Spirit Ge
Spirit Ge
Spirit Ge
Thank you for choosing GCC and the LaserPro Spirit GE. You can be assured
that this machine meets all of the highest safety standards while using
technological innovations shared by no other laser engraver. The Spirit GE is
backed by GCC, a truly international company that is dedicated to helping your
business grow.
We at GCC are proud to introduce the LaserPro Spirit GE, our most
technologically advanced laser engraver to date. This easy to operate machine
has been designed with quality, productivity, and safety in mind. With
innovations like the QSMTM, stellar quality under high speed, SmartFILE file
management, and the new Linear Low Maintenance Motion System, the Spirit
GE clearly on the cutting edge of all laser systems.
Sincerely,
Leonard Shih
President of G.C.C.
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Spirit GE User Manual
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.
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Spirit GE User Manual
In compliance with CDRH standards, the required warning labels are affixed at the time of
manufacture to the LaserPro Spirit GE in the 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.
CDRH Label
This label indicates the class level of CDRH.
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• 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.
NOTE
SmartGUARD™ is an optional fire detection alarm system developed by GCC. Contact
your local GCC authorized distributor for more details for having 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 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 appropriate safety goggles
are not worn.
NOTE
Each LaserPro laser 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:
• 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 remove or modify any component of the machine’s laser interlock
safety system.
• Ensure the immediate work area of the machine is well-ventilated. Odors, vapors, and
dust are byproducts 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.
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Spirit GE User Manual
Regularly clean and maintain your machine according to our cleaning and maintenance
instructions. Doing so will ensure a machine that will operate effectively and safely over a
long period of time.
NOTE
SmartGUARD™ is an optional fire detection alarm system developed by GCC. Contact
your local GCC authorized distributor for more details for having this safety option
installed onto your system.
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Spirit GE User Manual
WARNING
To prevent personal injury or damage to the machine, please obtain assistance when
loading and unloading the shipping crate.
NOTE
Please save the original shipping crate. If the machine must be returned for product
servicing, it will need to be packed in its original shipping crate.
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Safety Harnesses
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Spacer
Step Board
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Spirit GE User Manual
7) Carefully roll the machine off the shipping crate and position it into your work area.
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ITEM QUANTITY
Cleaning Kit:
Cotton 1
Lens Cleaner Solution 1
Lens Tissue 1
Focusing Tool 1
Hose Connector 1
Installation CD 1
(LaserPro Spirit user manual, driver, and firmware)
Pencil Sample 2
Promise Card 1
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Spirit GE User Manual
Please take some time to familiarize yourself with this section regarding the mechanical overview
of the LaserPro Spirit GE. References will be made back to the different parts of the LaserPro
Spirit GE in later sections.
SmartEXT™
Pass-Through
Emergency
Stop Button
SmartLight™
Switch
Control Panel
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USB Port
Power
ON/OFF Switch
Printer Port
Power Cable
Inlet
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Access Panel
Mirror #1
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SmartLID™
SmartLID™ Operation Handles
Operation Handles
Ventilation
Opening
SmartEXT™
Pass-Through
Door (Rear)
Laser Access
Panel
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Spirit GE User Manual
CAUTION
Make sure both the LaserPro Spirit GE and 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 into a properly grounded outlet.
2) Do the same for the computer system.
3) Connect the female end of the power cord into the machine’s power cable inlet located
on the right side of machine.
NOTE
• The LaserPro Spirit GE has been designed to automatically switch from
100~240 VAC.
• Make sure to supply 220V of electricity to the LaserPro Spirit GE with laser
wattages 40W or above.
Step 1 Each Spirit GE 100W machine is equipped with the following power cord which is marked
separately with G-Ground, N-Neutral, and L-Live. Notice that the two ends of the power cord has
different type of connectors, O-shape and Y-shape.
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A
Loose the fixing
connector in A opening
O ring, B
Assembly C
Step 5 Install the Assembly C in step 4 to SPIRIT through An opening and use O ring B to fix it.
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Fig. 4- 8 Screw the Laser Cabinet Panel to Finish the Power Cord Installation
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USB Connectivity: Connect the included USB Port Cable to the USB Port on the right
side of the LaserPro Spirit GE.
Printer Port Connectivity: Connect the included Printer Port Cable to the Printer Port on
the right side of the LaserPro Spirit GE.
NOTE
If you have purchased additional Optional Accessories for the LaserPro Spirit GE,
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 Spirit GE.
