Head moves, laser fires but does not engrave!

[dutchy357]

G'day Guys

I am still low on the learning curve for the T2 software.

I was using our Laser engraver to engrave the Mens Shed logos on some bird boxes we are making. After engraving about 18 the engraver no longer engraves properly.

All the settings are default settings except for changing the size and the resolution after the problem started.

The machine appears to be working OK, the head is travelling and the laser is on but it doesn't completely engrave the logo. A couple missed some sections and now only fragments are engraved. If I increase the resolution to .1 (from .2) it burns more completely but takes twice as long.

Am I looking at a software problem or a hardware problem?

The machine is a "10W Laser Engraver Engraving Machine CNC USB Desktop Metal Stone Printer Cutter" purchased off eBay.

Regards Dutchy

[Zax]

It sounds like the laser is failing, since there's no such diode as a 10W it may have been a 6W over-driven and that would have a very short life time or it could be 10W electrical input power which is about 2.5W optical power. Reducing the resolution just makes it go over the same line twice so if the laser has lost power that would compensate but probably won't give a very good engrving if the laser isn't stable.

[dutchy357]

Thanks Zax

I was afraid of something like that.

Is it economical to replace the laser?

How do I know if the rest of the hardware will support a different laser?

If it is economical, where do I source the parts?

Regards Dutchy

[Zax]

What type of controller board do you have and is the laser a TTL or the older 2-wire module?

That will determine which laser modules you can use, but they range from under $40 to $100's (or more) depending on power, quality etc.

[dutchy357]

Hi Zax

Hopefully the attached photo's will answer your questions.








Regards Dutchy

[Zax]

It's a generic board but supports a TTL laser so you should be able to replace it with any modern laser module.

I like that they claim output power of 10 to 20W, you probably can get 20W for about 5 seconds - haha. More likely that's the electrical input power and they just lie to make it sound more impressive.

I have had good results with the Eleksmaker brand, they are rated accurately and last a long time (based on my experience with 3 modules) but buyer beware as there are many fakes using their name for this reason.

[dutchy357]

Hi Zax

Thank you for that.

I guess the "Metal Stone Printer Cutter" part of the description was just BS!

I have found an Eleksmaker on Banggood that I think would suit.

EleksMaker® EL01-2500 445nm 2500mW Blue Laser Module PWM Modulation 2.54-3P DIY Engraving Machine.

I hope they have a good record.

Dutchy

[ThothLoki]

I have an EleksMaker 2.5W module and it is absolutely awesome