View source for LaserPro Spirit GE

[[Category:Machines]]

[[File:Spirit GE 30W.jpg| frame |widths="180px" heights="120px" |Spirit GE Laser Cutter]]

==Technical specifications==
*Cutting area 812 mm (31.968 inches) and 460 mm (18.110 inches). millimeters 
*Cutting power max. 30 Watt.
*Maximum Power Consumption:

==Health & Safety==

==CAM==
*'''2D''' Printer driver from most CAD or ilustration software
*   From PDF

==Tools==
*Tools here

==Materials and configurations==

===Suppliers===
[http://fablabbcn.org/maquinas/provedores-materiales/ For a supplier list take a look at this table maintained by de Fab Lab BARCELONA]

===Acrylic  / Metacrilato===
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
 1.75mm	  14.6	75%	max     on		on
 2mm	  13	75%	max	on		on
 2.75mm	  11	75%	max	on		on
 3mm	  9	75%	max	on		on
 3.5mm	  8	75%	max	on		on
 5mm	  2.5	35%		on		on
 10mm	  0.6	35%	max	off		on

===Neoprene  / Neopreno===
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
  3mm	20	50%	400	off		on
  3mm	100	10%	400	off		on

===Plywood  / Contrachapado===
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
  1.20mm   12	60%	500	off		on
  2.5mm	   12	100%	500	off		on
  3mm	   8.6	100%	500	off		on
  4mm	7.6	100%	500	off		on
	       						
MDF	
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
  3mm	8	100%	600	off		on
  4mm	4	100%	600	off		on
							
===Masonite===
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
  3mm     3.8	100%	500	off		on

===Felt / Fiestro===
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
  4mm	19	100%	200	off		on
  10mm	4	100%	200	off		on

===Box Cardboard / Cartón===
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
    4mm	   20	100	400	off		on

===Paper / Papel===
== Cut ==	
		
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist											
 200gr	100	30	400	off	 off	on

== Engrave ==

Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
 200gr	  100	10	400	off	 off	on

=== Skuba Fabric ===
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
  1mm	  25	35	100	off	 off	on

=== Iron Adhesive Fabric ===
Thickness Speed	Power	PPI	Enhanced Vector	Air assist
          40	25	400     off	 off	on

==Machine work flow==

[[File:spirit ge screen control.JPG| frame |Spirit GE Laser Cutting Control screen]]

[[File:spirit ge elevation.JPG| frame |Spirit GE Laser Cutting Machine]]


=== The LaserPro Spirit GE Print Driver ===
With the LaserPro Spirit GE print driver successfully installed, you will need to adjust the printer and
page size default settings before you can begin editing and completing jobs. By doing so, you will be
setting the work area in your graphics software to match the LaserPro Spirit GE’s worktable area.

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 : 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 : PRINT SETUP.
2) From the navigation bar Name, click Spirit GE : OK

=== Page Setup and Orientation === 
The first thing you must do before working with the LaserPro Spirit GE Print Driver will be to make sure
the page and layout settings are properly configured within your graphics software. You will need to
access and edit the Page Setup or Layout page of your graphics software to set your graphics software’s
page layout to match the LaserPro Spirit GE’s work table’s dimensions and orientation.
From your graphic software’s Page Setup page:
: Set the page orientation in the graphics software to Landscape mode.
: Set page size horizontal length to 812 mm (31.968 inches) and vertical height to 460 mm (18.110
inches).
Corel Draw Example (Page Setup and Orientation)

===  Spirit GE User Manual=== 
The following is an example of how to set the Page Setup and Orientation in the graphics software.
CorelDraw is the designated graphics software used for this example. For other graphics software, you
will need to access the corresponding Page Setup page.
3) From the primary menu
4) From the navigation bar on the left
5) Ensure that NORMAL PAPER and LANDSCAPE are selected.
6) Ensure the Paper Width and Height dimensions match the LaserPro Spirit GE’s work
table dimensions of 812 mm (31.968 inches) and 460 mm (18.110 inches).
7) Click OK to complete the paper size adjustment.
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.)