Other software such as EngraveLab and PhotoGrav may work with the LaserPro Spirit
GE, but these are not 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.
Computer
• CPU Pentium 90 (or equivalent) or greater
• RAM 32MB or higher
• FDD One 3.5” 1.44 MB Floppy Disk Drive
• HDD 1.2 GB Hard Drive or greater
• SVGA 15” Super VGA Monitor
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Spirit GE User Manual
Software
• The LaserPro Spirit GE drivers are designed for Windows 2000, XP, or newer operating
systems.
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 Spirit GE print
driver.
• This set of USB driver is not the same as the native USB drivers for Microsoft
Windows.
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 Spirit GE’s
USB connection interface, then you will need to go to your Windows Æ Control
Panel Æ Printer and Faxes. Right-click on the Spirit GE listing, and select
properties. Go to the Ports menu and place a check next to GCC USB0, then
click OK.
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Spirit GE User Manual
Once you have installed the LaserPro USB Driver (USB connectivity only), LaserPro Print
Driver, and have connected the LaserPro Spirit GE to your computer, you will need to
familiarize yourself with the LaserPro Spirit GE’s control panel and LaserPro Print Driver. The
print driver will be where you spend most of your time configuring specific laser parameters for
your jobs, while the control panel will allow you to set repeat times, manipulate the file order,
perform auto / manual focusing, configure the start point, and more.
* This picture was taken with the SmartLID opened to clearly show the location of
the contrast adjustment wheel.
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Spirit GE User Manual
Function Buttons
Directional and
Selection Buttons
DOOR - The door light will illuminate when either the top lid or external pass through doors on
the LaserPro Spirit GE are open or improperly closed.
POWER - The power light will illuminate when the LaserPro Spirit GE 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, IMMEDIATELY unplugs the laser system and contact GCC
technical support for service instructions.
• DO NOT operate the laser system if any component of the safety system is
malfunctioning.
NOTE
There is an 8 second warm up period after the door LED is triggered for systems
equipped with Synrad laser tubes. i.e. opening the top lid or the external pass through
doors of the machine. Operator must wait for 8 seconds before the laser tube can begin
to work.
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Directional (U / V / Y /Z) - 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 U / V
directional buttons cycle through the various selections, while the Y / Z directional buttons adjust
the value of that particular selection.
Start / Stop – Allows you to start or stop engraving jobs, once those jobs have been successfully
loaded onto the system.
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.
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Functions Page
File Edit
Vector Page Set Command Mode Page
Other Page
Reset Page
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The main work page is the page that the LaserPro Spirit GE 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 job’s name, Speed, Power, PPI, DPI, processing / remaining
times, and jobs loaded.
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Press U, V, Y, Z, or F3
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.
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Press F3
SmartCenter Page
Under SmartCenter mode the job will be started after the system positions the pen carriage at the
center position between two points indicated by the user. There are two ways to activate the
SmartCenter mode, either through driver or direct from control panel.
Enter SmartCenter page and we can move the pen carriage by hand and press enter to save the
positions indicated by the red pointer. After both points are set, the pen carriage will move to the
Center of the two entered points and the job will begin.
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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 LaserPro Spirit.
Machine Setting Page – this page allows you to access and modify a variety of your 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) Back to previous page
F3 (Help) Display help
F4 (Recall) Back to previous page
U / V Directional Scroll through the menu selections
Enter Perform the selection
Start / Stop Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-
axis)
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Press F4
Functions Page
The File Management Page allows you to manage the files that you have loaded onto the
LaserPro Spirit GE. 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.
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Press F4
Functions Page
Press F2
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 job’s 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 Æ 01:Marble.cdr Æ 02:Marble.cdr.
Link/DLink Page
Relevant Buttons Function
F1 (Back) Back to previous page
F2 (Link) Add the currently-selected job to the job queue
F4 (DLink) Remove the currently-selected job from the job
queue
U / V Directional Scroll through your loaded jobs
Start / Stop Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Buttons Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-
axis)
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Press F4
Functions Page
The File Information Page allows you to view the speed, power, DPI, and PPI 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.
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Press F4
Functions Page
Press F4
The File Management Edit Page allows choosing to modify your raster or vector settings for the
selected job, as well as setting the number of times to repeatedly process the selected job
(Repeat Num).
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Press F4
Functions Page
Press F4
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 Spirit GE 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 Spirit.
