Getting Started with REDLINE MIRA 5S

Applies to: REDLINE MIRA 5S

This guide covers the essentials for starting work with your REDLINE MIRA 5S: getting the workspace ready before delivery, unloading and setting up the machine, unpacking the included items, and powering on for the first time. It is written for beginners. Read it through fully before you unbox and set up your machine.

What you need

• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Cutting tool
• Shoulder dollies
• 1 gallon of distilled or reverse osmosis water (glass tube only)
• Funnel (glass tube only)
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Hose clamps (in the contents box)
• Machine cabinet key (in the contents box)
• Machine power cord (in the contents box)
• Machine settings USB
• Friends or family to help

Prepare your workspace

Set up the space the machine will live in before it arrives. With the items below done, you can get the machine running as soon as you receive it.

Safety

Emergency kit checklist

• Certified ANSI-approved CO2 safety glasses or goggles (proper safety glasses come with the machine)
• Halotron fire extinguisher
• Smoke alarm
• Fire resistant gloves
• Eye wash station
• First aid kit
• VOC detector

Fire extinguishers

A fire extinguisher is an absolute necessity. The material being cut or engraved can catch fire, and so can the gases released as it vaporizes when the laser beam passes through them.

We recommend a Halotron extinguisher. They usually cost more, but they discharge a clean, easily removed substance that does not harm the mechanics or wiring of the laser. A multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher is a more affordable alternative, but it discharges a sticky, corrosive powder that is very difficult to clean up and can damage some internal components.

Eye wash station

Always have access to running water, or preferably an eye wash station, in case particles get into your eyes. Single-use, gravity-fed eye wash stations are inexpensive and easy to set up anywhere.

Handling processed material

Keep finished products, scrap material and your honeycomb tray out of your living spaces if at all possible. Processed materials can give off gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some VOCs are relatively harmless, but others affect health. Short-term exposure to high levels can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and cause headaches and dizziness, and long-term exposure may be linked to more serious problems. Regular monitoring with a VOC detector helps you find sources of contamination and avoid harmful levels.

Electrical

A REDLINE MIRA 5S needs a dedicated 15 A, 110 V / 60 Hz outlet and a 15 A breaker. Make sure the circuit is properly wired and grounded, in line with your local codes and regulations.

Ventilation

Set up proper ventilation before the machine arrives. Decide how the fumes will be extracted: vented outdoors, or through a fume extractor.

Option 1: Vent outdoors

• Keep the exhaust duct short and the number of bends to a minimum, for maximum airflow.
• Seal any joints along the exhaust run so fumes cannot escape.
• Install an exhaust exit port 4 inches in diameter, to match the exhaust hose and clamps that come with the machine.
• The stock exhaust fan is sufficient for straight exhaust runs of about 10 ft. For a longer run, keep the stock fan installed and add an inline fan around the 10 ft mark.
• If you use an inline fan instead of the stock fan, remove the stock fan and install the inline fan as close to the end of the exhaust hose as possible.
• Make sure there is enough make-up air to bring clean air back into the workspace. Too little creates negative pressure, which reduces the efficiency of the fan. Draw make-up air from a point opposite the laser, or fumes will be pulled straight back inside.

Option 2: Fume extractor

With a fume extractor, there is no ducting, replacement air or outdoor venting to plan. Choose an extractor suited to your CO2 laser. Matching it to the cabinet size of the laser and to your applications is fundamental to the performance of the laser and the life of your filters.

Temperature control

The MIRA 5S has two internal cooling options, depending on the tube: a water cooled glass CO2 tube, or an air cooled metal RF tube. Both use the ambient air to cool the tube, so keep the machine in a temperature controlled space whichever tube you have. The machines work best at normal room temperature, between 60 and 90 °F (15 to 32 °C). The right setting for your workspace depends on the dew point and the location of the machine.

For the cold months, see Winterizing Your Laser. This is especially important for machines with a water chiller, because freezing water can damage internal components.

In extreme temperatures, if the exhaust vents outdoors, disconnect the exhaust duct hose from the machine so outdoor air does not connect directly to it.

Receive and open your machine

Transit and receiving

Once the machine ships, the carrier emails you tracking information. Arrange the delivery date with the carrier, either by contacting them or by waiting for them to contact you. Carriers occasionally arrive mostly unannounced, so be ready once you have the tracking information.

