for operator activities. Programming Reference provides programming reference

information for AcuBeam in a Windowsenvironment.

Appendix A: AcuBeam/AcuVision II Flowcharts provides step-by-step flowcharts that outline the calibration procedures.

Appendix B: Galvo and Laser Delays This section providesdetails concerning galvo (scan head) and laser on and off timing.

Appendix C: Auto Grid Calibration This section provides thesteps necessary to perform an Auto Grid Calibration.

NOTE:Your AcuBeam software was formatted for your machine. Theimages in this manual may not look identical to your version ofAcuBeam.


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AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control SoftwareUser Guide4Introduction



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Operator Interface 5


SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEWThis section provides an overview of the AcuBeam Laser GalvoControl Software designed and developed at Preco Inc. For moreinformation regarding operator interface or programming, refer to theOPERATING INTERFACEand PROGRAMMING REFERENCEsections in thisguide.

NOTE:Your AcuBeam software was formatted for your machine. Theimages in this section may not look identical to your version ofAcuBeam.

AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control Software provides a method to controlgalvanometer-based laser cutting systems. The Software iscomprised of two main components: A module for setting up a new job for production. This module will

be referred to as theAcuBeam Setup Mode.

A module for controlling the laser and motion system to processparts. This module will be referred to as the AcuBeam ExecuteModeand typically interacts with the hardware.

The AcuBeam Laser Control system includes the following mainfeatures: Operator interface to set laser control parameters (also called Pen

Parameters).

CAD user interfaces for cut path viewing and manipulation.

Implementation of multiple galvanometers and multiplegalvanometer fields.

A method for controlling cut paths depending on external inputs.

I/O diagnostic capability.

Machine control panel for Start/Stop and other functions.


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AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control SoftwareUser Guide6Operator Interface


APPLICATIONThe AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control Software is intended to be used inthe following converting type applications:

WEB:CUT-ON-THE-FLY

TheWeb: Cut-on-the-flyconverting application is for web-basedoperations where the cutting patterns are cut on the moving web.AcuBeam does not control the web, but may be interfaced to a sensorthat determines when to cut the pattern. If the galvanometer cuttingsystem is one of many operations on the web, the customers in-house web controller typically controls the web. Otherwise, a web-handling device, such as the type from Deacroor Stanford, controls

the web with its own independent controller.

WEB:INDEXED

TheWeb: Indexedconverting application is an application where thepart is cut on the web, but the web is indexed and subsequentlystopped for the cutting process. This is generally a multi-stationprocess where AcuBeam is a single station in the production line.Other stations could include processes including a vision system thatdetermines the part location based on fiducials. A PLC, or a separateapplication running on the PC, may control the web handling.

INDIVIDUAL PARTSThe Individual Partsconverting application typically, but not always,cuts parts out of a sheet of material. The parts can be fed manually,from a sheeter or an index table. AcuBeam does not control theautomation but may accept Start/Stop signals from the operator oranother process. Typically, a PLC, or a separate application runningon the PC, will control the automation.


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ACUBEAM FUNCTIONAL MODES

To fit into these applications AcuBeam has, essentially, two functionalmodes:

MULTI-STATION MODE

AcuBeam can be integrated as a station in a multi-station productionline. In this mode, an OPC interface communicates control andexchange data between stations. Different processes, such as pre-process part location, vision inspection, etc. can be done on the samecomputer or different computers as needed at any location in the partprocess with all processes operating simultaneously.

STAND-ALONE MODE

AcuBeam can have multiple stations, but the stations operatesequentially; that is, only a single station is operating at a time. In thiscase, for example, a pre-process part location that was obtained by avision system is done first, cutting is done next, and vision inspectionis done last. All processes operate on a single computer. Part feedingis generally done manually in this mode, but could have some simpleautomation integrated to the system.

ACUBEAMAPPLICATION TERMS

PrimitivesA Primitiveis the base geometric element or entity. Twotypes of primitives are allowed in AcuBeam: arcs and lines.

GroupA Groupis a method of handling a set of primitives as oneentity.

OPERATING SYSTEM

The AcuBeam PC application software component is designed to beused on the WindowsXPoperating systems.

DISTRIBUTION

AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control Software is distributed on a DVD usingan install program. A custom DVD that contains configuration files isalso provided.


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HARDWAREARCHITECTURE

The typical hardware layout for the AcuBeam Laser Control System isshown in the following figure:

Figure 1. AcuBeam Hardware Architecture

I/O

I/O

I/O

I/O

I/O

I/O

I/O

Ethernet

Opto 22 System Control and

States

Laser

MPLC

AcuBeam

Windows

Operating

System

GalvoRTC 3/4

Vision

Card Cameras

Power

Sensor

RS232

Ethernet

USB

PCI

ISA

Delta Tau PMAC System Control and

States

Laser

MPLC

AcuBeam

Windows

Operating

System

XY Table

Motor/Drives or

Web Index

Web Encoder

(on the fly)

GalvoRTC 3/4

Vision

Card Cameras

Power

Sensor

RS232


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OPERATOR INTERFACE

OVERVIEWThis section describes the AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control SoftwareOperating Interface in the Windowsenvironment. For moreinformation about the AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control Softwareprogram, refer to the SOFTWARE DESCRIPTIONsection of this guide.

The AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control Software program providesoperator and control interface to the system for programming andselecting the laser control parameters. For programming information,refer to the PROGRAMMING REFERENCE section of this guide.

NOTE:Your AcuBeam software was formatted for your machine.Some of the information and images in this section may not beapplicable nor look identical to your version of AcuBeam.

ACUBEAM MAIN SCREEN LAYOUTWhen the system starts, the initial screen displayed is the mainoperator control interface. This is the starting point for both the systemoperation and configuration. The AcuBeam operating interfacewindow consists of two main regions:

Drawing Palette: The Drawing Palettedisplays a graphic

representation of the part geometry after a cut path file is loaded. Youcan also draw the geometry that represents the cut path for new partson the drawing palette.

