Universal Laser Systems (ULS) VLS 4.60 Laser Replacement
About 8 years ago I purchased a 50w laser from ULS in Scottsdale AZ which I have used intermittently for prototyping and light production. Total hours are between 100-200 hours. I have noticed while trying to cut 1/4" acrylic that it will go all the way through for about 10-12 inches, then the power tapers off till it is barely scratching the surface.
It is located in a basement garage in Salt Lake City that stays relatively cool during the summer, very cold in the winter.
It has a 50W sealed metal laser tube, so there is no water chiller, I would say that about 70% of it's time has been spent at 100% power, I recently read that may not be good for it, and that it may be that I have ruined the laser head. Any thoughts on that?
I am curious if anyone has swapped out their metal tube for a glass tube? I haven't called ULS but I am sure they are going to want $5-8k for a replacement compared to a $130 glass tube, and considering my infrequent usage I may not notice a difference. The specs say I can put in a 60W laser, but I would love to go higher if possible. Here is the control module for the laser:
There seems to be just the two pins that could be redirected to a glass tube, then there are some DC power wires (the grey wires going to the fan) that could trigger a relay for a water pump.
Can I use the output wires and send it's signal through an amplifier to get higher output for a 200W laser tube? I would love to keep cutting 1/4" acrylic, but if I could do it faster and at a lower power setting so I don't max it out all the time that would be great.
Re: Universal Laser Systems (ULS) VLS 4.60 Laser Replacement
You will need to change a lot of other things besides the "tube" - Software, controller (compatible with the current motors), power supply, modify the enclosure to fit longer tubes, add water cooling system, etc.
Probably it is doable but very difficult. In the end, it could make more sense to just buy a new machine.
Re: Universal Laser Systems (ULS) VLS 4.60 Laser Replacement
Replacement tubes for similar sized Epilog lasers are only about $1200. Check actual pricing before digging too deep into a challenging retrofit project.
My Epilog tube is nearly dead. The people I have spoken with say they last longer when regularly used. Mine has always been an occasional use machine.... maybe a few times a month at most.
Universal Laser Systems (ULS) VLS 4.60 Laser Replacement
