Epilog Helix Laser Cutter

QR Code Landing Page

Recent Changes to Policy or Procedures

9/17/2023: We have a QR code on the Helix that links to this page. We'd enjoy feedback on what could make this page more useful. Join us on Slack in #equipment-reference-webpages or email info@makernexus.org

9/7/2023: None at this time

Specifics

• 45 Watt
• 18" x 24" bed (450 x 600 mm)
• vents to a filter. No MDF, leather, or other smokey/smelly materials.
• on long term loan to MN

Training

• links to Equipment Training class documents in the MN Members Team Drive
• links to specific BossLaser videos
• Information common to all lasers

Color Mapping: cut multiple vectors and rasters in the same document

Unlike Lightburn, if you want to cut different layers and designs in the same session you need to differentiate each vector+raster operation using a different color.

• Ensure that your document uses RGB color mode (not CMYK)
• Open the print dialog, Epilog preferences, Color Mapping tab
• Note that there are defaults for red (hex code #FF0000), green (#00FF00), blue (#0000FF), and more. You can create new colors if you like.
• Each color lets you do one vector and one raster operation
• Order the colors in the order you want to cut

Tips / Tricks specific to the Helix

To perform more than one cut/raster operation use Color Mapping

Is your design not being cut? Are you sure you set the line weights right but the laser doesn't seem to be working? Does it beep and the display just says "Done"?

• Check that your document is in inches! (No, it's not enough just to check the ruler units.)
• Ensure your line weights are less than 0.001"
• Make a new document in inches and copy your design over if you need to

Are some of your cuts burning through the material but other parts of the design are not?

• Make sure your material is flat
• Use tape or a weight (be very sure the laser head won't collide with the weight) to keep the material down
• Make sure the compressed air isn't blowing your material around
• Make sure the bed is relatively flat, or put a supporting piece under it
• Temporarily set the home coordinate in the center of the material and focus there before setting the home back
• Or use a little more power because the beam will be more unfocused

Do you want to cut a vector more than one time? Make a copy!

• The Epilog will cut all vectors once, so if you layer a shape on top of itself (and use the same color if you are in Color Mapping mode) you will get an extra cut

Vector Cutting with Adobe Illustrator

• The line weight needs to be set to .072 pt. BUT you have to go into Settings and re-set the path units to "Points" even though it may already be displayed as such. The final screen looks exactly the same but after manually setting it to 'inches' then back to 'points' we got vectors cutting on the Epilogue.

Documentation

• links to manufactures documents
• MN asset page

Text for Search

QR Code, Laser Cutter, LaserCutter