===  Color Management === 
LaserPro driver uses pen color settings to control laser engraver engraving and cutting parameters. In
addition to having your Page Setup and Orientation properly set in your graphics software, you will
also need to make sure Color Management is DISABLED prior to working with the LaserPro Spirit GE
Print Driver. If you do not properly
From your graphic software’s Color Management page:
. Disable Color Management or set Color Management to Off.
Corel Draw Example (Color Management)
The following is an example of how to properly disable Color Management in the graphics software.
CorelDraw is the designated graphics software used for this example. For other graphics software, you
will need to access the corresponding Color Management page.
1) From the primary menu, click TOOLS : COLOR MANAGEMENT and 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.
5.2.3 Using the LaserPro Spirit GE Print Driver
Now after you have properly set the Page and Layout and Color Management of your graphics
software, you are ready to configure the details of your actual job through the LaserPro Spirit GE Print


Driver. The LaserPro Spirit GE print driver allows you to adjust your engraving / cutting options. After
you have setup your image, design, or text to be engraved in your software application, you can
access the LaserPro Spirit GE print driver by going to FILE : PRINT : PROPERTIES.
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)


TIP
The following sections describe the specific functions for each of the settings found in
the LaserPro Spirit GE Print Driver. If you are new to laser engraving, it is
recommended that you first familiar yourself with the general principals of the laser
process in Section 6, especially the Vector Cutting and Raster Engraving concepts. This
will make it easier to understand the various descriptions and terminology used in this
section.

===  LaserPro Spirit GE Print Driver >> Option Page === 
Mode Setting (OPTION PAGE)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Black & White]
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 entire selected image will be engraved using a single set of power & speed settings (the black pen
from the PEN menu. Please refer to the next section of the manual for details regarding the PEN
functions). The LaserPro Spirit GE print driver will interpret colored and shaded areas as different shades
of gray by producing a halftone effect while engraving. Instead of engraving only solid lines, gray/halftone
areas will be a collection of dots with varying density.
The resolution and depth of these halftone areas can be adjusted with the DPI setting found on the
Options page. Please note that selecting the Black & White mode will add a new Raster page to the menu.
The Black & White mode dithering settings can be changed from the Raster page. (Please refer to the
Raster section below for details). Experiment with different dithering settings to attain the desired results.
TIP
The Black & White mode interprets the processed image by the varying colors and
shades. For the best results, we suggest you convert the image to a grayscale image
with your graphics software prior to engraving in the Black & White mode.

NOTE
Selecting the Black & White mode will enable the Raster page on the LaserPro 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 (Option Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 500]
DPI (dots-per-inch) represents the number of times the laser will fire over a one-inch path. This setting
determines the image resolution and quality when performing raster engraving functions. Higher DPI
settings result in cleaner and deeper engravings, but require 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.


Below is a chart for your convenience detailing the Set DPI (your input setting) vs. Actual DPI (your output
results).
Set
DPI 125 250 300 * 380 500 600 * 760 1000
Actual DPI 127 254 381 381 508 762 762 1016
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.
Mirror (Option Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
Checking this box will automatically engrave your image with a mirrored effect. This setting will flip the
image along the Y-axis from left to right and vice-versa.
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.
Invert (Option Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
Checking this box automatically inverts / reverses the color of your image (the white areas become black
and vice versa). The Invert option is not available 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.
Mirror Effect
Invert Effect


Print Immediately (Option Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
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 (Option Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
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.
File Function (Option Page):
The file function section allows you to manage various laser parameters. This section is useful when
performing repeat jobs on a variety of objects, allowing you to save your frequently used laser parameters
and load them in the future.
􀂃 History File: This section contains a list of the recent files you have recently created and worked
with, 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.


===  Spirit GE Print Driver >> Pen Page === 
The LaserPro Spirit GE incorporates the use of 16 different colors to represent 16 different laser power
and speed settings when cutting and engraving. These colors are referred to as “Pens”. Think of
each pen as a designated laser setting, rather than as a color. As an example, a black and white
image will use only one power and speed laser setting (Black). An image that is made up of black, red
and blue colors will be processed using the laser settings designated for each particular color. In order
to utilize up to 16 different pens (laser parameter settings), make sure your graphics software can
recognize and utilizes the 16 pen colors designated by the Spirit GE print driver.
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.

