Re: Laser Engraving

> Sealed CO2 tubes have a shelflife of about 3 to 4 years, even if
> in use or still in the box. After that, their power output decreases
> (basically).

synrads which are a sealed CO2 laser have a running life of 45,000
hours+ but turned off last much longer, my 50w kicks out 80W and is
from 91 and I am told has not been refilled. Degredation is caused by
CO build up which is caused by the lasing action. These lasers
contain an exotic set of chemicals and sometimes catalysts to keep the
gas going even longer.

> CO2 lasers can NOT mark/etch/cut metals. The wavelength is wrong.
> You'll need a YaG laser for true metal work.

Low power CO2 lasers are not good for metal and no CO2 lasers are good
for aluminium and copper. But CO2 lasers are the most commanly used
laser for cutting steel.

> The power levels (like depth) is controlled by pulsing the laser

(plus > something else I can't recall at the moment).

PWM is normally used.

Graham