Description of the problem:

Poor Cutting/Marking - normally seen as poor edge quality, faint engraving or incomplete cuts when power and speed settings are unchanged for that specific material

Possible Causes:

1. Contamination on Mirrors
2. Focusing Lens
3. Auto Focus Pen
4. Nozzle contaminated
5. Laser Misaligned

Possible Solutions:

1. Inspect all turning mirrors.
   1. Are they clean and clear
   2. Clean with IPA to remove any dirt build up (especially after cutting MDF or Ply)
2. Ensure the correct focusing lens is fitted for the job:
   1. 2” Lens (50.8) Engraving
   2. 2.5” Lens (63.5) Cutting & Engraving
   3. 4” Lens (100) Cutting
3. Inspect focus lens for damage & contamination, clean or replace if necessary. (IPA only)
4. Check the lens is correct side up (the slightly convex side of the lens should be facing the laser) 
   1. 
5. Ensure the beam alignment through the nozzle is central
   1. Use alignment tool or checkout blog#9.
   2. Check is the nozzle tip is warm after cutting. If the beam is centrally aligned then the nozzle should be cold, if the beam is out of alignment the nozzle tube will be warm/hot. 
6. Ensure the focus height is set correctly (appox 44.5mm) 
   1. 
7. Check nozzle for any contamination
   
   1. Are there any blockages 
   2. Is the Nozzle tip damaged or dented
8. Check Laser Alignment on the turning mirrors

Description of Problem:

Low Laser intensity while running a job - normally seen as incomplete cuts even though power and speed settings are normal for that specific material. 

Possible Causes:

1. Contamination on Mirrors and Lens
2. Laser Misaligned
3. Lens assembly nozzle blocked
4. Software Setting
5. Chiller
6. Tube Fault
7. Laser PSU Fault

Possible Solutions:

1. Inspect all turning mirrors, clean if necessary. Inspect focus lens, clean if necessary (only use IPA on lens).
   1. Check the lens is correct side up (the slightly convex side of the lens should be facing the laser) 
2. Check Laser Alignment on the turning mirrors.
   1. Ensure the beam alignment through the nozzle is central
   2. Is the nozzle warm after cutting? If yes then the beam is not central in the nozzle
3. Check nozzle is free of debris.
   1. Clean with IPA or acetone with a cotton bud
4. Ensure the power settings within the job file are set correctly
   1. check the cutting parameters data sheet as a guide or starting point
5. Check the water in the chiller and pipes for any contamination or debris.
   1. Flush chiller and re fill with clean purified water or distilled water.
   2. Check for air bubbles in tube.
6. Inspect the tube for damage
   1. visual check for cracks or leaks
   2. are HV leads securely attached to terminals and secured to the tiube
7. Ensure the correct current is displayed on the Amp meter on the front of the machine above the controller.
   1. 40W: 20mA
   2. 60W: 22mA
   3. 80W: 27mA
   4. 100W: 28mA
   5. 130W: 29mA

Not necessarily, it all depends on your application. Using a 150W laser to cut thin card would be like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. Laser tubes also become more expensive as the power output increases – buying the most powerful laser could be an expensive overkill. Come and talk to us if you have any questions regarding laser power

This depends on the laser power, an 80 Watt machine will be able to cut thicker materials than a 40 Watt. The 80 Watt machine will also cut the midrange of materials quicker than the 40 Watt. We would be happy to match the power to the application for you – just drop us a call and we can talk you through it.

The CO2 Lightblade range can engrave the same materials as it can cut (woods, leathers, plastics, rubbers and foams) the system can also engrave minerals such as slate, marble and glass. The Lightblade dual source machines, which combine a CO2 and fibre laser sources are also able to engrave a wide range of metals as well such as stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium, brass, copper and titanium.