CO2 LASER RK-6090-ECO
RDWorks
MANUAL
CO2 LASER Software
RDWorks The primary software for setting parameters and preparing drawings for processing on this machine is RDWorks Supported File Types: Vector formats: DXF, AI, PLT, DST, DSB, and others. Bitmap formats: BMP, JPG, PNG, MNG, and many more. System Requirements: Recommended OS: Windows (any version after Windows 7,). Minimum Requirements: 1GB RAM, i586 Pentium-class CPU. Optimal Requirements: Windows10, 4GB RAM, I3 CPU Upon launching the software, we are greeted with the main workspace, as well as:
• Main Menu Bar Contains all main functions of the software.
• Graphical Attributes Bar This section contains the main commands for graphical operations, including: - Positioning the drawing on the workspace - Adjusting size and proportions - Setting the processing order - Other essential design modifications
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RK-6090-ECO • System Menu This menu includes the most commonly used commands from the main menu for quick access.
• Alignment Options Bar This bar provides tools for aligning and positioning objects precisely on the workspace.
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Main Panel for Parameters and Operations
This panel is where the core operations of the machine are managed. It includes: - Active movement of axes - Homing the machine - Setting up origin point - File transfer and connection settings - Layer organization - Setting parameters for cutting/engraving
• Layer Sorting Panel In this section, you can: - Select colors/layers - Assign the processing order of parameters for different layers
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CO2 LASER • Drawing and Shapes bar This toolbar contains the most commonly used tools for preparing designs, allowing for flexible work on the project.
• Creating Project Files RDWorks saves projects into .rld files. This gives us the option to set up serial production for any type of vector file, the first step is to import the file
The machine operates by processing vectors. DXF format files contain information about the vectors (lines), and this file type will be used to perform the processing of the design. When preparing the drawing in engineering software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CorelDraw, etc., it should be saved or exported in DXF format. RDWorks is compatible with DXF and AI formats, and it also supports other extensions such as: .ai .dxf .plt .dst .dsb .pnt .bmp .gif .jpg .jpeg After attaching a file using the import option, select the drawing with the mouse to assign parameters. When the object is selected, there will be 8 points around its perimeter, and an “X” indicator at the center.
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RK-6090-ECO In the workspace panel, we set the basic working parameters: Cutting speed (mm/s) Laser power (%) For laser power, it’s necessary to determine both the minimum and maximum power levels. These parameters help ensure optimal performance during the cutting process.
These two parameters are crucial in the material processing process. Depending on the type of material being processed, we set different parameters. Movement speed (Speed in mm/s) determines how fast the laser head will move along the predefined path (vectors). The slower the movement, the more time the laser beam has to stay in contact with the material, leading to a deeper penetration. For instance, if we run two identical lines with 15% power, one at 20mm/s and the other at 10mm/s, the line run at 10mm/s will have a twice as deep cut because the laser beam has more time to interact with the material and remove more of it. Laser power is the other crucial parameter, determining the percentage of maximum power from the CO2 tube that will be used for the operation. Once the parameters are set, we can begin the processing in the control panel. If the laser is connected to the computer via USB cable, we have direct control over the process and can start it by clicking on the “Start” button located in the Work window, under the Laser Work section. If the laser is not connected to the computer, we can save the prepared file to a USB stick using the SaveToUFile option, and then start the processing directly from the laser’s control unit once the USB stick is inserted.
