Professional Documents
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USER MANUAL
AMXMAN-09-01 REV 1
AUTOMETRIX, INC.
www.autometrix.com
support@autometrix.com
PH: 530-477-5065
FX: 530-477-5067
Table of Contents
1 System Description
Carriage
Motors
Rails and Rack
Sensors
Cutting Head
Operator Controls
Electronics Cabinet and Power Supply
Control Panel
Cables
Vacuum Table and Blower
Cutting Surface
PatternSmith
2 System Operation
GLCD Keypad and Joystick
Vacuum Blowers
Pause / Restart / Cancel
Emergency Stop Mode
5 Maintenance
Precautions
Maintenance Note
Maintenance Schedule
Adjustment Instructions
6 Calibration Guide
Usercals File
Macro Based Calibration
Blade Angle Alignment
Device Offsets
7 Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting Guidelines
Diagnostic Tools
9 Safety Precautions
Powered Mechanical
Electrical Hazards
Pneumatic Hazards
Vacuum Hazards
Racks (Material Handling Equipment)
Parts
Mechanical Maintenance and General Precautions
Carriage
Your M4 carriage is designed for maximum strength with the lightest possible weight.
This lighter weight reduces forces on the system which means it will suffer less wear
and will have improved reliability.
Motors
The M4 carriage has four motors. Two drive the X-axis (the length of the table), one
drives the Y-axis (the width of the table), and one steers the cutting blade, called the
Theta axis. The X- and Y-axes are driven by a pinion attached directly to the motor
shaft.
Attached to the vacuum panel edges are the X-axis rails, structural members that
provide linear accuracy along the X-axis. It is important to avoid subjecting the rails to
excessive force that could distort them.
Sensors
The cutting system uses six limit sensors to define the boundaries of the cutting area.
These are proximity sensors and are triggered when a steel object comes within a
predetermined distance.
The limit sensors serve two purposes. First, they are used in the process of finding
the ‘Home’ position and squaring the carriage to the table each time it is powered up.
Second, the positions of the limit switches and triggers define an “in bounds” rectangle
of maximum carriage motion. If the carriage moves beyond the ranges set by the
sensors, the limit sensors signal the controller to stop the carriage immediately.
Three of these sensors are located on the table rails and are used to define the X-axis
limits at the ends of the table. These limit sensors are called XA Low, XB Low, and XA
High. The remaining three sensors are mounted on the carriage assembly. These limit
sensors are called Y Low, Y High, and Theta. The Theta limit sensor, located on the
carriage is used only for aligning the Theta axis when homing. You can view their
locations on the diagram shown.
Cutting Head
The cutting head includes a pen holder, two
steered blade holders, and an optional air
drill. The blade holders can accept two types
of rolling blades, tangential blades, a rotary
punch, or a notch tool. The pen and blade
holders are actuated by adjustable pneumatic
pressure.
Operator Controls
The GLCD (Graphics LCD) touchscreen keypad and joystick provide operator control of
the carriage. From here, you can start, pause, or cancel cutting jobs, jog the carriage,
return home, and activate devices. The keypad display changes according to functional
states: startup, local, online (ready), online (finished), paused, and error conditions.
Cables
All moving cables for the X- and Y- axes are enclosed in an Energy Chain (E-Chain).
The E-Chain for the X-axis is located on the ‘B side’ of the table, away from the
operator position. When cables eventually wear out, the E-Chain snaps open for easy
replacement of cables. (Contact Autometrix Customer Service for assistance when it is
time to replace your cables.)
Attached to the vacuum blower is a vacuum relief valve. This provides airflow to cool the
vacuum blower when the table surface is covered.
Note: To avoid
overheating
the blower, the
maximum vacuum
on the gauge should
not exceed 110
inches of water.
Centrifugal Blower
Regenerative Blower
Cutting Surface
The cutting surface is constructed of a continuous flat sheet of polycarbonate plastic
(Lexan). Small diameter holes are evenly spaced over this surface. The free-floating
Lexan is placed over the “peak and valley” vinyl vacuum panel surface, which we call
a waffle. Allowing the Lexan cutting surface to float freely over the vacuum panels
eliminates problems that could be caused by thermal expansion. It also makes surface
replacement quick and simple.
