Best Co2 Laser Tube : Review And Buying Guide
Brandon Forder Apr 25, 2024 4:46 PM
Choosing the best CO2 laser tube for your application is a vital step in ensuring your laser operation is as effective as possible. There are several factors to consider including the power output, the metal or glass core, the coolant supply, and the multi-mode operation.
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Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Power output
Using a laser tube with the correct power is critical to its performance. You can use a low-cost power meter to measure the power output of a laser tube.
Most manufacturers recommend using the optimum current for optimal results. Increasing the current beyond this will reduce the life of the tube. For instance, the manufacturer of a 60-watt tube recommends using 22mA or less.
The quality of a laser beam depends on the internal settings of the tube's optical tract. Using the TEM00 form ensures you will get a well-focused laser beam.
The best laser tube is the one that can do the job best. For example, a metal laser tube is better at pulsing. A metal tube also lasts longer than a glass tube. Similarly, a laser tube with a smaller diameter is better at producing smaller spots.
A laser tube with a smaller diameter will have a higher power output. It is also possible to cut thicker materials using less powerful lasers. However, you will need to slow your cutting speed or increase the power output to do the job.
The best laser tube is the one with a good warranty. Some unscrupulous sellers will rebadge defective tubes. You should also check the manufacturer's recommendations to make sure you are using the most effective current.
The most important part is to purchase your replacement tube from a trusted supplier. This way you can make sure you're getting a good value. You should also check the manufacturing date of the tube. The warranty on a replacement tube usually begins when it is manufactured.
The best co2 laser tube should have the following features: high output power, a good warranty, and a well-made power supply. It's also a good idea to have an emergency backup for when you need it.
Coolant supply
Having the right coolant supply for the best CO2 laser tube is important to the longevity of the laser. CO2 lasers are expensive and the right cooling equipment is crucial to avoid damaging the laser. In addition, if the water used to cool the laser is too hot, the laser will die slowly.
Typical coolant used in CO2 lasers is distilled water. However, this is not the only option available. Other tubing materials can be electrically conductive and leech impurities into the water.
In fact, there are a number of ways to cool a laser tube. One method uses a refrigerated cooler. This method can produce five times the laser power of a standard laser tube and is more expensive.
Another method involves using a small submersible pump. This method is more expensive but provides better cooling. This type of pump can be used in an ice water bucket. In addition, it allows the owner to control the temperature of the water.
Another method is to drill cooling passages into the flat surfaces of the laser tube housing. This approach has some advantages, but it can also be a hassle.
A final method involves a press-fitting process to achieve a tight fit between the laser tube housing and copper cooling tube 106. The process also ensures that the coolant will be able to move in parallel with the cooling tubes.
Using distilled water as a coolant is a good idea because it's void of minerals and has a lower conductivity. It also has a special antifreeze additive that prevents the tube from freezing. It also contains a surfactant that prevents microbubbles from forming due to surface tension.
Multi-mode operation
Using a co2 laser tube for laser cutting requires proper care and maintenance. Its performance will be hampered by dust inside the fan. Cleaning of the blades will ensure the efficient performance of the laser.
Typically, CO2 lasers have two tubes. A smaller sealed tube produces a few watts of continuous power. A larger, sealed tube will produce 40 to 80 watts of power.
The diameter of the tube determines the pressure of the gas. Smaller tubes produce higher pressures. Smaller tubes are usually made of glass. Metal tubes are more durable.
CO2 lasers operate in the infrared region of the spectrum. The laser action is triggered by photons that are spontaneously emitted in the tube. The beam is reflected by a semitransparent mirror and passes through a resonator. It then gains power.
The beam's shape is important for precision cutting. A well focused beam will result in finer cuts. A high reflector may be used in place of a mirror. Metal coated mirrors are also available.
A CO2 laser tube is usually water cooled via a chiller. A simple water pump is also available.
CO2 lasers are usually operated in continuous mode. However, they can also be operated in pulsed mode. The TEA laser design is a series of electrodes arranged along the length of the tube. They are designed to be transverse to the laser output. The voltage is discharged in short pulses. This is the most efficient way of excitation. The resulting energy is funneled to the desired location.
Most CO2 lasers are constructed using TEA designs. This is due to the ability to use high pressures for the discharge. TEA lasers can be built for tens of kilowatts of power.
Metal vs glass core
Whether to choose a metal vs glass core CO2 laser tube depends on a lot of factors. However, the two have similar primary attributes. They both perform well, have a long lifespan, and can meet your normal engraving, cutting, and marking demands.
Metal core CO2 lasers are air cooled and offer a broad range of power options. They also offer a long lifespan, which can be unlimited. This makes them ideal for a broad range of laser material processing applications.
Metal tubes are better for precision engraving because the spot size is smaller. However, they also cost more. In addition, they can have a longer turnaround time.
Glass tubes are cheaper, but they are also more fragile. They can be subject to damage during installation and shipment. They can also suffer from moisture and gas particles getting into the laser tube. This can cause premature loss of power. Consequently, replacement of the laser tube is required more often than on metal-core sources.
Generally, metal tubes are more accurate and have a longer lifespan. They also have better construction design, which translates into better reliability.
Glass tubes are cheaper, but they can be damaged during installation and shipment. They can also suffer the same problems as metal tubes. They can lose power and require replacement. This can lead to unexpected repair costs. Moreover, the lifespan of glass tubes is not as long as metal tubes. Glass tubes can only last 2,000 to 4,500 hours, while metal tubes can last 20000 hours or more.
Both types of CO2 lasers are affected by the degradation of the laser gas mixture. However, all CO2 laser designs suffer from this problem. The degree of sealing on CO 2 tubes is a crucial factor for determining reliability and durability. The purity of the gas also directly affects the quality of the beam.
CO2 laser tube manufacturer's data and recommendations
Obtaining data and recommendations from CO2 laser tube manufacturer's is essential for choosing the right tube for your project. There are a variety of options, including glass, metal, and plastic tubes. The size, power, and heat dissipation of a laser tube are all important factors to consider.
Laser tube manufacturer's data and recommendations are not exhaustive, but a few key points to consider can help you choose the best tube for your project. Among the most important is a clear path for the beam to follow. The beam quality will also depend on the internal setting of the tube's optical tract.
A low cost power meter can help you determine the power output of a laser tube. However, the actual percentage depends on application and throughput.
The most common CO2 lasers operate at a voltage of 20 kV. This voltage is achieved by either using a high voltage power supply or an RF power supply. It is important to select a power supply that will not cause you to experience electrocution or shock.
Some laser tubes are equipped with a beam stop that will prevent the laser from pointing directly at a person. This is important if you plan to operate the laser in an enclosed space.
A laser tube that is overdriven will result in a 50 percent decrease in output power. This can be prevented by choosing a tube that has a higher starting voltage.
An important feature to consider is a sealed water tank. Having a sealed water tank can help prevent permanent damage. The tank should also have an electrical interface to the laser. If you don't have a chiller, you may want to use a simple water pump.
