Before you pick a corner of the shop for a laser, plan the whole workstation: machine, extraction, air supply and computer. Start with the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model you’re ordering. The Epilog examples below give you a starting point; use your own machine’s specifications before booking electrical or ventilation work.

Floor space and a way in

Measure the cabinet, not just the engraving bed. Sketch the layout with space to load material, open the lid, reach connections and carry out maintenance. Include the extractor and any separate air pump.

For example, Epilog’s Fusion Ascent location guidance calls for at least 305 mm (12″) of clearance on each side and 510 mm (20″) above the machine. Cooling vents must stay clear. Check the requirements for your model before putting it against a wall or under shelving.

Walk the delivery route too. Compare doors, hallways and tight turns with the machine and crate dimensions, and confirm how it will be moved into position. Use the manufacturer’s lifting instructions to plan the move.

Electrical supply

Give your electrician the model’s electrical requirements before any wiring work. Confirm voltage, phase, maximum current draw, grounding and circuit protection against the manual.

Epilog recommends a dedicated circuit for the Fusion Ascent, and its care instructions require a grounded supply. Include the exhaust blower or filtration unit and any compressor in the electrical plan, with each item’s requirements checked separately. Keep the manufacturer’s electrical requirements with the site plan.

Exhaust ducting or filtration?

Decide how you will remove process fumes before settling on the laser’s location. Epilog requires operating extraction: either exhaust outdoors or a suitable filtration system.

Outdoor exhaust. Match the blower to the laser and the duct run. Epilog lists 350–400 CFM (595–680 m³/h) for external exhaust on the Fusion Pro 24/36, for example. Other models have different requirements. Have an HVAC professional review the route and blower selection.

Epilog specifies rigid or flexible metal ducting and recommends keeping flexible sections short to reduce airflow losses. Its guidance warns against vinyl, plastic and other soft ducting unless the filtration manufacturer supplies it as fire-proof material.

Filtration. A suitably specified extractor can filter the air and return it to the room. BOFA explains the difference between its filter stages: pre-filtration collects larger particles, HEPA filtration captures fine particles, and activated carbon captures gases associated with the process. Filter selection depends on the materials and their Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Choose for the laser, materials and workload, and leave access for filter changes. See the fume extraction options when planning the layout.

Compressed air

Air Assist has a separate job from extraction. On the Fusion Ascent, it directs compressed air at the cutting surface to remove heat and combustible gases and reduce flare-ups.

The Ascent can connect to a small compressor pump or a suitable existing compressed-air supply; Epilog specifies a maximum inlet pressure of 30 PSI. Tank compressors and shop air require the appropriate Air Assist solenoid plumbing configuration. Follow Epilog’s conversion instructions before using that type of supply.

Check your model’s pressure, flow, air-quality and connection requirements before connecting shop air. Allow space for the pump and its connections if you’re using one.

Temperature and humidity

Check the room through the seasons, including when the building’s heating or cooling is reduced. Compare those conditions with the operating limits for the exact laser.

Epilog’s Fusion Ascent care instructions specify a maximum relative humidity of 80%, non-condensing, and say the machine is unsuitable for wet locations. Keep cooling vents unobstructed. If you’re considering an unheated garage or a room that gets hot in summer, confirm the temperature requirements with Epilog before choosing that spot.

Fire safety starts with the layout

Epilog’s fire-prevention guidance calls for these precautions:

Watch every job. Plan an operator position beside the machine.
Keep the surrounding area clear of clutter, combustibles and volatile solvents.
Keep an inspected, maintained fire extinguisher on hand. Follow the model’s selection guidance.
Use Air Assist during vector cutting. It reduces flare-ups.
Clean scraps and residue from beneath the cutting grid and maintain the exhaust ports, blower and ducting.

Read the machine’s fire warnings before operation and include them in operator training.

Computer and network

Choose the software workflow before assigning a computer. Check the current operating-system and hardware requirements for your Epilog laser, then install the appropriate design software and Epilog software for that model.

Canadian-market Fusion Ascent systems support USB, Ethernet and wireless connections. Decide which you’ll use and have the cable or network details ready. For a shared network, involve whoever manages it so the laser’s IP settings fit the site. Arrange internet access on the computer for software downloads and updates.

Planning your space?

Contact us with the laser model, materials you plan to process and a simple room sketch. Our showrooms in Delta, BC and Mississauga, ON are available by appointment.

Preparing Your Space for a Laser Engraver