Property Tabs: The Property Tabsare use to monitor and modifysystem information for the associated tab:

Job Execute:Job, Message, and Vision tabs.

Setup Mode:Automation, Vision, Galvo-Pen Settings, and GroupSetting (cut order) tabs.

The AcuBeam Laser Control System Software can be used to controla single system or a dual system.


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JOB EXECUTE MODE INTERFACEThis section describes the AcuBeam Job Execute Mode operatinginterface. For information regarding the AcuBeam Setup Mode, seeSETUP MODE INTERFACElater in this section.

SINGLE SYSTEM

The following figure displays the main screen for a Single System.See the JOB EXECUTE MAIN SCREEN REGIONSlater in this section for adescription of the main screen regions.

Figure 2. AcuBeam Job Execute Main Screen Single System


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DUAL SYSTEM

The following figure displays the main screen for a Dual System. See

the JOB EXECUTE MAIN SCREEN REGIONSlater in this section for adescription of the main screen regions.

Figure 3. AcuBeam Job Execute Main Screen Dual System


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JOB EXECUTE MAIN SCREEN REGIONSThe following Job Executemain screen regions are described in this

section.

JOB EXECUTE MENU TOOL BAR REGION

The Job Execute Menu Tool Barstopics are displayed in a drop-down menu when you select an option. Move your mouse pointer toselect (highlight) an option. The menu topics are discussed in thefollowing sections.

JOB EXECUTE MODE FILE MENU

The Filemenu lists options for opening files. This menu also displaysa list of the eight (8) most recently opened documents.


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JOB EXECUTE MODE FILE MENU OPTIONS

The Filemenu options are described in the following table.

Option Description

Open

Displays the Open dialog box.

If a drawing is displayed on the screen that has not been saved, theopen option displays the save dialog screen to save the currentdrawing.

The Openoption lets you open the AcuBeam *.glv files.

Remote File List

(Optional)Opens a list of files to run on remote file selection.

Exit

Exitsthe AcuBeam system. A dialog screen is displayed requestingverification to exit the system

Click on Yesto exit the system or Noto cancel the request to ExittheAcuBeam system.

If AcuBeam is exited, all motion is stopped, the laser will shut off andthe shutter is closed (if the laser is not in manual mode).

List of Recently Opened

FilesLists the last eight (8) files opened.

JOB EXECUTE MODE VIEW MENU

The Viewmenu lists options for manipulating the visual display of thecurrent application. Select the desired option.


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JOB EXECUTE MODE VIEW MENU OPTIONSThe Viewmenu options are described in the following table

Option Description

Work Area OutlineCheck this option to display the entire work area.

Cell Layout Check Cell Layoutto display the cell layout template.

Sub cell LayoutCheck Sub cell Layoutto display the Sub Cell Layouttemplate.

Show Partial/Full

Screen

Check Show Partial/Full Screento toggle the display for partialscreen (no tabs along the right of the screen) or entire screen.

JOB EXECUTE MODE UNITS MENU

The Unitsmenu lists options for measurement. Select the desiredmeasurement to select either inches (Inch) or millimeters (Metric).

JOB EXECUTE MODE UNITS MENU OPTIONS

The Unitsmenu options are described in the following table.

Option Description

Inch Selects Inchesas the unit of measure.

Metric Selects Metricas the unit of measure.


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JOB EXECUTE MODE DIAGNOSTICS MENU

The Diagnosticsmenu lists options for displaying diagnostic statuswindows for various system components.

JOB EXECUTE MODE DIAGNOSTICS MENU OPTIONS

The Diagnosticsmenu options are described below.

Option Description

Scanhead StatusDisplays the RTC (Real Time Controller) Status window for System 1and System 2.

PMAC Auxiliary I/O Displays the PMAC Auxiliary I/Owindow.

PMAC AXIS I/O Displays the PMAC Axis I/Owindow.

PMAC Standard I/O Displays the PMACStandard I/Owindow.

Opto 22 I/O Displays the Opto 22 I/Owindow.

JOB EXECUTE MODE DIAGNOSTICS MENUWINDOWSThe Diagnostics Menuwindows are described as follows:

SCANHEAD STATUS WINDOW

The Scanhead Statuswindow displays input and output informationfor the scan head. Two (2) options can be displayed, System 1 andSystem 2.


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RTCSTATUSSYSTEM 1

The RTC Status System 1window displays the driver file versioninformation, the firmware file version information, and the systemstatus information for the installed galvanometer(s).

NOTE:The Temperature, Power, X-Position and Y-Position info is onlyvalid when using Scanlabbrand galvos.


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Version Driver-DLL

Driver-DLL Displays the software version number of the Driver-DLL file.

Firmware-Hex File Displays the software version number of thefirmware-Hex file.

Galvo 1-4 Displays Galvos 1 through 4 per systemconfiguration.

RTC3 hardware version Displays the hardware version number of theinstalled RTC board.

Serial number Displays the serial version number of the installedRTC board.

Installed options Displays the available options of the installed RTCboard.

Temperature ScanHead sensors(green OK, red Not OK)

Power ScanHead sensors

(green OK, red Not OK)

X-position ScanHead sensors(green OK, red Not OK)

Y-position ScanHead sensors(green OK, red Not OK)

DIGITAL I/OWINDOW

The Digital I/O window displays AcuBeam digital input and outputstatus information. The inputs and outputs are configurable on adigital I/O board. Twelve (12) inputs and twelve (12) outputs aredefined and configured from the acubeam.inifile. This file containsparameters for activating the I/O as well as the identifier strings for theI/O. These I/O are scanned and updated on a continuous basis whenthis screen is open.


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PMACAUXILIARY I/OWINDOW

The PMAC I/O Auxi liarywindow displays Standard PMAC four (4)inputs and four (4) outputs status through the Dual Ported Ram. Thestrings associated with these I/O are contained in the acubeam.ini file.Your machine may have more or less I/O compared to the imageshown.

