***This article is a work in progress, we are working to complete all the Coming Soon items. If you have a specific question or need, please email us at [email protected] ***

Introduction:

      So you just bought a new Thunder Laser Titan? This guide will help get you up and running.  We will cover topics that you should complete Before the machine arrives and After the machine arrives.

Safety First:

IT Consideration. If you plan to operate your laser in an environment with IT controls (School, Business, Military etc) it would be good to review this article about IT considerations to get ahead of any issues that may arise from an IT standpoint. --IT Considerations for Installing your Thunder Laser

Before your machine arrives:

You should take some steps ahead of the arrival of your machine.

Prepare your Space

The following topics will help you decide where to locate your machine and plan out the space for it.

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Machine Sizing and Clearance: The article below will give you precise dimensions and example layouts for space considerations: Example Layouts for Work Space Considerations For Titan and Titan Pro Laser Machines
Fitting Through a Door: All Titan Series machines can fit through a standard 30" Doorway. Please see this video about how to get your machine through a doorway:
Exhaust Routing Plan: All Titan Series machines come with an exhaust fan and ducting to ventilate outside.  The Titan series features a built in fan. More information can be found here. Venting The Exhaust From Your Thunder Laser
Electrical Install Plan: You will need to install the proper electrical service for your machine. Please see the following information about the requirements: Thunder Laser Main Power Requirements Be very explicit with your electrician. The service is for 230v, 20amp single phase.

Prepare your Computer

The following topics will discuss setting up your computer for basic communication to your machine .      

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Computer Requirements: Lightburn will run on Windows 7.0 or later (32 or 64 bit), MacOS 10.11 or later, or 64 bit Linux. LightBurn does not require a powerful computer for most work, though if your designs contain a lot of images, more memory is helpful. As with most things, a faster computer will make it easier to work with large images or complex vector graphics. Lasermaker will have very similar requirements.
Choose USB, WIFI or Hardwired Ethernet Connection: Ethernet is recommended if available, even if through a USB to Ethernet converter and is more reliable than WIFI. USB will work fine for Windows. The Titan USB cable connection will work just like a USB to ethernet adapter and is Windows only compatible. USB is limited in cable length, so you may need an extension that will further weaken the signal. Wifi is available but if you plan to use print and cut, we strongly suggest using the hardwired connections
Install software Trial: Lightburn and LaserMaker will both control the machine. Currently. LaserMaker is more optimal for the Print and Cut/Camera functions. You get 30 days to use the software for free. You can install software and then create a mock device for your future machine. This will allow you to explore the software and its features in preparation for your machine. Download Lightburn  here: Lightburn Trial Information Download LaserMaker here: Lasermaker Download (Latest Version may be listed here)

Prepare Yourself

Buying a large format, industrial quality Laser machine can be overwhelming and intimidating. We do our best to provide the best resources to prepare you for what's to come. Following our guide will set you up for success and easy your worries. Whether you are transitioning from a non thunder or brand new to lasers we have the tools to make you a proficient user and know your machine inside and out.

The following topics will discuss preparing yourself....this will be one of the most challenging sections but is worth doing.

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Find a Youtube Channel: Thunder Laser Youtube Robert Kofoed: Computer CreationZ House of Lasers Jay Malone: Malone Custom Designs Simply Sallie The Awesome Orange 85th and Pine I Like To Make Stuff Laser Engraving with Matt
Check out the Thunder Laser Academy: The Academy will be your go to spot for Thunder Laser USA created content specific to Thunder Machines Thunder Laser Academy: Titan Series
Order Material to Have On-Hand: Decide on a some simple things to start with, especially if this is your first dip of your toe into the Laser World. Purchase some cheap wood\mdf from your local store, maybe some cheap glasses from the dollar store. Knowing that you will need to practice and waste a bit ahead of time will make it easier when you are tossing some of these items. You can also download a complimentary Thunder Laser file pack to have some graphics to test with on your practice materials. Complimentary Thunder File Pack 1
Prepare for Delivery Day: Receiving a larger machine is not as easy as a Amazon Box being left by your garage door. One of the most stressful things can be the delivery process. Before you even schedule a delivery day with the Depot, review your own setup. More information and Guidance can be found here: Shipping & Delivery
Spare Parts: If your machine uptime is critical to your business, spare parts are recommended even when under the warranty period. Shipping logistics have not been consistent for 2 years and nothing is fast or guaranteed. For warranty parts, the goal is to ship USPS priority but larger items may ship via UPS Ground. Expedited shipping is not included in the warranty. More information can be found here:	****Article Coming soon****
Review The Usual Suspects: This guide covers many of the initial trip up points for new users when they are setting up and first running their machine. Reviewing these now will help you remember what to do when it is time. It is geared towards the Lightburn software. The Usual Suspects and Preparing For Your 1 Hr. Training
Get Familiar with Laser Terms: There will be a lot of terms and jargon tossed around here, on Facebook, in webinars etc so it would be good to go ahead and try to learn them. More information can be found here: Laser Terms Glossary
Review the Operation Manual: Lots of information and guidance contained within the manual: Titan and Titan Pro Series Manual
Access the Control Software KB and Tutorials: LaserMaker Tutorials Lightburn Software Documentation