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Functions Page
Press F4
The File Edit Vector Page allows you to edit the vector pen, vector power, vector speed, and
vector PPI, and power ramp settings for the selected job. These settings correspond to the same
settings found on the LaserPro Spirit GE 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 Spirit.
Vector Pen: 1 - 16
Vector Power: 0.0% - 100%
Vector Speed: 0.0% 100%
Vector PPI: 30 - 1524
Power Ramp: YES / NO
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Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine
Setting> from the menu
The Machine Setting Page allows you to access and modify a variety of your 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.
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Press F4
Functions Page
The Set Lens Page allows you to modify the lens setting 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 Spirit GE will auto focus properly using the new
lens. The LaserPro Spirit GE’s default setting is <2.0”>
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Press F4
Functions Page
Select <Machine
Setting> 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) for when the Auto Focus button is pushed.
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Press F4
Functions Page
The Set Table Down Page allows you to select whether or not the LaserPro Spirit GE displays a
warning prompt at startup. If the Table Down selection is set to <YES>, the LaserPro Spirit GE
will display a “Table will move down and remove objects on table” warning prompt on startup.
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 Spirit GE will not display this
warning prompt at system startup.
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Press F4
Functions Page
The Set 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.
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Press F4
Functions Page
The Carriage Lock Page allows you to set whether the laser carriage is 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.
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Press F4
Functions Page
The Set Command Mode Page allows you to configure vector settings when outputting in Default
or HPGL mode. Default mode is the standard Windows print driver recognized by the most
popular graphic software programs such as CorelDraw, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. 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.
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Press F4
Functions Page
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.
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Press F4
Functions Page
The Flash Memory Page allows you to read and write data with the optional SmartMEMORY
module installed. Selecting <Write Flash Memory> will copy all current jobs on the LaserPro Spirit
GE to the SmartMEMORY module. Selecting <Read Flash Memory> will copy all job files from
the SmartMEMORY module to the LaserPro Spirit GE.
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Press F4
Functions Page
The Set File Save Mode Page allows you to set whether or not the LaserPro Spirit GE
automatically deletes each job file after processing. Setting File Save to <NO> will automatically
and immediately delete each job file from the LaserPro Spirit GE after the engraving or cutting
process. Setting File Save to <YES> will retain all job files on the LaserPro Spirit GE, even after
each job has been processed.
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Press F4
Functions Page
The Set Vector Mode Page allows you to adjust and balance vector mode’s quality and speed
settings based on your specific job. Speedy Vector Mode offers the highest output speed,
sacrificing quality. Whereas Quality Vector Mode offers the highest quality, sacrificing output
speed. Keep in mind that speed and quality are usually at a tradeoff. The system’s default is Fine
Vector mode, sacrificing some speed for higher quality. The LaserPro Spirit GE’s default setting is
<Fine Vector>.
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Press F4
Functions Page
The Set Fine Mode Page allows you to choose whether to engrave with more precision (quality)
at the expense of speed, or vice-versa. With Fine Mode set to <YES> will provide higher quality
output, but slower processing speeds. With Fine Mode set to <NO> will provide faster processing
speeds at lower quality output.
Fine Mode: YES / NO
TIP
The Fine Mode setting modifies the acceleration and deceleration of the X / Y rails,
therefore enabling or disabling Fine Mode will be most evident when engraving small,
fine, intricate designs (such as engraving small circle patterns). We recommend you set
Fine Mode to YES when engraving such designs. When cutting, the Fine Mode setting
should always be set to NO, as this does not benefit vector cutting operations, but rather
slows the processing speeds down.
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Press F4
Functions Page
Select <SmartGUARD
Setting> from the menu
SmartGUARD Setting
Page
After hardware installation, please enter the function menu on the control panel to enable the
SmartGUARD fire alarm.
SmartGUARD: Enable/Disable
Sensitivity:1,3,5,7,9 seconds
SmartGUARD:
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.
Press F4
Functions Page
Other Page
The Other Page allows you to change various settings relating to the control panel. The
Language setting will allow changing available languages displayed by the control panel. The Unit
setting will allow you to chance 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 your 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.
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.
Other Page
Relevant Buttons Function
F1 (Back) Back to previous page
F4 (Save) Save your current settings
U / V Directional Scroll through the menu selections
Y / Z Directional Adjust the value for that selection
Start / Stop Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-
Buttons axis)
Press F4
Functions Page
Reset Page
The Reset Page allows you to reset all changes made to the LaserPro Spirit GE’s 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 the default. After any firmware
updates, you must use the System Reset setting (your previous settings are saved).