NOTE
The Spirit GE print driver cannot store more than 16 pen colors or different laser
parameter settings per file.
Speed (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 50]
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.

Power (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 50]
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 (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 400]
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
Raster / Vector (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Selected]
Checking the Raster checkbox will process only the raster functions for the areas of your design that
correspond to that particular “pen” color.
Checking the Vector checkbox will process the vector functions for the areas of your design that
correspond to that particular “pen” color.
As an example: a particular “pen” color may be assigned to areas in your design containing color fills
(raster engraving) and very thin lines (vector cutting). By checking / unchecking the Raster and Vector will
force the driver to process / ignore the color fills / thin lines.
- 63 - Spirit GE User Manual
Vector Checked Vector Unchecked
Raster Checked Processes both Vector and Raster
functions for that particular color
Processes only the Raster functions
for that particular color (Vector
functions ignored)
Raster Unchecked Processes only the Vector functions
for that particular color (Raster
functions ignored)
Does not process Vector or Raster
functions for that particular color
Air (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
This checkbox controls the SmartAIR air-assist function (if you have the optional air compressor installed).
By selecting a pen color and checking this box will enable the SmartAIR air-assist function for that
particular pen color. As an example, if you are performing a combination of both surface raster engraving
job and deep vector cutting on a material such as acrylic, you may want to enable the SmartAIR air-assist
for the vector cutting sections to get the cleanest cuts. To do this, you would simply need to select the
pen color that you have assigned to the sections to be cut and select the Air checkbox for those particular
pen color.
Auto Focus (Pen Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
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.

===  Spirit GE Print Driver >> Advance Page === 
Scaling (Advance Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 0]
In some cases you may find a slight output inaccuracy in the actual output compared to what you have
set in the computer. This margin of error or offset is extremely small (approximately 1/300). What this
means 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.
Position Modes (Advance Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Home]
These selections allow you to control the positioning of the laser head after each job completion and
before the next subsequent job.
􀂃 Home: Resets the positioning of the laser head to the ‘home position’ (upper-right) before and
after each job.
- 65 - Spirit GE User Manual
􀂃 Without Home: The laser head will start the next job based on its position from its graphic
application software setting, from the last position of the previous job. Upon completion of the
current job, the laser head will remain at the last position of the previous job.
􀂃 Relative: This mode sets the current laser head position to correspond to the origin (top left)
position of the graphic software. Therefore, the laser head will process the job from its current
position relative to its setting in the graphics software.
􀂃 Center: Sets the current position of the laser head as the center point for your subsequent job.
As an example, if the subsequent job is to vector cut a circle and you have the Position Mode set to
Center, then the 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.
Image Output Direction (Advance Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Top To Bottom]
These selections allow you to control the direction in which the system processes an engraved image.
􀂃 Top To Bottom: Selecting this will force the system to process the current task by moving the
laser carriage from the top to the bottom of the image (rear end to front end of the work table).
􀂃 Bottom To Top: Selecting this will force the system to process the current task by moving the
laser carriage from the bottom to the top of the image (front end to rear end of the work table)
(Normally, the LaserPro 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.
Border (Advance Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
In cases where you are working with a negative image (negative outline areas of your image are
engraved, rather than the positive areas), you may wish to include a border around your image. To
properly add a border, you will first need to Invert your design from the Option Page, then check Use
Border and specify a value for the thickness of the border you would like to add to your design.

This mode is useful for engraving rubber stamps, as it allows you to create the outline around your
stamp image.
NOTE
If you wish to use the Border and Cluster function simultaneously, then the Border
Thickness value must be less than the Distance value specified in the Cluster setting.
Vector Function (Advance Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Normal]
􀂃 Normal: This selection will not apply any special advanced vector function to your job. This is the
default Vector Function setting.
􀂃 All Raster Output: This selection will instruct the print driver to process your entire image as a
raster engraving. Any vector lines within the image will be treated as raster data and outputted as a
raster engraving, similar to a dot-matrix printer.
􀂃 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.
Use Cluster (Advance Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
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.

