cooling radiator ?

[SScnc]

The ambient temperature in my shop has been staying in the upper 80's. The temp sensor on the output of my flow sensor is reading between 72F and up to 75F depending on the operation. Today, while running, I added some ice to the water tank, just a little at a time so as not to crack the 40 watt tube. this kept it from going over 75F.

My question is, if I add a cooling radiator ( like a transmission type cooler) with a fan, will it cool the water any or just try to get it to the ambient temp in the shop ?

Thanks for any advice !

[Tech_Marco]

If it is a "closed" system, the lowest you can reach is ambient temperature. The radiator is an example of "closed" system. Not recommend for over 40W system if ambient is over 78'F

But, if it is an open system through water evaporation process, you can reach lower temperature like 68~70'F if ambient temperature is 75'F. The efficiency is depends on the humidity in the room. Dry air the evaporation works better. A good evaporation system can support a 60W system. Anything over 60W, I highly suggest to go for Water Chiller instead


Marco

[NickWL]

Bite the bullet and go to an aquarium supplier and get yourself a tank cooler, rig it up to cool a 25 litre bucket of water and pump your cooling water from this reservoir.
I found one on eBay for £100 (about$160) - it hurt but it totally solved my cooling problems.
Should still be useful when (if?) I upgrade to a bigger machine.

I believe Marco is planning to sell these soon, so if you're in the USA that may be as good a route to go.

Nick

[baccus61]

I have an aquarium chiller AND a twin fan radiator on mine and when the ambient temp goes past about 30 C they don't seem to have much effect on my 100 watt system even if I engrave at 1/2 power and if I engrave for any longer than 20 minutes the water temp goes way over 30C where the laser doesn't work very well. I have a 20 litre container 1/2 full of water. I keep 2 litre bottles of water in the fridge and swap out the water as I go. It sucks big time having to do that.
If you can get a small bar fridge and drill a couple of holes in the side of it ( without destroying the condenser/evaporator ) and place a coil of pipe in a large tank of water inside it then that's the way I would go, and you can keep some drinks in it for refreshments while you work. I've seen them new for around $399.
Or bite the bullet and buy a dedicated one.
Rich

[swamidog]

i use a Neslab 25 chiller for my 60W system. I have no problems keeping my water between 23-25C.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=ne ... r&_sacat=0

I have an aquarium chiller AND a twin fan radiator on mine and when the ambient temp goes past about 30 C they don't seem to have much effect on my 100 watt system even if I engrave at 1/2 power and if I engrave for any longer than 20 minutes the water temp goes way over 30C where the laser doesn't work very well. I have a 20 litre container 1/2 full of water. I keep 2 litre bottles of water in the fridge and swap out the water as I go. It sucks big time having to do that.
If you can get a small bar fridge and drill a couple of holes in the side of it ( without destroying the condenser/evaporator ) and place a coil of pipe in a large tank of water inside it then that's the way I would go, and you can keep some drinks in it for refreshments while you work. I've seen them new for around $399.
Or bite the bullet and buy a dedicated one.
Rich