User Reset (will pop up a confirmation, press Enter to confirm and continue)
System Reset (will pop up a confirmation, press Enter to confirm and continue)
Reset Page
Relevant Buttons Function
F1 (Back) Back to previous page
U / V Directional Scroll through the menu selections
Enter Perform the selection
Start / Stop Back to Main Work Page
Auto Focus Initiate the auto focus function
▲ / ▼ Manual Focus Manually adjust the height of the work table (Z-
Buttons axis)
Press F4
Functions Page
Machine Information
Page
The Machine Information Page allows you to view information regarding the system such as the GCC
logo, machine name, firmware version, and other information.
NOTE
Please make sure Spirit GE is set to the default printer before proceeding to the page and layout
setup.
Ensure that the LaserPro Spirit GE has been selected as the DEFAULT PRINTER. You can do so by
going into your Windows Control Panel Æ Printers and Faxes.
If LaserPro Spirit GE is not selected as DEFAULT PRINTER, you may set it up through the graphics
software as well. The following is taking Corel Draw as example of how to set up LaserPro Spirit GE as
the Printer.
1) From the primary menu, click FILE Æ PRINT SETUP.
2) From the navigation bar Name, click Spirit GE Æ OK
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 LaserPro Spirit GE’s work table. (You
MUST have the Spirit GE set as the default printer prior to doing this.)
1) From the primary menu, click TOOLS Æ COLOR MANAGEMENT and CorelDraw’s Color
Management will appear.
2) Under the Style pull down menu, select COLOR MANAGEMENT OFF.
3) Click OK to complete the color management adjustments.
Note
For this screenshot example, CorelDraw was used as the software application.
The LaserPro Spirit GE Print Driver consists of seven primary sections (pages) in which you will be able
to choose various engraving / cutting options and settings:
Option Page
Pen Page
Advance Page
Paper Page
Language Page
Raster Page (appears only in Black & White Mode)
Stamp Page (appears only in Stamp Mode)
You can select four primary mode settings, depending on your application or results you would like to
achieve.
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 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 Spirit
GE Print Driver, allowing you to adjust advanced stamp-related settings.
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 Spirit GE print driver allows a
maximum of 16 pen parameters to be set.
3D Mode: Select this mode to attain a sculptured 3D effect on your engraving. By using images that
have a range of gray areas, the LaserPro Spirit GE print driver can manipulate the image to give it added
depth, by linking the laser power (depth of engraving) to specific colors. The settings can be adjusted
through the DPI setting (Option page) and PPI, power and speed settings (Pen page).
Stamp Mode: Select this mode to when you would like to engrave stamps. The stamp mode is one of
the more dynamic functions of the LaserPro Spirit GE. Due to the unique engraving nature when
engraving a stamp, the stamp production requires different operational steps than most engraving or
cutting operations.
NOTE
Selecting the Stamp mode will enable the Stamp page on the Spirit GE Print Driver,
allowing you to adjust advanced stamp-related settings.
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 a more time to complete. Lower DPI
settings result in coarser and shallower engravings, but require less time to complete. The LaserPro Spirit
GE offers 8 DPI options: 125, 250, 300, 380, 500, 600, 760, and 1000, experiment with different settings
to get your desired effect.
Set
125 250 300 * 380 500 600 * 760 1000
DPI
Actual DPI 127 254 381 381 508 762 762 1016
NOTE*
Outputting a full-table (34” 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 34” x 18” job using 300 DPI, we
recommend you move to the next higher DPI setting of 380. Similarly, for a 34” x 18” job
using 600 DPI, we recommend you use 760 DPI.
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.
TIP
When engraving a stamp, via the stamp mode, the stamp image needs to be engraved
in reverse (mirrored) for the final stamp to be correctly laid out.
Mirror Effect
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 in disabled with Manual Color File mode selected.
TIP
Invert mode is useful when creating a stamp in Stamp Mode, as inverting your normal
image will set the negative space to be engraved out, with the remaining positive space
(your stamp design) protruding out.
Invert Effect
Checking this will instruct the LaserPro Spirit GE 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 LaserPro Spirit GE system and will need to be initialized from the
LaserPro Spirit GE control panel.
SmartACT is 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.
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.
History File: This section contains a list of the recent files you have recently created and worked
with, please note that.
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 a previously saved print driver parameters.