 

Setup of the Machine

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Un-crate the Machine: More information can be found here: How To Unpack The Nova Crate
Explore the Laser Machine Layout and Components: Familiarize yourself with: Controller Screen Functions Air Assist Controls Laser Head Assembly Mirror Locations and Function Auto Focus Sensors Honeycomb, Knives, and Crumbtray(s) Stack Light Pass Thru Front and Rear Doors More information on Component	***Video Coming Soon***
Set Up your Laser Machine: Time to set the machine in place, level it, install the Air Assist Pump and Fan as well as run the exhaust ducting. After that...time to power up.

First Power Up of the Machine

PLEASE DOUBLE OR TRIPLE CHECK THAT YOUR RECEPTACLE IS NOT 220v. If you power the machine with 220v, it will fry the 36V motor driver power supply, the main contactor and LPSU and it is not covered under warranty.

  Now that the machine is set up and ready to run, it is time to power up the machine and do some pre-use checks.                  

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Main Power Keyed Interlock Switch: The Main power switch supplies power to the entire machine. It must be on in order for the Laser to operate
E-stop Button: The E-stop button will shut off power to he motor drivers and make an alarm message appear on the laser machine screen. In order to clear an E-stop, a firm clockwise twist must be applied.
Should your machine not power up, please refer to this guide: Common things to check: Machine Estop, Machine Breaker, Panel Breaker for feeding the machine receptacle	***Article with Video Coming Soon***

Pre-Use Checks

These checks are worth doing prior to trying to run a project.

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Clean your Optics: You should clean your optics prior to test firing your machine for the first time.  Here is an article on how to do so. Click the following link(s): ***Coming soon*** This is what can happen if you don't frequently check your optics.  Click the following link(s): Common Focus Lens Failure & ZnSe Info	***Article With Video Coming soon***
Check your Air Assist: The green buttons on the left side of the machine allow you to test the high and low air assist. You can press each button and adjust each flow valve knob (below button) to make sure air is flowing out of the laser nozzle. How To Adjust The Dual Stage Air Assist Familiarize yourself with the pressure sensor, but do not make adjustments. Air Pressure Sensors Manuals and Technical Data	***Video Coming Soon***
Pulse Check: With all doors closed and machine fully set up and checked out it is now time to do a pulse check. Place a piece of material under the nozzle and focus the laser head using autofocus above the material. Close all the doors and monetarily press the pulse button on the Laser Control Screen to generate a pulse. Look for a pulse burn mark.	***Video Coming Soon***

Complete the Lightburn Setup

If you had created a mock setup from the above steps, you can use that setup or modify is as needed to finish the setup of Lightburn to get your machine connected. It is recommended to only have 1 device profile per machine so that you are not having to make sure you select the right one each time.

Note that Lightburn is working on adding features to be more compatible with the Titan functions.

