FAQs
Still got questions? These should help . . .
Are lasers safe?
Are lasers easy to use?
Is the Hobarts laser right for my application?
How much power do I need?
What does air assist do?
Can anyone change the laser cartridge?
What software can I use?
How do I find out power & speed settings?
What is a print buffer?
How long will a system last?
What maintenance is required?
What experience does Hobarts have?
Are lasers safe?
Our machines are designed so that hazardous laser radiation cannot escape the enclosure and are designated Class I and Class IIIa. All access doors are interlocked so the laser beam cannot be activated when the doors are open. Opening an access door during use will instantly shut off the laser beam. The Class IIIa is listed because of the visible red laser pointer. This is the same classification as the common laser pointers used for presentations and are considered relatively harmless. Machines that allow the laser to operate with the access doors open are Class IV and should be considered hazardous. Not only will such a machine allow laser radiation to escape and cause possible injury but it will allow fumes and dust to permeate the workplace. Lasers should never be left unattended during use.
Are lasers easy to use?
Absolutely. If you can send a graphics file to a printer you will be able to use a laser. Our lasers are very easy to use being used daily by children in schools throughout the country.
Is the Hobarts laser right for my application?
Our lasers are designed to cover a wide spectrum of applications and we will gladly answer any questions you have about the technology.
Got a question? Need advice? Visit the Contact Us section of the website..
How much power do I need?
If you are looking for high speed when cutting through thick acrylic then you will need a high power specification but if you need a high degree of control for fine definition engraving you will be better off with a lower power cartridge. We will be pleased to advise on the power required.
What does air assist do?
Air assist suppresses flaming and assists with protecting the optics. It is recommended for use on all high-debris materials and is available in standard form or computer controlled.
Air assist is a unique feature of our machines that is also used to improve the quality of cut and processing of certain materials.
Can anyone change the laser cartridge?
With pre-aligned mirrors and a compact design, our Quick Change Lasers TM make a replacement a simple, no tools operation that can be performed by anyone! Down time of the laser is literally minutes!
Please be aware that not all lasers have this patented technology and in most cases a technician will have to visit and carry out the replacement which can sometimes take in excess oif 3 hours! You should find out the availability of replacement cartridges and any extra cost envolved before you make your decision on which laser to purchase.
What software can I use?
There are numerous software programs compatible with our machines including: 2D Design, AutoCad, CorelDraw, Freehand, Illustrator and Word.
If the proposed program can output vector images and lines then it should be compatible with our lasers. If you are unsure of the program you want to use then one of our technical staff should be able to advise accordingly.
How do I find out power & speed settings?
Our machines can have up to eight individual power, speed, resolution (PPI) and mode settings (raster or vector) in a single file.
We understand that a materials database takes time to compile so as well as the guideline in the back of our manuals we are introducing a system where settings and advice on cutting certain materials is available for you to download.
What is a print buffer?
Most of our machines have a built in print buffer which enables the user to hold up to 99 files in memory. These files are all accessible via the control panel. Once you have sent the file to the laser you can run the same file repeatedly and do not need to have the computer running. You are therefore free to prepare other jobs.
How long will a system last?
Our systems are rugged and reliable with many systems in industry over 10 years old. Some lasers become redundant when new computer operating systems are introduced. This will not happen with our lasers as the driver is updated regularly and is always updated to the latest Windows operating system.
What maintenance is required?
A laser needs to be regularly cleaned for it to operate correctly. Our systems are designed to ensure that all optics and bearings are easily accessible. Some competitors machines have unprotected optics that get covered with dust and debris too easily requiring regular replacement of expensive parts.
What experience does Hobarts have?
Hobarts has been sucessfully providing the complete range of lasers to both industry and educational establishments since July 2000 and has a proven track record in supporting well over 250 systems. The ongoing support we offer to all of our customers is what sets us apart from the rest, giving peace of mind to everyone who choses to purchase a laser from Hobarts - the professionals' choice.
