Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Laser links ?

> Actually not all that much, ask a Ham operator. I'm a microwave
> engineer and KW size microwave things I keep well clear of. (copper
> mesh underware)

I hate dealing with things I can't see that can kill me like electricity but
at least it kinda sticks inside a wire. Microwaves though, urgh....
Invisible and with the possibility of being anywhere.

> However, I seriously doubt that 200W of Laser Juice is enough for
> serious cutting, gut feeling is more like 2KW. And the CNC Lasers for
> Stainless I'm more convinced is YAG w/Q switching.
> Would really love to build an xy table for that.
> Tom M.

Jumping ass bandits Tom!!! You're my kind of guy. 2kW of actual IR output is
some majorly _serious_ power for a home built laser. That's enough to start
worrying about optic cooling and the likes. I'm not joking, many industrial
tables run 2kW lasers for plate work. About the biggest I've seen piccies of
are 15kW and that'll cut slabs like butter. I have heard of a 30kW one as
well. For 2kW output with direct pumping you'd need something around 10 -
20kW input, RF or microwave and it's going to be more since you have losses
in the conversions.

I would be shocked if someone one here built a 2kW tube though. 100W is
about the starting point for metal cutting, 200W would be okay for sheet and
things. All just depends on speeds and materials mainly. Yag is the way for
welding I read somewhere. Sure would be nice to have a laser cutting gantry
and then be able to weld up the pieces on a laser.

I'd really like to visit the National Ignition Facility you guys in the US
have just built. Now you are talking Terra Watts, oh the power! :-)
The same crystals we would be blessed to have in our tiny pieces of junk
they use for tweaking their's. The real crystals are the size of dinner
tables. $$$ tax dollars.

John H.