S290 LS User Manual

Dear Sir / Madam,
Thank you for choosing GCC and the LaserPro S290LS. You can be assured that this machine meets the
highest safety standards while using technological innovations shared by no other laser engraver. The
LaserPro S290LS is backed by GCC, a truly international company that is dedicated to help your business
grow.
We at GCC are proud to introduce the LaserPro S290LS, our most technologically advanced laser
engraver to date. This easy to operate machine has been designed with quality, productivity, and safety
TM
in mind. With innovations like the QSM , stellar quality under high speed, SmartFILE file management,
and the new Linear Low Maintenance Motion System, the S290LS is clearly on the cutting edge of all laser
systems.
GCC understands that a creative technical background is the key to successful growth in the everchanging information economy. We have a strong team of R&D experts who propel our company to new
heights. From product development to manufacturing, our engineers are dedicated to innovation and
quality.
Guiding our solid technical base is a world-class management team. At GCC, our leaders bring together
marketing, technical support, research development and distribution experts to create an international
network to meet your demands. Over the years, this network has been able to span throughout the globe.
Our technical support staff is committed to provide you with impeccable service, and when your business
is ready to grow, our team will be there!
Sincerely,
Leonard Shih
President of G.C.C.
LaserPro S290LS User Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Safety.................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Principles of a Laser (DPSS & Fiber) ......................................................................... 2
1.2 Safety Ratings ................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 The Safety Interlock System ......................................................................................... 2
1.4 Safety Labels ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Safety Measures ............................................................................................................... 7
1.6 Operating Environment .................................................................................................. 8
Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Unpacking& Contents .................................................................................................................. 8
2.1Unloading/Unpacking / Repacking ................................................................................ 9
2.2 Contents and Accessories Checklist ....................................................................... 20
Chapter 3 .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Mechanical Overview..................................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Front View......................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Top View ............................................................................................................................ 14
3.3 Right (Profile) View ........................................................................................................ 15
3.4 Left (Profile) View ........................................................................................................... 15
3.5 Rear View .......................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................................................... 17
Setup and Installation.................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 Machine Setup................................................................................................................. 18
4.1.1 Powering Up the Machine.................................................................................. 18
4.1.2 Connecting the Computer ................................................................................. 18
4.2 Graphics Software Setup ............................................................................................. 19
4.2.1 Recommended Computer Configuration ...................................................... 19
4.2.2 How to check firmware loader version for suitable USB mode .............. 20
4.2.3 Installation of Common USB............................................................................. 21
4.2.4 Installation of GCC USB ..................................................................................... 22
4.2.5 Installation of the LaserPro Print Driver ........................................................ 27
4.2.6 Parallels Desktops.............................................................................................. 28
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................................................... 28
Operating the LaserPro S290LS................................................................................................. 28
5.1 Using the Hardware ....................................................................................................... 29
5.1.1 Adjusting the LCD Display Screens Contrast Setting............................... 29
5.1.2 Graphic Control Panel Overview ..................................................................... 29
5.1.3 Graphic Control Panel Navigation Chart ....................................................... 32
5.1.4 Graphic Control Panel Function Pages ......................................................... 33
5.2 The LaserPro S290LS Print Driver ............................................................................ 62
5.2.1 Page Setup and Orientation .............................................................................. 62
5.2.2 Color Management............................................................................................... 64
5.2.3 Using the LaserPro S290LS Print Driver ....................................................... 65
5.2.3.1 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Options Page............................... 66
5.2.3.2 S290LS Print Driver >> Pen Page........................................................ 72
5.2.3.3 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Advanced Page........................... 76
5.2.3.4 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Paper Page................................... 80
5.2.3.5 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Language Page........................... 82
5.2.3.6 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Raster Page ................................. 83
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................................................... 84
Engraving and Cutting Techniques ........................................................................................... 84
6.1 Raster Engraving............................................................................................................ 85
6.2 Vector Cutting.................................................................................................................. 85
6.3 To modified image settings of a picture for better engraving quality............................. 86
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................................................... 90
Optional Items Air Extraction System Option Air Compressor Option Items
SmartBOX Option........................................................................................................................... 90
7.1 Air Extraction System Option ..................................................................................... 91
7.2 Air Compressor Optional Item.................................................................................... 92
7.3 SmartBOX Option ........................................................................................................... 95
7.4 SmartMEMORY Module Option .................................................................................. 97
7.5 Rotary Attachment Option........................................................................................... 99
7.6 SmartGUARD fire alarm Option ............................................................................... 104
Chapter 8 ........................................................................................................................................ 105
Basic Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 105
8.1 Suggested Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies................................................ 106
8.2 Maintaining the Work table and Motion System ................................................. 107
8.2.1 Accessing the Work Table and Motion System ....................................... 107
8.2.2 Cleaning the Work Table and Motion System ............................................ 108
8.2.3 Lubrication of the Y Rails ................................................................................ 109
8.3 Cleaning the Optics System .....................................................................................110
8.3.1 Removing the Mirrors ........................................................................................110
8.3.2 Cleaning the Mirrors...........................................................................................112
8.3.3 Removing and Cleaning the Focal Lens.......................................................112
Chapter 9 .........................................................................................................................................113
Basic Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................113
Chapter 10.......................................................................................................................................115
Appendix ........................................................................................................................................115
10.1 Glossary.........................................................................................................................116
10.2 LaserPro S290LS Specification Sheet..................................................................117
1
Chapter 1
Safety
Principles of a DPSS & Fiber Laser
Safety Ratings
The Safety Interlock System
Safety Labels
Safety Measures
Operating Environment
1.1 Principles of a Laser (DPSS & Fiber)

LASER is the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. DPSS stands for Diode
Pumped Solid State and its pumping source is a diode laser, its medium is solid state crystal. DPSS laser can
be operated under 2 modes; namely CW (continuous wave) mode and pulsed mode. Q-switch is a technique
used to achieve a pulsing laser, it can generate pulse width in the nanosecond range. A short pulse width
generates an extremely high peak power. Such high peak power is very potent and effective in marking of
metallic objects or other hard processed material. Fiber laser is a laser in which the active gain medium is an
optical fiber doped with rare-earth elements.
1.2 Safety Ratings

The LaserPro S290LS is equipped with a DPSS laser that emits intense and invisible laser radiation with a
wavelength of 10.6 microns in the infrared spectrum. The laser system is designated as a Class I laser
device, meaning that the system is equipped with key safety features and an enclosed laser head to
completely contain the laser under normal use. One of the key safety features found on the LaserPro
S290LS is a Class IIIR red dot safety guidance pointer (similar to a laser-pointer presentation pen)
allowing the operator to see the exact location where the laser beam will fire. Even though the
LaserPro S290LS is equipped with the most powerful laser to date, through proper usage and taking
necessary hardware safeguards, will make it an extremely safe machine. When the front door and back
door are open, machine becomes a Class 4 equipment and users must wear goggles to operate the machine.
1.3 The Safety Interlock System

The laser system is equipped with a safety interlock system utilizing magnetic sensors on the top and
side access doors, laser-activation and door LED lights on the control panel. The magnetic sensors will
deactivate the laser when either door is opened. At this time, the door LED light found on the control
panel will illuminate, indicating an open or improperly closed door. When the laser is in operation, the laser
LED will illuminate to inform the operator that the laser is activated. If at any time, any of the access doors
are open and the laser LED is illuminated, IMMEDIATELY unplug the laser system and contact GCC
service team for technical support and maintenance instructions.
WARNING
DO NOT operate the laser system if any component of the safety system is malfunctioning.
DO NOT attempt to remove or modify any component of the safety interlock system.
1.4 Safety Labels

According to CDRH standards, all fixed or removable covers that allow access to a laser beam must have
appropriate laser warning labels attached to them. These warning labels must be clearly visible to the
operator prior to removing the cover. Additional labels must be applied to the interior of the machine and
be visible in the event when the covers are removed. A label clearly displaying the manufacturers name,
date of manufacture, description of product, model number, serial number, and compliance statement must
be attached to the outer surface of the machine.
In compliance with CDRH standards, the required warning labels are affixed at the time of manufacture
to the LaserPro S290LS, attached on appropriate locations. These labels are not to be modified in any
way or removed for any reason. Please familiarize yourself with the specific labels and their locations on the
machine. Below is a list of all the safety labels and their locations on the machine.
Product Label
This label is located at the right-back side of machine. All the product information such as Serial Number,
Model Numbers, Laser Power and Electric power can be found here. Before requiring any further tech
support, always provide the service person with the information on this label.
CDRH Label
This label indicates the class level of CDRH.
CE Label
This label indicates the class level of CE
Warning Label
Warning Label is written with all the necessary information to be aware of in every operation.
Laser Path Warning Label

LaserPro machines are very safe under normal functioning conditions. However, as a precaution, Laser
Path Warning Label are affixed on possible laser paths and operators should be aware of the possibility of
injury while machine is operating.
CAUTION AVOID
PLACING YOUR EYES IN THE
RED BEAM PATH
Laser Path Danger label

This label indicates the laser path. Normally you can find this label inside of machine. Please take extra
caution of this area when you conduct maintenance.
DANGER
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN.
AVOID EYE OR SKIN EXPOSURE TO
DIRECT OR SCATTERED RADIATION
Emergency Stop Label

This label indicates the emergency stop button. You can find this label on the right upper side of the
machine.
Aperture warning stickers (mirror):

This label indicates the laser path. Normally you can find this label inside of machine or laser exit.
Please take extra caution of this area when you conduct maintenance or operate machine.
Door open warning labels
Warning Label
This label is located on the laser case of 60W/80W only
1.5 Safety Measures
LASER RADIATION WARNING: Exposure to laser radiation may result in physical burns and
severe eye damage. Proper use and regular maintenance of this machine is important to the
safety of all people in the immediate area.
Prior to operation, carefully read and familiarize yourself with the warning labels located on both
your laser system and in this manual.
Never leave the machine unattended during the laser cutting and engraving process. The laser
may ignite combustible materials. A well-maintained fire extinguisher and operational smoke or
fire detector should be kept in the vicinity of the machine.
CautionUse of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
NOTE
SmartGUARD is an optional fire detection alarm system developed by GCC.
Contact your local GCC authorized distributor for more details to have this safety
option installed onto your system.
Enable the SmartAIR nozzle when engraving or cutting materials that may easily ignite, such as
acrylic, wood, or paper.
Always wear safety goggles that will filter out 1064nm laser when the laser system is in operation.
Reflective materials such as mirrors, enameled brass and anodized aluminum may partially-reflect
some of the invisible laser radiation. Severe eye damage may occur if proper safety goggles are
not worn.
NOTE
Each LaserPro S290LS machine is shipped with a single pair of safety goggles. If
additional safety goggles are required, please contact GCC directly or an authorized
GCC distributor. If you wish to purchase one on your own, please make sure the
safety goggles meet these requirements:
190 - 534 nm OD5+

910-1,070 nm OD6+
Visible Light Transmission: 23.5%
Connect the machine to a properly grounded power outlet. Ensure the voltage of the power source
is identical to the voltage of the machine.
Do not open the laser access panel when the machine is plugged in.
Do not attempt to modify or disassemble the laser module.
Do not attempt to remove or modify any component of the machines laser interlock safety system.
Ensure the immediate work area of the machine is well-ventilated. Odors, vapors, and dust are by
products generated during the laser engraving and cutting process. An exhaust system, vacuum
cutting box, and honeycomb table are recommended. Please contact GCC or your local GCC
distributor for more information.
Do not laser heat-sensitive surfaces or materials that may generate toxic fumes, such as PVC and
Teflon.
Regularly clean and maintain your machine according to our cleaning and maintenance instructions. Doing
so will ensure your machine will operate effectively and safely over a long period of time.
1.6 Operating Environment

Please follow the guidelines when considering a suitable location to set the LaserPro S290LS. Improper
work environments may lead to operational malfunction and/or unsafe working conditions. The LaserPro
S290LS should be placed and operated in a standard office-type environment.
Avoid environments where the machine is exposed to high levels of dust, temperature
(temperatures exceeding 30C or 86F) or humidity ( humidity exceeding 70% or where the ambient
temperature is near the dew point).
Avoid placing the machine in small enclosed areas with poor ventilation.
Avoid areas with high levels of electrical noise.
Select a location that is large enough to accommodate the LaserPro S290LS, an exhaust system, a
computer and a work or storage table.
Select a location in which the ambient temperature remains between 15C and 30C (60F to 86F).
Select a location in which the relative humidity remains between 30% - 40%.
Select a location in which there is a short, direct path to the fume exhaust system.
Set the LaserPro S290LS on a floor surface that is completely even.
Make sure your smoke or fire detection system in the immediate area is functioning.
Setup the machine so that the back of the machine is at least 60 cm (2 feet) away from the wall in
order to assure proper ventilation.
2
Chapter 2
Unpacking& Contents
Unloading / Unpacking / Repacking
Contents and Accessories Checklist
2.1Unloading/Unpacking / Repacking
The LaserPro S290LS is shipped in one crate that contains the machine, the software, and all of the
necessary accessories. The following section shows detailed step-by-step instructions for unpacking and
assembly of the machine.
WARNING
More than one person may be needed when loading and unloading the shipping crate in
order to avoid body injury or damage to the machine.
NOTE
Please store the original shipping crate as it may be needed for transportation in the
future
GCC has used eco-friendly metal crates for GCC LaserPro laser engravers including Sprit, Spirit LS, Spirit GLS
and S290LS. Other models will change to metal packing crate in the near future.
For years, GCC LaserPro has been dedicated to reducing carbon footprint and becoming a greener company in
the industry.
Unpacking and Unloading