NOTE
If you wish to use the Border and Cluster function simultaneously, then the Border Thickness
value must be less than the Distance value specified in the Cluster setting.
Enhanced Vector Mode (Advance Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
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.

===  Spirit GE Print Driver >> Paper Page === 
Paper Size (Paper Page)
The paper size represents your total work area. Ensure that the paper size is never set greater than
the Spirit GE’s worktable area of 25” x 18” (640mm x 460mm) or 29” x 20” (740mm x 460mm) with the
Extend option checked. The X value represents the length and the Y value represents the width.
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).
Unit (Paper Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Metric (mm)]
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.
Image Tuning (Paper Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 0]

In the event that you are processing extremely fine and detailed designs requiring near-microscopic
edge-to-edge precision, you will need to adjust the image tuning setting. To adjust this setting, we
recommend you engrave a small black square design as a sample and apply a magnifying glass to the
engraved results.
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).
Extend (Paper Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
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
Square’s Left Edge Square’s Right Edge
- 70 - Spirit GE User Manual
some quality, usually on the left and right edges of your full-size engraving. Usually the quality loss is
minimal and may not be apparent, depending on your design.
NOTE
With the Extend function enabled, the following functions are disabled: 3D Mode (Option
Page), Stamp Mode (Option Page), SmartACT (Option Page), Disable Skip White
(Advance), Auto Focus (Pen Page), and Rotary Fixture (Paper Page).
Dual Head (Paper Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
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.
Rotary Fixture (Paper Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
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.
Uninstall Driver (Paper Page)
Select this to uninstall the Spirit GE print driver. You will then need to restart your computer to
complete the process.

===  Spirit GE Print Driver >> Language Page === 
This page allows you specify the language displayed by the Spirit GE Print Driver. Current language
options allow for: English, Spanish, French, And Chinese (Simplified, Traditional), Japanese, and German.
- 72 - Spirit GE User Manual
5.2.3.6 Spirit GE Print Driver >> Raster Page
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.
Contrast (Raster Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: 0]
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.
- 73 - Spirit GE User Manual
Halftone (Raster Page)
[DEFAULT SETTING: Dithering]
This option controls the way a raster-engraved image is processed. The “digital image to engraved
output” process can be processed via two methods: Dithering or Error Diffusion. Each offer additional
output options yielding different output effects, style, and quality.
􀂃 Dithering: Interprets and outputs the raster engraving via the dithering method. This mode will allow
you to select the Pattern Type and Dithering Matrix, and Enhanced Dithering.
o Pattern Type: Dot, Bayer, Corner, 45 Degree
[DEFAULT SETTING: Dot]
Each pattern type uses a different shape and arrangement of dots to compose the
shading effect of a raster image.
The following diagram is an example of the raster effects when using the different pattern
types.
Dot Bayer Corner
o Dithering Matrix: Variable depending on the Pattern Type selected.
[DEFAULT SETTING: 8x8]
This controls the resolution (dot size) and the number of dots the image is broken down
into for the dithering process. As an example, selecting 2 x 2 will shade with a 5-grade
halftone, where as an 8 x 8 Dithering Matrix will dither with a 65-grade halftone.
The following diagram is an example of the raster effects when using the different
dithering matrices.
2 x 2 Dithering 8 x 8 Dithering 2 x 2
(Enhance Dithering)
8 x 8
(Enhance Dithering)
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o Enhance Dithering
[DEFAULT SETTING: Unselected]
Selecting this will produce a finer dithering output.
􀂃 Error Diffusion (Raster Page): Interprets and outputs the raster engraving via the error
diffusion method. This mode will allow you to select from three diffusion types: Floyd, Stucki, and
Jarvis.
o Diffusion Type: Floyd, Stucki, Jarvis
[DEFAULT SETTING: Floyd]
Each diffusion type presents the shade of image as different spread halftones instead of
dots to compose a raster image.
The following diagram is an example of the raster effects when using the different
diffusion types.
Floyd Stucki Jarvis
TIP
There is no “correct” or “best” setting when using the Raster options. The most
appropriate settings will be based on a variety of factors: your design, the material you
are engraving on, 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!
- 75 - Spirit GE User Manual
5.2.3.7 Spirit GE Print Driver >> Stamp Page
Producing stamps require different operational steps than your standard engraving or cutting jobs. The
Stamp page offers dynamic options allowing you to customize your stamp production process.
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.
Pitch (Stamp Page)
Your stamp will be a reversed image composed of engraved depressions and ridges. Think of these
ridges as the “contact sections” of the stamp. If the ridges of these contact sections are too thin, they may
break. The Pitch setting allows you to increase the width of the ridge base, hence creating more stable
“contact sections” and longer lasting stamp. The pitch value setting allows you to adjust the base width of
Base of ridge
(Pitch)
Slope of ridge
(Shoulder Level)
Ridge:
“Contact section”
of the stamp the ridge. Broad pitch gives the maximum amount of support for each ridge. Experiment with different
pitch value settings in order to produce the stamp that is best suited for your application.
Adjustment Bar / Power Level (Stamp Page)
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.