Most cutting can be done using a rolling wheel blade on this Lexan surface. For very
detailed cutting or very tough materials, you can use a tangential knife blade on either
the Lexan, or on a felt or crumb rubber surface.
PatternSmith
PatternSmith is an integral part of the cutting system. It provides tools for pattern
creation, editing, and nesting, and then sends the correct cutting commands to the
controller. Please refer to the PatternSmith manual for more detail.
2: System Operation
Before powering up the M4, make sure that:
1. Both the motor and signal cables are connected to the electronics cabinet and at
the carriage. Verify that all connections are secure.
2. The control computer and the electronics cabinet are connected to each
other through an Ethernet switch. (See Chapter 8, Establishing an Ethernet
Connection)
3. The compressed air is turned on and the air pressure is correct. Verify that the
air pressure is correct for each cutting device. With a sharp blade, most
materials can be cut with the cutting pressure set between 20 and 35 PSI. (For
more information, see Chapter 4.)
GLCD Keypad and Joystick
The screen you see on the GLCD depends on the state of the system. There are eight
possible modes: Startup, Local, Online (ready), Online (finished), Paused, Emergency
Stop, Out of Bounds, and Limit Detect.
Startup Mode
After you have first powered up, the only button available on the keypad will be “Find
Home.” At this point, the carriage is not necessarily at ‘Home’ position and not square
to the table, so you can’t proceed until you press the ‘Find Home’ button. During the
homing process, the carriage responds by slowly moving in the negative directions
along both the X- and Y-axes. When the carriage reaches the limit sensors, it
automatically squares itself to the table. Next, it aligns the cutting blade to zero degrees
and then moves to the Global (Hard) Home (0,0) position. At this point, it will switch to
‘Local’ mode.
During the homing process, the GLCD screen will update you by putting a check after
each axis that is completed.
Local Mode
In ‘Local’ mode, the joystick can be used and you can activate the pen, cutter, and
vacuum devices through toggles. The joystick has three speeds which increase with the
distance you move the joystick from neutral position.
Go Home:
Takes you back to Home position. The first time you press Go
Home, you will go back to the starting point for the last table you
cut (local origin for the previous table). The second time you
press it, you will return to global home (0,0).
Find Home:
Online Mode
The online modes for the GLCD are covered in Chapter 3, Plotting and Cutting.
Vacuum Blowers
The material you are cutting is held in place using vacuum
pressure over the table surface. Activate the vacuum blower(s)
from the magnetic starter located on the control panel.
You can choose to resume the cutting process, cancel the current cutting job, or change
blades before you continue. To resume cutting, simply press the Restart button. To
terminate the cutting job, press the Cancel button.
Restart Job:
This gives control back to the host computer to continue the current
cutting job. No action in PatternSmith is required.
Cancel Job:
This cancels the job just paused, sends a ‘Cancel’ message to the
host computer, and returns the cutting system to ‘Local’ mode.
Only use the E-Stop when absolutely necessary. In most cases, Pause is sufficient.
3: Plotting and Cutting
Startup
Turn on power to the cutting system at the on/off switch located on the control panel.
Vacuum Hold-Down
Roll your material onto the vacuum table, smoothing out wrinkles as much as possible.
Make sure that all the holes on the surface of the vacuum table are covered by the
material. If your material doesn’t cover all of the holes, use a filler material to cover any
open holes. Porous material must be covered with a plastic sheet so the vacuum can
hold it firmly in place.
With your material in place, turn on the vacuum blower. The vacuum pressure gauge
on the end of the manifold should read at least 30” of water. When all of the holes in the
surface are sealed completely, vacuum pressure can rise to over 100”, however you can
cut successfully with pressure as low as 25”.
