Laser Tube Glows, but Does Not Cut

[jgecik]

Many thanks to the fine folks here on the forum for blazing a trail on the way to a working laser cutter.

Here's the deal: I have my K40 machine all wired up according to the wiring diagram and everything seems to work well with the exception of the laser tube. The laser tube is the stock K40 tube. Whenever I press the "Laser" button on the DSP LCD, the tube glows (like in picture below) but fails to burn anything. After checking and re-checking everything else and rewiring the machine for a third time, I'm thinking my tube went bad. I'd like to get your input before I do anything else.

As you can see, I've got glow, but no laser.


If the problem IS indeed the tube, and I have to buy a new one, would this laser tube be appropriate for the K40 machine? I have a power supply similar to this link from Light Object.

Finally, how do I go about properly wiring up a laser tube? On the K40 machine, the anode (and presumably the cathode) wire were simply wrapped around the bit of metal protruding from the glass. I did this when I reconnected the laser tube to the rest of the circuit. Could that be the problem?

All the best, and thank you.

[Tech_Marco]

Yes, the tube is dead. Either mirror damage or gas leak. You need a new tube replacement. How much current did you feed it?
You just need to warp up the cathode or anode, then use a cable tide to tide up the cable. Then, apply silicon glue to cover the connection to avoid electric arching. Do not use soldering iron trying to fix the cable to the pin. Doing so will cause damage to the tube

Marco

[waltfl]

hi there
check your out lens part maybe is dirty or blocked, because even if the tube is bad it shows some burn mark at this distance.
greetings
waltfl

Many thanks to the fine folks here on the forum for blazing a trail on the way to a working laser cutter.

Here's the deal: I have my K40 machine all wired up according to the wiring diagram and everything seems to work well with the exception of the laser tube. The laser tube is the stock K40 tube. Whenever I press the "Laser" button on the DSP LCD, the tube glows (like in picture below) but fails to burn anything. After checking and re-checking everything else and rewiring the machine for a third time, I'm thinking my tube went bad. I'd like to get your input before I do anything else.

As you can see, I've got glow, but no laser.


If the problem IS indeed the tube, and I have to buy a new one, would this laser tube be appropriate for the K40 machine? I have a power supply similar to this link from Light Object.

Finally, how do I go about properly wiring up a laser tube? On the K40 machine, the anode (and presumably the cathode) wire were simply wrapped around the bit of metal protruding from the glass. I did this when I reconnected the laser tube to the rest of the circuit. Could that be the problem?

All the best, and thank you.

[jgecik]

M: Yes, the tube is dead. Either mirror damage or gas leak. You need a new tube replacement.

That solves that problem.

M: How much current did you feed it?

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I rewired my machine about two months ago and it didn't work then and I hadn't changed any settings from when it did work. I'll be picking up a current meter with a new tube.

M: You just need to warp up the cathode or anode, then use a cable tide to tide up the cable. Then, apply silicon glue to cover the connection to avoid electric arching. Do not use soldering iron trying to fix the cable to the pin. Doing so will cause damage to the tube

Excellent, excellent. Would this tube work with the K40? (http://www.lightobject.com/45W-CO2-Seal ... -P751.aspx) I know someone mentioned in another thread that the case of the K40 would have to be modified, which is fine by me.

Thanks again.

[Tech_Marco]

Yes, that 45W (max 50W) tube (1000mm) tube works if you can make a hole on the side of the case to let the tube to extend out.
I'm thinking to do a "DIY" project showing how to do it. Plus, I need to show you guys how to make a water evaporate cooling system capable to cool 60W or even 80W laser tube. Been thinking about it and hopefully I can get it out in 2 weeks

Marco

[jgecik]

Yes, that 45W (max 50W) tube (1000mm) tube works if you can make a hole on the side of the case to let the tube to extend out.
I'm thinking to do a "DIY" project showing how to do it. Plus, I need to show you guys how to make a water evaporate cooling system capable to cool 60W or even 80W laser tube. Been thinking about it and hopefully I can get it out in 2 weeks

Marco

Awesome. Thank you again, Marco. I'll be placing my order next week.