Cutting nozzle for CO2 laser

[dar303]

Hi,

Has anybody tried to make their own cutting nozzle with air/gas assist for their CO2 laser?
I have a 16W Synrad and a 50mm focal lenght lens that will need som air assist to protect the lens from fumes. I notice that many commercial cutters use a very small distance between nozzle and the surface to be cut, is that to keep the air/gas stream concentrated close to the focal point?

Also, how important is motorized focus on the cutting head, is that usually controlled from software or just as well set manually? I am thinking of using Mach3 for my machine.

[Litografa]

Which material you want cut? And what is your laser brand?

[nophead00]

Somebody made one and described it here http://www.imajeenyus.com/v6/laser_c...st/index.shtml

[dar303]

Hi, I have been absent from the forum a while, nice to see some posts in this thread!
My machine is home built and not completed yet. Is going to be a machine with a fixed portal with a Z axis with the laser on, no flying optics. X/Y is linear slides with Berger-Lahr steppers and drivers salvaged from a 3D scanner.

The machine is mostly going to be used for engraving and marking of various materials like glass, wood, porceline and maybe anodized alu with marking spray if the power is enough.

I may attach a fiber laser, 808 or 1064nm, later to cut/engrave thin metal but I'll try the Synrad first.

Thanks for the link to the nozzle, I'll try something similar I think.