The LaserPro S290LS is shipped in one crate that contains the machine, the software and other accessories.
The following section has a detailed list of the steps required for unpacking and packaging of the machine.
To prevent damage to the machine or personal injury, please get assistance when loading and unloading the
shipping crate. Please keep and store the original shipping crate in case it is needed for future transport or
product servicing.
Move the shipping crate close to the desired working location of the machine. Unpack following the steps
below.
10
Spirit User Manual
10
Step 1: Remove the 6 metal clips that secures the top panel to the crate by using a flathead
screw driver
Step 2: Lift the top panel and remove
11
Step 3: Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the brackets that secures the bars in place.
Step 4: Remove the top bars.
12
Spirit User Manual
12
Step 5: Use a flathead screwdriver to pry loose the side brackets and remove them.
13
Step 6: Pull the front panel and lower it to an angle of about 45 degrees and then pull it away
from the crate. Do the same for the rear panel.
Step 7: Remove the left and right panels in the same way after the front and rear panels have
been removed
14
Spirit User Manual
14
Step 8: Unbuckle and remove the belts that holds the machine in place.
Step 9: Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the brackets that holds the machine in place
15
Step 10: Position the ramps as shown below and the machine can now be pushed off the base
board via the ramps. (The ramps are found in a box within the crate)
16
Spirit User Manual
16
Pack via the following steps:

Step 1: Set up the ramp with the base board and carefully push the machine onto the iron pallet.
NOTE: More than one person may be needed when loading and unloading the shipping crate in order to
avoid body injury or damage to the machine.
Step 2: Fasten the belts accordingly and make sure the machine is affixed on the iron plate.
17
Step 3: Insert four side boards on the slot of bottom plate.
Step 4: Fix the four side boards by four corner brackets.
18
Spirit User Manual
18
Step 5: Place the top cover on the top of the machine and fix it with the fixers.
The machine is now repacked and ready for shipping.
19
2.2 Contents and Accessories Checklist

Please check to make sure that all of the following items are included within the shipping crate. If any of
the following items are missing, immediately contact your local GCC distributor.
ITEM
Cleaning Kit
QUANTITY
Cotton
Lens Cleaner Solution
Lens Tissue
1
2/each
Power Cord (US/EU/AU)
20
Printer Port Cable
USB Port Cable
Focusing Tool
Safety Goggles for YVO4 protection (1064nm wavelength)
Hose Connector
Installation CD (LaserPro S290LS user manual, driver, and firmware)
PS2 Lubrication Grease
Warranty Card
Spirit User Manual
20
3
Chapter 3
Mechanical Overview
Front View
Top View
Right ( Profile ) View
Left ( Profile ) View
Rear View
13
Please take some time to familiarize yourself with this section regarding the mechanical overview of
the LaserPro S290LS. References will be made back to the different parts of the LaserPro S290LS in
later sections.
3.1 Front View
TM
SmartEXT
Pass-Through Door
(Front)
Lower Front Door
3.2 Top View
Emergency Stop Button
TM
SmartLIGHT
Switch
Control Panel
14
3.3 Right (Profile) View
Power ON/OFF
Switch
USB Port
Printer Port
Power Cable
Inlet
3.4 Left (Profile) View
Access Panel Mirror # 1
15
3.5 Rear View
TM
SmartLID
Operation Handles
Ventilation
Openings
Laser Access Panel
TM
SmartEXT Pass-Through
Door (Rear)
16
4
Chapter 4
Setup and Installation

Machine Setup
-
Powering Up the Machine
Connecting the Computer
Graphics Software Setup

-
Recommended Computer Configuration
Installation of the LaserPro USB Driver
Installation of the LaserPro Print Driver
17
4.1 Machine Setup

4.1.1 Powering Up the Machine
CAUTION
Make sure both the LaserPro S290LS and the computer are turned off before
connecting either to a power source.
1)
Connect the male end of the power cord to a quality surge protector and then connect the
surge protector to a properly grounded outlet.
2)
Do the same for the computer system.
3)
Connect the female end of the power cord to the machines power cable inlet located on the
right side of machine.
NOTE
The LaserPro S290LS has been designed to automatically switch from 100~240 VAC.
TIP
Please adjust the LCD Display Screens Contrast before plugging in the electrical cord of
your laser. LCD adjustment wheel is located underneath the control panel
4.1.2 Connecting the Computer

The LaserPro S290LS can communicate with a computer through a USB Port or Parallel Printer
Port connection interface. The USB Port connection offers faster file transfer and greater
flexibility over the Parallel Printer Port connection. Regardless of the connection method chosen,
you will need to connect the respective connection cable from the LaserPro S290LS to your
computer.
USB Connectivity: Connect the included USB Port Cable to the USB Port on the right-hand
side of the LaserPro S290LS.
Printer Port Connectivity: Connect the included Printer Port Cable to the Printer Port on the
right-hand side of the LaserPro S290LS.
NOTE
If you have purchased additional Optional Accessories for the LaserPro S290LS,
please refer to chapter VII for instructions on how to properly setup your optional
accessories. These should be setup prior to working with your LaserPro S290LS.
18
4.2 Graphics Software Setup

The LaserPro S290LS is compatible with graphics software that can output HPGL commands, such as
CorelDRAW, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, Illustrator etc.
Supported Graphic Software
Photoshop
CorelDRAW
Illustrator
AutoCAD
Other software such as EngraveLab and PhotoGrav may work with the LaserPro S290LS, but these are not
officially supported. Any software that can output to the LaserPro Print Driver should work.
NOTE
Support will not be offered, if you experience output problems with non-supported
graphics software.
4.2.1 Recommended Computer Configuration

The LaserPro S290LS operates under Windows operating systems and is designed to work on
a computer that meets the following minimum requirements.
Computer
CPU Pentium 90 (or equivalent) or greater
RAM 32 MB or higher
HDD 1.2 GB Hard Drive or greater

SVGA 15" Super VGA Monitor
On Board Parallel Mode (Enabled from motherboards BIOS)
SPP Preferred Mode
ECP Cable (Less than 1.8 meters)
Software
The LaserPro S290LS drivers are designed for Windows 2000, XP, Window7 or other operating
systems developed subsequently.
19
4.2.2 How to check firmware loader version for suitable USB mode
USB mode
Two types of USB communication modes can be used to transfer data between the computer and the machine.
We recommend using the Common USB mode for most cases. However, if older operating system is used, users
can opt to install the GCC USB mode.
Please check the following table for the suitable USB communication mode based on your operating system and
the firmware loader version installed on your machine.
Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7
Laser series
Loader version
32 bit
64 bit
New
GCC USB or Common USB mode Common USB mode
Old
GCC USB mode
S290LS
X
Press and hold F4 on Control Panel then turn on the machine, if below page appears, the loader installed on
the machine is the new loader, if the control panel shows nothing, the loader is an old loader.
20
4.2.3 Installation of Common USB

When you connect computer with GCC machine by USB, the computer will detect and install a common USB
driver automatically as below procedure. It will finish all procedure within several minutes
NOTE
Make sure the USB mode is set to Common_USB under the USB setup wizard firmware
menu.
21
4.2.4 Installation of GCC USB

This section is only required for users that use the USB connectivity. This section can be skipped for users
connecting via the Parallel Printer Port connection.
NOTE
DO NOT connect the USB cable to the PC before you have completed both the
LaserPro USB driver and LaserPro print driver installation.
Install the LaserPro USB driver BEFORE installing the LaserPro S290 LS print driver.
This set of USB driver is not the same as the native USB drivers for Microsoft Windows.
1)
Switch on the computer and insert the LaserPro CD.
2)
From the auto run menu, select S290LS
USB Driver to begin the LaserPro USB
Driver installation.
3)
The LaserPro USB Driver installation program will update your Windows USB driver. When the
notification pops up, select Yes to continue the installation.
4)
Click Start to begin the installation.
5) Please be sure below conditions (OS/USB/Firmware) are fulfilled
OS
Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7 32bit
USB Driver Version
USB Setup1.12_01 or newer
Firmware Version
1.22_AAS or newer
22
Fig:
Vista Operation System
Installation process:
< Step1> Go to GCC Distributor Club and download the latest USB driver.
<Step 2> Please do the following steps to install the USB driver.
1.Run the remove.exe ( right mouse click and click Run as Administrator) to make sure that
we remove any previous of the USB driver
23
2.Run the USBSETUP.EXE file ( right click and click Run as Administrator)
24
3.Double check if the GCC USB driver has been installed correctly by going to the
Device Manager and locate the Universal Serial Bus Controllers
Attention: Remove previous installations if any. (Right click on previous

installations and select remove driver, then unplug and plug USB cable from laser
engraver again.)
25
Fig: If the USB Print Support has been installed on the computer, it will be shown on
the above screen.
Turn to Port tab, select the proper port you want to set (in this case, its GCC USB)
26
NOTE
Make sure the USB mode is set to GCC_USB under the USB setup wizard firmware
menu.
4.2.5 Installation of the LaserPro Print Driver

1)
Insert the LaserPro CD.
2)
From the auto run menu, select S290LS

Driver installation.
3)
When the Add Printer Wizard menu comes up, click Next to continue.
4)
At the Local or Network Printer page, select <Local printer attached to this computer>, then
click Next to continue.
5)
At the Select a Printer Port page, select <Use the following port> and select the port that the
LaserPro S290LS will be attached to, then click Next to continue.
6)
The next screen will prompt you with a list to select the manufacturer and model of your printer.
From this menu, click Have Disk. Another menu will now pop up for you to indicate the location
of the print driver. With the LaserPro CD still in your drive, click Browse, select the LaserPro
S290LS driver folder and locate the GLXXX.inf file. Click OPEN to have S290LS displayed as a
valid printer.
7)
Now select S290LS from the list of printers (S290LS should be the only printer
displayed on the list) and click Next to continue.
8)
If a screen comes up informing you of the detection of a previous driver and asks to keep the
existing driver or use the new one, select <Replace Existing Driver> and click Next to
continue.
9)
This screen will prompt you to provide a printer name. Simply type in <S290LS> and select
Yes or No if you want to use this printer as the default printer and click Next to continue.
LaserPro Driver to begin the LaserPro Print
NOTE
When working with the LaserPro S290LS Print Driver within your graphics software,
you will need to have the S290LS set as the default printer to get proper output. If you
select to not have the S290LS be the default printer, please remember to manually
change this on your own from within the graphic software printer selection area or
from the Windows
Control Panel
Printers and Faxes section.
10)
At the Printer Sharing screen, select <Do not share this printer> and click Next to continue.
11)
Select <No> when asked if you want to print a test page and click Next to continue.
12)
Now simply click Finish to complete the Add Printer Wizard.
13)
Now the installation will proceed, if you get a Hardware Warning about the software you are
installing for this hardware has not passed Windows Logo testing, simply click Continue
Anyway to ignore this warning.
14)
Congratulations, your printer driver has been successfully installed!
15)
This step is required only for USB connections If you are using the S290LS USB
connection interface, then you will need to go to your Windows Control Panel Printer and
Faxes. Right-click on the S290LS listing, and select properties. Go to the Ports menu
and place a check next to GCC USB0, then click OK.
27
4.2.6 Parallels Desktops

MAC users can use GCC LaserPro machines by purchasing the Parallels Desktop software which allows you to install Windows
OS in MAC computers and run Windows based software under MAC computer and output with GCC print driver.
1) Purchase Parallels Desktops on its official website.
2) Install Parallels Desktops under Mac OS environment.
3) Read Software License Agreement and press Accept to continue installation
4) Enter your Mac OS X User Name and Password then press OK
5) Press Active
6) Press OK when activation is complete.
7) Register Parallels Desktop
8) Press Register and OK to complete the installation of Parallels Desktop.
9) Open Parallels Desktop (in the Applications folder) then choose File New
10) Press Install Windows from DVD or image file then press continue to install windows OS
11) Select CD-ROM drive with the Windows installation CD
12) Enter the Windows OS product key
13) Select how you would like to run your Windows program.
14) After the prior setting is complete the windows OS installation procedure will start automatically.
15) Windows OS installation is complete then you can refer to 4.2.5 Installation of the LaserPro Print Driver to
install GCC LaserPro Print Driver.
16) Install the AP that you want to use after the above installation is complete.
5
Chapter 5
Operating the LaserPro S290LS

Using the Hardware
- Adjusting the LCD Display Screen's Contrast Setting
-
Graphic Control Panel Overview (Description)
Graphic Control Panel Navigation Chart
Graphic Control Panel Function Pages
The LaserPro S290LS Print Driver

- Page Setup and Orientation
- Color Management
- Using the LaserPro S290LS Print Driver
- LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Options Page
- LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Pen Page
- LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Advanced Page
- LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Paper Page
- LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Language Page
- LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Raster Page
28
Once you have installed the LaserPro USB Driver (for use with USB connection), LaserPro Print Driver,
and have connected the LaserPro S290LS to your computer, you will need to familiarize yourself with the
LaserPro S290LS control panel and LaserPro Print Driver. The print driver will be where specific laser
parameters for your jobs are configured, while the control panel will allow you to set repeat times,
manipulate file order, perform auto / manual focusing, and more.
5.1 Using the Hardware