ORIGINAL: This function will load the print driver’s 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 .H2O file from
your hard drive, if you wish to completely remove the file from your hard disk, and you will have to
manually delete the file from your operating system.)
NOTE
If you are using Windows 2000 or XP 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.
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 menu’s
default color selection, and instead of modifying your image, you simply would like to assign the laser
settings based on the existing colors based on your current image.
The speed slider controls the laser’s speed during operation (engraving speed) with a range setting from
0.1 – 100%. The Spirit GE’s maximum laser processing speed is 60 inches per second, therefore a
setting of 100% speed is equivalent to 60 inches per second and a 10% speed setting would be
equivalent to 6 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.
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.
The power slider controls the laser’s 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. Higher power and slower speeds will produce deeper cuts and engravings,
whereas lower power and higher speeds will produce more shallow cuts and
engravings.
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).
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).
TIP
For Vector Engraving jobs, we recommend a PPI setting > 150
For Vector Cutting jobs, we recommend a PPI setting of > 400
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.
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 color.
This checkbox sets the Auto Focus for that particular job. With the Auto Focus button checked, the Spirit
GE 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.
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 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 299mm or 301mm 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.
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.
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 Spirit GE will vector cut a circle around the initial position of the laser head.
TIP
It is highly recommended you enable the red dot laser pointer when setting / adjusting
the Position Modes, as this makes accurate positioning of your laser carriage for your
particular jobs much easier.
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 Spirit GE 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
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.
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 Option 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.
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.
Vector Sorting: When performing a vector cutting job in which your image has one vector cut
area enclosing 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.
Optimization Sorting: 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.
This setting allows you to change how the Spirit GE 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 somewhat side-by-side with empty space 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.
This setting allows you to improve the cutting quality at the expense of speed. Your engraving speed
will be dropped 50%, to maximize the cutting power. We recommend you enable this function when
cutting thicker materials.
NOTE
When using the optional rotary attachment system and with the Rotary Fixture option checked,
the X value represents the length of your working piece. The Y value will be changed to
Diameter, which represents the diameter of your working piece (at the position you wish to
engrave).
Here you can set your preferred measurement standard in which you would like use with the Spirit GE
print driver. You can choose between metric or imperial standards.
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 square’s 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 square’s 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 square’s ideal edge, you will want to set
the image tuning to a positive value. The further the protruding lines are from the square’s ideal edge,
the larger you will need to set the Image Tuning value to compensate.
The following is an example of how having the proper image tuning is important 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).
If you are processing a very large area requiring the maximum worktable area, you will want to enable
this mode. Enabling this mode will extend the Spirit GE’s maximum work area to 38” x 18” (960mm x
460mm), from the default 32” x 18” (812 mm x 460mm). This function is enabled at the expense of
NOTE
With the Extend function enabled, the following functions are disabled: 3D Mode (Option
Page), Stamp Mode (Option Page), SmartACT (Option Page), Disable Skip White
(Advance), Auto Focus (Pen Page), and Rotary Fixture (Paper Page).
NOTE
This option is only to be used with the Dual-Head optional accessory properly set up.
For instructions on how to set up the Dual Head, please refer to Chapter VII of this
manual.
This function allows you to process two identical jobs at the same time through the employment of a
secondary laser carriage. With the dual-head optional accessory properly set up:
1) Check the Dual-Head function to enable it. The X (width) value of the paper size will shrink from
64cm to 37cm, to accommodate for simultaneous jobs. The Y (height) value remains the same.
2) Simply lay out your work on a maximum page size of 31cm x 46cm. Prepare your work as if you
were making only a single piece, the laser system and dual-head will automatically take care of
the duplication process.
NOTE
This option is only to be used with the Rotary Attachment optional accessory properly
set up. For instructions on how to set up the Rotary Attachment, please refer to Chapter
VII of this manual.
You will need to select the option when processing a job with the optional rotary attachment system to
engrave on rounded or cylindrical objects. When you have your material and rotary attachment
properly set up:
1) Check the Rotary Fixture function and notice the change in the Paper Size fields. Under Paper
Size, the X value represents the length of your work piece. Enter the length of your work piece in
this field.
2) 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, at the point of engraving on
your work piece.
3) 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 Spirit’s LCD
panel. Enter the proper offset value in this field.
NOTE
The Raster Page is only available when Black & White Mode Setting is selected from
the Option Page, this page offers a number of advanced Raster Engraving output
options.
