Need Help!- Anti Freeze mix for Laser cooling system

[hexpope]

Hi guys,

I have a question in which I can't seem to find a accurate answer for. The winters here have been getting colder and colder in Ireland. Last winter it really got cold and the water froze in my laser tube and expanded and destroyed the tube completely.

So I am wondering, can I put an anti freeze mix into my water cooling system for my laser machine. As I need to use my laser during the winter months in my workshop without the damage caused by water freezing?


Thanks for your input

[Ken_Shea]

I have read where many use antifreeze and I intend to do the same. Follow the chart on the container for the temperature you want to protect too and the appropriate water/antifreeze mix ratio. Whether you use the RV type or general use auto antifreeze does not seem to make any difference, the RV type is less expensive but does not have rust inhibitors or water pump lube in it, both additives may not be a bad idea.

Ken

[hexpope]

Thanks Ken for the information regarding my question. I will have a look at those two types and ask some dealers for information too about the products.

Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

[Ken_Shea]

You know more about lasers then I do but I think the water is always to be distilled water, though I have read where people have used drinking water it seems like a bad idea to me due to minerals in the water depositing themselves over time on the glass surfaces.

Hopefully on 08/02 my laser is to arrive at the warehouse for pick up, though this is the third date given me that it is being delivered. Makes one wonder just how long they are permitted to wait till it is cost effective to ship. It cost $567 to ship laser from China to New York port of entry then truck freighted to Toledo, Ohio a land distance of over 500 miles.
The Towne Air warehouse in Toledo wants almost $500 to bring it to the shop which is 110 miles from them in Toledo, Ohio, I can drive the 5 hour round trip with a trailer for about $50, so they won't be getting the $500 this time around.

[hexpope]

Originally Posted by Ken_Shea Hopefully on 08/02 my laser is to arrive at the warehouse for pick up, though this is the third date given me that it is being delivered. Makes one wonder just how long they are permitted to wait till it is cost effective to ship. It cost $567 to ship laser from China to New York port of entry then truck freighted to Toledo, Ohio a land distance of over 500 miles. The Towne Air warehouse in Toledo wants almost $500 to bring it to the shop which is 110 miles from them in Toledo, Ohio, I can drive the 5 hour round trip with a trailer for about $50, so they won't be getting the $500 this time around.

Hi Ken, Yes I already use that type of water, just need to make it less freezable it theres such a word. My laser machine came with a UV filter with it also which is good.

In regards of the waiting times for your laser. I had the same issues too. Ain't it hard to wait for something! I got my laser from "Strong Signs Digitech" and I waited about 7 weeks in total. It came by ship of course. Plus the customs. I collected myself, but only had to travel about 120 miles. The thing was so wide I had to take down my workshop door. Which laser and company did you buy it from ?

[hexpope]

Oh and also, the minute you get the laser at home and setup, hopefully it's in English on the DSP. Mine was in Chinese and it was pure luck getting it into English.

Next setup is make sure you Align the mirrors perfectly before use, and be safe while doing so. I got burn on the index finger by mistake. I bought protection glasses for this very purpose.

[Ken_Shea]

I like the UV filter idea, where is that located?
Can you take a picture of it when you get a chance?

I have not yet figured how to get it inside
There is a garage door but inside are several larger pieces blocking sufficient clearance, moving them is an option to get it inside but right inside is not where it will live. Once inside the garage door there is another wall in the way and it will not come close to fitting through a door, with the base removed and tilted on it's side it is still 45" wide.

As it is now there are two options, one move machines to get it inside and then cut an opening in a side wall to move it to that room or cut a hole large enough from outside directly into the room where it wll be put, neither solution is particularly exciting for me.

It will be about 7 weeks if this delivery date is good as well.
The laser was bought from XYZ-Tech, model EXLAS 1410.

The soft ware is an English version but have heard it has areas that are not a good English translation and can be quite confusing. Hopefully their after sale support is good, they say it is but what else would they say, so far support has been excellent.

[Ken_Shea]

I am on the Strong Signs Digitech site now, which model did you get?

[hexpope]

Very nice Laser indeed. Did you go for the 80 watt ? or the higher up ? judging by what you were saying about the space and walls, looks like I got away easy so !!!

Im currently running a 60 watt ATM, it suits me perfectly. Although the mirrors that came with it were absouletly garbage. I have to buy some new ones. I have just replaced the tube in my own now. So I need to align all them again. Not looking forward to that.

I can't take a picture of the filter now as it's 01:30 in the morning, but I will do so tomorrow.

[hexpope]

This is the laser I bought.

Strong Signs DigiTech Co. Ltd

I also got the rotary attachment with it.

[Ken_Shea]

Ha-Ha 1:30am , time to call it a day I'd say for you.
Was just wondering what time it was in Ireland.

It seems most of the Chinese lasers are pretty much the same, a different face, different color but over all much the same components. But some are built much better with greater attention to detail which is quickly improving . I Had heard similar thought on the mirrors and lens so purchased import mirrors and lens, wa snot all that much difference. It was ordered with a 130W RECI and the cabinet is gray and off white, hated the red and gray.

Get some sleep, we will talk later.

Ken

[Ken_Shea]

That is a very nice looking machine with excellent specs, rails made in Japan, I'd like that, will have to wait to see where the EXLAS 1400's are made.

is your Laser hobby or are you building a business?