===  Engraving and Cutting Techniques === 
==== Raster Engraving ==== 
A laser engraver can process text, scanned image, digital picture, or design by “laser firing” grids /
dots of individual pixels into a raster image. Think of this as simply “printing” your job onto any
particular material. An example of a raster engraved piece would be a photo engraving on tile, as
shown in the picture below.
====  Vector Cutting ==== 
A laser engraver can process text, design, and images composed of lines through continuous-firing of
the laser to cut out various shapes. When performing vector cutting operations, imagine the laser
head as a pair of scissors cutting out the lines specified in your design. An example of a vector cut
piece would be a customized dining mat, as shown in the picture below.

The Spirit GE Print Driver determines which sections should be raster engraved or vector cut based on
the outline width of that particular area or section of the design. In order to prep a particular section for
vector cutting, you will need to set that object’s fill color to white and set its outline thickness between
0.001” (0.025mm) to 0.004” (0.1mm) via the graphics software.
Below is an example of how to prep an area (in this case, we will use a section of text) for vector cutting.
CorelDraw will be used as the selected graphics software.
1) With the text function, create a string of characters and select those characters by clicking on the
text.
2) Change the text fill color of the selected characters to white by left clicking on the white color from
the CorelDraw Color Palette (located on the right hand side of the screen).
3) Change the outline color of the selected characters outline by right clicking on the desired color
from the CorelDraw Color Palette.
4) Change the selected characters outline thickness to the thinnest width by right clicking on the
selected text 􀃆 select <Properties> 􀃆 Click on the <Outline> tab and change the Width to its
thinnest dimension. Click on “OK” to apply the changes.
5) Now your string of characters has been properly designated as an area to be vector cut. Simply
“print” your job (output the file to the Spirit) and watch as your string of characters is vector cut.
====  Vector and Raster ==== 
In some cases, you will want to process both raster engraving and vector cutting tasks within a single
project. For example, if you wanted to engrave a design onto a particular material and then cut a
particular shape around that engraving. The picture below is an example of an engraving on a piece
of cork, which has then been cut out with a square shape:
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 lines and line widths of your design. Areas of your design with line widths set between 0.001”
(0.025mm), 0.004” (0.1mm) will be designate for vector cutting, and the other areas will be
designated for raster engraving.
====  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).
(REVISE THIS SECTION WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL DETAILS, INSTEAD OF GENERALITIES)
The perfect image for 3D is like those shown below. When image is ready, choose 3D Effect as the
output mode in the driver. Sometimes, some material (WHAT SORT OF MATERIALS?) shows better
effect if you run the job with 2nd pass with laser out-of-focus. Especially with acrylic, the 2nd pass will
smooth out the surface.
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%.



==Important commands==
Structure: <br /> 
*http://www.laserprona.com/spirit-ge-2-2/

==External links==
*[http://www.laserprona.com/spirit-ge-2-2/]


==Maintenance==
==Downloads==
*[http://www.laserprona.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Spirit-GE-User-Manual.pdf User Manual]

[[Category:Machines]]