PwM control of laser power

[Tom Eldredge]

Does the AWC608 reduce the laser power via pwm around tight curves and is this necessary?

Tom

[Tech_Marco]

Yes, the DSP output is "PWM" signal. Not sure what did you mean of "is it necessary". What do you want to do with the controller? And, what kind of power supply do you have? Sounds you may have an analog PS, aren't you?

Marco

[Tom Eldredge]

I am trying to learn all I can about laser cutters before I start construction on mine. I reasoned that as the axis accelerates and decels the laser power would need to be reduced accordingly as its speed was reduced. I figure this must be a function of the control.

I have also heard that some of the laser power supplies sold by some of the Chinese distributors are poorly made. Can you recommend one?

I am thinking of using an AWC608 interface and running a 90 Watt laser to cut wood and acrylic for various projects. I am choosing the higher power so that I can have a longer focus length.

Thanks for your response. Somehow I missed it at the time you wrote it.

Tom Eldredge

[Tech_Marco]

The DSP will take care speed and power for you. That's why using DSP instead of those 3-axis board (TB6560) that I successfully converted it for laser cutter. But the TB6560 leak of the processing power for calculating the speed and power, so it's only good for outline image or cutting where speed and power are less concerned during working. It rely on a software like Mach3, Kcam, or EMC2. But for I understand, Mach3 isn't good for doing engraving, eventhough I was able to use it's PWM but it's difficult and the result not very great. I guess it's because I wasn't a "CNC guy"

For doing cutting, try using longer focus lens like the 75mm. But if you have to do both cutting and engraving, I'll suggest 50.8mm or the 65mm(If I'm not forgotten). