Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?


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Thread: Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

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    Default Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

    I am working out a build for a 50w co2 laser to make lamacoids. Them seem to want 40-60w to cut/engrave nicely, But I also want to be able to cut 3/4" plywood, Acrylic, and maybe even thin aluminium with o2 assist.

    A 50w tube is pretty reasonably priced, and two are still significantly less than a single 80w even. So is it possible to stack or link or somehow double up lasers? or even 3? Run only one for the lamacoids and then more for cutting?

    I am really trying to keep my costs down. Thanks for any help.




    PS, this is lamacoid material I plan on using. I am a little surprised a 5w diode laser wouldn't work for it.
    https://www.engraving-supplies.ca/la...c/trolase.html

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    Default Re: Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

    Forget 3/4" standard plywood and 50W lasers. Forget "amateur" O2 assist. You are not first who is trying to do "magic". Both - in business/production meaning.

    Polish @ Éire


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    Quote Originally Posted by abyss View Post
    Forget 3/4" standard plywood and 50W lasers. Forget "amateur" O2 assist. You are not first who is trying to do "magic". Both - in business/production meaning.

    So can you double up tubes or not?
    O2 assist with the right head seems straightforward, I have less questions about it than cutting the lamicoids.



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    Default Re: Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

    Short answer - in practice NO. You could not keep them both in focus on exactly the one spot.
    If you are trying to be commercial, buy commercial gear.

    Cheers
    Roger



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    Quote Originally Posted by RCaffin View Post
    Short answer - in practice NO. You could not keep them both in focus on exactly the one spot.
    If you are trying to be commercial, buy commercial gear.

    Cheers
    Roger
    I'll be making 5-10 lamicoids (1"*3" for the most part) a week, they are cheap, but the turnaround and hassle getting them has me looking at other options.

    And cutting wood and maybe aluminum is just because I might as well if it's cost effective enough.

    If I can find a deal on a 150w that would be ideal.



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    Default Re: Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jeff000 View Post
    So can you double up tubes or not?
    O2 assist with the right head seems straightforward, I have less questions about it than cutting the lamicoids.
    You mean something like this? https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Ruid...792034746.html - It is really risky to do O2 installation by your own. Not because I'm jealous, but I don't want to hear about burnt or killed people. By the way - do you know O2 pressure and consumption level of laser cutters? This is definitely NOT low-budget solution. Some companies use own O2 production line due cutting costs. Back to 2 lasers: There was solutions which was using 2 lasers beams - one from top and one from down - but synchronize mechanic and holding material was only one part. There is influence from one laser to the other and you can expect overheating and damage of laser internal mirrors and lenses. If you still decide to make this machine - can I come back to you after one year and ask/publish results? It will be interesting.

    Polish @ Éire


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    Default Re: Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

    Suggest you look at prices at Lightobject. They have several 80W tubes for less than the cost of two 40W tubes and even a Reci 80W for a good price. Add in the price of two small power supplies vs one larger one and you are much better off just getting a larger tube.

    Here is the link to their page.
    Laser Tubes



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    Wink Re: Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jeff000 View Post
    So can you double up tubes or not?
    Of course, you can. That is simple.
    If you are optical laser engeneer. Or optical at least But you ain't.

    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?-synrad_02-1-jpg  
    CNC lasers, constructions, service


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    Default Re: Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

    delete... see below



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    Default Re: Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

    it is my understanding that CO2 cannot be used to cut aluminum. mild and stainless steel... yes. aluminum...no. if you want to cut num num..you'll need a YAG laser.

    also 150W single will barely go through 3mm steel.

    http://www.cnczone.com/forums/genera...46502-cnc.html

    Last edited by SignWave; 10-11-2017 at 12:30 PM.


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Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?

Can I set up two laser tubes to get double the power?