5.1.1 Adjusting the LCD Display Screens Contrast Setting
Depending on the lighting of your immediate work area, you may need to adjust the contrast of the
LCD display screen. You may increase or decrease the display screens contrast via the contrast
adjustment wheel found on the inside of the front cover on the bottom, right-hand side. You can
access this area by opening the top window and looking inside to the rear, right side of the work
area (as shown in the picture below).
LCD Display Screen's Contrast

Adjustment Wheel
* This picture was taken with the SmartLID opened to clearly show the location of the contrast
adjustment wheel.
5.1.2 Graphic Control Panel Overview

The Control Panel
The control panel on the LaserPro S290LS provides an easy access to all the manual
controls needed for cutting and engraving. The liquid crystal display (LCD), functional,
directional and selection buttons make navigating through the machines manual controls
easy to do.
29
LED Indicator Lights
LCD Display Screen
Function Buttons
Directional and
Selection Buttons
LED Indicator Lights

Three indicator lights on the LaserPro S290LS control panel are part of the systems
safety interlock system.
Door - The door light will illuminate when either the top lid or external pass through doors on the
LaserPro S290LS are open or improperly closed.
Power - The power light will illuminate when the LaserPro S290LS is powered on.
Laser - The laser light will illuminate when the laser is active and in operation.
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to remove or modify any component of the safety interlock system.
If at any time, any of the access doors are open and the laser LED is illuminated,
unplug the laser system IMMEDIATELY and contact GCC technical support for service
instructions.
DO NOT operate the laser system if any component of the safety system is
malfunctioning.
30
Directional and Selection Buttons

Function (F1 / F2 / F3 / F4) Four function buttons allow you to select various functions which
will change depending on what section of the menu you are in. Each function buttons
corresponding task will be displayed right above its respective button on the LCD display screen.
Please note that in certain menus, not every function button will always be mapped to a
corresponding action. In these situations, that particular button will not have a function.
Directional ( /
/
/ ) Four directional buttons allow you to navigate the selection cursor
through the control panel menu and adjust the value of specific settings. In general, the
/
directional buttons cycle through the various selections, while the
/ directional buttons
adjust the value of that particular selection.
Enter Confirms the current selection.
Start / Stop Allows you to start or stop engraving jobs, once those jobs have been successfully
loaded onto the system.
Delete Provides quick access to delete the current job.
Pause Pauses the current engraving process. Press again to resume the current process.
Auto Focus After you have positioned your material and moved the laser carriage head to the
area you want to engrave, press this button and the system will automatically adjust the optimal
vertical focal distance for the laser.
Manual Focus ( / ) To manually adjust the vertical focal distance between the laser head
and the material, you can use the / buttons to do so. Doing so will adjust the vertical height
(z-axis) of the worktable.
31
5.1.3 Graphic Control Panel Navigation Chart
Carriage / Work Table

Adjustment Page
Main Work Page
SmartCENTER Page
Functions Page
File Management Page
Machine Settings Page
Machine Information Page
Set Lens Page

Link / DLink Page
Tune Auto Focus Page

Set Table Down Page
File Information Page
Set Red Beam Page

File Management Edit Page
Set Carriage Lock Page
Set Command Mode Page
Save Position Page
SmartMEMORY Page
Set File Save Mode Page
Set Vector Mode Page
USB Setup Wizard Page
Set Standby Page
Image Offset Tuning
Laser Options
Others Page
Reset Page
32
5.1.4 Graphic Control Panel Function Pages

When the LaserPro S290LS is powered on, the machine will perform a series of safety checks
and initialization routines. The LCD display screen will display the GCC copyright, LaserPro logo,
and machine initialization pages before going to the main work page.
Main Work Page
The main work page is the page that the LaserPro S290LS will default to upon startup and will be the
home base for when navigating through the various functions of the control panel. This will be the
page that is displayed when you are processing your jobs. This page contains specific job information
such as the current jobs name, Speed, Power, Freq., DPI, processing / remaining times, and jobs
loaded.
Main Work Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Prev)
Scroll through previous jobs
F2 (Next)
Scroll through next jobs
F3 (SP)
Go to Store Position Page for SmartCENTER
F4 (Func)
Go to Functions Page
/ /
Directional
Go to Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page
Start / Stop
Start / Stop the current job
Delete
Delete the current selected job
Auto Focus
Initiate the auto focus function
/ Manual Focus Buttons
Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-axis)
33
Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page

Navigating to this page:
Main Work Page

press,
, ,
or F3

Adjustment Page
Adjustment Page
The Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page allow you to manually increase and decrease the
height of the work table (Z-axis). In addition, you can manually adjust the Y-axis and X-axis of the
laser carriage.
Carriage / Work Table Adjustment Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
Back to previous page
F3 (Down)
Manually decrease the height of the work table (Z-axis)
F4 (Up)
Manually increase the height of the work table (Z-axis)
/ Directional
Directional
Manually adjust the Y-axis position of the laser carriage

Manually adjust the X-axis position of the laser carriage
Start / Stop
Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus
34
SmartCENTER Page
Main
Work
Page
Main
Work
Page
press F3
SmartCENTER Page
Under SmartCENTER mode the job will begin after the system positions the carriage to the center
position between two or four points indicated by the user. The SmartCENTER mode has to be
enabled through the driver.
Enter SmartCENTER page by pressing the F3 button. You will be prompted to indicate and store
the position points. The positions can be indicated by moving the carriage by hand and pressing
enter to save the positions indicated by the red pointer. After all points are set, the carriage will
move to the center of the two entered points and the job will begin.
SmartCENTER Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F2 (Reset)
Reset all saved positions
F4 (Save)
Save current lens carriage position
/ Directional
Directional
Manually adjust the Y-axis position of the laser carriage

Manually adjust the X-axis position of the laser carriage
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
35
Functions Page
Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
The Functions Page allows you to edit file management and machine settings. From this page,
you will be able to access the File Management, Machine Setting, and Machine Information pages.
File Management Page this page allows you to manage the files that you have loaded onto
the laser engraver.
Machine Setting Page this page allows you to access and modify various machine settings,
including: Set Lens, Tune Auto Focus, Set Table Down, Set Red Beam, Carriage Lock, Set
Command Mode, Save Position, Flash Memory, Set File Save Mode, Set Vector Mode, Tune
Image Power, Set Laser Wattage, Set Fine Mode, Other, Reset.
Machine Information Page this page allows you to view information regarding the system
such as the GCC logo, machine name, firmware version, and other information.
Functions Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F3 (Help)
Display help
F4 (Recall)
/ Directional
Scroll through the menu selections
Enter
Perform the selection
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
36

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<File Management>from the menu
The File Management Page allows you to manage the files that you have loaded onto the LaserPro
S290LS. You can scroll through your jobs, delete a selected job, delete all jobs, and go to the Link /
DLink Page to set and arrange multiple loaded jobs into a single job queue for processing.

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F2 (Link)
Go to the Link/DLink Page
F3 (D-All)
Delete all loaded jobs
F4 (Del)
Delete the selected job
/ Directional
Enter
Go to the File Information Page for the selected job
Start / Stop
Go to the Main Work Page for the selected job
Auto Focus
37
Link / DLink Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<File Management
>from the menu

press F2
Link / DLink Page
The Link / DLink Page allows you to set, arrange, and remove loaded jobs to and from a job queue
for processing. Use the directional keys to cycle through your loaded jobs, then simply press the
<F2 (Link)> key to add a file to the job queue. The job queue will be set in a sequential order based
on the order you link the files. To remove a job from your job queue, press the <F4 (DLink)> key.
The first column field (before the file name) displays the job number. The sequence for your job
queue is displayed in the two columns to the right of your file names. The first column to the right of
your job file name displays the job number of the previous file in the job queue sequence. The
second column after the file name displays that jobs next file in the job queue sequence. First and
last jobs in the job sequence you set will have a (---) in the first and second columns respectively. So
according to the image above, the job queue sequence has been set to be processed in this order:
03:Marble.cdr 01:Marble.cdr 02:Marble.cdr.
Link / DLink Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F2 (Link)
Add the currently-selected job to the job queue
F4 (DLink)
Remove the currently-selected job from the job queue
/ Directional
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
38

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<File Management
>from the menu

Select a job file and
press Enter
The File Information Page allows you to view the speed, power, DPI, and Freq. settings of the
selected job. In addition, you will be able to go to the File Management Edit Page from this menu
to change raster / vector speed and power settings for the selected job.

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (edit)
Go to the File Management Edit Page for the selected

job
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
39
File Edit Raster Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Page
Functions

press Enter

press F4
The File Management Edit Page allows you the choice to modify your raster or vector settings for
the selected job, as well as setting the number of times to repeat the process of the selected job
(Repeat Num).

Relevant Buttons
F1 (Back)
/ Directional
Function
/ ( Directional
Enter
Start / Stop
Cycle through the available selections

Auto Focus
40

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page

press Enter

press F4

Select < Raster
Setting> from the menu
The File Edit Raster Page allows you to edit the raster power and speed settings, as well as
enable or disable SmartACT for the selected job. These settings correspond to the same settings
found on the LaserPro S290LS print driver. This page allows you to easily adjust these values
to make immediate adjustments while processing your loaded jobs, even when you have
disconnected your computer from the LaserPro S290LS.
Raster Power: 0.0% - 100%
Raster Speed: 0.0% - 100%
SmartACT: YES / NO

Relevant Buttons
F1 (Back)
/ Directional
Function
/ ( Directional
Start / Stop
Adjust the value for that selection

Auto Focus
41
Machine Setting Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page

press Enter

press F4
File Management Edit

Select < Vector Setting
> from the menu
File Edit Vector Page
The File Edit Vector Page allows you to edit the vector pen, vector power, vector speed, and vector
freq. for the selected job. These settings correspond to the same settings found on the LaserPro
S290LS print driver. This page allows you to easily adjust these values to make immediate
adjustments while processing your loaded jobs, even when you have disconnected your computer
from the LaserPro S290LS.
Vector Pen: 1 - 16
Vector Power: 0.0% - 100%
Vector Speed: 0.0% - 100%
Vector freq.: 0% - 100%

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
Save your current settings
/ Directional
Directional

Start / Stop
Auto Focus
42

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
The Machine Setting Page allows you to access and modify various machine settings, including:
Set Lens, Tune Auto Focus, Set Table Down, Set Red Beam, Carriage Lock, Set Command
Mode, Save Position, Flash Memory, Set File Save Mode, Set Vector Mode, Tune Image Power,
Set Laser Wattage, Set Fine Mode, Other, and Reset.

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
/ Directional
Enter
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
43

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine
Setting>from the menu

Select<Set Lens>
from the menu
Set Lens Page
The Set Lens Page allows you to modify the lens settings after you have changed to a different
focal lens. Remember to save your settings after you have made the proper changes. Now by
pressing the Auto Focus button, the LaserPro S290LS will conduct auto focus accordingly
using the new lens. The default setting is <4.0">
Lens: 2.0" / 4.0"
Set Lens Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
/ Directional
Cycle through selections
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
44
Set Lens Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Tune Auto
Focus>from the menu
The Tune Auto Focus Page allows you to manually set the default auto focus distance / vertical
height of the worktable (Z-axis) when the Auto Focus button is pushed.