PMACAXIS I/OWINDOWThe PMAC Axis I/O window displays PMAC Axis. Your machine mayhave more or less Axis compared to the image shown.

PMACSTANDARD I/OWINDOW

The PMAC Standard I/O window displays PMAC axis input and outputstatus information for each axis.


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JOB EXECUTE MODE LANGUAGE MENUThe Languagemenu displays the different languages available forviewing within the AcuBeam system. Highlight and click the left buttonthe mouse to select a language.

JOB EXECUTE MODE LANGUAGE MENU OPTIONS

JOB EXECUTE MODE HELP MENUThe Helpmenu displays the available online help topics.

JOB EXECUTE MODE HELP MENU OPTIONS

The Helpmenu options are described below.

Option Description

Manuals Opens the AcuBeam Laser Galvo Control Software User Guide.

About

Displays a screen that lists information about the AcuBeam application such asthe version number, how to contact Preco, Inc. (telephone numbers, address andemail addresses).

Option Description

EnglishTranslates all of the text to English.

SpanishTranslates all of the text to Spanish.

DanishTranslates all of the text to Danish.

PortugueseTranslates all of the text to Portuguese.

GermanTranslates all of the text to German.


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JOB EXECUTE STATUS BAR REGIONThe Job Execute mode status bar region displays directives from thesoftware when an action is required.

SYSTEM MODE BUTTONS REGIONThe System Mode buttons are used to display system alarms and toswitch between Job Execute and Setup Mode.

Single System Dual System

ALARMS

Single System Dual System

TheAlarmsbuttons are used to view and hide the System Alarmswindow for the associated system. The Alarms buttons are only visiblein the Job Executemode. TheAlarmsbutton turns:

RED during system Fatal and Stop alarm conditions.

YELLOW during system Message and Warning alarmconditions.

Status Bar


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JOB EXECUTE MODE DRAWING PALETTEREGION

The Job Execute drawing palette region displays the drawing layoutas drawn in Setup Mode.


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JOB EXECUTE MODE PROPERTIES REGION

The Job Execute Mode Properties region contains three (3) tabs that,when selected, display system information for the current job.

JOB TABThe Job tab is used to display part-count information for the current

job. Click on the Resetbutton to reset the part-count field values ofthe associated field.

JobTab: Displays part-count information for the currently-loaded cutfile name.

Parts Requested: Displays the number of parts that were requested

for the job.Total Number Of Parts Run:Displays the total number of partsprocessed for this job. The Resetbutton can be clicked on to resettotal number of parts to zero (0) at the beginning of a job.

Number Of Parts Passed:Displays the number of parts that werepassed. It is updated automatically by the System Controller as partscycle through the system. The Resetbutton can be clicked on to resetthe value to zero (0) at the beginning of a job.

Number Of Parts Failed:Displays the number of parts that failed. Itis updated automatically by the System Controller as parts cyclethrough the system. The button can be clicked on to reset parts failed

to zero (0) at the beginning of a job.

Max Vision Captures Failed: Displays themaximum number of failed vision capturesallowed. Enter the maximum amount of visioncapture failures allowed before an alarm occurs.

Enabled:Check this check box to enable visionfailed alarming.

Select Starting Sub cell:Displays the Sub cellfrom which will begin processing.

Process only the selected Sub cell:Check

this check box to enable limited processing toonly the selected cell.


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Cycle Time:Displays the cycle time (how long ittakes to run one part: from part header to part

footer, see theAUTOMATION TAB).Format: hour: minute: second: millisecond(hh: mm:ss: ms)

Run Time:Displays the runtime (cumulative totalof cycle times).

Format: day: hour: minute: second (dd: hh: mm: ss)

Total Run Time: Displays the total run time(cumulative total of all run times).

Format: day: hour: minute: second (dd: hh: mm; ss)

Total Up Time: Displays the total time the systemhas been up (total of all run and cycle times).

Format: day: hour: minute: second (dd: hh: mm: ss)

MESSAGE TABThe Messagetab displays information about the condition of thesystem hardware and software. These status messages may give theoperator important information regarding the status of the machinethat may require operator action.


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VISION TABThe Visiontab is used to display the nominal and actual fiducialpositions. It is also used for making small adjustments to the cutposition of a vision-registered part. Using the radio buttons, you canenable/disable the entire vision system or each camera individually.

Vision Enable:This check box is usedfor disabling vision-based partregistration.

X Offset (in):Used to adjust theposition of parts that are vision located.

Y Offset (in):Used to adjust theposition of parts that are vision located.

Rotate (deg):Used to adjust therotation position of parts that are visionlocated.

Scale (%):Used to adjust the scaleposition of parts that are vision located.

Camera 1 Galvo 1:Displays theNominal and Actual X/Y position of thefiducial last captured by using camera 1.

Enable:Enables camera 1.

Disable:Disables camera 1.

Camera 2 Galvo 1: Displays theNominal and Actual X/Y fiducial positionlast captured by using camera 2.

Enable:Enables camera 2.

Disable:Disables camera 2.


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JOB EXECUTE MODE SYSTEM REGION

The Job ExecuteMode System region contains the Cycle buttonsand Feedrate settings.

CYCLE CONTROL BUTTONS

Click on the Run button to execute the selected action.

Click on the Stopbutton to stop processingimmediately. You may continue processing the part byclicking on the Run button.

Click on the Load/Unloadbutton to move the table tothe Load/Unload position that is configured in SetupMode. See SETUP MODE SYSTEM MENUlater in thissection.

Click on the Single Partbutton to run one part from

part header to part footer.

Click on the Single Stepbutton to allow singlestepping through all automation steps.

To view single indexing,

1. Select the Messagetab to display the Messagewindow.

2. Click on theAuto Modebutton.

3. Click on the Single Stepbutton.4. Click on the Run button.

Select the Dry Runbutton to test run a part program toensure that the machine motions are correct withoutfiring the laser.