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 image’s contrast such as: adjust the power
/ speed settings or simply adjusting the contrast of the image in software with the
graphic software application.
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.
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.
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.
2x2 8x8
2 x 2 Dithering 8 x 8 Dithering
(Enhance Dithering) (Enhance Dithering)
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.
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.
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, 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!
NOTE
The Stamp page will only appear and be accessible when you have selected the Stamp
Mode from the Option Page.
TIP
Functions located on the other pages that are useful when making a stamp: Set
Shoulder, Pitch, Border, Invert, and Mirror.
Ridge:
“Contact section”
of the stamp
Slope of ridge
(Shoulder Level)
Base of ridge
(Pitch)
Another important aspect of creating a stamp is setting the slope level of the shoulder. The shoulder is
the section from the “contact section” of the stamp to its base. This function allows you to adjust the slope
for the shoulder sections of your stamp. By sliding the sliders or directly input of power levels, you will be
able to change the slope of the shoulder.
NOTE
The visual representations of the Pitch and Shoulder Levels in the Spirit GE driver are
an exaggerated representation to allow for easy visual guidance and precise input.
Remember we are working with distances less than 1 mm here.
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 Æ select <Properties> Æ 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 Spirit) and watch as your string of characters is vector cut.
In these situations when there are raster engraving and vector cutting operations on a single project,
the LaserPro Spirit GE driver will interpret between raster sections and vector sections by the types of
6.4 3D Tips
When doing 3D sample on LaserPro Spirit GE, acrylic or MDF wood are ideal materials for the
purpose. For acrylic the suggested PWR is 100%, SPD around 30% (depends on how deep you want
to cut).
For engraving wood, as it burns easily and leaves blackened surface after the 1st pass, it is necessary
to run the 2nd pass to remove the burned surface. To do that, simply fill the image with black color as
the mask (see below) and Run the black mask image with PWR 100% and SPD100%.
Create a black
image for
polishing
When purchasing the LaserPro Spirit GE from your local authorized GCC distributor, you will be provided
a chance to purchase optional items to enhance your experience with your system. If anytime after the
purchase of your Spirit GE, would you like to purchase any optional item, please contact your local
authorized GCC distributor.
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
2) Mount the exhaust system in an obvious and accessible location, not too far from the Spirit, so
it can be routinely switched on prior to laser engraving. The maximal distance you should
mount the exhaust system away from the Spirit GE depends on the blower’s vacuum capacity.
We recommend you consult with the vendor regarding the unit’s 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 Spirit. (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.
¼” Air Inlet
Tubing
Power Cord B
Power Cord A
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).
Plugs 2a
3) Connect a ¼” tubing to the air tube fastener valve on the air compressor.
NOTE
It is important that the ¼” 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 Spirit GE to locate both the Air-Assist Valve
and Internal Power Sockets. As indicated below:
AC Internal Power
Sockets
5) Plug the air compressor’s 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.
7) Take the unattached end of the ¼” 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 ¼” air tubing, to form a tight, secure attachment as
indicated in the diagram below.
8) 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.
OPERATION:
1) Switch on the air compressor unit and make sure that the airflow regulator on the air assist
valve 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 LaserPro Spirit GE print driver and
hardware control panel. Please refer to the LaserPro Spirit GE print driver and graphic control panel
sections of this manual for details on how to enable and configure air-assist functionalities.
SmartBOX Components
Cutting Box
Honeycomb Table
Thumb Screws
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.
NOTE
Advanced 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 adapt to the results you wish to achieve.
Congratulations, you are now ready to position your thin, flexible materials on top of your honeycomb
table / cutting box and start working.
CAUTION
Damage may occur to the system if you try to raise the work table without proper setting
of the metal guard.
The SmartAIR Fine Nozzle is recommended for engraving or cutting thin material such as textile. The
smaller caliber nozzle is positioned closer to the object for a concentrated blast directed over a small
area to eliminate burning on the cutting edge. The vertical design of the SmartAIR Fine Nozzle
produces a concentrated airflow to blow away dust and unwanted residue, leaving a clean product
surface.
The SmartAIR Ultra Nozzle is recommended for cutting thick material such as acrylic. The larger
caliber nozzle produces strong airflow over a wider area to prevent flaming when the laser is cutting at
slower speeds.
NOTE
The Spirit GE comes standard with the SmartAIR Standard Nozzle, but for specialized
jobs on specific materials, we highly recommend the use of the SmartAIR Fine or Ultra
Nozzles.
