I am trying to laser anodized aluminum pieces using a template. The template is 19" across so I can get 10 pieces in. My problem is that the first and last pieces in the template from left to right are not lasering satisfactorily. Like there is not enough power there. The rest of them are fine.

I have cleaned optics, encoder strip, table is level, cant think of anything else

Jeff

Can you move the template (and artwork) over to the right a bit and stick a scrap piece to the left and right of it and then add a vertical line the height of your engraving onto them? My thought is that maybe the problem is happening at the ends where the rastering is slowing down to reverse directions, so by basically making the whole thing larger, then that area where it slows down might end up on the scraps instead of on the good ones.

A similar thought is to adjust the speed/power so the speed is slower and that might change the differences in the areas where it reverses direction.

i guess i could try that. Maybe i have a ramping problem. I ran this file about a month ago and everything worked fine. Don't know

Jeff

Most lasers will not handle the left inch properly, some not the right inch either. It is the acceleration/deceleration problem in controlling the power. Xenotec solved this problem by specing the table at a lesser width than possible and not engraving there.

When I need to do things within the left inch, I put in a 1" shim on the table and move the layout 1" to the right.

You can get around it by reducing the speed of the machine. Different machines, different amounts. All in all the way I do it is the fastest for me.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

I understand the issue that could be caused by ramping but............

This is a repeat customer for me and last time I ran this file/job there was no problems at all

I have a template that has 10 across and 5 down. The last time I ran the job everything worked fine, but today all I can get to work is taking the first and last rows off.

Don't know what to do at this point cuz its the weekend.

Lasers do change over time, usually not a short time though.

I have heard of that when the tickle adjustment needs alterations. Maybe due to loss of tube gas. But a week or two would be the first time I have heard of such a short time. Try calling their service department and see if they have any ideas.

In the meantime leaving off the end rows keeps you in business.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.