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CO2 LASER Precautions for Use and Maintenance 1. Please do not look directly at the laser light. 2. Handle the machine within a controlled area. 3. Untrained individuals should not use the machine. 4. Close off the area around the laser path in case the laser escapes. 5. Try to avoid the same height between the laser head and eye contact. 6. Pay attention to ventilation and exhaust gases in the laser processing area. 7. Check the water chiller to see if it can expel water every time after starting the machine. It is forbidden to start the machine when water cannot exit the chiller. 8. The water in the chiller should be full. The water temperature should be around 15-35℃. If the temperature is too high, the water should be replaced. It is better to use purified water to avoid contaminants. The circulating water should be changed regularly (every week). 9. Since the machine contains a laser and high pressure, unprofessional workers should not disassemble the machine without authorization. 10. The reflective mirrors and focal lens should be cleaned with special paper. Check if the mirrors and lenses are dry before using them again. 11. Pay attention to the protection of the laser light exit window. Avoid smoke and dust from contaminating the surface of the exit window during operation (and when adjusting the laser path). The exhaust system must be equipped. If the exit window is contaminated, the laser energy will be impaired. The exit window can be carefully cleaned with cotton or silk fabric soaked in absolute alcohol. It is necessary to ground all parts of the machine and computer to avoid machine damage and injuries caused by static electricity. 12. The exhaust fan must be turned on while the machine is working to prevent contamination of the mirrors and lenses. 13. The water in the laser tube should be drained in winter to avoid the tube cracking from freezing. 14. When the machine is working, the operator must pay attention to the operation, especially when engraving or cutting materials with a high organic composition and high laser power output, in case of fire. Untrained individuals are prohibited from handling the machine. Operators should inspect the working conditions at all times. 15. Operators should not leave the machine when it is working to avoid unnecessary losses. 16. The crossbeam should not be pulled by hand. The machine should be placed in areas where there are no obstacles or harmful effects such as pollution, strong electricity, strong magnetism, etc. 17. Power supply voltage: the laser will work unstably due to fluctuations in the input voltage; if it exceeds the limit, the electrical system will be permanently damaged. Therefore, please install a power stabilizer of at least 5000W to avoid damage to the device and circuit from voltage fluctuations, and ensure stability. 18. Do not press the buttons forcefully. Please press gently to avoid damaging the buttons. 19. In case of damage or fire, immediately turn off the power. 20. Please do not use the machine when the humidity is over 80%, as this will affect the lifespan of the machine and damage the electronic components.
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RK-6090-ECO Maintenance 1. Replacing water in the chiller: (It is recommended to replace the water weekly) Note: Before the laser tube operates, check if the water in the tube is full. It is forbidden to use low-quality circulating water, as it can seriously affect the laser power and shorten the laser tube’s lifespan. The water temperature should be 15-30℃. If the temperature exceeds 30℃, please replace the water (the correct method to change the water is to replace hot water with cold water) or turn off the machine to cool the water. 2. Cleaning the exhaust fan: After a long time, the exhaust fan will accumulate dust. Open the exhaust fan box, remove the two pipes, and clean the dust from the fan. 3. Cleaning the optical mirrors and lenses: Users can clean the first and second mirrors directly with lens paper or cotton and medical alcohol, gently from the center to the edge, being careful not to rub with rough material. Please carefully clean the reflective mirror while it is on the machine; otherwise, the radiation path must be readjusted. The third reflective mirror and the focal lens should be removed from the laser head for cleaning. Carefully unscrew the lens tube from the laser head, then blow away the surface dust and gently wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton. Reassemble after cleaning. Check if the mirrors are dry before using them again. • • • •
Gently clean the mirrors; do not damage the surface coating. Handle carefully while cleaning. Do not clean back and forth, or with rough materials. Use circular movements and cotton swabs, as damaging the film on the mirror surface will reduce laser power. The absorbing cotton can only be used once! Please do not leave any cotton or residue on it.
4. Cleaning the guide rails: The guide rails should be cleaned every two weeks and lubricated. Cleaning materials: cotton fabric and lubricating oil. How to clean the rails: Move the laser head to one end of the rail and clean the rail with cotton fabric, then apply a little lubricating oil. Move the laser head from one end of the rail to the opposite end and check if the oil is evenly distributed. 5. Tighten the bolts and couplings: After a certain period, the bolts and coupling may loosen, affecting the stability and mechanical movement of the machine. Tighten the bolts and coupling every two or three months to ensure the machine operates normally. 6. Bearing maintenance: Use a soft cloth to wipe the dust off the bearing, inject oil into the bearing, and slowly rotate it.
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CO2 LASER 7. Laser tube maintenance: The laser tube should avoid generating cross-contamination that could cause water leakage. If there is incrustation, clean it with 20% diluted hydrochloric acid. Light Path: The light path is made by reflection with reflectors and focusing with the focal lens. The focal lens will not distort, but the possibility of distortion with the three reflectors is high, as they are fixed by mechanical parts. Therefore, we recommend customers to check the light path before working. 8. Laser power supply: The laser power supply used must be within the basic limits (i.e., the maximum current should not exceed 35 mA). 9. Water requirements for the chiller: The water should be purified (distilled) or high-purity water. The water temperature in the chiller should be 15℃-30℃. If the temperature is too high, please allow time for the industrial chiller to reach the desired temperature. The water flow should be 2L-4L/min. If it is too much or too little, the laser spot quality and laser power will be affected. The chiller should be full of water; otherwise, the tube cannot be cooled properly.
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