INSTALLATION:
1) Unscrew the thumbscrews securing the front plate of the laser head, and remove the
faceplate.
2) Remove the currently installed nozzle by simply sliding it outwards (towards you).
3) With either the SmartAIR Fine or Ultra Nozzle, simply slide into the slot (where you removed
the original nozzle), with the pointed end face down.
4) Position the faceplate back onto the laser head and screw the thumbscrews back into place.
OPERATION:
1) With the air compressor unit and applicable SmartAIR Nozzle properly installed. Switch on
the air compressor unit and make sure that the airflow regulator on the air assist valve 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.
2) With the SmartAIR nozzle and air compressor properly installed and operating, all
configurations and settings relating to air-assist functions are controlled through the LaserPro
Spirit GE print driver and hardware control panel. Please refer to the LaserPro Spirit GE print
driver and graphic control panel sections of this manual for details on how to enable and
configure air-assist functionalities.
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.
SmartLID™ SmartLID™
Handles Handles
Control Board
Protective Cover
4. Connect the wire from the SmartGUARD sensor board to the control board.
The SmartGUARD 3-
pin signal jumper is
positioned under the
blue connector of the
control board
INSTALLATION:
CAUTION
It is highly recommended you completely turn off the SPIRIT GE and unplug its cord
from the power source before installing or removing the SmartMEMORY module.
OPERATION:
With the SmartMEMORY module installed, you will be able to SAVE and LOAD to the SmartMEMORY:
NOTE
In order to properly use the SmartMEMORY module with the Spirit GE, ensure the Spirit
GE’s firmware is version 1.02 or later. Also keep in mind, the capacity of the
SmartMEMORY module is 4MB, please do not save files that exceed this limit.
The dual-head device of LaserPro Spirit GE consists of six components: dual head (the 2nd laser
carriage), connecting bar, air tube B, air tube C, air tube connector and thumb screws. The main
benefit of dual head device is to increase the working efficiency. With two laser carriages, two
identical jobs can be engraved or cut at the same time. This can not only save time but also provide
you the more flexible working productivity. Please follow up the steps below to install the dual head.
INSTALLATION:
1) With the machine off, slide the original laser carriage all the way to the right.
2) Use a screwdriver and loosen the two screws on the dual-head.
3) Mount / install the dual-head on the X-rail and to the left side of the original laser carriage.
4) Use a screwdriver and tighten the two screws on the dual head to secure it to the X-rail.
5) Attach the dual-head’s connecting bar (right side) to the original laser carriage (left side)
using the included thumbscrews.
6) Now with your dual-head firmly in place, unscrew and remove the top and right blue caps
from the air tube connector.
7) Remove (pull out) the air tube from the original laser carriage and connect this tube to the
top-side opening of the air tube connector (opened in step 6).
OPERATION:
1) With the dual-head installed, go to the Paper Page of the Spirit GE print driver
and check the Dual Head box. This will shrink the X (width) value of the paper
size from 64cm to 37cm, to accommodate for dual engraving jobs. Note the Y
(height) value remains the same.
NOTE
Please refer to section 5.2 of the reference manual for complete instructions on how to
use the Spirit’s Print Properties.
2) Simply lay out your work on a maximum page size of 31cm x 46cm. Prepare your work as if
you were making only a single piece, the laser system and dual-head will take care of the
duplication process automatically.
3) You are now ready to begin your dual engraving process.
INSTALLATION:
Rotary Attachment
Port
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.
CAUTION
If your work piece is small, please apply 4” focal lens for operation to prevent the lens
carriage from colliding 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 Spirit GE print driver.
NOTE
Please refer to section 5.2 of the reference manual for complete instructions on how to
use the Spirit’s Print Properties.
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) Under Paper Size, the X value represents the length of your working piece. Enter the
length of your work piece in this field.
b) 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.
c) 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 Spirit’s LCD panel. Enter the proper offset value in this field.
5) Your Spirit GE 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 Spirit GE
will now properly focus at the location to be engraved.
6) Go back to the Spirit GE Print Driver to print your design and let the engraving begin.
NOTE
Keeping your LaserPro Spirit GE 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 Spirit’s 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 Spirit GE before
cleaning.
• Damage may occur to the system if you do not turn off and unplug the Spirit GE
before cleaning.
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.
1) Turn the power off and unplug the Spirit GE before cleaning.