Click on theAbor tbutton to clear the current actionsand restart at the beginning of the part.


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Calibratemode displays the Calibration window.Calibratemode is used to align and calibrate all devicesused for part processing. See CALIBRATE MODE WINDOWlater in this section.

JOB EXECUTE MODE CONTROL WINDOWS

The Modecontrol windows are displayed when clicking on theassociated Modecontrol button.

MDIMODE WINDOWSThe Manual DeviceInterface(MDI) window is displayed when you

click on the MDI mode control button. This window offers optionaldisplays: Galvo: RTC Card, Galvo: AcuPower:

RTCCONTROL WINDOWThe RTCControlwindow is used to manually control the laser andscan head.

Position: Displays the current position of theconfigured axes: X, Y, and Z.

Home Button: Click on the Homebutton tomove all axes to the machines predeterminedzero location.

Pen Field: Enter the desired pen number andpress Change.


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Units: Click on the desired unit of measure:Millimeters or Bits.

Laser Trigger: Enter the amount of time thelaser will fire, then, use the Laser OFF/ONbutton to fire the laser.

Laser OFF/ON Button:Click and hold theLaser OFFtriggerbutton to fire the laser. Whenthe LaserOFFbutton is held, the button willturn green and will read Laser ON. The laserwill then fire for the length of time specified in

the Time Intervalfield.

ACUPOWER CONTROL WINDOWTheAcuPower Cont ro lwindow is used to directly communicate withthe AcuPower control board.


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JOG MODE WINDOW

The Jog window is displayed when you click on the Jogcontrolbutton. This window is used to control table movement. The axismotion is controlled by clicking the left mouse button on theappropriate axis directional button on the screen or by using thenumeric keypad arrow keys (press the Num Lockkey on thekeyboard to unlock the numeric keypad).

Jog Type Select: The options offered on thescreen change depending on jog method. The axescan be jogged using three different methods:

Continuous:The axes move continuouslywhile the mouse pointer button or the arrow key

on the numeric keypad is held down.Incremental:The axes move at the pre-determined distance (increment) each time themouse or the arrow key is clicked on. Theincrement at which the axes move isdetermined by the setting of the Speed/StepSelect.Handwheel:The axis move when thehandwheel is turned. The Increment Select dialon the handwheel sets the speed at which theaxes move. Jogging the axes with the

handwheel is default in Teach mode.Step/Speed Select:The speed at which the axesmove is determined by the following settings:

Low

Medium low

Medium

Medium high

High

NOTE:The actual speed set for the above buttons can be modified forspecific system requirements.


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Ax is Directional But tons :Click on theappropriate axis directional button to jog thetable in that direction (+Y,+X,-Y,-Xaxes).

Machine Position:Displays the current tableposition in inches or millimeters as selectedfrom the Display menu.

CALIBRATE MODE WINDOWThe Calibration window is displayed when you click on the Calibratemode control button. See the OPERATIONsection of this guide forcalibrating procedures.

The Calibration windowcontains three tabs: Galvo,Vision,and Laser. These tabsare described in the following

sections.Scan Head InformationDisplays the configuration fileversion number on each tab.

Correction File:Click on thedown arrow and select acorrection file or, click on theellipse button and select acorrection file.


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GALVO TAB

The Galvotab is used to select the Focus Line, Grid Calibration,Offset, and Rotation procedures.

Focus Line

The Focus Linefeature is used to cut a test line to determine if thefocus setting is as required.

Scan Head Information

Displays the configuration file version number on each tab.

Correction File:Click on the down arrow and select a correction fileor, click on the ellipse button and select a correction file.

Start Point:Enter values (ininches) for the X/Y location atwhich the test line will begin.

End Point:Enter values (ininches) for the X/Y location atwhich the test line will end.

Perforated Line:Select thisbutton if you would like aperforated focus line.

Cut Speed:Enter a value (ininches per second) for the focusline cut speed.

Cut Power:Enter a value (inpercentage of full power) for the

focus line laser power.Translator New Position:Entera focus value (in relation to itshome position) to which thetranslator servo should movethe focus lens. If your machinehas a manual focus adjustment,this field will not be functional.


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Translator Actual Position:Displays a focus value (in relation toits home position) at which thetranslator focus sensor is currentlypositioned. If your machine has amanual focus adjustment, this fieldwill not be functional.

Grid Calibration

The Grid Calibrationfeature is used to correct errors in the Galvocutting field.

Scan Head InformationDisplays the configuration file versionnumber on each tab.

Correction File:Click on the down arrow and select a correction file,or click on the ellipse button and select a correction file.

Field Setup

Field Size:Displays the size (X andY in inches) of the square field to bescanned. If you enter a differentvalue, a new Working Distance willautomatically be calculated anddisplayed.

Working Distance:Displays thedistance (in inches) from the scanhead to the work surface. Using a

square ruler or tape measure,measure the perpendicular distancefrom the bottom of the scan headprotective window to the top of thework surface and enter the value.The Field Sizewill automatically becalculated and displayed.

Calibration Margin:Displays thearea around the active field (ininches).

Cut Speed

NOTE:Changing the field size or working distance invalidates anyprevious calibration on this file.

Calibration Margin

Active Field


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Cut Speed: Speed used for cuttinglines and letters in the grid

calibrationCut Power

Power used for cutting lines andletters in the grid calibration

Pulse Length

Length of the laser pulse for makingpoints used in the automatic gridcalibration

Warning Tolerance

Measured point locations thatdeviate from nominal locations bymore than this tolerance will beshown in yellow.

Auto po in t/X line/X Point drop-down menu

Line Calibration: Use only if youdo not have a 2-axismeasurement device. Thismethod, measured in 9, 16, 25,and 81 points, allows the use of

a single axis measurementdevice such as a caliper or aruler.

Point Calibration: Manuallymeasured 9, 25, 81, and 289point grids. You must have a 2axis measurement device tomeasure the grid.