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
/ Directional
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
45
Set Red Beam Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Set Table
Down>from the menu
Set Table Down Page
The Set Table Down Page allows you to select whether or not the LaserPro S290LS displays a
warning prompt at startup. If the Table Down selection is set to <YES>, the LaserPro S290LS will
display a warning prompt: at startup, stating: Table will move down and remove objects on table.
Pressing the Enter key at this point will confirm the prompt to move the work table to its lowest
position. If the Table Down is set to <NO>, then the LaserPro S290LS will not display this warning
prompt at system startup.
Table Down: YES / NO

Distance: 0 - 165 mm
Set Table Down Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
/ Directional
/ ( Directional
Start / Stop

Auto Focus
46
Set Table Down Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Set Red
Beam>from the menu
Set Red Beam Page
The Set Red Beam Page allows you to turn on or off the red dot laser pointer on the laser carriage.
Enabling this function will indicate the exact area the engraving laser will fire upon.
Red Beam YES / NO
Set Red Beam Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
Directional
Cycle Red Beam between YES / NO
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
47
Command Mode Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Carriage
Lock>from the menu
Carriage Lock Page
The Carriage Lock Page allows you to set whether the laser carriage is to be locked or free. If the
Carriage Free setting is set to <YES>, then you will be able to manually move the laser carriage
along the X and Y axis by hand with the top door open. Whereas setting the Carriage Free to <NO>
will lock the laser carriage and movement or positioning can only be done by the control panel.
Carriage Free YES / NO
Carriage Lock Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
Directional
Cycle Carriage Free between YES / NO
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
48
Carriage Lock Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Set Command
Mode>from the menu
The Command Mode Page allows you to configure vector settings when outputting in Default or
HPGL mode. Default mode is the standard Windows print driver and also recognized by the most
popular graphic software programs such as CorelDRAW, Photoshop, Illustrator, and more. Whereas,
HPGL mode is a less common output format generated from some RIP applications (signage
industry). Regardless of which format you will be working with, both output formats are supported.
Mode: Default / HPGL
Vector Pen: 1 - 16
Vector Speed: 0.0% - 100%
Vector PPI: 0.0% - 100%
Power Ramp: YES / NO

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
/ Directional
Directional

Start / Stop
Auto Focus
49
Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Advanced
Options>from the menu
Advanced Options
Select <SavePosition> from the menu
The Save Position Function allows you to save the current X-axis and Y-axis positions of the laser
carriage and sets this position to be the origin for subsequent jobs.
Tip
This is an excellent function to use when you are processing identical items or
engraving relatively smaller objects positioned away from the default start
position (top left) of the work table.
Recall Position
Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Recall> by pressing F4
To recall the saved position, simply go to Functions page and press F4 again to recall the saved
position. The laser carriage will be moved to the saved position.
50
Save Position Function

SmartMEMORY Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Advanced

Select<SmartMEMORY
>from the menu
SmartMEMORY Page
The SmartMEMORY Page allows you to read and write data with the optional SmartMEMORY
module installed. Selecting <Save to SmartMEMORY> will copy all current jobs on the LaserPro
S290LS to the SmartMEMORY module. Selecting <Load SmartMEMORY> will copy all job files
from the SmartMEMORY module to the machine.
SmartMEMORY Page
Relevant Buttons
F1 (Back)
/ Directional l
Function
Enter
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
51

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Set File Save
Mode>from the menu
The Set File Save Mode Page allows you to set whether or not the LaserPro S290LS automatically
deletes each job file after processing. Setting File Save to <NO> will automatically and immediately
delete each job file from the LaserPro S290LS after the engraving or cutting process. Setting File
Save to <YES> will retain all job files on the LaserPro S290LS.
File Save: YES / NO

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
Directional
Cycle File Save between YES / NO
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
52
Vector Mode Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Set Vector
Mode>from the menu
Vector Mode Page
Under the Vector mode, users can adjust and balance vector quality and speed settings based on
your specific job. The Speedy Vector Option offers the highest output speed with average quality,
whereas Quality Vector Option offers the highest quality at a slower output speed. Keep in mind
that speed and quality are usually at a tradeoff. The LaserPro S290LS systems default setting is
set to <Fine Vector>.
Options: Quality Vector, Fine Vector, Coarse Vector, Speedy Vector

[Slower speeds / higher quality -------------------- Faster speeds / lower quality]
Vector Mode Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
/ Directional
Directional
Cycle through Vector Mode Settings

Cycle between options and YES / NO
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
53

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Set USB Setup
Wizard>from the menu
The USB Setup Wizard Page allows you to switch between GCCUSB or COMMONUSB setting.
When operating under Windows XP environment, users can use the GCCUSB setting to receive
files from the computer after installing the USB driver provided by GCC. If Windows Vista is the
operating system used on the computer, users can set the USB connection to COMMONUSB
connection can be detected and used under this setting.
USB Setup Wizard: GCCUSB \ COMMONUSB

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
Cycle USB setting between GCCUSB \ COMMONUSB
Directional
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
54
Set Standby Mode Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Set Fine
Mode>from the menu
Set Standby Page
The Set Auto-Standby Mode Page allows you to turn ON or turn OFF the auto-standby timer. The
machine will set itself to standby mode after being idle for 20 minutes when the Auto-Standby mode is
turned ON.
Set Auto-Standby mode: YES / NO
Set Auto-Standby Mode Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
Cycle Auto Standby between YES / NO
Directional
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
55
Image Offset Tuning Page
Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Image offset
tuning Mode>from the
Image offset Tuning Page
The Adjust image offset function allows you to align the position of rastered object against vector
outputs.
Adjust Image Offset: 0.0 mm
Image Offset Tuning Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
Directional
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
56
Laser options Page (For 10W model only)

Main Work Page
press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Laser
options>from the menu
Image offset Tuning Page
The Laser Options page allows you to:

1.
Turn on and turn off the APC (Auto power compensation function)
2.
Set Auto Standby time to conserve diode life time
3.
Run APC calibration
The APC function allows automatic power adjustments to the laser to keep the laser power output
constant. The Auto Standby function will set the laser diode to hibernation mode in order to conserve
its lifetime. (A warm up period will be allocated after leaving the standby mode)
APC calibration updates the APC power settings. We recommend users to run this function when
power output seems to be unstable.
APC: Yes/No
Auto Standby: 0/5/10/15/20 min
APC calibration
Laser Options Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
Directional
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
57
Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Others
>from the menu
Others Page
The Others Page allows you to change various settings that correspond to the control panel. The
Language setting will allow users to change available languages displayed on the control panel.
The Unit setting will allow you to change whether the units displayed by the control panel is in the
metric or imperial system. The EOF (end of file) Alarm setting will enable or disable an audible
notification when jobs are complete. The Air Delay setting allows you to specify the delay in
seconds of the SmartAIR air-assist after the point of laser firing.
Language: ENGLISH (others dependent on Firmware)
Unit: METRIC / ENGLISH
EOF Alarm: YES / NO
Air Delay: 1-100 seconds
Tip
Depending on the material you are engraving with, your laser settings, and the
desired results, please experiment with the air delay to achieve your desired results.
Others Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
/ Directional
Directional
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
58
Others Page
Reset Page

Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine

Select<Reset>from the
menu
Reset Page
The Reset Page allows you to reset all changes made to the Machine Settings Page to their
default settings. This does not affect the settings saved to an image file on the computer. The
User Reset setting will set all settings back to default. After any firmware updates, you must use
the System Reset setting (your previous settings are saved).
User Reset (a confirmation will pop up, press Enter to confirm and continue)
System Reset (a confirmation will pop up, press Enter to confirm and continue)
Reset Page
Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
/ Directional
Enter
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
59
SmartGUARD Page
Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Advanced

Select<SmartGUARD
>from the menu
SmartGUARD Page
After hardware installation, please enter the function menu on the control panel to enable the
SmartGUARD fire alarm.
SmartGUARD Enable / Disable:

Press directional key (left or right) to enable the SmartGUARD device or disable it.
Sensitivity
Press directional key (left or right) to set the sensitivity of SmartGUARD. There are five sensitivity
settings (1, 3, 5, 7, 9 seconds) that can be selected. Sensitivity is defined by the delay time from
when a fire is detected until the fire alarm alerts user, and automatically shuts down the system. For
example, if the sensor delay switch is set to the 3 second position, the SmartGUARD will start an
alarm and automatically shutdown the laser system after detecting fire for 3 seconds.
SmartGUARD Setting Page

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
/ Directional
Directional
60
Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Machine
Information>from the
menu
The Machine Information Page allows you to view information regarding the system such as the
GCC logo, machine name, firmware version, and other information.

Relevant Buttons
Function
F1 (Back)
/ Directional
Scroll through pages
Start / Stop
Auto Focus
61
5.2 The LaserPro S290LS Print Driver

With the LaserPro S290LS print driver successfully installed, you will need to adjust the printer and page
size default settings before you can begin editing and completing jobs. By doing so, you will be setting the
work area in your graphics software to match the LaserPro S290LS work table area.
NOTE
Please make sure the LaserPro S290LS is set to the default printer before proceeding
to the page and layout setup.
Ensure that the LaserPro S290LS has been selected as the DEFAULT PRINTER. You can do so by
going into your Windows Control Panel Printers and Faxes.
If the LaserPro S290LS is not selected as DEFAULT PRINTER, you may set it up through the graphics
software as well. The following example takes CorelDRAW to demonstrate how to set up LaserPro
S290LS as the Printer.
1)
From the primary menu, click FILE PRINT SETUP.
2)
From the navigation bar Name, click S290LS OK
5.2.1 Page Setup and Orientation

The first thing you must do before working with the LaserPro S290LS Print Driver will be to make
sure the page and layout settings are properly configured within your graphics software. You will
need to access and edit the Page Setup or Layout page of your graphics software to set your
graphics softwares page layout to match the work tables dimensions and orientation.
From your graphic softwares Page Setup page:
Set the page orientation in the graphics software to Landscape mode.
Set page size horizontal length to 640 mm (25 inches) or 740 mm (29 inches) and
vertical height to 460 mm (18 inches).
62
CorelDRAW Example (Page Setup and Orientation)

The following is an example of how to set the Page Setup and Orientation in the graphics software.
CorelDRAW is the designated graphics software used for this example. For other graphics software,
you will need to access the corresponding Page Setup page.
3)
From the primary menu, click LAYOUT
PAGE SETUP.
4)
From the navigation bar on the left, click DOCUMENT
5)
Ensure that NORMAL PAPER and LANDSCAPE are selected.
6)
Ensure the Paper Width and Height dimensions match the work table dimensions
of 640 mm (25.197 inches) and 460 mm (18.110 inches) or 740 mm (29.134
inches) x 460 mm (18.110 inches).
7)
Click OK to end the paper size adjustment.
PAGE
SIZE.
Tip
Instead of manually selecting the Landscape and setting the Paper Width and
Height, you can simply click the Set From Printer function and CorelDraw will
automatically set the proper orientation and dimensions based on the work
table. (You MUST have the LaserPro S290LS set as the default printer prior to
doing this.)
63
5.2.2 Color Management

The LaserPro driver uses pen color settings to control laser engravers engraving and cutting
parameters. In addition to having your Page Setup and Orientation properly set in your graphics
software, you will also need to make sure Color Management is DISABLED prior to working with
the LaserPro S290LS Print Driver.
From your graphic softwares Color Management page:
Disable Color Management or set Color Management to Off.
CorelDRAW Example (Color Management)

The following is an example of how to properly disable Color Management in the graphics
software. CorelDRAW is the designated graphics software used for this example. For other graphics
software, you will need to access the corresponding Color Management page.
1)
From the primary menu, click TOOLS COLOR MANAGEMENT and CorelDRAWs
Color Management will appear.
2)
Under the Style pull down menu, select COLOR MANAGEMENT OFF.
3)
Click OK to complete the color management adjustments.
64
5.2.3 Using the LaserPro S290LS Print Driver

Now after you have properly set the Page and Layout and Color Management of your graphics
software, you are ready to configure the details of your actual job through the LaserPro
S290LS Print Driver. The print driver allows you to adjust your engraving / cutting options.
After you have setup your image, design, or text to be engraved in your software application,
you can access the LaserPro S290LS print driver by going to FILE PRINT
PROPERTIES.
NOTE
For this screenshot example, CorelDRAW was used as the software application.
The LaserPro S290LS Print Driver consists of seven primary sections (pages) in which you
will be able to choose various engraving / cutting options and settings:
Options Page
Pen Page
Advanced Page
Paper Page
Language Page
Raster Page (appears only in Black & White Mode)
65
Tip
The following sections describe the specific functions for each of the settings
found in the LaserPro S290LS Print Driver. If you are new to laser engraving,
it is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the general
principles of the laser process in Section 6, especially the Vector Cutting and
Raster Engraving concepts. This will make it easier to understand the
various descriptions and terminologies used in this section.
5.2.3.1 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Options Page
Mode Setting (OPTIONS PAGE) [DEFAULT SETTING: Black & White]

You can select from four primary mode settings, depending on your application or results you
would like to achieve.
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Black & White:

Select this mode when using clipart images or drawings with several colors, shades of gray, or
many outlines. This mode outputs in a method similar to that of a black and white laser printer. The
entire selected image will be engraved using a single set of power and speed settings (the black
pen from the PEN menu. Please refer to the next section of the manual for details regarding the
PEN functions). The print driver will interpret colored and shaded areas as different shades of gray
by producing a halftone effect while engraving. Instead of engraving only solid lines, gray/halftone
areas will be a collection of dots with varying density.
The resolution and depth of these halftone areas can be adjusted with the DPI setting found on the
Options page. Please note that selecting the Black & White mode will add a new Raster page to the
menu. The Black & White mode dithering settings can be changed from the Raster page. (Please
refer to the Raster section below for details). Experiment with different dithering settings to attain the
desired results.
Tip
The Black & White mode interprets the processed image by the varying colors
and shades. For the best results, we suggest you convert the image to a grayscale
image with your graphics software prior to engraving in the Black & White mode.
NOTE
Selecting the Black & White mode will enable the Raster page on the LaserPro S290LS
Print Driver
Manual Color Fill:

Select this mode when you would like to designate specific power and speed settings and link
them to certain colors of your image. The LaserPro S290LS print driver allows a maximum of
16 pen parameters to be set.
DPI (Options Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: 500]

DPI (dots-per-inch) represents the number of times the laser will fire over a one-inch path. This
setting determines the image resolution and quality when performing raster engraving functions.
Higher DPI settings result in cleaner and deeper engravings, but require more time to complete.
Lower DPI settings result in coarser and shallower engravings, but require less time to complete.
The LaserPro S290LS offers 8 DPI options: 125, 250, 300, 380, 500, 600, 760, 1000,1500, and
3000. Experiment with different settings to get your desired effect.
Below is a chart for your convenience detailing the Set DPI (your input setting) vs. Actual DPI (your
output results).
Set
DPI
125
250
300*
380
500
600*
760
1000
Actual
DPI
127
254
381
381
508
762
762
1016
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NOTE
Outputting a full-table (29" x 18") job using 300 or 600 DPI will result in a truncation error;
this is due to the large differences in set DPI vs. actual DPI output for those two particular
DPI settings. Therefore, when processing a 29" x 18" job using 300 DPI, we recommend
you move to the next higher DPI setting of 380. Similarly, for a 29" x 18" job using 600
DPI, we recommend you use 760 DPI.
Mirror (Options Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

