Optics Recommendation for new 60w Build

[prcdslnc13]

Hey Guys Im new to lasers and was looking to build a 60W cutter. Ive built lots of CNC fun in the past so that part doesnt scare me but I am concerned with getting the correct optics. My hopes for the machine are as follows

2'x4' cut area
able to cut up to 1/4" plexi and 3/8-1/2" Plywood or MDF
cut cardboard and things like that
engrave plywood, plexi, anodized metals(?)

Im not sure where to get started in things like beam divergence, and spreaders, Focal lengths, mirror diameters etc. Eventually I would like to be able to step up to a 100W tube, but thats a year or two down the road and I would like to start smaller.

I would like recommendations for bounce mirrors, focus lenses, and things of that nature.

Thanks ahead of time!

[Tech_Marco]

I'll suggest to go for 68.5mm focus lens to handle 1/4" acrylic or 1/2" MDF.
Since you're planning to use 60W which I think is pretty low power for doing cutting on those two items you want to cut, you may be able to cut it at 6~7mm/s for the acrylic or 8~10mm/s for the MDF (1"= 25.4mm)

If budget isn't an issue for now, I suggest you to go for 100W now. Otherwise, you need to change the power supply from 60W to 100W. Plus, laser mount for 60W is smaller than the mounts for 100W.

If you have 100W for the cutting, you may be able to do 12~15mm/s for the acrylic or 18~20mm for the 1/2" MDF

Just my thought


Marco

[prcdslnc13]

Thanks for your reply marco!

I do realize 60w is a little low. Im more after a laser for etching and engraving then cutting, so slow cutting isnt all bad. I have a cnc router when I really need to cut.

Do you have a recommendation for the lens/nozzle holder and a beam collminator? Im hoping to get the parts ordered in the next couple weeks. Also are there drawings or models for the mirror mounts and nozzles?

thanks!

[Tech_Marco]

Go for 25mm Si mirror, 20mm ZnSe focus lens

Pro 25/20 laser head
http://www.lightobject.com/Pro-laser-he ... -P586.aspx

Pro 25mm mirror mount
http://www.lightobject.com/Pro-25mm-ref ... -P588.aspx

25mm Si:
http://www.lightobject.com/25mm-High-qu ... -P117.aspx

20mm ZnSe lens (you pick the focus point)
http://www.lightobject.com/Search.aspx? ... 0mm%20ZnSe

60W SP Co2 tube
http://www.lightobject.com/Quality-60W- ... e-P70.aspx

60W Laser power supply
http://www.lightobject.com/20W-40W-60W- ... y-P72.aspx

If you buy the XLE Pro XY stages, then you don't need to buy the laser head, mirrors mount, and the tube mounts as the package included all.


There is no drawing for the parts. Unlike CNC router need very precise setup for the gears, laser machine seems having more adaptive than a router. Mirrors or tubes more or less can be off from the center point as long as the alignment is fine tuned. It couldn't happen on a router.


Marco

[prcdslnc13]

Hey marco,
Ok I think youve sold me on the idea of a 100w and the XLE XY Frame.

If I get the frame I want to get the XLE 900*600 but it says they are sold out in the US? Can you tell me when you would be getting more or PM me a quote of how much it would cost to ship it to IL? Also will the optics and tube holder with that frame support the "Quality" 100w tube?

Thanks,
Joe

[Tech_Marco]

Joe:

The XLE960 XY stage sold out. We have a couple left in our warehouse in China only. So, if you have to get 900x600, then we have to ship from China through UPS or DHL. Shipping cost is about $180 more. It take about 7 days to reach you if you order tomorrow (next Tuesday).

The XY stage comes with laser head, mirror mounts, and tube mounts. It is designed to fit 25mm mirror and 20mm focus lens. The tube mounts are adjustable so it can fit any size

My suggestion is: why paid more on S/H but why not get the 1200x900, assuming work space isn't an issue in your location. It is just $100 more and you can get 1200x900. It is prefect for 100W tube for that size. Remember that I do have frames for 1200x900, the largest we can make. We can't do do the 1800x1200 frame as it is so heavy and so big to make it.

Marco