When the machine arrives, inspect the crate carefully. If you see signs of rough handling or visible damage, do not refuse the shipment. Instead:

• Take plenty of photos. Every photo of damage helps the claims process.
• Have the driver note the damage on the bill of lading (BOL) before they leave. The driver does not have to stay for further inspection.
• Contact support with photos and a detailed description of the damage, using the details at the end of this guide.
• You have 14 days to report concealed damage to AEON Laser USA, which can then be used for a claim with the shipping company.

Uncrating

1. If possible, position the box in the general area where the machine will live. Leave enough room all the way around it to work comfortably. The “ATTENTION RECEIVING” sticker marks the front face of the machine.

   

2. Put on safety goggles and work gloves, and keep them on for the whole uncrating process.

3. Carefully cut the binding straps around the box. The straps are under tension and may recoil suddenly as they are cut.

   

4. Gently lift the top cover of the box off the machine. If anything is packed on top, remove it before you remove the lid.

   

5. Lean the lid at a slight angle against a wall, away from heavy foot traffic.

6. Remove the outer box by pulling it straight up. One person can do this, but a second pair of hands makes it easier.

   

7. Lean the outer box at a slight angle against the lid.

8. Remove the outer foam and packing material to reveal your laser. Inspect the chassis for shipping damage. If you find any, contact support with photos and a detailed description.

9. Remove the machine from the bottom box. We recommend shoulder dollies for this:

   • Put one person at the front and one at the rear of the machine, and pass the shoulder dollies underneath the center.
   • Coordinate with each other and lift the machine straight up.
   • With the machine lifted, remove the bottom box from the pallet.
   • Set the machine back on the pallet, or move it to its stand or location.

Unpack and remove the contents

1. Open the lid and cut the zip tie holding the ignition key and settings flash drive to the laser head. This USB is extremely important: it holds the factory settings found when your machine was tested. Take care not to lose it. You can keep the key and USB in the key ignition of the machine for safekeeping.

   

2. Remove everything from the bed, including the honeycomb tray and all the packing material. Cut anything securing the contents as needed.

Move the machine

Through stairways, hallways and doorways

A REDLINE MIRA 5S will likely fit through a standard stairway, hallway or doorway without being tipped or angled. Measure both the machine and the tight spots along the route first.

If the machine must be tipped onto its side to fit, do not tip it with the chiller installed. The chiller must be removed first.

1. Clear the bed of the machine, including the honeycomb and blades.

2. Enlist several healthy, reasonably fit people to help lift the machine onto a rolling furniture dolly using shoulder dollies.

3. Fasten the furniture dolly securely to the bottom of the machine with two ratchet straps. Do not overtighten the straps, and put foam padding between the machine and the ratchets or hooks to avoid cosmetic damage. Do not leave the machine unattended at this stage: at least two people should have their hands on it at all times.

4. Carefully move the machine to where it will be set.

Lifting with a shoulder dolly

Shoulder dollies are an excellent way to carry large, heavy objects. Follow the guidelines from the manufacturer of the dollies to prevent injury and damage. Take extreme caution when lifting the machine, particularly on stairs.

Lifting onto a stand or workbench

1. Gather four people in good physical condition to lift the machine onto a workbench or the optional stand.

2. Put one person at each corner, with the two stronger people at the rear corners.

3. On a count of three, lift the machine using your leg and buttock muscles. Once it is up, a fifth person can quickly remove the base of the crate. Keep your feet close to the machine, your grip secure and your posture upright, and communicate clearly before lifting.

4. Take small side steps towards the stand or workbench, adjusting your grip if needed.

5. Squat down together until all four rubber feet are in place and the base of the machine rests on the top of the stand. On a workbench, lower the rear rubber feet first and pivot one side at a time until all four feet are in position. On the optional stand, line the rubber feet up with the premade holes. Do not push the machine, which can damage the rubber feet, and do not let go of your corner until every foot is seated and all fingers are clear.

6. Check that no fingers are trapped between the machine and the stand, then release the load together.

7. Roll the stand and machine together to their place.

8. Turn the leveling feet on each corner of the stand counterclockwise to lower them.

9. Using a level and an adjustable wrench, adjust each foot in turn until the machine is perfectly level and secure.

Prepare for power up

Reinstall the chiller (if necessary)

If the chiller was removed so the machine could be turned on its side, reinstall it first by following the removal process in reverse.

