Need help on selecting new laser tube, PS??, and water pump.

[bobkeyes]

Hello all. Fairly new here, but not new to laser engravers. I have had this machine, Chinese made, for about 9 years. Do lots of work for local businesses and schools.

The laser tube just cracked. Water stopped. It should have shut down, but didn't. I'll have to check that out. It's about 3 years old so I'm not upset about that. I have about 1100 mm length, but I could cut a hole for a longer tube if necessary. But, I'd have to box it for protection.

I am using LO's DSP controller. Love it!!

Power supply has been replaced once.

I'd like to go up in power to 60 watts or so. Also I need to replace the water pump. I've never been impressed with the flow. I have a 6 gal. reservoir with a cooling coil on a thermostat. Here are 2 pix of the PS I have.

Questions?? Will my PS work on a 60 watt tube? I think it will. And, what submersible pump would I need to keep it cool. The tube is about 55 inches above the pump.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

[bobkeyes]

Just noticed that the 80 watt reci is the same length as the 60 watt I was looking at. Maybe go with that??

[Tech_Marco]

When you placed the pump 55" up, the flow rate dropped dramatically. The flow rate is for the motor to sit horizon with the water tube. In order words, the rate is for height = "0ft". In your case, you may want to get 10L/m or 12L/m with cut off 3~4m (10~12ft). So, when you placed the pump 55" (4.5ft) heigh, you got about 40~50% flow rate. That should take care the pump issue.

That power supply was from HungYung that we used to carry. It is a pretty good power supply. You can use it to power a 60W laser tube as the max current it can output is about 25~26mA. For RECI 80W, I don't think so. Even though you may be able to light up the tube, but you will get two troubles

1) Not being able to drive the Reci 80W (W4 tube) in full power. It need 28mA
2) You will drive the power supply to peak power and will cause over-heated on the 60W power supply. Soon the choke and a thermosistor on the PS may melt down or break

By the way, REC 80W tube is running 1.45m and a 60W is 1.2M. So, the lenght is not the same


Marco

[bobkeyes]

OK on the pump.

Not questioning your knowledge on the length, but the site says:

LSR-JLDHQ80WCO2
This is a high quality CO2 laser tube made by Reci . We deal direct with Reci to avoid the possibility of getting a fake Reci tube. The life span of the tube is estimated to have about 8,000~ 10,000 hours.


International buyers are responsible for duty tax.

Specification

Power: 80W (90W peak)
Triggering Voltage: 24KV
Operating Voltage: 18KV
Current: 26mA (28mA max)
Life Span: 8,000~10,000 hrs @ 26mA
Length: 1200mm
Diameter: 80mm
Water Cooling


Courtesy reminder: Any damage that happens on the shipment; the buyer must report to us within 3 business days after receiving it. If failed to do so; this will result in rejection on all claims. Customers must file a report to the carrier and keep all shipping materials handy for inspection. The buyer is responsible for the shipping cost of a replacement tube.
Model: JLD80W
Description: 80Watt CO2 Laser Tube
Power: 80Watt

If what you say is right on the length then I'm probably back to the 45 watt tube. It's a lot cheaper anyway.

[bobkeyes]

Marco,
Do you think this pump would work OK?

V
10L/min (158GPH) High Temperature (80 'C) DC12V Brushless Submersible Water/ Oil Pump

[Tech_Marco]

Yes it works fine. I use it often but not on 55". We usually used it on 4ft or lower. I tried it one time for 5ft and the water rate seems looking good fory 60w tube.If you can get about 5L per min (abot 1.5 gallon/min）, it should be good

Marco

[bobkeyes]

OK. That's good. I have figured a way to elevate my tank about 2 feet so the head would only be about 3 feet. I'll place an order for the pump and tube now.

[bobkeyes]

Thanks so much for your help. You have been great!

Bob Keyes