Full Version: 40 watts, how to tell?
From: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#12]
27 Feb 2007
To: ALL
the Glass tubes are not stable , they will lose power over about 800 hrs of operation to 1/2.
And its actually not wattage that counts , it's power density that does. IE the power over area figure.
For example if your laser had a larger spot size with more power , it might underperfom a lower power laser with a much more concentrated spot.
If your laser has a water jacket , investing in a small chiller will pay dividends in tube stability and life. The tubes are realtively cheap , but increases in stability and extended life means you dont have to constantly change settings.
I was quoted a price of $1000 for the machine you have and I thought it very little money to take a chance on , even if it did 1/2 of what it claimed , it would still make you money. Your samples look good.
Try cut 3mm perspex , you should go thru at max power at a rate of at least 2" per second , you can time a square. thet will tell you that you are at least at rated or near rated power.
From: PenTrophy (PENINSULATROPHY) [#13]
27 Feb 2007
To: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#12] Unread
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#14]
27 Feb 2007
To: ALL
I think I will do what Rodney is suggesting.
By the way there is a PW-250 power wizard on ebay with 3 days to go at 349.00.
And there are several other items that for about $150 you can put together a power measuring device. That is using your own multimeter.
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#15]
27 Feb 2007
To: Rodney Gold (RODNEY_GOLD) [#12] Unread
I will cut the 3mm acrylic and see what I get. Thats what I was looking for, something easy just to get a general idea of where I am at right now. With a new tube. Later I can compare and judge the power loss.
I think I can get replacement tubes for $175 plus shipping, that is just a quote and I have not actually tried to get the tubes at that price.
I can get a tube from the laser manufacturer for $250 plus shipping. That is really less than a new set of sublimation inks, I can just consider the tube an expendible item.