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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Not enough cooling or Duty cycle

Joined
May 23, 2013
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Hello Laser users,
Recently I purchased a 12x405 SO6 Blue Ray laser with housing, driver and lens for a project where I have to cut images out of sticker material. A few years ago I build a CNC mill and using this Laser with the CNC would be a perfect tool to make these stickers.
After receiving the laser, I build the laser into a proper heat sink as well as additional air cooling.
After some tweaking the system (Laser, CNC, software) it was working very well until the diode died several days ago.
I immediately checked the temperature of the housing but it didn't feel warm what so ever.
To prevent this from happening again, I need to know what killed the diode.
When I bought it, I was advised that it was adjusted to 500mA and it could be used with a 5V supply; I did follow this instruction. I powered the laser from the PC 5V supply. I provided proper cooling.
Did I run it too long? It was on for about three minutes? If so, what is the reason to switch off the laser, even if it doesn't feel warm.
Thanks for the feedback
Henk
 





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Aug 3, 2011
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How much use had it got? 500mA is generally the MAX for these diodes, and some don't run very long even at this power. The S06J diodes are very sensitive.
 
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Jul 22, 2012
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Was the PSU on CC or CV mode? If on the latter, this will cause a thermal runaway as the resistance lowers as the temp of the diode rises, allowing more and more current, eventually killing the diode.
 
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Jun 7, 2012
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I've had one of these die on me at 450ma when it wasn't even warm. A 445nm diode will be much tougher and give you the option for higher powers if a multimode is ok.
 
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As for the CV / CC mode; I have no idea. As I mentioned, I used teh 5VDc supply from my PC power supply.
What is proper substitute for this diode that can handle longer ON time. Using it in the CNC machine, it is not that easy stopping half way.
 
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This little guy right here should serve you well, generate less heat, and are known to be more resistant to degrading.
 
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Jul 22, 2012
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That's the problem, you need a constant current source to control the current, otherwise you will keep on killing you diode. HERE is a link to the schematic. I suggest you read "The I want to build a laser thread" before proceeding.
 
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Joined
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Sounds like he had a driver controlling the current on his diode and an appropriate "I assume" power supply. When I said mode I meant single mode vs multimode diode. Multimode I should think would be fine in your case.
 
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The laser came with a constant current driver. According to the vendor this has been adjusted to 500mA
 




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