Hi, I'm in the process of redesigning my machine which currently has a 2.5 watt diode laser. This laser does a good job of cutting black nylon (for example: 1000D cordura, 0.05" thick webbing). I recently did a test on a light gray colored 300D acrylic coated polyester with a urethane coating on one side, and it cut very slowly. Not sure if the poor cutting performance is because of the color and/or material. I've been exploring potential alternatives, including co2. I really don't want to use mirrors, for safety reasons and also it's a large machine at ~5'x10'. Would it be advisable to mount a tube like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SH6D2P...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= vertically on the gantry? I've only ever seen these oriented horizontally and held in place. Would running the supply voltage wires (~10,000VAC) along with the rest of the wiring (stepper motors, limit switches) cause interference? I've never dealt with voltages this high. If mounted on the gantry I'd probably locate the cooler there as well. How does the wavelength effect the ability to cut different materials? How does a 20W co2 compare to a 2.5W diode? Thanks, Wolfgang
Co2 lasers are positively lethal. Instantly disrupts or stops cardiac rhythm Not to chase you away from the plan, but 1) experience with high voltages is almost a requirement 2) gantry mounted tubes dont last very long - vibrations kill them 3) if mirrors scare you, then you do not trust the base machine enough. Must be driveshaft synced, must be rigid, must be square Watch a couple more DIY CO2 Laser videos on YouTube
Thanks Peter, 1) Perhaps mounting the power supply on the gantry as well to minimize the high voltage run? The gantry is getting crowded however. 2) any guesstimate how long? I would estimate the laser operating for 100 hours in the life of the machine. The cost of a replacement tube isn't bad. 3) I do not trust the base machine... no driveshaft, it is rigid but it's pine, I would guess it is square to 1/8" (the best of my amateur framing abilities). Will do on the videos. I'm just exploring options at this point.
Everything about this is a bad idea. If you can't secure your laser beam, it's only a matter of time before you burn or blind yourself/someone/something.