Auto Point Calibration :Automatic grid calibration using9, 25, 81, or 289 points. You

must have a camera dedicatedto Automatic grid calibration. SeeAuto Grid Calibration Proceduresin the Appendix.


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Offset

Offsetis used to adjust the position of the galvanometer cut field inreference to the work surface. See the Galvo Offset Calibrationprocedure in the Operationsection of this guide for a description ofhow to use this tab.

NOTE:This option should only be used with systems which containtwo or more scan heads.



Correction File:Click on the down arrow and select a correction fileor click on the ellipse button and select a correction file.

Galvo Offset

Cut Pattern Size:Displays the cutpattern size (in inches). You canenter a different value. The size willapply to all galvos if you have morethan one.

Cut Speed:Enter a value (in inchesper second) for the focus line cutspeed.

percentage of full power) for thefocus line laser power.

Calibration Offset:Enter X and Yoffset values (in inches) as needed.

See the Galvanometer OffsetCalibration Model below.

X-AxisOffset

Galvo 1 Galvo 2

Galvo 2

Y-AxisOffset Galvo 1


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Rotation

Rotation is used to adjust the angular position of the cut field inreference to the work surface. See the Galvo Rotation Calibrationprocedure in the Operationsection of this guide for a description ofhow to perform galvanometer calibration rotation.



Correction File:Click on the down arrow and select a correction fileor, click on the ellipse button and select a correction file.

Galvo Rotation

Cut Pattern Size:Displays the sizeof the cut pattern in relation to the

field of view (FOV). This valueshould not be greater than 95% ofthe galvo field of view size.

Cut Speed: Enter a value (in inchesper second) for the focus line cutspeed.

Cut Power:Enter a value (inpercentage of full power) for thefocus line laser power.

Cut Pattern Count X Y:Displaysthe number of cut patterns to cut in

the X and Y directions.Calibration Rotation:Displays thedegree of rotation required tocalibrate the galvanometer to thework surface.


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Before

Af ter


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VISION TAB

The Visiontab is used to calibrate the camera(s). Select the desiredcamera to be calibrated from the tree list if multiple cameras are beingused.

NOTE:If your machine does not include any cameras, you will nothave the Vision Tabinstalled in your AcuBeam software.

Coordinate Calibration

Camera Coordinate Calibration

Determines the selected camerasoffset and rotation relative to thecenter of the galvo FOV.

Large Circle Diameter:Enter thedesired large circle diameter (ininches). (The small circle diameter is50% of the large circle diameter).

Circle Cut Offset:Enter the X andY offset values for positioning the cutcircles.

NOTE:Only non-zero if the camera iswith the FOV of the galvo

Calibrated Camera Position

Camera Offset:Displays the currentX and Y camera offset (in inches).

Camera Rotation:Displays thecurrent rotational camera position (indegrees).

Last Calibration Time:Displays thedate and time of the last cameracalibration.

Calibratebutton:Click the Calibratebutton to calibrate the camera.


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LASER TAB

The Lasertab is used to modify thelaser power if needed as indicatedby the power probe checksprocedures, see the Power ProbeChecksprocedure in the Operationsection of this guide. Themeasurements and entries allow thesystem to compensate for the laserspower loss at the work surface dueto dusty mirrors, laser derogation,etc.

NOTE:Making a change here will affect all laser processing

Power Calibration

Rated Power:Enter the rated powerfor the laser (in watts).

Measured Power:Using a powerprobe, measure the laser power andenter the measured value.

Power Meter Scale:This value isused to scale the input from the highspeed power detector (if you havethis option installed) Do NOTchange this value unless directedto do so by Preco.

Laser Trigger

Laser Power:Enter the desiredlaser power as a percentage of therated power.

Actual Laser Power: Displays theactual laser power being produced(in watts).

Trigger Timerbutton:Enter theamount of time (in seconds) that thelaser will fire when the Laser Triggerbutton is pressed.


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Laser Triggerbutton: Click thisbutton to fire the laser to test thepower using a power probe.

JOB EXECUTE I/OCONTROL BUTTONSREGIONThe I/O Contro lbuttons are used to activate various (optional)peripheral devices. Click on the I/O buttons once to activate and againto de-activate. They are also activated using the Ctrl+ correspondingfunction key (Fkey) from the keyboard.

NOTE:The I/O Control buttons may vary according to your systemconfiguration. Refer to the OPERATIONS INTERFACE section of thesystem operations manual that accompanies this guide for systemspecific information.

NOTE:Only the available I/O Control buttons for your systemconfiguration are visibly labeled.

SETUP MODE INTERFACE

This section describes the operating interface of the AcuBeam SetupMode. For more information regarding the AcuBeam Job ExecuteMode, see JOB EXECUTE MODE INTERFACE earlier in this section.


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SETUP MODE MAIN SCREEN REGIONSThe SetupMode main screen regions are described in the following

sections.

SETUP MODE MENU TOOL BAR REGION

The Setup Mode Menu Tool Bar options are displayed in a drop-downmenu when an option is selected. Move your mouse pointer to select(highlight) an option. The menu topics are discussed in the followingsections.

SETUP MODE FILE MENU

The File Menulists options for opening, saving, and printing files.This menu also displays a list of the most recently opened documents.


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SETUP MODE FILE MENU OPTIONS

The Filemenu options are described in the following table.

Option Description

New

If a drawing is displayed on the screen that has not been saved, theNewoption displays the Save dialog screen to save the currentdrawing.

If a drawing is displayed on the screen that has been saved, theNew option clears the screen of the current drawing.

The blank drawing uses the defaults stored in the startup.drg file.These defaults include palette size, scale, units, and backgroundcolor.


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Open

Displays the Opendialog screen.

If a drawing is displayed on the screen that has not been saved,the Openoption displays the Save dialog screen to save thecurrent drawing.

