Tests on F4 100W laser tube

[Tech_Marco]

Hi:

Per customer request, I have ran a few tests by cutting 4mm and 6mm acrylic on 900x600 machine.
Here is the result for the first run

Laser tube: 100W "F4"
Water temperature: 25'C
Lens focus: 50.8mm
Current: 28.5mA

Result
1) 4mm speed 20mm/s power: full 99%
2) 6mm speed 10mm/s power: full 99%
(note: 1" = 25.4mm) So 6mm = 1/4" (roughly)

I was wondering how come the current was always limited to 28.5mA max for a 100W laser tube. I checked the setting on the DSP and the master power setting was set to 98%. No matter how I tuned it, I got around 28mA on the analog meter indicator Then I figured out that the power supply installed was 80W. How dump I'm!

After replaced the 80W with a true 100W PS, a 'fire' test was able to drive the current meter need all the way to the back which is way over 30mA. So, I set the master control to 75% and I could get roughly 32mA max. Following the is the result from 32mA cutting on acrylic of 4mm and 6mm

Current: 32mA
1) 4mm speed 27mm/s power: full 99%
2) 6mm speed 16mm/s power: full 99%]

Note: a lightly push is need to get the pieces cut to get out from the base board. If I set it to 25mm and 15mm, it fell out easily.

It is a big jump on the speed by raising current from 28mA to 32mA. I know I shouldn't drive the tube to 32mA as it is the peak current. For a few light test, I was curios how fast a 100W laser tube could cut acrylic. I believe that if I set it to 30mA, I should be able to get 24mm and 12mm. Just want to share this info to you guys who may find interest.

I'll do more test after my ventilation system installed. When I did the test, the system wasn't ready yet so it make my demo room smell bad.


Marco

[liaoh75]

Hi Marco,

Would you be so kind as to post pictures of the cut results. Particularly the edges?

Thank you,
David

[Tech_Marco]

David:

I haven't test the 63.5mm or 68.5 focus lens yet. I was very busy last week. I'll try to finish the testing this week and will post images here. FYI, 50.8mm is only for 4mm or thinner object for cutting. The inclined surface can be found with 50.8mm lens. I suggest to use 63.5mm or 68.5mm lens for 4mm~6mm arcylic cutting. But remember that longer focus lens will take up some power from the tube. If you're using 40W for cutting then you have to go for 60W. Or, if you're using 60W tube, then you have to upgrade to 80W to make the offset if you upgrade from 50.8mm to 68.5mm. Longer focus lens require even more powerful tube to make the compensation.

Remember that it is just my thought and I can't tell you the exact data untill I try it. Plus, different materails result differently.


Marco

[Tech_Marco]

Hi Marco,

Would you be so kind as to post pictures of the cut results. Particularly the edges?

Thank you,
David

See my test on 6mm acrylic:
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1770

I'll post the cut on 19mm wood later today.

Marco

[Tech_Marco]

Cutting and engraving on wood blocked is completed: viewtopic.php?f=16&t=1770&p=7955#p7955

Marco