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Check for Latest Version of Lightburn and Bug Fixes: In Lightburn: Help>Check For Updates Lightburn Bug Fixes Lightburn Releases
Check for Trial License Remaining (enter full license from Email) In Lightburn: Help> License Management Lightburn Trial Status Lightburn License Management Portal For G-Code(Core) users that already have Lightburn, you must enter a DSP Lightburn Key (Pro)  in order to get Lihgtburn talking to a Thunders Laser with a Ruida controller.
Import Device Profile: Schedule a 30 minute remote session to set up your Titan communication. *One session included per new Titan purchase. Use the included file on the USB stick to import either a default Ethernet profile. By importing the profile, it will bring in your Offsets, Preview Parameters and basic settings so you will be able to skip those steps below. You may need to change the IP from the default 192.168.1.100 to match your network setup. After you have imported this new device, delete your old unused Trial device. Thunder Laser Easy Button for Device Profile Imports to get - Offsets, Basic Settings, Additional Settings, and Device Profile Settings
Establish Lightburn Communication: Titan: Connecting your control software to your Titan laser - WIFI, Ethernet and "USB" for Mac and Windows If you cannot get Lightburn to say 'Ready' instead of disconnected and to find your Ruida Controller, you will need to double check your Ethernet Setup. You can also try to right click on the "Devices" button in the Lightburn Laser Window to make Lightburn look for your machine. Also if you have created multiple Devices, make sure you have the right one selected in the drop down selection next to the Devices button. Set up a 30 min remote session to setup your Titan communications. *One session included per new Titan purchase.	Not Connected: Connected:
Backup Machine Settings To Computer:  Once Lightburn is communicating with the laser you can backup the machine settings In Lightburn: Edit>Machine Settings  (May be located under LASER TOOLS in newer lightburn versions) Let it read the machine settings and then save them to your 'Thunder Lightburn" folder of choice.
Upload Parameters for Lightburn Preview Time Estimate: (Skip if you used the Easy Button Device Profile import) Once Lightburn is communicating with the laser you perform this step. This is to help you get better time estimates so you can quote your jobs and manage your workflows better. More information can be found here: Improving Job Time Estimates In LightBurn's Preview
Install Materials Library (Optional) The Library provides a ballpark of settings for common materials. It is not all inclusive and provides good starting points that you will have to adjust based off your exact materials. More information can be found here: Uploading the LightBurn Materials Library

Your First Project

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Review Usual Suspects Again: Many users get stumped by things that are listed in the usual suspects so it is good to review them again The Usual Suspects and Preparing For Your 1 Hr. Training
Schedule your free 1-Hr Training: You can schedule your training prior to operating the laser if you would like. We can walk you though a small cut job like a keychain or similar. Scheduling Remote Training & Prescribed Support Sessions
Understanding your workflow to Run A Job: You will need to develop a work from. From setting up the project File, prepping the machine to be ready to run and setting up the material on the machine. Each type of job may require some modification to your work flow.	An example of a simplified workflow: Picking your art work Vector vs Image and Design in Lightburn Setting up your Layer Types, Speeds and Powers Preview the artwork in Lightburn Set up origin in Lightburn.  Absolute, User or Current Position Send Job to the laser Aligning your material Setting your origin at Machine based on Lightburn Origin Setup Focus... Auto/Manual Lets get the party started - Pressing the start button
Material Test File Cards: These files are a great way to find the settings for your specific materials. Run the file as is and check the results LightBurn Material Test File

 

What To Learn and Do After You can Run the Machine Efficiently:

After you have a decent handle on how to run the machine and feel comfortable with your workflow, you can begin to add in complexity and peripherals

Add-ons and Upgrades

Rotary Project

Lead-in and Lead Out

Print and Cut

Add-ons and Upgrades

Topic	Reference Image
Install Peripherals like: External Air: Thunder Laser External Air Compressor Guidelines

Rotary Project

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Learn how to use the Rotary: RotoBoss Roller Rotary Setup Roller Rotary Tips, Tricks and what to watch out for on your Thunder Laser Nova, Odin or Bolt Series Laser How The Chuck Rotary Works

Lead-in and Lead Out

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Learn Advanced topics (Lead In\Out, Pass Thru): Lead-In and Lead-Out

Print and Cut

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Passthrough Print and cut: The hardest part about print and cut is file set up. You must adjust your article to cut in as multiple jobs with common points for alignment. Lightburn Print and Cut Lightburn Pass Through Example Lasermaker Print and Cut

 

Preventative Maintenance:

Performing preventative maintenance will keep your machine running at peak performance:

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Preventative Maintenance: Preventative Maintenance Checklist Recommended Testing & Maintenance Equipment Titan Spare Parts	***Video Coming Soon***

Additional Resources:

Topic	Reference Image/Link/Video
Thunder Laser USA Youtube: Digital content created by Thunder will show up here for your viewing pleasure. Thunder Laser USA
Thunder Laser USA Knowledgebase: First stop for all things Thunder Tech. Lots of information at your fingertips 24/7.  Thunder Laser USA Technical Support
Facebook Group: Great group to gather tips and tricks, material suggestions and ideas. It is not recommended to get your Tech support from the Facebook Group. Thunder Laser Global Facebook Group
Lightburn Forum: If you have Lightburn specific things, the forum may be a good spot to look. Just note, that Lightburn covers many different machines so there may be topics that are not applicable to your Thunder Laser. Lightburn Help Forum
Thunder Laser USA Webinar Join use on select Thursdays for a Webinar, its free and fun. Thunder Laser USA Tech Webinar
LaserMaker Resources: You can see where to download, find a FB group, manuals and tutorials here.