Checking this box will automatically engrave your image with a mirrored effect. This setting will flip
the image along the Y-axis from left to right and vice-versa.
Mirror Effect
Invert (Options Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

Checking this box automatically inverts / reverses the color of your image (the white areas become
black and vice versa). The Invert option is not available if disabled while Manual Color File mode is
selected.
Invert Effect
Print Immediately (Options Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

Checking this will instruct the LaserPro S290LS to immediately begin the laser engraving process,
when you select Print from your graphic software program. If Print Immediately is not checked, then
selecting Print will transfer the job file to the machine and will need to be initialized from the
LaserPro S290LS control panel.
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SmartACT (Options Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

SmartACT reduces the amount of time it takes to process a job, by eliminating unnecessary travel of
the laser carriage at the expense of some quality. Usually the quality loss is minimal, but will depend
on the image or design you are working with; please take some time to experiment with your
particular design to determine whether the tradeoff is acceptable. When selected, the working area
will be extended as well.
Tip
There is a greater performance gain when enabling SmartACT for designs that
are vertically longer than they are horizontally wide, as the SmartACT optimization
modifies the movement of the X-axis of the laser carriage.
File Function (Options Page):

The file function section allows you to manage various laser parameters. This section is useful
when performing duplicate jobs on a variety of objects, allowing you to save your frequently used
laser parameters and load them in the future.
History File: This section contains a list of the recent files you have recently created and
worked with.
SAVE: This function will save the current print driver parameter settings to
a file and location on your computer of your selection. (Saved parameter setting files will
be tagged with the .H2O extension)
LOAD: This function allows you load previously saved print driver parameters or LaserPro
parameter database.
ORIGINAL: This function will load the print drivers original factory parameter settings.
SAVE TO DEFAULT: This function allows you to save your current print driver parameters
as the default startup settings.
DELETE: This function will delete the file you select from the History File section. Please
note the Delete function only removes the file from the history file section, it does not
remove the Spi file from your hard drive, if you wish to completely remove the file from
your hard disk, then you will have to manually delete the file from your operating system.)
NOTE
If you are using Windows 2000/XP/Win7 as your operating system, then make sure you
log in with an administrator or administrator-rights account in order to properly save
laser parameter settings.
TIP
LaserPro material database settings allow you easy to load the several parameters. If
you are loading LaserPro parameter database as your operating parameter, please
direct load from several build-in parameter folders.
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70
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5.2.3.2 S290LS Print Driver >> Pen Page

The LaserPro S290LS incorporates the use of 16 different colors to represent 16 different laser power and
speed settings when cutting and engraving. These colors are referred to as Pens. Think of each pen as
a designated laser setting, rather than as a color. As an example, a black and white image will use only
one power and speed laser setting (Black). An image that is made up of black, red and blue colors will be
processed using the laser settings designated for each particular color. In order to utilize up to 16 different
pens (laser parameter settings), make sure your graphics software can recognize and utilize the 16 pen
colors designated by the LaserPro S290LS print driver.
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If you would like to specify your own colors to designate to a particular laser setting, then all you have to
do is to double-click on that particular pen color from the pen menu and a color manager window will open
where you can select define custom colors to define your own color (shown in the picture below). This is
useful when your image is composed of colors that are not part of the pen menus default color selection,
and instead of modifying your image, you simply assign the laser settings based on the existing colors
depicted from your current image.
NOTE
The LaserPro S290LS print driver cannot store more than 16 pen colors or different laser
parameter
Speed (Pen Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: 50]

The speed slider controls the lasers speed during operation (engraving speed) with settings ranging from
0.1 100%. The maximum laser processing speed of the S290LS is 80 inches per second, therefore a
setting of 100% speed is equivalent to 80 inches per second and a 10% speed setting would be equivalent
to 8 inches per second. Keep in mind, this is the speed the laser moves at when cutting or engraving
straight lines. The machine will automatically slow down when processing curves.
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Power (Pen Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: 50]

The power slider controls the lasers power during operation (engraving power) with a range setting
from 1 100%. The percentage setting represents the power for each laser pulse fired.
Tip
Cutting / engraving depth and quality are determined by a combination of power
and speed. Slower speeds at higher power will produce deeper cuts and engravings,
whereas higher speeds at lower power will produce more shallow cuts and
engravings.
Freq (Pen Page)[DEFAULT SETTING: 30]

Freq (frequency) determines the peak power of the laser which affects the color variation and depth
of the laser marking. A lower frequency will produce a deeper marking. You can drag the Freq. slider
to the experiment the output.
Raster / Vector (Pen Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Selected]

Checking the Raster checkbox will process only the raster functions for the areas of your design
that correspond to that particular pen color.
Checking the Vector checkbox will process the vector functions for the areas of your design that
correspond to that particular pen color.
As an example: a particular pen color may be assigned to areas in your design containing color
fills (raster engraving) and very thin lines (vector cutting). By checking / unchecking the Raster
and Vector will force the driver to process / ignore the color fills / thin lines.
Raster Checked
Raster Unchecked
Vector Checked
Vector Unchecked
Processes both Vector and Raster Processes only the Raster functions for
functions for that particular color
that particular color (Vector functions
ignored)
Processes only the Vector functions D o e s n o t p r o c e s s Ve c t o r o r R a s t e r
f o r t h a t p a r t i c u l a r c o l o r ( R a s t e r functions for that particular color
functions ignored)
Air (Pen Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

This checkbox controls the SmartAIR air-assist function (if you have the optional air compressor
installed). By selecting a pen color and checking this box will enable the SmartAIR air-assist
function for that particular pen color. As an example, if you are performing a combination of both
surface raster engraving job and deep vector cutting on a material such as acrylic, you may want
to enable the SmartAIR air-assist for the vector cutting sections to get the cleanest cuts. To do
this, you would simply need to select the pen color that you have assigned to the sections to be
cut and select the Air checkbox for those particular pen colors.
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Auto Focus (Pen Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

This checkbox sets the Auto Focus for that pen setting. With the Auto Focus button checked, the
LaserPro S290LS will automatically initialize the auto focus procedure before starting the job. This
will ensure the focal distance is properly set based on the particular material you are working with
and the focal lens you have installed.
Defocus (Pen Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

This checkbox sets the Defocus function for that pen setting. With the Defocus button checked, the
LaserPro S290LS will automatically initialize the auto-focusing procedure before starting the job.
The focal distance will be set based on distance entered by the user. A positive value sets the
focus distance above the working piece and a negative value sets the focal point to below the
working piece.
For S290LS 40W model only*

Two additional controls are available for the S290LS 40W model.
With the 40W laser, we can choose if we want to operate the laser under Pulse mode or
C/W mode.
Pulse mode: In general, higher power can be achieved with Pulse mode since higher peak
power can be achieved.
PPI (pulses-per-inch) represents the number of times the laser pulses (fires) per linear inch,
exclusive for vector cutting. Higher PPI settings will generate deeper, overlapping laser pulses,
resulting in cleaner cuts. Lower PPI settings (lower than 150) will result in the individual laser pulses
being spread apart, resulting in a perforated effect (similar to the perforation in the paper between
mailing stamps).
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If you drag the PPI slider to the furthest right (maximum), the value will change to X. This
completely disables the PPI control and continuously fires the laser non-stop, without pulsing. Think
of setting PPI to X as being equivalent to turning a water facet on with the water continuously
flowing out. This also disables the power ramp functionality, which automatically controls the PPI
depending on the speed of the laser carriage (such as vector cutting around the corner of a square).
C/W mode: C/W mode is great for cutting sensitive material such as ITO when a steady
source of laser power is required.
5.2.3.3 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Advanced Page
Scaling (Advanced Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: 0]

In some cases you may find a slight output inaccuracy in the actual output compared to what you
have set in the computer. This margin of error or offset is extremely small (approximately 1/300).
What this means is that there may be a 1-unit offset for every 300 unit increments. As an example,
if you engrave a 300mm straight line, it may end up measuring only 299 mm or 301 mm in the
final output. In this case, you will want to set the scaling setting to +1/1000 or -1/1000 respectively
to compensate. A general rule of thumb is for every 300 unit increment, you will want to adjust
the slider by +1 if the final output is 1 unit increment shorter or -1 if the final output is 1 unit
increment longer than your graphic design setting.
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Position Modes (Advanced Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Home]

These selections allow you to control the positioning of the laser head after each job completion
and before the next subsequent job.
Home: Resets the positioning of the laser head to the home position (upper-right) before
and after each job.
Without Home: The laser head will start the next job based on the position from its graphic
application software setting, from the last position of the previous job. Upon completion of
the current job, the laser head will remain at the last position of the previous job.
Relative: This mode sets the current laser head position to correspond to the origin (top
left) position of the graphic software. Therefore, the laser head will process the job from its
current position relative to its setting in the graphics software.
Center: Sets the current position of the laser head as the center point for your subsequent
job. As an example, if the subsequent job is to vector cut a circle and you have the Position
Mode set to Center, then the LaserPro S290LS will vector cut a circle around the initial
position of the laser head.
SmartCENTER: The SmartCENTER mode is an enhanced version of the center mode and
will determine the center point between two/four positions. User can pinpoint and save two
or four distinct points by moving the pen carriage and using the red beam as a reference.
When this mode is selected, the machine will prompt the user to move the lens carriage to
store the location of the first position and then prompt the user to move the lens carriage
rd
th
again to store a second position or continue to a 3 and a 4 position depending on whether
the 2-point mode is selected or the 4-point mode is selected. Once the positions are stored,
the pen carriage will automatically position itself to the center of the saved positions.
Tip
The SmartCENTER function is a quick and easy way to precisely locate the center
point between two points. The SmartCENTER function is a great tool for users
whose jobs often require engraving on specific locations.
Tip
It is highly recommended you enable the red dot laser pointer when setting /
adjusting the Position Modes, as this will ease your job positioning with enhanced
accuracy.
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Image Output Direction (Advanced Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Top to Bottom]

These selections allow you to control the direction in which the system processes an engraved
image.
Top To Bottom: Selecting this will force the system to process the current task by moving
the laser carriage from the top to the bottom of the image (rear end to front end of the
work table).
Bottom To Top: Selecting this will force the system to process the current task by moving
the laser carriage from the bottom to the top of the image (front end to rear end of the
work table)
Normally, the LaserPro S290LS engraves from left to right, top to bottom. Selecting Bottom Up will
force the machine to start from the bottom and work its way to the rear of the working table.
Tip
In situations where the material you will be working with may produce a lot of dust
byproducts and you are utilizing the optional air extraction system, it is recommended
that you select the Bottom To Top image output direction option. This will minimize
the amount of dust byproducts lodged in the engraved sections as the air extraction
system is vented from the rear of the machine, the same direction as the image is
processed.
Border (Advanced Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

In cases where you are working with a negative image (negative outline areas of your image are
engraved, rather than the positive areas), you may wish to include a border around your image.
To properly add a border, you will first need to Invert your design from the Options Page, then
check Use Border and specify a value for the thickness of the border you would like to add to
your design.
NOTE
If you wish to use the Border and Cluster function simultaneously, then the Border
Thickness value must be less than the Distance value specified in the Cluster setting.
Vector Function (Advanced Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Normal]
Normal: This selection will not apply any special advanced vector function to your job. This
is the default Vector Function setting.
All Raster Output: This selection will instruct the print driver to process your entire image
as a raster engraving. Any vector lines within the image will be treated as raster data and
outputted as a raster engraving, similar to a dot-matrix printer.
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Inside out Cutting: When performing a vector cutting job in which your image has one vector
cut area enclosed within another vector cut area, select the Vector Sorting mode. This mode
will automatically instruct the print driver to process the inside vector image and moving
outwards. If you try to process a vector image that has multiple layers without using this mode,
what may occur is the laser engraver may process the outer vector cutting first, and any inner
vector cutting will not be possible as your centerpiece material may have dropped to the
cutting table. This setting will always automatically direct the laser to cut from the inner most
vector shape and move outwards.
Cutting Path Optimization: This is a setting that will minimize your process time. When
selected, the print driver will analyze your image and automatically determine the most
efficient processing path to process your image.
Use Cluster (Advanced Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

This setting allows you to change how LaserPro S290LS interprets and processes individual /
independent areas of an image in order to minimize job-processing times. The Cluster function is only
applicable when multiple areas of an image are broken down and isolated from each other (areas not
touching each other, blank space in-between). Another condition that must be met for the Cluster
function is that these individual areas of your design must have some X-axis overlap, meaning that
they should be to some extent side-by-side with empty spaces between them. The distance value can
be set by the user and represents the limit or cutoff point in which side-by-side objects will be
processed in Cluster mode or not. If the distance between side-by-side objects is greater than the
set distance value, then the individual areas will be processed in Cluster mode. Conversely, if the
distance between side-by-side objects is lesser than the set distance value, then the individual areas
will be processed normally (not via Cluster mode).
An example of an image that would benefit from the Cluster function would be: 2 squares to be
engraved, side-by-side on the X-axis with a 20 cm gap in between them. In this scenario, you
would want to enable the Cluster setting and set the distance to a value less than 20. By doing
so, the laser will completely process one square and leap-frog to the second square, rather than
processing both squares simultaneously. The result: you shorten the processing time by minimizing
the unnecessary travel distance the laser head needs to make across the X-axis in between
squares, if they were to be processed simultaneously.
NOTE
If you wish to use the Border and Cluster function simultaneously, then the Border
Thickness value must be less than the Distance value specified in the Cluster setting.
Enhanced Vector Mode (Advanced Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