2) Use a vacuum cleaner with a flexible nozzle to remove dust and debris from the worktable 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.
CAUTION
• Never pour or spray alcohol or acetone directly to the working table.
• Oil, alcohol and acetone can cause fires or smoke build-up if improperly used.
You can purchase PS2 grease from NSK dealers worldwide. Please visit
http://www.nsk.com/eng/company/network/index.html for additional information.
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 X / Y rails will accelerate the build up
of debris.
NOTE
• It is highly recommended you remove, clean and replace each mirror one at a
time!
• Refer to section 8.3.2 on how to clean the mirrors.
The following section will detail how to access and remove each of the four mirrors found on the
LaserPro Spirit GE for cleaning.
Mirror 1
This mirror is located inside the bottom left access panel of the LaserPro Spirit GE.
Thumbscrew
Mirror 2, 3, 4
These mirrors are located in the worktable area of the LaserPro Spirit GE.
Mirror 2
Mirror 3
Mirror 4
Mirror 2
Mirror 3
1) Unscrew the thumbscrew holding mirror 3 in place.
2) Clean the lens in the proper manner.
3) Re-install mirror 3 after cleaning.
4) Tighten the thumbscrew.
Mirror 4
1) Unscrew the three thumbscrews (front face of the laser head) 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).
Top Thumbscrew
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 to cover the mirror surface).
4) Pull the tissue across the mirror in only one direction.
CAUTION
• If the center of the mirror is scratched, contact your LaserPro Spirit GE dealer
for a replacement.
3) 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).
4) After cleaning, use a cotton swab to gently dry the focal lens and lens cover.
Quality Problems
z Check focal length setting under F4 function key-> Machine Setting-> Set Focus Lens to see if it
matches the type of the lens installed.
z Check if the focal Lens is installed correctly or if focal Lens is not fixed properly.
z Check if it is caused by the debris or dust builds up in the bearing tracks or x rail.
z 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
NOTE: Unplug the machine before examining the mirrors, lens, motion system or any other part of the
laser system.
The size or location of graphic image may be bigger or beyond 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, Corel Draw for instance, even vector line’s width has been set to
the thinnest. Because at thinnest line width, it still goes beyond the boarder and causes the error.
If the message appears randomly but frequently even image object is smaller or within the legal boarder,
check or change DRAM module, a bad contact or faulty DRAM could cause such error.
The focus pin could be stocked by greasy residue that coats on it. Clean the probe with alcohol or
acetone.
Check the cable of focus pin, there might be a bad contact or breakage.
Chapter X - Appendix
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 as defined by the amount of
dots/pixels included in an inch. The DPI setting of 500, will include 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 computer’s 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.
PPI – Pulses Per Inch. PPI determines the gross amount of laser pulses there will be per linear inch.
PPI is exclusively for the vector setting. A PPI setting of 500 results in the laser firing every .002” (500
times per inch). If the standard lens is producing a vector laser focal point of .007”, then higher PPI
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.
Serial Communication – An interface between a computer and one of its devices that transfers one
bit of data at a time.
Serial Port – A connection that allows a computer to send data to a peripheral device one bit at a time.
Usually a COM port that meets the RS232C specification.
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.
Spirit GE
Work Area 34 x 18 in. (860 x 460mm) Extendable to 38 x 18 in. (960 x 460 mm)
Maximum Part Size All doors closed 41.6 x 22.4 x 7 in.(1056 x 568 x 177 mm)
(W x D x Thick) All doors open 41.7 x ∞ x 7 in. (1059 x ∞ x 177 mm)
Table Size 41.4 x 21.6 in. (1054 x 550 mm)
Dimensions 54.5 x 28.9 x 29.7 in. (1385 x 735 x 1010 mm)
Laser Source 30 to 100 Watt Sealed CO2 Laser
Cooling Air-cooled, Operating environment temperature 15 o- 30o C (60o - 86o F)
Drive DC Servo Control
Throughput* 245.5 in2 / hr (1584 cm2 / hr)
Throughput* with SmartACT Enabled 283.4 in2 / hr (1828.8 cm2 / hr)
Speed Control Adjustable from 0.1~100% of 60 IPS (Up to 16 color-linked speed settings per job)
Power Control Adjustable from 1~100% (Up to 16 color-linked power settings per job)
Z-Axis Movement Automatic
Resolution (DPI) Available 125, 250, 300, 380, 500, 600, 750, 1000
Computer Interface Standard printer port and USB port