Cutting a Table
Local Origin
You can choose to start your cut job from the global home position (0,0) or from any
other location on the table. Use the joystick to jog the pen to the position where you
wish to start. Wherever the pen is located when you press Start is considered the Local
Origin. The Local Origin corresponds to the lower left hand corner of the PatternSmith
nesting view. If you try to start from a position that would not allow the entire job to fit on
the table, you will see the Out of Bounds screen below. In that case, cancel, jog to a
legal start point, and restart the job.
In PatternSmith, clicking Plot > Plot Current Table (Shortcut F10 key) will send the
table currently shown in the Nesting view to the cutter and start the cutting process.
Start Job:
This gives control to the host computer to send the commands for
the current table.
Cancel Job:
This cancels the job just started, sends a ‘Cancel’ message to the
host computer, and returns to ‘Local’ mode.
When the current table is finished, the GLCD will be in Online (Finished) mode. At this
point, you can press ‘Repeat Last Table’ to cut the same table again, press ‘Start Next
Table’ to advance to the next nested table in sequence, or press ‘Cancel’ to return to
Local mode. The joystick is again active, so jogging is allowed.
Cancel:
Pressing ‘Cancel’ sends a Cancel message to the host computer
and returns to ‘Local’ mode.
If any limit sensor is triggered by the carriage or other means, motion will be quickly
stopped. The information box will display which limit sensor was triggered. All position
information will be lost, so you will need to restart the cutter. The ‘Disable Motors’
button is for convenience so that you can move the carriage to the origin by hand before
restarting.
4: Plotting and Cutting Devices
Many materials can be cut successfully with the rolling blade. Tougher materials or
intricate patterns will usually require one of the knife blades. When cutting a new
material, test it with both cutting devices to determine which will provide the best results.
Rolling Blades
Rolling blades function by pinching the material between a sharp blade and a hard cut-
ting surface. They are best for cutting materials that are soft, flexible, and easily cut. To
avoid needless damage to the cutting surface, set your cutting pressure carefully to the
lowest value that will cut the material.
The minimum radius of curvature that you can cut successfully with a rolling blade is
about equal to the radius of the blade. If you need to cut very intricate patterns or tough
materials, try one of the knife blades.
Carbide 28 mm
This is a workhorse tool for thin materials. It is can be resharpened and is suitable for
heavy-duty cutting.
Changing the
Carbide Blade
Slideshow
Olfa 28mm
These are general-purpose rolling blades manufactured by Olfa. They are particularly
suited to cottons and vinyls, and for cutting multiple layers of material.
Changing the
Olfa Blade
Slideshow
Knife blades are excellent when cutting tough materials and intricate patterns with a
tight radius. Soft, weak materials will flex too much from the cutting force of a straight
knife, and are usually best cut with rolling blades.
Changing the
Carbide Knife
Blade Slideshow
X-acto Blades
The X-acto holder uses a thinner blade, which makes it better for thicker materials. The
blade life is much less than that of a carbide blade, but the cost per blade is also very
low. The X-acto blade holder works with blade numbers 19 and 24. With the #24 blade,
you will be able to cut up to 0.40” materials.
Changing the
X-acto Blade
Slideshow
Graphics Blades
These tiny blades are perfect for cutting very intricate pattern designs. They can cut
holes as small as 1/16” and are ideal for kiss-cutting on sign vinyl for graphics.
Changing
the Graphics
Blade
Slideshow
Specialty Blades
The specialty blades can only be attached to Device 2.
Notch Tool
The Notch Tool is ideal for accurate slit or V-notching with no overcut. This only works
when you have used the notch element feature in PatternSmith to create notches. You
also need to tell PatternSmith that you have a notch tool available on one device (Plot >
Plotter Setup > Devices Tab).
Changing the
Rotary Hole
Punch Slideshow
The Rotary Hole Punch can quickly and cleanly punch small-diameter holes (1/16” -
5/32”) in thin materials. For thicker materials, you may need the optional Air Drill.
Attaching Blade Holders
Always attach cutting tools from the operator side of the carriage, as shown. This is
important because the knife blades must be attached facing toward the far end of the
table.
Cutting Pressure
The cutting pressure adjustments are located on the table control panel. With a sharp
blade, most materials can be cut with the cutting pressure set between 20 and 35 PSI.