This setting allows you to improve the cutting quality at the expense of speed. Your engraving
speed will be dropped by 50%, to maximize the cutting power. We recommend that you enable
this function when cutting thicker materials.
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5.2.3.4 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Paper Page
Paper Size (Paper Page)

The paper size represents your total work area. Ensure that the paper size is never set greater
than the S290LS work table area of 25" x 18" (640 mm x 460 mm) or 29" x 18" (740 mm x 460 mm)
with the Extend option checked. The X value represents the length and the Y value represents the
width.
Unit (Paper Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Metric (mm)]

Here you can set your preferred measurement standard in which you would like to use with the
LaserPro S290LS print driver. You can choose between metric or imperial standards.
Image Tuning (Paper Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: 0]

In the event that you are processing extremely fine and detailed designs requiring near- microscopic
edge-to-edge precision, you will need to adjust the image tuning setting. To adjust this setting, we
recommend that you engrave a small black square design as a sample and use a magnifying glass to
view the engraved results.
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When you look at your engraved test square under a magnifying glass, you may notice the edges
of your square may be slightly offset, with every consecutive engraved even or odd line protruding
past the squares ideal edge. This occurrence may occur on the left or right side of the square and
can be compensated for by the image tuning setting. In the diagram below, the arrows refer to the
direction the laser head is moving to generate that engraved line. If the first and every other line
protrude to the left of the squares ideal edge, you will want to set the image tuning to a negative
value. If the first and every other consecutive line protrude to the right of the squares ideal edge,
you will want to set the image tuning to a positive value. The further the protruding lines are from
the squares ideal edge, the larger you will need to set the Image Tuning value to compensate.
Squares Left Edge
Squares Right Edge (Ideal)
The following is an example that has the proper image tuning, and demonstrates this significance
when engraving fine, small, intricate text. The following two pictures show engraved text magnified
with no image tuning (left picture) and image tuning enabled (right picture).
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Extend (Paper Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

If you are processing a very large area requiring the maximum work table area, you will want to
enable this mode. Enabling this mode will extend the machines maximum work area to 29" x
18" (740 mm x 460 mm), from the default 25" x 18" (640 mm x 460 mm). This function is
enabled at the expense of some quality loss, usually on the left and right edges of your full-size
engraving. Usually the quality loss is minimal and may not be apparent, depending on your
design.
NOTE
With the Extend function enabled, the following functions are disabled: SmartACT
(Options Page), Disable Skip White (Advanced), and Auto Focus (Pen Page).
Uninstall Driver (Paper Page)

Select this to uninstall the LaserPro S290LS print driver. You will then need to restart your computer
to complete the process.
5.2.3.5 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Language Page

This page allows you to specify the language displayed by the LaserPro S290LS Print Driver.
Current language options allow for: English, Spanish, French, Chinese (Simplified, Traditional),
Japanese, and German.
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5.2.3.6 LaserPro S290LS Print Driver >> Raster Page
NOTE
The Raster Page is only available when Black & White Mode Setting is selected from
the Options Page, this page offers a number of advanced Raster Engraving output
options.
Contrast (Raster Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: 0]

This provides a quick and easy way to immediately adjust the contrast of an engraved image.
Moving the slider to the Dark setting will increase the contrast levels of the engraved output,
whereas moving the slider to the Light setting will decrease the contrast levels of the engraved
output.
Tip
There are other ways to adjust an engraved images contrast such as: adjust the
power / speed settings or simply adjust the contrast of the image in software with the
graphic software application.
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Halftone (Raster Page) [DEFAULT SETTING: Dithering]

This option controls the way a raster-engraved image is processed. The digital image to engraved
output process can be processed via two methods: Dithering or Error Diffusion. Each offer additional
output options yielding different output effects, style, and quality.
Dithering: Interprets and outputs the raster engraving via the dithering method. This mode will
allow you to select the Pattern Type and Dithering Matrix, and Enhanced Dithering.
o
Pattern Type: Dot, Bayer, Corner, 45 Degree [DEFAULT SETTING: Dot]

Each pattern type uses a different shape and arrangement of dots to compose the shading
effect of a raster image.
The following diagram is an example of the raster effects when using the different pattern
types.
Dot
Bayer
Corner
Dithering Matrix: Variable depending on the Pattern Type selected. [DEFAULT

SETTING: 8x8]
This controls the resolution (dot size) and the number of dots the image is broken down
into for the dithering process. As an example, selecting 2 x 2 will shade with a 5-grade
halftone, where as an 8 x 8 Dithering Matrix will dither with a 65-grade halftone.
The following diagram is an example of the raster effects when using the different
dithering matrices.
2 x 2 Dithering
8 x 8 Dithering
2 x 2 Enhance
Dithering
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8 x 8 Enhance
Dithering
Enhance Dithering [DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]

Selecting this will produce a finer dithering output.
Error Diffusion (Raster Page): Interprets and outputs the raster engraving via the error
diffusion method. This mode will allow you to select from three diffusion types: Floyd, Stucki,
and Jarvis.
o
Diffusion Type: Floyd, Stucki, Jarvis [DEFAULT SETTING: Floyd]

Each diffusion type presents the shade of image as different spread halftones instead of
dots to compose a raster image.
The following diagram is an example of the raster effects when using the different
diffusion types.
Floyd
Stucki
Jarvis
Tip
There is no correct or best setting when using the Raster options. The most
appropriate settings will be based on a variety of factors: your design, the material
you are engraving on, and the results you wish to achieve, etc. Please take some
time to experiment with the multitude of raster options to get the one you feel is the
best for your piece. This is where much of the fun in engraving is.experimentation!
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6
Chapter 6
Engraving and Cutting Techniques

Raster Engraving
Vector Cutting
To modified image settings of a picture for better
engraving quality
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6.1 Raster Engraving

A laser engraver can process text, scanned image, digital picture, or design by laser firing grids / dots of
individual pixels into a raster image. Think of this as simply printing your job onto any particular material.
An example of a raster engraved piece is text engraving as shown in the picture below.
6.2 Vector Cutting

A laser engraver can process text, design, and images composed of lines through continuous-firing of the
laser to cut out various shapes. When performing vector cutting operations, imagine the laser head as a
pair of scissors cutting out the lines specified in your design. An example of a vector cut piece is copper
cutting as shown below.
The LaserPro S290LS Print Driver determines which sections should be raster engraved or vector cut
based on the outline width of that particular area or section of the design. In order to prep a particular
section for vector cutting, you will need to set that objects fill color to white and set its outline thickness
between 0.001" (0.025 mm) to 0.004" (0.1 mm) via the graphics software.
LaserPro S290 User Manual
85
Below is an example of how to prep an area (in this case, we will use a section of text) for vector cutting.
CorelDRAW will be used as the selected graphics software.
1)
With the text function, create a string of characters and select those characters by clicking
on the text.
2) Change the text fill color of the selected characters to white by left clicking on the white
color from the CorelDRAW Color Palette (located on the right hand side of the screen)
3)
Change the outline color of the selected characters outline by right clicking on the desired
color from the CorelDRAW Color Palette.
4)
Change the selected characters outline thickness to the thinnest width by right clicking on the
selected text select <Properties> Click on the <Outline> tab and change the Width to its
thinnest dimension. Click on OK to apply the changes.
5)
Now your string of characters has been properly designated as an area to be vector cut.
Simply print your job (output the file to the LaserPro S290LS) and watch as your string of
characters is vector cut.
6.3 To modified image settings of a picture for better engraving quality

1.
2.
3.
4.
Connect your digital camera to the computer by USB cable.

Download the picture from the digital camera to the computer
Select the picture that you want to engrave.
Import the image from the folder where the picture is located by selecting File/Import
5.
Convert the image to Bitmap by selecting the image and click on Bitmaps/Convert to Bitmap
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6.
Change the Bitmap settings by setting Color to Grayscale (8-bit) and Resolution to 300 dpi and
click OK.
7.
Finally, Invert the image by selecting Effects/Transform/Invert
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LaserPro S290 User Manual
8.
Now you are ready to output the modified image by clicking File/Print
Note:
This instruction is a simple example for general use. There are many tips and tricks to
achieve a good engraving quality. It takes a lot of practice and experience to achieve a
good engraving quality. Different picture may need different modifications and different
material may need different parameters.
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7
Chapter 7
Optional Items
Air Extraction System Option
Air Compressor Option Items
SmartBOX Option
SmartMEMORY Module Option
Rotary Attachment Option
SmartGUARD Fire Alarm Option
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When purchasing the LaserPro S290LS from your local authorized GCC distributor, you will be provided
with a chance to purchase optional items to enhance your experience with the acquired system. If
anytime after the purchase of your LaserPro S290LS, should you ever consider to purchase any optional
item, please contact your local authorized GCC distributor.
7.1 Air Extraction System Option

To properly remove dust, vaporized materials and chemical smoke from the working area and machine, it
is necessary to install a suitable air extraction system. The air extraction system and other components are
readily available from your local authorized GCC distributor or you can elect to purchase and install one
yourself with components found at your local industrial supply store.
LaserPro's Air Extraction Systems are specifically designed to prevent personnel from inhaling hazardous
fumes and dust generated by the laser process. Available for all LaserPro engravers, the LaserPro Air
Extraction System represents the latest in fume extraction and odor reduction technology for all types of
applications. Quiet operation, high vacuum capacity, compact design and long life expectancy are but
a few outstanding features. Each LaserPro Air Extraction System is powered by a maintenance-free,
continuous-running turbine. In order to ensure personnel safety and legal compliance, the LaserPro Air
Extraction System is CE-compliant for Europe and ETL-certified for the United States and Canada. To
purchase a LaserPro Air Extraction System, contact your local authorized GCC distributor.
INSTALLATION (Self-Assembled Unit):

1)
Purchase an exhaust system at your local industrial supply store, we suggest that you have a
contractor install the exhaust system. We highly recommend you to install the exhaust system
outside of the building for both noise considerations and if it does not possess filtering
capabilities.
2) Mount the exhaust system in an obvious and accessible location, not too far from the LaserPro
S290LS, so it can be routinely switched on prior to laser engraving. The maximal distance you
should mount the exhaust system away from the LaserPro S290LS depends on the blowers
vacuum capacity. We recommend that you consult with the vendor regarding the units vacuum
force, maximal distances, based on the available models.
3) Connect rigid and smooth walled tubing such as PVC or sheet metal with a 4 diameter to the
ventilation opening located on the rear side of the LaserPro S290LS. (As shown in the picture
below). Try to keep this tubing as straight as possible as bends reduce the exhaust efficiency.
Use the appropriate sized tube clamps and sealants to ensure a tight and secure attachment.
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7.2 Air Compressor Optional Item

Specifically designed for laser engravers, the air compressor utilizes an oil-free diaphragm. The air
compressor helps to eliminate harmful and potentially damaging moisture from the laser optics, maximizing
life of the laser optics. In addition, the air compressor provides an optimal air flow to the SmartAIR nozzles
to minimize flaming, suppress working temperatures, and blow away dust and particle by products
generated from the laser process.
Power Cord B
1/4" Air Inlet Tubing

Power Cord A
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INSTALLATION:
1)
Remove the plugs on the air compressor to expose the air inlets.
2)
Fasten the included air tube fastener valve to the outgoing air inlet (indicated by 2a) and
the air filter into the ingoing air inlet (indicated by 2b).
2b
2a
Plugs
3)
Connect a 1/4" tubing to the air tube fastener valve on the air compressor.
NOTE
It is important that the 1/4" air tubing has clean, straight cuts on each end. Jagged or
slanted cuts will not produce adequate sealing capabilities.
4)
Open the bottom doors found on the front side of the S290LS to locate both the Air-Assist
Valve and Internal Power Sockets. As indicated below:
Air Assist Value

AC Internal Power Sockets
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5) Plug the air compressors power cord A into the AC internal power socket.
6)
Plug the female end of power cord B to the AC internal power socket and the male end to
an external power outlet.
Power Cord B Socket
Power Cord A Socket
7)
Take the unattached end of the 1/4" air tubing (other end already connected to air compressor)
and connect it to the air tube connector on the air assist valve. Make sure you press down on
the air tube fastener when inserting the 1/4" air tubing, to form a tight, secure attachment as
indicated in the diagram below.
Air Flow Regulator:

Turn Clockwise
to increase
airflow
Air Tube Fastener
Turn CounterClockwise to
decrease
8)
Air Tube Connector
Congratulations, you have finished setting up the air compressor. Make sure you have the
proper SmartAIR nozzle installed (depending on your application), before you turn on and
utilize the air compressor.
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OPERATION:
(1) Switch on the air compressor unit and make sure that the airflow regulator on the air assist
value is opened (turn clockwise to increase the airflow, counter-clockwise to decrease the
airflow). The air nozzle under the laser head should emit a steady flow of air.
With the SmartAIR nozzle and air compressor properly installed and operating, all configurations and
settings relating to air-assist functions are controlled through the print driver and hardware control panel.
Please refer to the LaserPro S290LS print driver and graphic control panel sections of this manual for
details on how to enable and configure air-assist functionalities.
7.3 SmartBOX Option

The SmartBOX is an innovative combination of a cutting box, honeycomb table, and material support
stands. During the cutting and engraving process, unwanted scrap, dust, and vapor byproducts are left
behind. The cutting box collects the larger scrap byproducts while venting out the smaller dust particles,
vapors, and smoke to minimize excess buildup on the machine, worktable, and your project. The
SmartBOX allows you to maintain a clean worktable and minimizes backside burning of your media,
whether you are working with thick and firm materials or thin and flexible materials.
SmartBOX Components
Cutting Box (a)
Honeycomb Table (b)
Material Support Stands (c)
Thumb Screws(d)
c
d
It is highly recommended that you use different setups of the SmartBOX depending on the physical
properties of the material you will be working with. Here is the recommended SmartBOX component
setups based on your working material.
Component
Cutting Box
Honeycomb Table
Material Support
Stands
Thin, Flexible Materials
Required
Required
Not Required
Thick, Firm Materials
Required
Not Required
Required
Application
95
NOTE
Experienced users may choose to try other component setups to suit their particular
engraving / cutting techniques or working material. Feel free to explore different ways to
setup the various SmartBOX components to generate results you wish to achieve.
INSTALLATION / OPERATION (Cutting Box and Honeycomb Table):

1) Open the front pass-through door and lower the work table to the lowest possible position
through the LaserPro S290LS control panel.
2)
Insert the cutting box and attached honeycomb table through the open front pass-through door
onto the work table, with the air extraction opening facing towards the back end of the LaserPro
S290LS. Ensure the rear and left side of the cutting box is aligned to the edges of the left and
right rulers on the work table.
3)
Lift the honeycomb table to find the four screw holes at the bottom of the cutting box. With the
included thumbscrews, secure the cutting box to the work table and close the honeycomb
table.
4)
[OPTIONAL] If you have an air extraction system option installed, then you will need to attach
the air extraction systems pipe connector to the SmartBOXs air extraction opening from the
rear side. (For detailed instructions to setup the air extraction system, please see the AIR
EXTRACTION UNIT section in section 7.1).
Congratulations, you are now ready to position your thin, flexible materials on top of your
honeycomb table / cutting box and commence your tasks.
INSTALLATION / OPERATION (Cutting Box and Material Support Stands):

1) In order to use the cutting box along with the material support stands, you must first remove
the honeycomb table from the cutting box. Before you position the cutting box in the LaserPro
S290LS, first loosen the screws that attach the hinges of the honeycomb table to the cutting
box.
2)
Remove the honeycomb table. Please keep in mind the honeycomb table surface is fragile;
therefore, it is suggested to keep it in a safe place.
3) Open the front pass-through door and lower the work table to the lowest possible position
through the control panel.
4)
Insert the cutting box through the open front pass-through door and place it onto the work
table, with the air extraction opening facing towards the back end of the LaserPro S290LS.
Ensure the rear and left-hand side of the cutting box is aligned to the edges of the left and
right rulers on the work table.
5)
Find the four screw holes at the bottom of the cutting box. With the included thumbscrews,
secure the cutting box to the work table.
6)
On the front right hand side of the cutting table, there will be a metal guard, which must be
swiveled so that it is perpendicular to the front side of the cutting table (as shown in the picture
below). This allows the LaserPro S290LS to properly account for the extra height the cutting
table which adds to the cutting table.
96
CAUTION
Damage may occur to the system if you try to raise the work table without proper setting
of the metal guard.
7)
Now position the included material support stands so they support the thick, firm material
you will be working with, while avoiding the laser path. In other words, avoid placing the
support stands underneath any section of the material that will be lasered, especially during
laser cutting.
7.4 SmartMEMORY Module Option

The SmartMEMORY module option increases productivity and efficiency by allowing you to save and load
unfinished tasks, without having to retransmit task settings from the computer again. It enables users to
save and load working files to and from the LaserPro S290LS. In addition, the SmartMEMORY module is
portable and can be used to transfer task settings from one machine to another.
INSTALLATION:
CAUTION
It is highly recommended you completely turn off the LaserPro S290LS and unplug its
cord from the power source before installing or removing the SmartMEMORY module.
1)
To install the SmartMEMORY module, you will need to first access the systems motherboard.
To do so, use a screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the panel on the right hand side
of the LaserPro S290LS.
2) Open the panel to access the motherboard.

3) Simply connect the SmartMEMORY module to the connector on the motherboard
(indicated in the pictures below).
97
SmartMEMORY Module
Motherboard
OPERATION:
With the SmartMEMORY module installed, you will be able to SAVE to and LOAD from the
SmartMEMORY :
NOTE
In order to properly use the SmartMEMORY module with the LaserPro S290LS, please
keep in mind, the capacity of the SmartMEMORY module is 4MB, please do not save files
that exceed this limit.
SAVE files to the SmartMEMORY module:

1)
Navigate to the Write to Memory function. From the Control Panel, press F4 (Function)
MACHINE SETTING SmartMEMORY Save to SmartMEMORY.
2)
By selecting the Write Flash Memory function, the tasks stored on the LaserPro S290LS will
be transferred over to the SmartMEMORY module.
LOAD files from the SmartMEMORY module:

1)
Navigate to the Load from Memory function. From the Control Panel, press F4 (Function)
MACHINE SETTING SmartMEMORY READ SmartMEMORY.
2)
By selecting the Read from Memory function, the tasks stored on the SmartMEMORY module
will be transferred over to the machine.
98
7.5 Rotary Attachment Option

The rotary attachment option provides the S290LS with the ability to engrave on cylindrical or spherical
objects. In addition to the standard X, Y, Z axis, the rotary attachment allows for a fourth axis which
rotates your object 360 to allow for engraving on cups, wine glasses, and other cylindrical or circular
objects.
Work Piece Limitations

Maximum Length
410 mm (16.1 inches)
Maximum Loading Weight
7 kg (15 lbs.)
Minimum Diameter
0.5 mm (0.02 inches)
Maximum Diameter
120 mm (4.7 inches)
INSTALLATION:
1)
Turn off the power of the engraver.
2)
Set the rotary attachment onto the engraving table so that the bottom mounting screws
correspond to the positional holes on the engraving table. In addition, the top end of the rotary
attachment must be leveled against the engraving table with the rotarys positional indicator
(center point of the top of the rotary attachment) aligned to the center position on the
engravers vertical axis.
With the rotary attachment properly positioned, tighten the mounting screws to secure the
rotary attachment.
3)
4) Open the front panel of the S290LS and connect the rotary attachment cable to the
rotary attachment port located inside front panel (shown in the picture below).
5) Close the front panel.
99
6) The rotary attachment is now properly installed. Power on the S290LS and the rotary
attachment will be automatically detected and the engraving table will automatically
move to its lowest position.
Rotary
Attachment
Port
To load the object, you can use the enclose tools to widen or tighten the metallic claws. Simply insert the two
metal bars into the holes on the turn-dial and turn it to widen or tighten the claws to hold the engraving object.
There are two different ways that the rotary attachment can hold an object, by sliding the clamps inwards or
outwards to hold the object as shown below.
100
The rear end of the rotary attachment can be adjusted using an Allen key as shown below.
The clamps on the rotary attachment can be detached and reverted for better fitting of objects of different sizes.
Note that the clamps should be assembled by lining up the correct numbers.
Please remember to lubricate the detachable clamps along the groove regularly after each use.
101
OPERATION:
1) Use a ruler to measure the diameter (at the point on the work piece you will be engraving) and
length of the work piece you will be engraving. Make a record of this.
2) Load the work piece onto the rotary attachment by first listing the lever on the rotary attachment,
unlocking the adjustable end of the rotary attachment. Slide the adjustable end to accommodate
the length of the work piece. Load the working piece by centering the open end of the work piece
against the rubber wheel and slide the adjustable end to fit the bottom of work piece firmly. Now
simply lower the lever to secure the work piece with the rotary attachment.
3) Prepare the graphic you would like to engrave with the rotary attachment and go to the Paper
Page of the S290LS print driver.
CAUTION
Please make sure that the lens carriage will not collide with the rotary attachment
prior to starting work.
4)
From the Paper Page, the first thing you must do is to check the Rotary Fixture. The Paper
Size options and Rotary Parameter will change to allow for proper input based on your rotary
attachment.
a)
b)
c)
Under Paper Size, the X value represents the length of your working piece. Enter the
length of your work piece in this field.
Under Paper Size, the Diameter value represents the diameter of your working piece (at
the position you wish to engrave). Enter the diameter of your work piece in this field.
Again remember the proper diameter value would be the diameter location on your work
piece you will be engraving.
Under Rotary Parameter, the Offset value represents distance from the open end of your
work piece to the base of the padded rubber wheel. This value will be displayed on the
LCD panel. Enter the proper offset value in this field.
5)
Your S290LS print driver settings are now properly set. Manually position the laser carriage to
the proper X / Y location on the object you will be engraving and position the auto focus pin
over the area to be engraved on your work piece. Hit the Auto Focus button and the S290LS
will now properly focus at the location to be engraved.
6)
Go back to the S290LS Print Driver to print your design and let the engraving begin.
102
NOTE
The maximum diameter and length of the to-be-engraved object is 120 mm and 410 mm
respectively. Its maximum weight should not exceed 5 kg.
103
7.6 SmartGUARD fire alarm Option

Laser cutting and engraving operations using the SmartGUARD device protects the operator, machine,
produced and the work products from potential fire hazards. During the engraving process, flames may
be produced when working with combustible or easily-flammable materials, such as paper or wood. The
SmartGUARD is an optional item that can be set to notify the operator through audio warnings and automatically shutdown the machine as a safety precaution.
INSTALLATION:
If you have purchased your system with SmartGUARD, then no installation is required, as your system will
arrive with SmartGUARD pre-installed.
For system owners that did not initially purchase this option, but would now like to add the SmartGUARD,
they will need to contact your local authorized GCC distributor to have this great feature installed.
1.
Lift the SmartLID using the handles.
SmartLID Handles
Y motor PCB
Protective Cover
104
2.
Remove the protective cover
3.
Assemble the SmartGUARD at the indicated location as shown below.
Front View
Top View
105
4.
Connect the wire from the SmartGUARD sensor board to the Y motor PCB.
The SmartGUARD 3-pin signal

jumper is positioned under the
blue connector of the Y motor
PCB
5.
Gently cover the SmartLID.
106
OPERATION MENU:
Main Work Page

press F4
Functions Page
Select<Advanced

Select<SmartGUARD
After hardware installation, please enter the function menu on the control panel to enable the
SmartGUARD fire alarm.
SmartGUARD Enable / Disable:

Press directional key (left or right) to enable the SmartGUARD device or disable it.
Sensitivity:
Press directional key (left or right) to set the sensitivity of SmartGUARD. There are five sensitivity settings
(1,3,5,7,9 seconds) that can be selected. Sensitivity is defined by the delay time from when a fire is detected until the fire alarm alerts user of fire and automatically shuts down the system. For example, if the
sensor delays switch is set to the 3 second position, the SmartGUARD will start an alarm and
automatically shutdown the laser system after detecting a fire for 3 seconds.