The Openoption lets you open the following file types:

AutoCAD *.dwgand *.dxffiles.

AcuBeam *.drgand *.glvfiles.

NOTE:If there is no *.datfile associated with the drawing files, itwill be generated at this time. AutoCAD Versions 10, 11, 12, 13and 14 are supported. The version number must be set in theSettings Menu under DWG/DXF Conversion Settings.

As the drawing loads, a loading status bar at the bottom of thescreen will show the progress of the load.

When a *.glv file is opened, the *.drg file that shares the sameprefix and the *.pen, *.aut, and *.fld files that are in the header ofthis file are loaded with it. If these files are not found, a messageappears informing the operator of this issue and the currentsettings are kept. When AcuBeam is initially launched, the defaultfiles in the Settings section are loaded.

All of the objects are displayed in the Layer/Group/Path BoxWindow of an AcuBeam *.drgdrawing. If an AutoCAD *.dwgor*.dxffile is loaded, all of the entities are exploded and assignednames.

Load/ AppendLoads/Appendsa file into a currently open file. For example, a*.dxfor a *.dwgdrawing file.

Save

Saveschanges to your drawing file.

If the current drawing has not yet been saved, Saveoperatesexactly the same as the Save As option.

If the current drawing has been previously saved, selecting theSave option saves your drawing under the current filename.

Save, saves the file in a *.drgextension.NOTE:If the drawing is saved as an AutoCAD (*.dwg or *.dxf) file,no drawing title information is stored.


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Save as

Saves the changes to a drawing file with a different file name.

When you select Save As, the standard WindowsSave dialogbox appears.

NOTE:If the drawing is saved as an AutoCAD (*.dwgor *.dxf) file,no information is stored regarding the titling of the drawing.

Create Cut File

Creates a *.glvfile for execution. The cut file contains all of theinformation that is used for automation control, laser powercontrol, and cut path geometry. It uses the same file name as thecurrently loaded *.drgfile.

NOTE:If no drawing has been previously loaded, this menu item isnot displayed.

Print Setup

Displays the Print Setupdialog box.


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Exit

Click on Yes to Exitthe system, click on No to cancel the requestto Exitthe AcuBeam system.

If AcuBeam is exited, all motion is stopped, the laser is shut offand the shutter is closed (if the laser is not in manual mode).

List o f RecentFiles

List of the last eight (8) files opened.

Print

Displays the Printdialogue box, prints, or plots a drawing


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SETUP MODE EDIT MENU

The Edit menu displays the undo, redo, copy, paste, delete, andselect all options.

SETUP MODE EDIT MENU OPTIONS

The Edit menu options are described in the following table.

Option Description

UndoUndoremoves the last item created by the user.Using Undomore than once will remove itemssequentially until the last save was performed.

Redo

Redowill replace any items previously deleted by theuser. Using the Redo function will add previouslydeleted items sequentially until no further items canbe added.

Cut

Cut will temporarily delete selected data in thelikelihood that the data deleted will be pastedsomewhere else within the document.

Copy

Copies selected item(s) to the clipboard. An item

placed on the clipboard remains there until youreplace it with a new item. These items can then bepasted back into AcuBeam or into another Windowsapplication by using the Paste command in thatapplication.


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SETUP MODE VIEW MENUThe Viewmenu lets you manipulate the visual display of the currentapplication.

Paste

Places the clipboard contents at the current cursorposition.

In AcuBeam, the Pastecommand requires the usage

of the gsGetListHandle, gsGetNextPrim andgsGetObject functions to get and cycle through cutpaths and groups in the Primitive Hold Area. Once inthe Primitive Hold Area, new group names and newcut path names must be assigned for the new itemsbeing pasted. The object name and parent name foreach item selected can be obtained using theparentname and objname parameters inCadControl32. In addition, after a Pastecommand isperformed, the Layer/Group/Path Box must beupdated to be current with the new paths and groups.

DeleteDeletesthe selection set. Unlike the Cut option, theitem is not placed on the clipboard. After a Deletecommand the Layer/Group/Path Box must be updatedreflect the paths and groups deleted.

Select All

Selects all items in the drawing (cut path, groups,etc.). However, it does not select the galvo fieldoutlines that are on a locked layer, the hidden text ona fixed layer, or anything on items on a layer that waslocked by the operator.


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SETUP MODE VIEW MENU OPTIONS

The VIEWmenu options are described in the following table.

Option Description

Work Area Outline Check this option to display the entire work area outline.

Cell Layout Check this option to display the cell layout template.

Sub cell Layout Check this option to display the Sub cell layout template.

Directional Arrows Check this option to display directional arrows depicting thedirection of the cut on the drawing palette.

NOTE:Arrows are only visible on selected primitives.

Zoom WindowDefines the area you want to zoom into by drawing a boxaround it.

Zoom InMagnifies the drawing at the cursor position at a presetmagnification factor.

Zoom OutDe-magnifies the drawing at the cursor position at a presetde-magnification factor.

Zoom AllDisplays your whole drawing at the maximum possible size tofit on the screen.

Zoom Sheet Displays the entire sheet of paper and its contents.

Zoom PreviousSteps backward through the last ten zooms performed. Afteryou have used Zoom Previous, you can step forward throughyour zooms using Zoom Next.

Zoom NextSteps forward through zooms after you used Zoom Previousto step backward through them.

Refresh Refreshes the screen that currently has focus after editing ordeleting.

Show Partial/FullScreen

Check Show Partial/Full Screen to display the entire screen(no tabs along the left of the screen).


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SETUP MODE UNITS MENU

The Unitsmenu lists two options for measurement. Select the desiredmeasurement to use either inches (Inch) or millimeters (Metric).

SETUP MODE UNITS MENU OPTIONS

The Units menu options are described in the following table.

Option Description

Inch Select inchesas the displayed unit of measure.

Metric Selects metricas the displayed unit of measure.

