Beam expander + beam combiner

[Guldberg]

Hi there

We run a 150w Reci tube on a rabbit laser 1200x900 mm system with the DSP2012 controller.

I know all the big machines from US/EU manufactures comes with a beam expander, so im sure they do some good. But does anybody have an opinion if it benefit a 1200 x 900 system?

Marco: You posted some time back, some pictures of a beam combiner. Do you plan to sell these, and would they be suitable for a 150w laser?

[Tech_Marco]

I believe that regardless the size of the machine, with a beam expander installed means that you're getting more power boost by 20~30% . Plus, it release 'pressure' on the mirrors and the fcouse lens as light beam diverage to 2x or 3x. So, technically speaking the surace of lens and mirror take less 'hit' (heat) and should last longer. Just think about a toll of a bride; 4 station and 8 station, which one can pass more car traffic and less stress on the collectors?

It's just my simple through. I'm not an expert so, you may need to do more research.

I do have 2x and 3x beem expander here (two left on each ). I haven't had chance to post it. I'm totally occupied...


Marco

[Tech_Marco]

See pictures of 2x and 3x beam expander

Marco

[romanbc]

Dear Marko
I use100W 1200X900 it could you let me know price about plese (sashay2k2001@yahoo.com)
Thank you very much
Yours sincerely
Alexander

See pictures of 2x and 3x beam expander

Marco

[Guldberg]

What are the input/output max diameter? A 150w reci tube has beam diameter of around 10mm

[Tech_Marco]

Dear Marko
I use100W 1200X900 it could you let me know price about plese (sashay2k2001@yahoo.com)
Thank you very much
Yours sincerely
Alexander

See pictures of 2x and 3x beam expander

Marco

http://www.lightobject.com/Lens-Mirror- ... C&c=16&p=1

Marco

[Guldberg]

Hi Marco

By diameter, you mean input diameter? Or the physical diameter?

The RECI beam diameter is rated at 8 mm, so that would make the output 16 mm with the 2x and 24 with the 3x. Juding from the pictures, the unit itself is 20-25 mm in diameter, so I doubt a 3x would work. Could you confirm.

[Tech_Marco]

I think I need to take more picture to show you what is that as it could be considered as Input or Physical size. The 2X got small input hole but the 3x is bigger. However, there is a mount that make 2x smaller and if you take it out, it seems that it can take wider beam. I haven't had too much experience about the beam expander and I'll consult the manufactuer in next couple days.

For your reference, the size of the beam diameter of the RECI tube listed below:

80w： 4-6mm
100w：6-7mm
130w：8-9mm
150w：9-10mm

(distance from the wall: 30~50cm which is about 1ft ~ 1.5ft away from the laser tube)

BTW, I have ordered 10x 80W, 6x 100W, 6x 130W Reci tube. The shipment is going to take sea so I'm expecting to get the end of Oct.


Marco

[Guldberg]

Hi Marco

Great. As soon as I know, I will order the 2x for my 150w tube.

[Tech_Marco]

I'm afraid that the 2X is not going to work with your 150W tube. The beam of 150W is about 10mm so 2x = 20mm. The output lens of the 2.0x has a diameter of 19mm. So, regardless the input is 10mm or wider, the output will be blocked. You may need toget 2.5X or 3.0x instead. I'll get more info tomorrow as I asked them to send me detail infofor the 2x and 3x. Now, I think I need the 2.5x as well. FYI, the bigger the number, the more power you will get.

By the way, what is the diameter of the reflection mirrors and the focus lens you're using? I think you have to have 25mm mirror and 20mm ZnSe focus lens (or even bigger like the 25mm)

Marco

[liaoh75]

Hi Marco,

Can you post a picture of one of these beam expanders installed on a machine? My machine has a gantry mounted tube and the longest distance the beam travels is about 2.7 meters. I had to replace my laser head due to the small input hole from my original head. My new laser head has a 38mm reflecting mirror and 25mm lens. I got it from a guy in China named Justo. I ran into this product on Aliexpress.com and it is an excellent head but I think you'd need some stout mechanics to make it work as it's got quite some mass. Check it out:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/CO2-Lase ... 03296.html

I think it is most logical that I get a beam expander. My current setup works but the cut consistency isn't what I would like from one extreme to the other. I'm learning more and more every day.

David

[Guldberg]

Hi Marco

Great. Thank you. I was about to order it, but ill wait. Right infront of the tube, the diameter is max 8mm. Mirros are 25mm and lens 20mm on the small machine and 30mm and 25mm on the large machine.

A 2,5 expander would make the beam 25mm, that would be fine on at least one of the machines.

[Tech_Marco]

Don't buy it yet. I need to order new one for you.
Reason:

2x: Input diameter: 10mm, output diameter: 10mm
3x: Input diameter: 10mm, output diameter: 19mm

It is not suitable for Reci 130W laser or higher tube. I need to get 10mm/25mm or 10mm/30mm beam expander. It will take about 2 weeks

By the way, I'll move this post to "CO2 laser catagory". Current location is supposed for the DSP card


Marco

[Guldberg]

Hi Marco

Great, thanks. Reserve 2 for me.

Any chance you will get a beam combiner? Would love to join a red pointer with the main beam. Or join two beams.

[liaoh75]

Hi Marco,

I'd like one as well. Please notify me as soon as it comes in. I'd like the 10/25 version.

Thank you,

David