Relevant Butto
Function
F1 (Back)
F4 (Save)
Adjust the value for that selections
Directional
Directional
107
98
8
Chapter 8
Basic Maintenance
Suggested Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies
Maintaining the Work table and Motion System
- Accessing the Work table and Motion System
-
Cleaning the Work table and Motion System
Lubrication of the Y Rails
Cleaning the Optics System

- Removing the Mirrors
- Cleaning the Mirrors
- Removing and Cleaning the Focal Lens
105
Keeping your LaserPro S290LS clean and well maintained will ensure quality output, consistent reliability,
and extended product life. Smoke, dust or residue build-up inside the laser system or the mechanical
components can cause a reduction in the laser power, irregularities in the motion system, reduced product
life cycle, and a host of other avoidable problems. This section will cover how to perform regular
maintenance on the worktable, motion system, mirrors, and focal lens.
The frequency of the cleaning schedule will depend on number of variables such as the types of material
you work with, the immediate work environment, the frequency of use, the quality of the exhaust system, etc.
WARNING
Electrical shock may occur if you do not turn off and unplug the LaserPro S290LS before
cleaning.
Damage may occur to the system if you do not turn off and unplug the LaserPro S290LS
before cleaning.
Always turn off and unplug the LaserPro S290LS before cleaning!
8.1 Suggested Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies

Cleaning / Maintenance Tool
Soap Solution or All-Purpose Cleaner
Paper Towels
Cotton Cloth
Denatured Alcohol
Acetone
Vacuum Cleaner with a Flexible Nozzle
Light Grade Machine Oil

Cotton Swabs
Lens Cleaner
Lint Free Lens Tissue
#2 Phillips Screwdriver
Allen Wrench .050
Special notes
DO NOT use alcohol on any painted surface,

plastic, or the laser system.
ONLY to be used on the work table
Only to be used in and around the work table
and motion system
Supplied
Supplied
Supplied
106
8.2 Maintaining the Work table and Motion System

8.2.1 Accessing the Work Table and Motion System
It will be important to gain full access to the work table and motion system to properly clean and
maintain these areas. To do so, you will need to gain access by lifting the SmartLID. You can do
this via the following steps:
Opening the SmartLID:
1)
The top lid of the machine can be lifted open by using the handles from the rear side of the
LaserPro S290LS. Lift the lid to the maximum (indicated by a small click) to engage the
latch (as shown in the picture below).
2)
Manually lock the SmartLID via the two sliding locks found on each side of the metal support
rails by sliding them to the locked position (as shown in the picture below).
SmartLID Sliding Lock
107
WARNING
Anytime you have the SmartLID open, always make sure you have properly engaged the
SmartLID manual locks on both sides of the metal support rails. Failure to do so may pose a
crush risk if any part of your body is within the vicinity of the work area.
Closing the SmartLID:

To properly close the SmartLID after you have finished accessing the work table or motion system,
please follow these steps:
1)
Disengage both of the sliding locks found on each side of the metal support rails by sliding
them away from you and into the unlock position.
2)
Push the SmartLID away from you and move to the maximum position to disengage the latch
(indicated by a small click) and gently close the SmartLID.
8.2.2 Cleaning the Work Table and Motion System

Clean the working table and the motion system on a frequent basis through the following steps:
1)
Turn the power off and unplug the LaserPro S290LS before cleaning.
2)
Use a vacuum cleaner with a flexible nozzle to remove dust and debris from the work table
and motion system.
3)
Apply small amounts of all-purpose cleaner, alcohol, or acetone to a paper or cotton towel to
clean the working table.
4)
Apply a soap solution, all-purpose cleaner, or alcohol to a paper or cotton towel to wipe down
the rails of the motion system.
5)
Wait for all cleaning residue to dry completely before plugging in and operating the LaserPro
S290LS.
TIP
Please clean the AutoFocus pin each time after completing the engraved job to make sure the
AutoFocus pin is free to move
CAUTION
Never pour or spray alcohol or acetone directly to the work table.
Oil, alcohol and acetone can cause fires or smoke build-up if improperly used.
108
8.2.3 Lubrication of the Y Rails

In order to keep the motion system running smoothly, the Y rails of the motion system will need
lubrication on a semi-regular basis. Use a small amount of light grade machine oil or PS2 grease
to a paper or cotton towel and apply to the rails.
You can purchase PS2 grease from NSK dealers worldwide. Please visit
http://www.nsk.com for additional information.
109
NOTE
Always clean and lubricate the rails after working with materials that produce lots
of debris (such as wood).
Too much oil or PS2 grease applied to the Y rails will accelerate the build up of debris.
8.3 Cleaning the Optics System

8.3.1 Removing the Mirrors
We recommend that you check the mirrors once or twice a week to see if they require cleaning.
If any debris or smoke residue is present, use the following steps to clean them.
NOTE
Mirrors should be removed for cleaning one at a time to avoid beam misalignment
after placing them back to the lens holders.
Refer to section 8.3.2 on how to clean the mirrors.
The following section will illustrate the location of the four mirrors found in the machine for
cleaning.
Mirror 1
This mirror is located inside the bottom left access panel of the LaserPro S290LS.
1)
Use a #2 Phillips Screwdriver to remove the access panel located on the bottom left side of the
LaserPro S290LS.
2)
Loosen the thumbscrew and remove the dust cover securing the mirror. (As shown in the picture
below).
3)
Clean the lens in the proper manner.
Thumbscrew
110
4)
Place the mirror back to the optics holder after cleaning.
5)
Tighten the thumbscrew.
6)
Replace and secure the outer access panel.
Mirror 2, 3, 4
These mirrors are located in the work table area of the LaserPro S290LS.
Mirror 2
Mirror 4
Mirror 3
Mirror 2
1)
Unscrew and remove the black dust cover covering mirror 2.
2)
Loosen the thumbscrew holding mirror 2 in place.
3)
4)
5)
6)
Replace and secure the black dust cover.
Mirror 3
1)
Loosen the thumbscrew holding mirror 3 in place.
2)
3)
4)
Mirror 4
1)
Loosen the three thumbscrews securing the laser carriage panel and remove the laser carriage
panel to reveal mirror 4 and the focal lens.
2)
Loosen the top thumbscrew to remove mirror 4 (as shown in the picture below).
111
Top Thumbscrew
3)
4)
5)
Tighten the top thumbscrew.
6)
Reinstall the laser carriage panel and tighten the three thumbscrews.
8.3.2 Cleaning the Mirrors

After you have removed each mirror, you will want to inspect each mirror for scratches, smoke
residue, or debris. If any residue or debris is present, use the following steps to clean the mirrors.
1)
Hold the mirror with the reflective side up, without touching the reflective side of the mirror
(DO NOT apply any finger pressure or any other cleaning solutions to the mirror surface).
2)
Drape a new sheet of lens tissue over the mirror.
3)
Apply a few drops of lens cleaner on the tissue covered mirror (apply enough so that the tissue
absorbs just enough solution to cover the mirror surface).
4)
Pull the tissue across the mirror in only one direction.
5)
Repeat the cleaning processes if the mirror is not completely clean after the first attempt.
6)
Make sure that the mirror is completely dry before reinstalling it.
CAUTION
If the center of the mirror is scratched, contact your GCC LaserPro dealer for a
replacement.
8.3.3 Removing and Cleaning the Focal Lens

1)
2)
3)
4)
Remove the three thumbscrews (front face of the laser head) securing the laser carriage
panel and remove the laser carriage panel to reveal the focal lens.
Carefully pull out the focal lens.
Clean the focal lens with a cotton swab and lens cleaner solution. Be sure to clean both
sides of the focal lens (DO NOT apply any finger pressure or other cleaning solutions to
the lens surface).
After cleaning, use a cotton swab to gently dry the focal lens and lens cover.
112
9
Chapter 9
Basic Troubleshooting
113
Quality Problems
Check focal length setting under F4 function key Machine Setting Set Focus Lens to see if it
matches the type of the lens installed.
Check if the focal lens is installed correctly or if focal lens is not fixed properly.
Check if it is caused by the debris or dust builds up in the bearing tracks of X rail.
Check if it is caused from the damaged or dirty focal lens and mirror 4 in the laser carriage which
can not deliver the laser beam effectively.
Non-operational Problems
Laser does not fire

1. If the red alignment beam is not visible, the laser beam may be misaligned. Adjust the
reflection mirrors for exact focus.
2. If the red alignment beam is visible, please check the driver power. The laser power may
be set to too low for detection. Increase the percentage setting of the Laser Power from
the software driver or the control panel.
3. Check if the laser power connector is connected.
4. For safety purposes, the laser will not fire when the top lid or the front door is open unless
the door sensors are defeated by shorting them with magnets.
Other Problems
"Graphic Was Clipped" Message

The size or location of graphic image may be bigger or beyond the legal working area. Do not place
graphic object, especially vectors, right from (3,0) origin position, or 0 at either x or y rail of working
area on application software. Take Corel Draw for instance, even when the vector lines width has
been set to the thinnest, it may still go beyond the border and causes the error. If the message
appears randomly but frequently even image object is smaller or within the legal border, check or
change DRAM module, a bad contact or faulty DRAM could cause such error.
Auto Focus Pin is Not Functioning

The focus pin could be stocked by greasy residue that gradually forms a coating. Clean the probe
with alcohol or acetone. Check the cable of focus pin, there might be a bad contact or breakage.
114
10
Chapter 10
Appendix
Glossary
LaserPro S290LS Specification Sheet
115
10.1 Glossary
Color Fill Term within the awards and engraving industry used to describe the variety of techniques
used to add color or contrast to engraving.
DPI Dots Per Inch or Pixels Per Inch. The resolution of an image is defined by the amount of dots/pixels
included in an inch. The DPI setting of 500, will tell the machine to include 500 laser firings within an inch.
Driver A software program that allows the computer to communicate with its components and
peripherals: printers, scanners, monitors, etc.
Error Diffusion (Dithering Method) - This effect uses a series of random black and white pixels to
represent shading.
Firmware Programming permanently set into a computers ROM chips. This information is burned into
the computer chips and can only be changed by replacing the chips, or in the case of EEROM, by special
procedure.
Parallel Cable The cable connection between the computer and another device (usually the printer).
This allows the computer to send several bits of data simultaneously.
Parallel Port An outlet on your computer or electronic device that allows the computer and device
to be connected and share information simultaneously. Another common name for the parallel port is the
LPT port.
Frequency Adjusting the Frequency determines the peak power of the laser which affects the
color variation and depth of the laser marking. A lower frequency will produce a deeper marking.
Raster The process of rendering a cutting or engraving by multiple horizontal lines. For example: when
cutting out or engraving a square, the raster setting will make the laser use numerous horizontal lines to fill
in the outlined space.
Raster Image An image that is defined as a collection of arranged pixels in a rectangular array of
lines. A raster image is similar to a Bitmap graphics image.
Raster Line A raster line is the individual horizontal line that makes up the raster image.
Vector The process of cutting or engraving an image by using single horizontal, vertical and curved
lines. For example: when cutting out or engraving the outline of a square, the vector setting will make the
laser use a thin single line to follow the outline of the shape.
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10.2 LaserPro S290LS Specification Sheet

S290LS
Laser Source
S290LS-20SHS
S290LS-20LRM
S290LS-40HHS
Fiber 20W
Fiber 20W
Fiber 40W
Wavelength
1064 nm
Work Area
25 x 18 in. (640 x 460 mm) extendable to 29 x 18 in. (736 x 460 mm)
All doors
Max. Part Size closed
(W x L x H)
All doors
open
Table Size
Dimensions
30 x 19 x 6.5 in. (762 x 482 x 165 mm)

30 x x 6.5 in. (762 x x 165 mm)
31.1 x 20.9 in. (790 x 530 mm)
44.3 x 28.3 x 39.6 in. (1125 x 720 x 1005 mm)
Cooling
Air Cool
Drive
Closed-loop DC Servo Control
Maximum Motor Speed*
80 IPS
Speed Control
Adjustable from 0.1~100% (Up to 16 color-linked speed settings per

job)
Power Control
Adjustable from 0~100% (Up to 16 color-linked power settings per

job)
Distance Accuracy
0.254 mm or 0.1% of move, whichever is greater
Z-Axis Movement
Automatic
Resolution (DPI)
Available 125, 250, 300, 380, 500, 600, 760, 1000,1500,3000
Computer Interface
Standard printer port and USB Adapter
Memory Buffer
32MB standard (Upgradeable to 64MB)
Display Panel
4-line LCD panel showing current file name, total working time, laser
power, engraving speed, file(s) loaded into memory buffer, setup
and diagnostic menus
Safety
Class 3R for red pointer
Facility Requirements
Electrical
Power Consumption
Air Exhaust System
100V-220V AC Auto switching

1320W
1320W
1320W
External exhaust system required, one 4" connection on the back of

the machine
Speed is not equal to throughput. See dealer or visit www.gccworld.com for more details.
CautionUse of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
117

S290 LS User Manual

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S290 LS User Manual

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Dear Sir / Madam,

LaserPro S290LS User Manual

1.1 Principles of a Laser (DPSS & Fiber)

1.2 Safety Ratings

1.3 The Safety Interlock System

1.4 Safety Labels

Laser Path Warning Label

Laser Path Danger label

Emergency Stop Label

Aperture warning stickers (mirror):

Door open warning labels

1.5 Safety Measures

190 - 534 nm OD5+

Do not attempt to modify or disassemble the laser module.

1.6 Operating Environment

Avoid areas with high levels of electrical noise.

Unpacking and Unloading

Spirit User Manual

Step 2: Lift the top panel and remove

Step 4: Remove the top bars.

Spirit User Manual

Spirit User Manual

Spirit User Manual

Pack via the following steps:

Step 3: Insert four side boards on the slot of bottom plate.

Step 4: Fix the four side boards by four corner brackets.

Spirit User Manual

2.2 Contents and Accessories Checklist

Lens Cleaner Solution

Power Cord (US/EU/AU)

Printer Port Cable

USB Port Cable

Safety Goggles for YVO4 protection (1064nm wavelength)

Installation CD (LaserPro S290LS user manual, driver, and firmware)

PS2 Lubrication Grease

Spirit User Manual

3.1 Front View

Lower Front Door

3.2 Top View

Emergency Stop Button

3.3 Right (Profile) View

3.4 Left (Profile) View

Access Panel Mirror # 1

3.5 Rear View

Laser Access Panel

Setup and Installation

Powering Up the Machine

Connecting the Computer

Graphics Software Setup

Recommended Computer Configuration

Installation of the LaserPro USB Driver

Installation of the LaserPro Print Driver

4.1 Machine Setup

Do the same for the computer system.

4.1.2 Connecting the Computer

4.2 Graphics Software Setup

4.2.1 Recommended Computer Configuration

HDD 1.2 GB Hard Drive or greater

SPP Preferred Mode

ECP Cable (Less than 1.8 meters)