SETUP MODE DRAW MENU

The Drawmenu lists options for drawing. The Drawmenu optionscoincide with the drawing toolbar on the left side of the drawingpalette display region.


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SETUP

MODE

DRAW

MENU

OPTIONS

The Draw menu drawing tools are described in the following table.

Option Description

Line (Pt to Pt)Draws separate lines.Each line is a new path.

Lines (Chained)Draws chained Lines. The end of one lineautomatically marks the start of the next.Series of chained lines makes a path.

Point Creates a Point.Each point is a new path.

Rectangle

Draws a Rectangleby two diagonally oppositecorners. The four lines making up the rectangle areautomatically grouped in TrueCAD so that you canselect the whole rectangle by clicking on it once.The 4 line primitives of the rectangle form a path.

Arc 3 PointDraws an arc by three points.Each arc is a new path.

Arc Radius Draws an arc by end points and entering a radius.

Line Arc Line

Draws a Line Arc Linesequence. This optioninserts an arc with a specified radius at corners whileyou are drawing to create a smooth sequence oflines and arcs.Each arc is a new path.

CircleDraws a Circleby center point and point oncircumference.Each Circleis a new path.

Ellipse

Draws Ellipses by positioning the center point andentering in the length of the major axis, the aspectratio and the angle. This option lets you draw fullEllipses.Each Ellipses is a new path.


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SETUP MODE SYSTEM CONFIGURATION WINDOWS

In System Configuration, it is important to understand thecomponents of the cutting field layout: Block, Celland Sub cell.

Block: The block size (block index) is usually set to a multiple of thegalvo field of view (FOV) size.

NOTE: Block size is only relevant for systems with multiple galvos.

Example: For example, if the scan heads on a system have aphysical separation of 20 inches, the galvo FOV is 5 inchesand the cell size is 5 inches with no overlap,

Block Index Y = (number of scan heads Y) x 20 inches

The same setting for Block Index X.

Cell: The cell division allows for nested part grouping.

This example contains 20 Sub cellsper Cell, and six (6) CellsperBlock.

Block

Cell

Subcell

Part


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Sub cell: The Sub cell size is a further division of the cell that allowsfor vision registration of individual parts within a cell. The Sub cell sizemust be smaller than the galvo FOV.

SCREEN 1SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONGENERALPROPERTY TAB

Cell

Subcell


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Galvo Configuration: This fieldis a drop-down menu, click onthe down arrow and select theconfiguration associated withyour system.

NOTE:Preco recommends that you do not modify this field value oncesetup in the initial configuration of your system.

Center to Center Dist. (in):Displays the physical distancebetween the galvo centers.

Table (in): X-Direction : Displaysthe table work surface size in theX-axis direction as was set in theacubeam.inifile.

Table (in): Y-Direction: Displaysthe table work surface size in the

Y-axis direction as was set in theacubeam.inifile.


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Location of the Lower Left Corner of the 1stBlock:

Displays the offset from the workarea home position to the lowerleft corner of the first block.

Center-to-Center Block Dist:

The distance from the center of

one block to the center of thenext block.

Block Information (Calculated):

These block information fieldsdisplay the calculated valuesbased on the data entered onthe Blocks, Cells, and Sub cellsproperty tables.

Size (in):

The block size (in inches) is calculated as follows:

Block Size = CO + CS + (CN-1) x CCC + (GN-1) X GCC

Block Overlap = BS BCC

Legend:

Cell Offset (CO), Number of Cells (CN), Cell Size (CS), CellOverlap (COV), Cell Center to Center (CCC), Block Size (BS),Block Center-to-Center Distance (BCC), Number of Galvos (GN),Galvo Center to Center (GCC)

NOTE:A negative number (value) in this field indicates separationbetween the blocks.

Replicate 1st Block:

Check this box to replicate the first block. Allgeometry cut out in the first block will beautomatically cut in the remaining blocks.

Work Area

Offset to 1s Block

1stBlock 2nd Block

Block Offset to HomePosition


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SCREEN 3SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONCELLS

PROPERTY TAB

Cell Information: Definition of thecell layout within each block.

Number of Cells Per Galvo:

Displays the number of cells per galvo.


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Cell Offset Relative to the Block Origin:

The distance to the first cell from the block origin.

Center to Center Cell Dist :The distance from the center ofone cell to the center of the nextcell.

Load Defaultsbutton: Click toload a default cell layout.

Cell Information (Calculated):

These cell information fields display the calculated values based onthe data entered in the Cell Inputfields.

Total Cells Per Block:

Displays the number of cells per block.

Size:

The cell size is calculated as follows:

Cell Size = SO + SS + (SN 1) x SO

Cell Overlap:

Displays the cell overlap or separation. The cell overlap is calculated

as follows:Cell Overlap = CS CCC

Legend:

Cell Size (CS), Cell Offset (CO), Number of Cells (CN), Cell Overlap (COV),Cell Center to Center Distance (CCC), Sub cell Size (SS), Sub cell Offset(SO), Number of Sub cells (SN), Sub cell Overlap (SOV)

Block

1st Cell 2ndCell

Offset to 1stCell

Cell Offset to Block Ori in


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NOTE:A negative number in this field indicates that there is separationbetween cells.

Replicate 1st Cell:

Check this box to replicate the first block. Allgeometry cut out in the first block will beautomatically cut in the remaining blocks.

SCREEN 4SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONSUB CELLPROPERTY TAB

The Sub cellproperty tab is used toenter and modify Sub cells informationfor the current job.


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Sub cell Information:

These Sub cell fields are used to define which portions of thegeometry are processed at each cut location.

Number of Sub cells Per Cell:

Displays the number of Sub cells per cell.

Size (in):

Displays the size of the Sub cell in inches.

Sub cell Offset Relative to the Cell Origin:

The offset distance to cell origin.

Center to Center Sub-Cell Distance:

The distance from the center ofone Sub cell to the center of thenext Sub cell.

Load DefaultsButton:

Click to load a default Sub celllayout.

