LaserCAM GT Maintenance Instructions for Customers

What is the Autofocus Pin?
The autofocus pin is the golden coloured springed pin at the bottom of the laser cutter head as shown below.



The TechSoft part code for this item is TMS-LGTA-SWTCH1 - please contact us for pricing if required. This part is a consumable item and is not covered under the machine warranty.


When to Replace the Autofocus Pin?
There are three main situations where an autofocus pin needs to be replaced:

1. The pin has hit something and is no longer perfectly straight.
   
   To test: If you have a look at the pin from all angles, you can visually see if it is straight.
   
   
   
   
2. The pin no longer moves up and down freely.
   
   To test: If you put your finger underneath the pin and lift it up, you can test if it moves freely.
   
   
   
   
3. The pin is worn or melted at the bottom.
   
   To test: Look at the bottom of the pin and it should have small spikes sticking out. Look to see if these they have melted or shortened in any way.
   
   

Instructions to Replace the Autofocus Pin

Tools required:

• A 2mm hex tool/allen key.
  
• A cloth.

Instructions:

1. Move the laser head to roughly the center of the bed.
   
   
2. Lower the bed so that it is approximately 5cm below the bottom of the nozzle.
   
   
3. Turn the laser cutter off.
   
   
4. Place a cloth underneath the laser head to catch any parts that may fall off during the next instructions.
   
   
   
   
5. Using the 2mm hex tool/allen key, loosen the grub screw as shown below. You do not have to take the grub screw out completely. Just loosen it a few turns so that it sticks out a little.
   
   
   
   
6. Using your fingers, twist the autofocus pin as shown. The pin has a screw thread on the end. Keep turning until the autofocus pin completely comes out.
   
   
   
   Note that there is a small red top part which the autofocus pin screwed into. This will be loose once you take off the autofocus pin.
   
   
   
   
7. Get your new autofocus pin, and put it back into the head. Hold the small red top part with one hand, and with the other hand screw the autofocus pin back in. Keep screwing in until it is finger tight.
   
   
   
   
8. Tighten the grub screw. Be careful not to overtighten, as overtightening can damage the autofocus pin.
   
   
   
   
9. Move the cloth and all objects off the machine bed, and then turn the laser cutter back on. Wait for the machine to finish its homing routine.
   
   
10. Place your finger underneath the autofocus pin, and try moving it up and down to check it moves freely.