Fill the chiller

1. Unscrew the water inlet cap.

   

2. Fill the chiller with distilled or reverse osmosis water until it reaches the “FULL” section of the fill gauge. Use the funnel from the contents box if you need it.

   

3. Screw the cap back onto the water inlet.

Vent the fan

1. Take the exhaust hose, exhaust hose flange and hose clamps from the contents box and remove their packing material.

2. Slide a hose clamp over one end of the exhaust hose. Loosen the clamp with a 7 mm socket or a Phillips head screwdriver if you need to.

   

3. Fit that end of the hose over the flange of the exhaust fan. Slide the clamp over the hose and flange and tighten it with a 7 mm socket driver or a Phillips head screwdriver.

   

4. Route the other end of the hose to the exhaust exit port you installed earlier, or to the fume extractor. Trim any excess hose after routing, and keep the number of bends to a minimum.

5. Add a hose clamp to that end and secure the hose to the exit port or fume extractor.

6. Seal any junction points as needed.

Remove the gantry pins

1. Find the machine cabinet key in the contents box.

2. Unlatch and remove both large side panels, and set them gently to one side.

   

3. Find the pins that lock the gantry in place. Each has a yellow lanyard so it is easy to spot.

   

4. Pull the pins from both sides of the machine so the gantry can move freely. Keep the pins in the contents box.

   

   

5. Reinstall both side panels and lock them with the machine cabinet key.

Power the machine on

1. Check the work area. Make sure nothing is left inside the cabinet that could cause a collision during initialization.

2. Take the power cord from the contents box.

   

3. Connect the power cord to the back of the machine and to the outlet you prepared.

4. Find the Emergency Stop button on the right side of the machine.

   

5. Push the Emergency Stop button in, then turn it clockwise so it pops back out. Out is the on position. Arrows on the button show which way to turn it.

   

6. Insert the ignition key into the key ignition on the right side of the machine.

   

7. Turn the key a quarter turn counterclockwise. Do not force it. You should feel it click, and the machine powers on fully. If it does not, stop turning the key and contact support immediately.

   

8. The laser now has power and homes towards the back right corner. The keypad display reads “Initializing”. Let the machine complete the initialization.

9. Use the X/Y arrow keys on the keypad to jog the laser head carefully to all 4 corners, checking that it does not collide with any part of the machine.

10. Use the Z up and down arrow keys to check that the bed raises and lowers without trouble. Do not raise the bed into the laser head. Keep the bed about 2 inches away from the laser head for now.

11. After these checks, you can put the honeycomb tray back in the bed. Lower the bed as needed to fit it.

After power on

Set up LightBurn

LightBurn must be configured before you can use the machine properly. See the LightBurn setup guide for macOS or for Windows. The device profiles must be imported as those guides describe before you can run a job properly.

Alignment

More often than not, the laser keeps the alignment completed at AEON Laser USA. We highly recommend that you simply start using the machine and run a test job. The USB that came with the machine has a test file called “Material Rapid Test”, which you can run on any laser safe material. See Material Rapid Test for what to expect.

If your machine needs an alignment adjustment, see Alignment Process: REDLINE. If something seems off or comes out wrong, contact support and our team will identify the issue.

Use the blade table

The blade table of the REDLINE MIRA series can be set up flat or standing. Each has its own benefits.

• Flat: the blades arrive flat, which exposes the threaded holes on their flat side. This is ideal for securing jigs to the bed for repeated, plug-and-play projects, such as running the same design on a set of coasters. Flat blades also catch small pieces from intricate cuts that might otherwise fall through.
• Standing: standing blades increase the airflow under the material, which helps fume extraction when cutting. They also reduce the contact between metal and material, which minimizes flashback marks on cut lines. This suits clean, large scale cutting.

Change the blade orientation

If the blades are flat, flip them into the standing position. Make sure each blade sits fully in the channel once it is standing.

If the blades are standing, lay them down flat, starting from the leftmost side of the blade table. Make sure each blade sits fully in the channel once it is flat.

Summary

Setting up your REDLINE MIRA 5S takes several steps and some care. With a safe, prepared workspace and the unboxing, setup and first power up done, you are ready to start engraving. Put safety first at every step, from electrical and ventilation to moving the machine.

AEON Laser USA is not responsible for any damages or injuries that may result from following these suggestions. Use caution at all times.