Sub cell Information (Calculated):

These galvo information fieldsdisplays the calculated valuesbased on the data entered in theSub cell Input fields.

Cell

Offset to 1s Sub Cell

Sub-Cell Offset to Cell Origin

1s Subcell

2n Subcell

3rd Sub

cell

4th Sub

cell


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NOTE: Use the center-to-center distance to introduce Sub cell overlapif necessary.

Sub cell Overlap:

Displays the Sub cell overlap or separation. The Sub cell overlap iscalculated as follows:

Sub cell Overlap = SS SCC

Legend:

Sub cell Size (SS), Sub cell Offset (SO), Number of Sub cells (SN), Sub cellOverlap (SOV), Sub cell Center to Center Distance (SCC)

NOTE:A negative number in this field indicates that there isseparation between cells.

Replicate 1stSub cell:

When checked this check box indicates that allinformation in the first Sub cell will also be cut inthe other Sub cells.

SCREEN 5SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONPROCESSON THE FLY TAB


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The Process On The Fly property tab is used to enter and modifygalvo information for the current job.

Galvo 1, 2, or 3

These fields are used to enterand modify how and when thegalvos (up to four) process fileson-the-fly in web applications.

Trigger Mode

Trigger Mode:This drop down list provides the following options:

Disabled: Disables the selected galvo.

Distance: The selected galvo processes when the web hasmoved the distance defined in the Distance mode repeatfield(only visible when Distanceis selected).

Eye Spot: The selected galvo processes when an eye spotmark is sensed but at a delayed point as defined in the EyeSpot Offsetfield (only visible when Eye Spotis selected.)

Fixed Beam: The selected galvo processes continually as afixed beam.

Retract speed

Enter the speed at which the selected galvo returns to the beginningpoint of the cut pattern (in inches or millimeters per second). If thevalue is too high, the galvo mirrors may not be settled after theretracttoo low and the maximum throughput will be slowed.

Distance mode repeat

Enter the distance the web must travel between processing whenDistancehas been selected in the Trigger Modefield (in inches ormillimeters).


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Eye Spot Offset

Visible only if Eye Spot is selected in the Trigger Mode drop-downmenu. Enter the distance processing will begin after an eye spot has

been detected (in inches or millimeters).Speed Compensation Time

Because there is a very slight delay between the command to beginthe cut pattern and when the cut actually begins, a compensation time(in milliseconds) can be entered in this field.

WEB CONTROLLED PROCESS ON-THE-FLY

Eye Spot Spacing

Enter the distance between the eye spot marks on the product (ininches). If an eye spot mark is not detected and the Queue Eye Spotsbox is not checked, the system will process at this distance anyway. Itwill skip processing at the missing eye spot location if the Queue EyeSpots box is checked.

Synchronize Galvos

Galvo cut process timing can be controlled by a selected galvo(s).

When the signal to process is received by this galvo, the other galvosbegin processing. The drop-down list contains a configuration number(1-6) followed by a dash and the galvo numbers. The first number isthe controlling galvo:

Disabled(disables the synchronize galvos feature)

1-12(galvo 1 controls galvo 2)

2-123(galvo 1 controls galvos 2 and 3)



5-1234(galvo 1 controls galvos 2, 3, and 4)6-12,34(galvo 1 controls galvo 2 and 3 controls galvo 4)

NOTE:Your system may have fewer than 4 galvos.

Queue Eye Spots box

The Trigger Modedrop down menu must be set to Eye Spottoenable this function.


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If this box is not checked the trigger point distance isconstantly adjusted to coincide with the eye spot mark. If aneye spot is missed, the cut process will trigger anyway based

on the distance setting. If this box is checked the eye spot location is placed in a

buffer. If the location gets too far from the distance value, thelocation is removed from the buffer and the cut process isskipped. This allows for randomly located eye spots.

SETUP MODE SYSTEM TABLE PARAMETERSWINDOW

For system using an X/Y table only.

This option displays the Table Parameters window. This window isused to display or modify table movement parameters.

WARNING:

Modify the following parameters with caution asthe X/Y table may become unstable.


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System 1

Rapid

Maximum Acceleration Rate(mm/sec^2):The table will notaccelerate faster than thissetting.

Accelerat ion Time (msec):Amount of time required to reachthe desired speed.

S-Curve (%):Rate of changesin acceleration. The S-Curvepercent smoothes outacceleration changes resulting inless jerking and less vibration.

Feedrate (mm/sec):Maximumtable speed.

Homing

X Offset (mm):X-axis distancefrom table position 0,0.

Y Offset (mm):Y-axis distancefrom table position 0,0.

Z-Offset (mm): X-axis distancefrom table position 0,0.

U-Offset (mm):X-axis distancefrom table position 0,0.

V-Offset (mm):X-axis distancefrom table position 0,0.

W-Offset (mm):X-axis distancefrom table position 0,0.

Tolerances

In Position Band (mm):Tabledestination tolerance. The tableis deemed in positionif its actual

position is within this distance ofthe commanded position.

In Position Servo Cycles:Number of servo cycles duringwhich the table needs to bewithin the In Position Band inorder for processing to continue.


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Table Load/Unload Positions:X/Y table load/unload positions.

Part Load:Used in conjunction

with theAutomat ionTab (see78), Part Header Automation. IfPart Loadingis checked, theposition must be entered in thisfield.

X (mm):X-axis table loadposition.

Y (mm):Y-axis table load

position.Part Unload:Used inconjunction with theAutomat ionTab (see page78), Part FooterAutomat ion. If Part Unloadingis checked, the position must beentered in this field.

X (mm):X-axis table unloadposition.

Y (mm):Y-axis table unloadposition.

Manual Load/Unload:Used inconjunction with theLoad/Unloadbutton on the JobExecute screen Cyclebuttons.Click on the Load/Unloadbutton, then Run to move t

Documents

AcuBeam Manual Rev B 10-6-2011