Troubleshooting the Air Assist Feature
Machine Types: Mini 18, Mini 24, Helix, and EXT
This guide will walk you through troubleshooting the most common problems that keep the Air Assist feature from working properly. Below are some common scenarios that prevent proper functioning. First, determine which scenario best describes your challenge and then see the corresponding solution.
Please note: when both the Air Assist pump and the machine are on but not engraving, you should be able to hear air leaking from the Air Assist solenoid. Also understand these troubleshooting steps were designed for machines that continually run the air compressor.
Scenario 1:
- There is no air coming out of the Air Assist nozzle on the lens carriage
- There is no air leaking out of the back of the machine
- You cannot hear a hissing noise coming from the back of the machine
If any of the above sound like your situation, scroll to troubleshooting guide A.
Scenario 2:
- There is no air coming out of the Air Assist nozzle on the lens carriage
- You hear air leaking out of the back of the machine
- It does not appear there is air blowing onto the material
If you're encountering any of the problems from Scenario 2, scroll down to troubleshooting guide B.
Troubleshooting Guide A:
- Begin by unplugging the Air Assist hose from the back of the machine. This is done by pushing in on the ring that surrounds the hose while pulling out the hose at the same time.
- Then turn on the Air Assist pump and make sure you have air coming out of the hose. If you already do have air coming out of the hose then skip to troubleshooting guide B.
- If no air is coming out of the hose then you ’ll need to check for obstructions.
How to check for obstructions:
- Unplug the hose to the compressor and verify that there is air coming out the compressor.
- If air is present coming out of the compressor try replacing the hose and see if this corrects the problem.
- If air is not presently coming out of the compressor then your compressor is not working properly and it will need to be replaced.
Troubleshooting Guide B:
- The first step is to verify that you have Air Assist option turned on.
Please note: If you have a Mini 18 and you do not have air coming out of the Air Assist please check troubleshooting guide A as the Mini 18 does not have an Air Assist solenoid to turn the air off and should always be on. If you are still having problems with the Air Assist please call technical support at 303.215.9171 to troubleshoot further.)
On Mini and Helix engravers manufacturered prior to April, 2010 you can reach these settings by pressing the STOP and UP keys at the same time for turning Air Assist on or off for during raster mode. Press STOP and POINTER at the same time to change the setting for Air Assist during vector operation. To change the setting, use the up and down arrows and then press GO to save the setting. If you have a Mini or Helix system manufactured after April 2010, you can access these settings by pressing the "Config" key on your machine and then pressing the Focus key until you reach the Air Assist settings.
On the EXT machines you can change this setting under the configure button (CON). Press the down arrow until you see the Air Assist option. First make sure you see the blinking cursor on the Air Assist setting. Then use the left or right arrows to change the settings to either RASTER (air on, raster mode only), VECTOR (air on, vector mode only), BOTH (air on, both modes) and NONE ( always off ).
- If you have both of those settings turned to “yes” then you should be able to feel air coming out of the nozzle while the machine is running a job (NOTE: this can be done by opening the window during operation and feeling under the Air Assist nozzle, a vector job at slow speed will make this task easier to perform. If Air Assist is running you will no longer have leakage from the back of the machine.)
- If step one was completed and you still do not have air coming out of the Air Assist nozzle but have air leaking from the back of the machine then please call our tech support team at 303.215.9171, and press 1 to order a new Air Assist solenoid for your machine.
You will want to have your serial number handy – you can find it on the back left hand side of the engraver on a black plate that looks like the one below.