Tougher materials may require up to 40 PSI. As the blade gets dull, you will need to
increase the pressure. When the pressure approaches 50 PSI, it is time to replace your
blade.
Pens and Pen Holders
The M4 features a pen holder that can accept most pens, up to one half inch (0.5”) in
diameter. Different size pens will require a different bottom tip to be screwed into the
barrel and may require a different size collet at the top.
The flow rates of different pens can vary considerably. Plotting speed is limited by the
flow rate of the pen being used. Typical plotting speed is 15-30” per second. Autometrix
recommends Fisher Space Pens for reliability and the most consistent flow.
Changing
the Pen
Slideshow
PatternSmith Settings
PatternSmith needs to know what tools you are using. In PatternSmith, click on Plot >
Plotter Setup and then go to the Devices tab.
Set the number of plotting or cutting devices in the Total Devices Selector box. For each
device, select the blade type that you are using. For the pen, your choices are Pen or
Dot Marker. For the cutting devices, the choices are Rolling Blade, Tangential Blade,
Notch Tool, and Rotary Punch.
5: Maintenance
The M4 maintenance schedule is simple and, if followed, will ensure that your system
provides you with many years of trouble-free operation.
The most important part of maintenance is to keep the carriage, X and Y rails,
rack, sensors, and pinions clean and free from any debris.
Precautions
Turn off power to the system before doing any maintenance.
Keep material rolls off of the cutting table when the carriage is moving. If the carriage
hits a roll of material (or other object), this can cause extensive damage.
Keep scrap or waste material from getting caught along the sides of the carriage or
in the X-axis e-chain. Anything (material, plastic coverings, tape, etc.) that comes
between the extrusions and the moving carriage may cause damage to the system.
Keep all heavy equipment and supplies (forklifts, hoists, rolls of material, pallets,
etc.) away from the table. Bumping the table with force could cause it to lose
calibration or to sustain severe damage.
Protect the machine and yourself from static discharge with static mats and straps.
Always ground yourself before you handle electronic components.
Maintenance Note
If the machine starts making an unusual noise, try to determine the source of the
noise. This may be the first warning sign of a worn or damaged part. Replacing the
part or returning it to Autometrix for repair may prevent additional damage. Regular
maintenance reduces down time and allows you to schedule that down time.
Maintenance Schedule
• Clean X-axis rack. Buildup of debris will cause premature wear on pinions.
• Clean Y-axis linear rail. Accumulated dust will cause unnecessary wear.
Check cutting blade for wear. Dull or damaged blades reduce cutting
efficiency and may cause unnecessary wear to the cutting surface.
• Clean the cutting surface by blowing it off with compressed air. This will
help maintain vacuum pressure.
• Wipe the X and Y-axis linear rails down with a drop of 3-in-1 oil on a soft
cloth.
• Spray a very small amount of Triflow lubricant on each pinion. Jog both the
X and Y axes to their limits to spread the lubricant. Wipe off any excess.
• Inspect Olfa blade holder, if applicable. Blade should not move from side to
side. If it does, replace the blade holder.
• Check X and Y-axis pinion gears. Pinion wear will affect the system’s
accuracy of movement. Adjust pinion engagement, if necessary, following
instructions below.
• Clean system by using compressed air to blow dust, lint, and material out of
the carriage.
• Clear the cutting surface holes by blowing them with compressed air. This
will ensure good vacuum pressure.
• Using compressed air, blow the dust out of the electronics cabinet.
• Adjust X-axis carriage trucks and pinions, following the instructions below.
• Replace and adjust X-axis and Y-axis pinion gears, using instructions that
follow.
Adjustment Instructions
Adjusting Support Bearings
We recommend that you remove the carriage once each year and clean and adjust the
support bearings.
Support Bearings
Adjustment Slideshow
Pinions
Pinion gears are wearable parts and must be replaced from time to time. Part of the
replacement process involves adjusting the backlash of the gear on the rack.
