Hello, I saw at multiple places that we shouldn't use the full power of a laser but I wonder if this remark is only valid for CO2 laser or if it is the same for Diode Laser? If it is the same what is the limit to respect to keep it alive for a long time? Regards,
Diode lasers can die quickly when they are overdriven (so make sure to buy from a source with a reputation - as a badly designed diode driver will not have the diode last a long time) and overheating also kills them quite fast. If you go for something like an Optlaser, expect thousands of hours. Some of the cheaper brands try to convince you its a 10w or 15w (actually a 5w diode, pulse overdriven for seemingly impressive results) but dies in a month or two CO2 lasers - ran at low power does last longer - but also just comparitively - CO2 tubes also die because the CO2 permeates through the glass over time - they have like a 6-12month "shelf life" even when unused. The good ones ( RECI, etc) has a coating on the inside the releases CO2 that makes them last quite a bit longer.
