Technical Questions (FAQ)
General Laser
Mostly CorelDRAW. There are a few proprietary programs out there, but most all will import from CorelDRAW exported files because that's the predominant software used. Other options include any design software that can export to generally supported file formats, which include, DXF, PLT and AI. Specifically, PLT and AI files tend to work the best.
Being technically minded will help, but it is not a requirement. We have clients that only ever used their computers for browsing, emails and social media now turning out custom products and making money from home.
It could be a wedding glass. It could be exactly what you said, a wine bottle. Glass is one of the trickiest substrates to laser engrave, but there are other ways of doing it without needing the rotary attachment. Some people may want to use it for other round objects like bowls and things that you may make and the laser is the secondary project you do on the product.
Our parts stock is probably our proudest unseen part of the company. We have millions of Rands of parts and spares for every machine we sell - or have sold, going back to 2014. Although technology changes at a rapid pace, a lot of the parts used on our 'older' machines are either the same as our 'new' machines, or can be replaced by newer parts without an issue.
We train our clients on installation to use the laser machine. You will need some computer experience and knowledge to run the software. A basic understanding of design software will be required to create fantastic products, but your laser is secondary in the learning curve.
We do give basic 'functional' training on installation - even if there are two or more people - but if you do need further training you can always make an appointment at any of our branches for Saturday morning training - which is free, within reason.
We proudly write our own Technical Instruction Guides - after much research. If you purchase one of our machines that has a Technical Instruction Guide, You will receive a free one with your new machine.
Of course you can. We have clients who have sold their lasers online quite succesfully (and we would also consider a trade-in if you are buying another machine from us). Do be aware that if you do sell your machine, there is no support for the purchaser unless they complete a change of ownership with us - and get training from us.
Of course you can. Many of the parts used in our machines are similar (albeit higher quality) to our competitor's machine parts, and the workings are similar. Obviously, we do charge extra for working on other brands, and we will tell you immediately after asking you a few simple questions whether we are able to assist or not.
CO² Lasers
Well, if somebody were to ask me what I needed in a laser, first off the most important feature for cutting is power. Power will get you speed, will cut through thicker substrate, will run things faster, and make more money for you. For engraving, however, you should not have more than an 80 - 100W tube. Second would be table (or bed) size. The larger the bed, the more options you have with substrate size. Air-assist is a must-have feature, I don't care what anybody or any salesman tells you. You will need air-assist, especially if you're going to be doing any acrylic work, cutting wood, rubber stamps. I mean, there's a thousand different products out there you can make with the laser which you'll need air-assist for. Other features like rotary attachments, unless you have a very specific need or desire to do something in the round, you can do it without even having a rotary attachment but I would take that money and spend it on more power rather than getting a rotary attachment.
It could be a wedding glass. It could be exactly what you said, a wine bottle. Glass is one of the trickiest substrates to laser engrave, but there are other ways of doing it without needing the rotary attachment. Some people may want to use it for other round objects like bowls and things that you may make and the laser is the secondary project you do on the product.
Apart from the laser tube itself being replaced around every 3 000 - 6 000 hours, there is very little maintenance - apart from keeping the machine and optics (mirrors and lens) clean, and replacing the distilled water in the cooling system once a year or. Nothing has had to be repaired on my machine. In the ten years I've had it, I've replaced the focus lens, not because I had to, but I thought it was time and one mirror, because I thought it looked a little cloudy. If you're running a lot of stuff that causes smoke, you want to clean it up and keep the machine clean. The more you run it, the better the machine performs. The less you run it, that's where you run into problems. If your laser sits idle for long periods of time, your laser tube will gradually lose gasses that are critical for it to operate.
Our parts stock is probably our proudest unseen part of the company. We have millions of Rands of parts and spares for every machine we sell - or have sold, going back to 2014. Although technology changes at a rapid pace, a lot of the parts used on our 'older' machines are either the same as our 'new' machines, or can be replaced by newer parts without an issue.
I year on the machine, 6 months on the laser tube. Mirrors and lens are not guaranteed - see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
What to cut – and what NOT to cut when it comes to foams and plastics
Fiber Laser Engravers
Please ensure that your lens cap is removed. If that was not the issue then ensure that your pointer port is assigned correctly. Head over to your Param menu or press F3, select the sub menu labeled “port”, look for “Red light pointer IO”, set the “Outort” to 4. If the issue still persists then the red light is most likely faulty or broken and needs replacing. Please contact your nearest branch for support and to replace the part.
Please ensure that your lens cap is removed. If that was not the issue then please ensure that your laser port is assigned correctly. Head over to your Param menu or press F3, select the sub menu labeled “port”, look for “Start mark IO”, set the “inport” to 14 or 15. If an error occurs when you click “Mark(F2)” then your fiber source is most likely faulty or broken. Please contact your nearest branch for support.
This issue is related to your PC memory. EZCad is a 32-bit software and can only utilize up to a maximum of 4GB RAM. Unfortunately, for now, there is nothing you can really do about this. Set your hatch “Line Distance” larger, the error is most likely because your hatch is too small. A hatch of 0.01 should be the minimum you set your hatch to. Anything less has a greater probability of crashing your EZCad.
This is most likely due to having a second or third hatch enabled by accident. Go to your hatch function and check that hatch 2 and hatch 3 are NOT enabled.
This issue is directly related to your “Line Distance” setting in your Hatch function. Set your hatch smaller. Remember that your Line Distance is how far each line would be from the others. Meaning that if you set your line distance to 1 it will distance each line 1mm from each other. Remember that you should never go lower than 0.01.
CNC Machines
Most materials can be processed with your CNC router, but you are limited by the cutter bit (tool) you are using. Hard material such as metals, glass and stone can be engraved on but not cut.
This is mostly dependent on two things : the amount of travel the z-axis has and the flute length of the cutting tool being used.
No they cannot. The CNC router makes use of a G-code file which is a set of X, Y and Z co-ordinates to know where to cut and how deep it needs to cut. There are many ways to generate a G-Code file from DXF, however.
No. There are too many different types of CAD/CAM software packages that users have either training on, or preference for, so it would not be practical. We can however recommend these more common packages - Easel, Fusion 360 and Aspire. These CAD/CAM software packages are able to read DXF files and can generate G-code files.
If maintenance is carried out regularly and the cleaning of the machine done after each job or each day, then no, it is not costly.
Our desktop and some of the smaller floorstanding CNC routers require a standard single-phase 220 Volt supply. Our larger floor standing machines require a three-phase 380 Volt supply.
Eco Solvent Printers
An eco-solvent printer employs eco-solvent inks that are designed to be more environmentally friendly and less toxic than traditional solvent inks. These printers deliver high-resolution prints with minimal odor and reduced chemical emissions, making them ideal for producing vibrant graphics and signage in various settings.
UV Printers
A UV printer uses ultraviolet (UV) light to instantly cure or dry ink as it’s printed. This technology allows for high-quality, durable prints on a wide range of materials, including rigid and flexible surfaces. UV printers are known for their ability to produce vibrant, long-lasting images with fast drying times and minimal environmental impact.
Sublimation & Heatpress
Desktop CNC Machines
Software Support
We offer basic, functional machine software training and setup on all of our machines on installation, but we are not PC technicians.