Lubrication:
The longevity of the pinion gears can be greatly increased by occasional lubrication
with Tri-flow. Apply lubricant to the pinion gear with a small brush. Be sure to apply
lubricant around the entire circumference of the pinion gear.
The pinion gears are clamped to the motor shaft with a clamping collar. When this
collar is loose, the pinion gear can be removed and replaced.
The X and Y-axis motors are mounted on eccentric motor mounts. These enable us
to adjust the motor engagement by simply rotating the motor. Rotating the motors
clockwise raises the pinion, decreasing backlash. Rotating them counterclockwise
lowers the pinion increasing backlash. The goal is to have almost zero backlash
without the pinion being too tight. This ensures the accuracy of the cutting machine
and reduces wear on the pinion gears.
Adjustment Replacement
Slideshow Slideshow
Cutting Head
If the cutting head is damaged, such as getting a bent air cylinder shaft, it will need to
be sent back to Autometrix for repair.
Removal Replacement
Slideshow Slideshow
Motors
You will need to remove and replace the X and Y motors in order to replace pinion gears
at least once every two years.
Removal Replacement
Slideshow Slideshow
Carriage
Removing the carriage from the table involves disconnecting the electrical lines and the
air hoses. Two people are needed to safely lift the carriage.
Removal
Slideshow
Before you replace the carriage on the table, you will need to:
Replacement
Slideshow
6: Calibration Guide
Each Advantage Radium system has configurable calibration settings that insure the
machine cuts accurately. These settings are configured when the machine is initially
installed, and under ordinary operating conditions should never change. The following
information is provided to give you written assistance, but please call Autometrix
customer service before you try to recalibrate. In most cases, the problem is
mechanical or electrical.
USERCALS File
All calibration information is stored in flash memory on the controller. A backup is
also stored in a file on your hard drive called USERCALS. The controller calibration
information can be updated by sending the USERCALS file through Motion Mechanic.
200.0 XResolution
The calibration routine will report your current resolution value and prompt your next
actions. (Note: Your resolution value will be different from this example.)
Measure the length as carefully as possible, entering it using a decimal number (ex.
200.25 or 200.0) followed by ‘xactual’. Press enter and you will see something similar
to the following:
When you press enter, the cutter will draw another line for you to measure, offset
1” from the first line. It should be the correct length. If not, repeat the X Resolution
process until the line length is correct.
140.0 YResolution
The calibration routine will report your current resolution value and prompt your next
actions. (Note: Your resolution value will be different from this example.)
When you press a key, the cutter will draw a line and ask you to measure and enter the
line’s actual length.
Measure the length as carefully as possible, entering it using a decimal number (ex.
140.25 or 140.0) followed by ‘yactual’. Press enter and you will see something similar
to the following:
> 140.12 yactual
New Y Resolution is: -1698.350
The machine will redraw the calibration line with an offset when you press any key.
When you press Enter, the cutter will draw another line for you to measure, offset
1” from the first line. It should be the correct length. If not, repeat the Y Resolution
process until the line length is correct.
140. SquareCarriage
The calibration routine will report your current offset value and prompt your next actions.
(Note: Your offset value will be different from this example.)
When you press a key, the cutter will draw a square and its diagonals and ask you to
measure and enter the length of each diagonal.
Enter the length of the diagonal from top left to bottom right in form:
<diaglength> da
Measure the top left to bottom right diagonal as carefully as possible, entering it using a
decimal number (ex. 198.25 or 198.0), followed by ‘da’. Press Enter and you will be
prompted to enter the length of the top right to bottom left diagonal.
Enter the length of the diagonal from top right to bottom left in form:
<diaglength> db
Measure the top right to bottom left diagonal as carefully as possible, entering it using a
decimal number (ex. 198.25 or 198.0) followed by ‘db’. When you press Enter, you’ll
see the new offset value and the cutter will re-home itself.
Repeat the “Squaring the Carriage” process until the diagonal lengths are equal.
The second column in the USERCALS file above is the memory location. You will be
changing the values in locations 15 and 16. Enter the new calibration values found on
your Device 1 gear sticker into these locations. The top value on the sticker replaces
the number in Column 1 of location 15. The bottom value replaces the number in
Column 1 of location 16.
