laser poor results

[dominic gailgan]

Hi I have a k40 type Chinese laser engraver. I have had lots of trouble aligning the beam. But I'm unsure what this machine will do. The tests I've done so far have only given a burnt image but no engraving. Should this machine be able to engrave wood, plastic, ect? If so how do I get it to do so?
Thanks Dom

[mondo50m]

I have the same machine. I have cut acrylic and birch plywood with mine. Unfortunately, my power supply went 'belly up'. One is supposed to be on its way to me. I have engraved on Lexan, Acrylic, plywood, tiles, and granite, with some good results. Get it lined up and you should be fine. Mine focuses at 50.8mm. Yours probably does also.

Milt

[dominic gailgan]

Hi sorry for this but what do you mean 50.8mm to focus? So when you say engrave do you mean that it does more than burn? Is mine only burning because it's not focused properly? And how do you focus your machine?
Thanks Dom

[Exsecratio]

Hiya Dom,

Have a read of this for an explanation of depth of field and focal length.

OPLaser support forum • View topic - Understanding Depth Of Field (DOF)

best wishes

Dave

[dominic gailgan]

Thank you that answers some of my questions about why I'm only getting a burnt effect no engraving. It's a pity the seller did not give us a descent manual with this machine. Or answered our questions. But what can you expect from a chinese drop shipper selling on ebay. We had our fingers burnt but are just trying to get this laser going. I hope now armed with this focusing information as well as beam setting information we'll get it going.
Thanks Dom