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It would be good to hear member's views on the choices now available to us, given the massive technological steps that have been made with diode types over the last couple of years.
Posted : February 21, 2023 7:36 pm
I am still wedded to CO2 lasers but I can see that diode lasers are coming of age.
However I am led to understand that diodes cannot work on clear materials, is that correct?
We use our laser for commercial work (this kind of finances it for the models) and this commercial work is around 50% clear acrylic.
My worry from a safety point of view is that some manufacturers (not all) of diode machines have a cavalier attitude to machine screening.
Do we know if 40W of CO2 laser cuts the same as 40W of diode? Better or worse?
I would say that the gap is closing.
Success is the aggregation of marginal gains. Dave Brailsford CBE
Posted : February 21, 2023 9:36 pm
Topic starter
Blue lasers cannot cut clear acrylic as it will pass straight through without being absorbed. A CO2 laser is in the infra red region so is the better option. It's a similar situation with white Depron although as grey is now more readily available that isn't really an issue!
Most diode lasers are 'open frame' types and whilst they usually have protective light guards around the laser head it is imperative that additional, good quality, eye protection is worn. Of course a simple box enclosure can be made to surround them with a viewing panel (of material / colour to provide shielding) should the user wish to. This setup would also give an ideal air / fume extraction location!
40W of optical power is the output power so, with the exception of light frequency, they should be the same in terms of cutting ability.
It should be noted that the most powerful lasers, fibre ones, are in fact diode lasers but with the power amplified! The other thing of note, although to be fair probably won't affect our use, is lifespan: fibre will last the longest followed by diode then CO2.
On the matter of safety, eye protection has already been mentioned but other aspects of a diode machine could, arguably, show them to be 'safer'. Power required to run them, typically 24v 5amps, and there is no need for a supply of cooling water.
The gap is definitely closing with a 40w diode laser now being offered by one of the leading diode laser manufacturers, Xtool.
Posted : February 21, 2023 10:54 pm
Topic starter
Shop setup of my Sculpfun S30 Pro Max 20w laser
Posted : March 9, 2023 5:50 pm
BMFAAdministrator reacted
Topic starter
Just seen some talk about infra red diode laser modules being produced. That should overcome the problem of trying to cut white or clear materials.
Posted : March 9, 2023 5:51 pm