Save your USERCALS file. Open Motion Mechanic and send the USERCALS file to the
controller. (See Chapter 7 for detailed instructions.)
Retrieving USERCALS and MOPARAMS
To upload USERCALS values from the controller to Motion Mechanic type:
retrieve_usercals
retrieve_motion_params
Device Offsets
When you first install PatternSmith, you’ll need to enter the offsets from the pen location
to the cutting devices. There is a simple way to measure these.
These have to be entered in PatternSmith. Go to Plotter Setup and enter them as
shown below.
Measuring Device
Offsets Slideshow
7: Troubleshooting Guide
Any problems you encounter usually fall into one of four distinct areas: Software,
Electrical or Firmware, Mechanical, or Vacuum.
If you encounter a problem, first write down all of your symptoms and the date when
the problem started. We will need as many details as possible. Even though you may
have a variety of symptoms that don’t seem related, the problem is usually caused by a
single component that is not functioning.
Many common problems are easy to solve or even avoid if you follow our
recommended maintenance procedures.
TroubleShooting Guidelines
Software:
The most common software problems involve communication errors. First, make sure
the Ethernet cable is plugged in. Then start the Machine Tools applet from the Control
Panel menu and test the IP address.
If you experience a system crash or a General Protection Fault error, go to the Control
Panel and disable Power Management. This resolves many software problems.
Electronics or Firmware:
The first step in solving apparent electrical or firmware problems is running our
diagnostic program, Motion Mechanic. The use of Motion Mechanic is explained later in
this chapter.
Vacuum System:
The most common vacuum problems are caused by
Diagnostic Tools
There are a number of different tools you can use as you attempt to diagnose a
potential problem. Again, before using any of these tools and techniques, please
contact Autometrix Customer Service. We’ll walk through the process with you.
Controller LEDs
The status of the ESTOP and Pause, Motors Alarms, and Limit Sensors are all available
on the backplane inside the electronics cabinet.
The ESTOP and Pause lines are normally green, and change to off when triggered.
The motor alarms and limit sensors are also normally green and change to off when
triggered.
The most common controller problem is a loss of controller memory due to a power
fluctuation or spike. If there is a report from Motion Mechanic or PatternSmith about
an “fsp” or “stack” error, we will help you reload the machine parameters from your
USERCALS and MOPARAMS files.
The Store file tool reloads your init files into the Controller’s memory. Use this button to
store an init file into a specific location of memory.
In the file selector box, first use the bottom dropdown menu (controller location) to select
the location to store the file on the controller. Your Autometrix Customer Service
representative will tell you what to do at this point.
Motor Drive Alarms
If a motor triggers an alarm, your system will automatically ESTOP, and you will get a
message on the GLCD keypad. Open the top of the electronics cabinet and look at the
drive alarms on the backplane. Then look at the LEDs on each drive to determine the
cause for the alarm.
8: Establishing an Ethernet Connection
The M4 cutter is an Ethernet-enabled machine tool. This means that the Control PC
running PatternSmith must be connected to the M4 cutter through an Ethernet switch.
If there is no existing network infrastructure, or the network does not have DHCP
services enabled, a static IP address must be assigned as follows:
When the Ethernet switch that connects the M4 to the Control PC also connects to an
existing network, the IP address and subnet information for both the M4 and its Control
PC must be configured to comply with the pre-existing network environment.
1. From the Windows Control Panel, select ‘Network Connections’.
2. Right-click on the connection labeled ‘LAN Connection’ (or similar) and select
Properties.
3. Select ‘Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)’ from the list of protocols and click ‘Properties’.
4. In the TCP/IP properties dialog, select ‘Obtain IP address automatically’.
5. Click ‘OK’.
6. Reboot the computer if prompted to do so.
M4 Electronics IP Configuration
The M4 cutter will be configured at the factory with a static IP address on the
192.168.1.0/24 network (192.168.1.x where ‘x’ is a number between 1 and 254, and the
subnet mask is 255.255.255.0). If you are not connecting to a LAN, or if your LAN uses
that subnet, you do not need to change the IP address.
