Testing Laser Output

[shaun091382]

With a Universal VLS 3.50 30 watt laser tube....is there a way of testing the output to see what its life span is..when it comes to buying a used machine?

Any tips on private sale of a used machine 4 to 5 years in age?

Thanks

[Tweakie]

Shaun,

I really don't think power output is a true indication of life expectancy with lasers any more than it is with anything else (don't cars always go best when they are new and again when they are just about to die).

If you buy a second user machine I would include the cost of a replacement / refurbished tube in the price just to get the true picture of the cost. If the existing tube goes on for years then that is to be considered a real bonus.

Tweakie.

[Rodney Gold]

The best test is to take a file with various objects in it that will test the lasers motion system , its tube quality and sort of test its output.
Use a solid filled object like a square 3" x 3" , check that the solid engraving is free of "waves" or bands and is consistent and nicely frosted. (use clear acrylic)
Try a 3" circle that is vector engraved at high speed , check the circle that its smooth
Use a laticework grid consisting of thick lines , that is raster engraved , check the vertical lines are even.
Try some very small times roman text , it should be readable at 1mm height and the edges of the letters should be straight
Take a 10x jewlers loupe or magnifying glass with you.
Try a bitmap picture , see how the laser renders it.
Cut both a 3" circle and square out of 3mm perspex , check the edge quality and see that the circle is round and smooth.
Cut a square out of 6mm perspex , the laser should do it in a single pass and the sides of the square from the top side of the piece to the bottom should be vertical and not sloping at all.
Look at the mirrors and lenses , they must be pristine , no scratches or dullness. there should be no slop in any of the motion system components of the laser.
Take the serial no on the tube and ask whomever made it when it was made and if it has been repaired.
I have 6 lasers with synrad and coherent tubes, not one of them has lasted me 5 years despite the 20 000 hour "promises".

[MCPservice]

Check with a company called Laserbits, they rental Laser output meters.