Re: Laser Engraving - valueable information

Graham, thank you very much for the information. This thread is
really building into something worth keeping in memory.

Whelen

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Graham Stabler" <eexgs@n...>
wrote:

>
> > 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
>