If you need to change the M4 IP address to work with your existing subnet, you must
first connect the Control PC through an Ethernet switch without connecting to the LAN,
and set its IP address statically on the 192.168.1.0/24 network. Change the IP address
of the M4 electronics as described in the next section. Then change the IP address of
your Control PC back to a dynamic assignment before connecting to your LAN.
.
Make sure your cutter is turned on and connected to the Control PC through an
Ethernet switch.
Open the Machine Tools Properties applet (Start > All Programs > Machine Tools >
Machine Connections).
Click ‘Next’. The Machine Tools applet will scan your networks and detect any machine
tools that are currently active.
In the next dialog, verify that your machine tool has been found.
Click ‘Finish’.
Back in the applet, select your machine tool, and click ‘Properties’. You can now
change the IP address of the M4 Cutting System.
9: Safety Precautions
This chapter is intended to make operators aware of potential hazards and to stress
the importance of safe equipment operation. We encourage everyone who operates
Autometrix equipment to use care to avoid injury and maintain a safe workplace.
Powered Mechanical
Cutting Head and Tools
• Use caution when changing tools and blades as they are all sharp. Follow the
procedure in the manual and use hand protection if required at your location.
(Note: Wearing gloves is not recommended when operating CNC equipment.)
• Never wear loose clothing that can become entangled when operating the
machine.
• When the machine is in motion, stay clear and make sure others are clear. We
recommend a minimum clearance area of 1 meter from any moving parts
around the machine.
• We don’t recommend storing material rolls under the table. There is a risk that
they will interfere with the e-chain. You might also be tempted to access them
while the machine is moving.
Electrical Hazards
• Turn off power before removing the top of the Electronics Cabinet. Follow your
local regulations when servicing electrical equipment (such as lock-out / tag-
out procedures).
• Do not operate the cutter if you see that there is damage to wiring or
connectors.
Pneumatic Hazards
• Do not alter the equipment supplied with the cutter.
• Make sure the system is pressurized before powering on the cutter. Operating
the system without air pressure to the tools can cause damage to the tool
head, tools, markers, or surface.
Vacuum Hazards
• Avoid getting contamination under the cutting surface or into dislodged
plumbing. This could seriously damage the blower or vacuum piping.
Parts
• When removing the gantry, turn off power. Support the gantry on stands or saw
horses, being careful not to let it fall over.
• Never leave a roll of material on the cutting surface where it could be hit by the
moving cutter.
The M4 electronics require single phase AC power, on its own 20 amp circuit, conduit
shielded, line conditioned, and surge protected. This power is supplied to a junction box
mounted at the origin end of the machine. In North America, 110-120 VAC service is
required. Outside of North America, higher voltage (208-240 VAC) is required.
The vacuum blowers use high voltage three phase AC power, on a dedicated circuit.
These circuits should be run in metal (shielded) conduit to a power disconnect (where
required by law), and then to the junction box on the blower enclosure.
To avoid the possibility of signal interference due to stray electromagnetic fields, the
single phase power to the electronics cabinet and the 3-phase power to the magnetic
starters and vacuum blowers should be run in separate conduit and kept at least 12
inches (30 cm) apart. Whenever possible, avoid running power lines parallel to each
other. The single-phase and 3-phase power sources must always be separate circuits:
60-amp service for the 3-phase, and 20-amp service for the 110 and 220 VAC single-
phase.
Autometrix recommends line conditioning on the circuit that powers the electronics of
the cutting machine. This is particularly true if your facility’s power is known to fluctuate
or spike. For high voltage systems (208-240VAC), Autometrix recommends the Tripp
Lite LR2000 line conditioner and provides it as a standard part for systems sold outside
the United States.
Grounding Requirements
The braided grounding straps in each E-chain must be grounded to the table base.
Each X-axis rail and the screen between the cutting surface and vacuum panels must
also be grounded to the table. The table must be grounded to the building ground or a
ground rod or water pipe using minimum 4-gauge wire.