keep-it-real
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- Nov 17, 2020
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K I've been digging through these forums for a while now and haven't quite found my answers. I recently built a 8' x 5.5' CNC machine to cut fabric using an Openbuilds Blackbox controller and paired it with a JTech Photonics 7w 445nm diode laser. I knew the choice of laser was a bit of a gamble, and it... mostly works. I'm able to cut darker fabrics at 10 IPM and kinda cut white/lighter fabrics at about 5 IPM. So yes it works, but it's definitely slower then expected and it leaves me looking for other options.
I'm hoping to avoid a CO2 set up because I have a fixed bed (without a Z axis) and I'm just not excited about the open laser and mirrors. Seems like a lot of complexity to me relative to the simplicity of the single diode. Feel free to just talk me into it cause I realize it is likely one of the most effective solutions.
K any suggestions on higher power lasers that could attach directly to the X-axis plate? And is there a wavelength that would work best for all colors of fabric? I'm mostly cutting nylon and polyester blends but plan on cutting more organics as well.
So far my best options seem to be an Coherent FAP800 (probably a 60w) which I'd probably gamble on again and buy one through ebay. If I went this route, I'd probably purchase this driver (recommendation by Alaskan): Laser Diode Driver 75A for Jenoptik, Coherent Pump YAG, YVO4,..Japan (I can't post links yet cause I'm new here but put that into ebay). I've heard that these have a pretty bad beam quality but I don't think that's super important for cutting fabric (I don't need any precise engraving ya know). Recommendations on a fiber and focusing lens that's compatible? Would you mount this directly to the x-axis plate or mount the FAP on the side of the machine and run the fiber through 10' of drag chain? Do you see any safety issues with this specific setup (including a used FAP) and leaving it running for long cut times on a CNC?
The other option could be the new 15w laser from optlaser: PLH3D-15W Engraving Laser Head Universal Kit (again at optlasers.com, first one in CNC and 3D section). Anyone know if this is truly 15w of optical power? I was under the impression that single diodes maxed out around 7w. I'm choking on the price tag a bit but I'd do it if I had to.
Any other recommendations for some legit cutting power? I'm hoping for the simplest plug 'n play solution possible but I'm also willing to go DIY if needed. I'm relatively new to lasers so I apologize if there are any obvious knowledge gaps above!
I'm hoping to avoid a CO2 set up because I have a fixed bed (without a Z axis) and I'm just not excited about the open laser and mirrors. Seems like a lot of complexity to me relative to the simplicity of the single diode. Feel free to just talk me into it cause I realize it is likely one of the most effective solutions.
K any suggestions on higher power lasers that could attach directly to the X-axis plate? And is there a wavelength that would work best for all colors of fabric? I'm mostly cutting nylon and polyester blends but plan on cutting more organics as well.
So far my best options seem to be an Coherent FAP800 (probably a 60w) which I'd probably gamble on again and buy one through ebay. If I went this route, I'd probably purchase this driver (recommendation by Alaskan): Laser Diode Driver 75A for Jenoptik, Coherent Pump YAG, YVO4,..Japan (I can't post links yet cause I'm new here but put that into ebay). I've heard that these have a pretty bad beam quality but I don't think that's super important for cutting fabric (I don't need any precise engraving ya know). Recommendations on a fiber and focusing lens that's compatible? Would you mount this directly to the x-axis plate or mount the FAP on the side of the machine and run the fiber through 10' of drag chain? Do you see any safety issues with this specific setup (including a used FAP) and leaving it running for long cut times on a CNC?
The other option could be the new 15w laser from optlaser: PLH3D-15W Engraving Laser Head Universal Kit (again at optlasers.com, first one in CNC and 3D section). Anyone know if this is truly 15w of optical power? I was under the impression that single diodes maxed out around 7w. I'm choking on the price tag a bit but I'd do it if I had to.
Any other recommendations for some legit cutting power? I'm hoping for the simplest plug 'n play solution possible but I'm also willing to go DIY if needed. I'm relatively new to lasers so I apologize if there are any obvious knowledge gaps above!