How to Upgrade Your Laser Engraver with Air Assist

OMTech Laser Updated On Nov 05, 2024

Upgrading your laser engraver with an air assist system can significantly improve its performance and the quality of your engravings. This guide will walk you through the process of installing an air assist system on your laser engraver, discuss the advantages of this upgrade, and provide a detailed list of tools and steps required.

Advantages of Air Assist

Having a laser engraver with an air assist system offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve your engraving and cutting results. This enhancement can transform your workflow and output quality, making it a valuable addition to your laser engraving setup. Adding air assist to your laser engraver will:

Cleaner Lens: The constant airflow keeps the laser lens free from debris and smoke, maintaining optimal focus and performance.
Reduced Flare-ups: Air assist helps dissipate heat quickly, reducing the risk of small fires when working with flammable materials.
Improved Precision:By blowing away smoke, air assist provides a clearer path for the laser beam, resulting in more accurate cuts and engravings.
Cleaner Cuts:The airflow cools the edges of cuts, reducing charring and heat-related discoloration, especially beneficial for materials like wood or acrylic.
Minimized Burn Marks: Constant airflow cools the surface as the laser moves, reducing scorching on both top and bottom of the material.
Increased Speed:Better heat and debris management often allows for faster engraving and cutting speeds without sacrificing quality.
Reduced Maintenance:By keeping the lens and work area cleaner, air assist can reduce the frequency of required maintenance.

Tools and Materials Needed

Air compressor or air pump
¼” solenoid air valve
¼” air filter pressure regulator
Air tubing (appropriate diameter for your setup)
¼” brass female air coupler
¼” male straight connect fittings
Zip ties or cable management solutions
Screwdriver set
Allen wrench set
Drill and drill bits (if modifications to the machine are necessary)
Teflon tape
Adjustable wrench
Wire strippers (if electrical connections are needed)
Multimeter (for testing connections)

Installation Steps

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Ensure your laser engraver is unplugged and cool.
Clean your work area and gather all necessary tools and materials, including your air compressor.

Step 2: Remove the Stock Air Pump

Turn off the machine and locate the stock air pump.
Cut the stock air tubing as close to the pump as possible.
Disconnect or cut the wires connected to the stock air pump.
Remove the stock air pump from the laser cabinet.

Step 3: Install the Solenoid Valve

Apply Teflon tape to the threads of two male push-to-connect fittings.
Screw these fittings into both sides of the solenoid valve.
Mount the solenoid to the outside of the laser cabinet using strong double-sided tape.

Step 4: Install the Air Filter and Regulator

Apply Teflon tape to the threads of two more push-to-connect fittings.
Attach these fittings to both sides of the air filter/regulator.
Mount the regulator to the wall or the outside of the laser cabinet.

Step 5: Connect the Air Tubing

Connect a length of tubing from the compressor to the "in" side of the regulator.
Run tubing from the "out" side of the regulator to the "in" side of the solenoid.
Connect the existing air tube from inside the laser to the "out" side of the solenoid.
If needed, drill a small hole in the back of the laser cabinet to route the tubing.

Step 6: Wire the Solenoid

Cut appropriate lengths of red and black wire to reach from the solenoid to the controller.
Connect these wires to the solenoid (red to positive, black to negative).
Route the wires to the laser's control board.
Connect the red wire to the "24V" terminal and the black wire to the "Wind" terminal on the controller.

Step 7: Configure the Software

Open your laser control software (e.g., Lightburn).
Access the machine settings.
Find the "Vendor Settings" section.
Locate "Enable Air Assist Output" and change it from "False" to "True".
Save the settings.

Step 7: Test the System

Turn on your air source and check for any leaks in the connections.
Adjust the air pressure to the recommended level for your engraver and materials.

Step 8: Perform a Test Engraving

Run a test engraving or cutting job to ensure the air assist is functioning correctly.
Observe the improvement in cut quality and reduced burn marks.

Step 9: Fine-tune the Setup

Adjust the air pressure and nozzle position as needed based on your test results.
Different materials may require different air pressure settings.

Step 10: Maintain the System

Regularly check air connections for leaks.
Clean the air nozzle periodically to ensure optimal performance.
Replace air filters in your air source as recommended by the manufacturer.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully upgrade your laser engraver with an air assist system. This upgrade will improve the quality of your engravings and cuts, reduce maintenance, and potentially increase your working speed. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and consult your laser engraver's manual before making any modifications.

Want to take your laser engraver setup to the next level? Most of our OMTech laser engraver machines, such as the OMTech Pronto, Pro, and Maker series, are outfitted with air assist, making your laser endeavors even easier. Instead of having to install the air assist yourself, you can invest in an all-inclusive laser engraver/cutter that features cutting-edge tech to boost your machine’s performance and precision. Get started with OMTech today, where innovation meets affordability. Your creative journey is just a few steps away!