Hi, we have been using our laser cutter for about 8 years now. We have just started having trouble cutting multiple pieces from a full size sheet of 3mm acrylic (304x608). For example we wanted to cut a full sheet of discs with a hole to make little wheels.
The problem is, it only cuts about 10 discs then seems to run out of puff and just engraves the surface instead of cutting through.
We have: cleaned the optics, cleaned the extraction pipes, hoovered out under the platen, reset focus using z.
If we cut a few at a time all goes well. We are stumped, any advice?
Cheers Nick
Erratic cutting for vls3.50
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Re: Erratic cutting for vls3.50
It sounds like a classic case of the laser tube. You will need to get a service exchange unit.
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Re: Erratic cutting for vls3.50
We just had the same issue, managed 10yrs from ours so not bad going really.
Once the new one was fitted and calibrated (just reset the axis as per the instructions) job is a good one!
I have found recently a massive variance in acrylic thickness. With sheets being 2.7mm at one end and 3.4mm at the other.
So setting at 3mm can at times lead to not cutting correctly. Well worth getting a calliper or micrometre on the acrylic and setting it correctly.
Pete
Once the new one was fitted and calibrated (just reset the axis as per the instructions) job is a good one!
I have found recently a massive variance in acrylic thickness. With sheets being 2.7mm at one end and 3.4mm at the other.
So setting at 3mm can at times lead to not cutting correctly. Well worth getting a calliper or micrometre on the acrylic and setting it correctly.
Pete
Re: Erratic cutting for vls3.50
Thanks for replies,
What sort of money are we looking at for a tube?
Cheers Nick
What sort of money are we looking at for a tube?
Cheers Nick
-
- CNC Guru
- Posts: 613
- Joined: Tue 29 Apr , 2014 18:38 pm
- Hardware/Software: Starturn 5 (sort of running, I will get this done!)
Lathe cam designer V1.11
Quickturn 2D Design
FANUC offline and online programs.
Microrouter Pro NS V5 (microstep)
VR2 and VR5
Boxford VMC260
Techsoft 2d Design tools V1 > V2
ProDesktop
Fusion 360
Deskproto
Re: Erratic cutting for vls3.50
Not sure on yours, I think ours may be and older VL, but it was about £1100/1200 (we got new mirror/lens and honeycomb bed too so the bill was a lot more) it was a case of take out the old 'box' fit the new and Denford collected the old one 'service exchange'.
Pete
Pete
Re: Erratic cutting for vls3.50
It's around £1000 depending on wattage. Graham would need to know the machine type, serial number & serial number of the laser tube (to get the laser tube serial number remove the back cover (2 screws from underneath))
Re: Erratic cutting for vls3.50
Thanks people, contacted Graham who agreed with diagnosis.
Quote for spares with the head teacher
Cheers NIck
Quote for spares with the head teacher
![:loads-a-money:](./images/smilies/money.gif)
Cheers NIck