English

Do diode lasers subtly burn out after heavy usage?

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Laser
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2023-02-23

I’m running a lengthy cut-thru project with the equivalent of an Atomstack LaserStorm S10 (PerGear branded). BTFW, by lengthy, I mean lengthy. I’ve already had to replace the power supply and upgrade the amperage. I’m about 2/3 of the way thru the project, literally weeks down the road (I have cooperating roommates monitoring while I’m sleeping). Hopefully it’s clear that that I’ve learned the hard way with this device ( started a few fires etc). I’m burning thru 15mm cedar so I have a reasonable, experiential expectation of how long it takes to burn one closed loop in this material.

 

So here’s my prob - it seems to me that this !0W diode laser has weakened. It has burned thru 90% of this particular closed loop. It keeps burning but not getting thru the last 5 -10 %.

 

Is it getting old and tired? Voltage is good, lens is clean, I let it all rest last night.

 

 

C
    • Gilbert

      2023-02-24
      A few things could be happening . The lens is getting dirty . The wiring to the laser heats up and already is not of sufficient cross section to carry the current drawn.
      The laser has good cooling so it not likely to be that .
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        • : I would clean the lens until it is uniform . Isopropyl alcohol and a cotton bud. The power supply could be sagging when hot and as the origionals are usually underrated any way . A voltage meter will reveal more concrete facts to work with …just clean the lens fingers crossed.

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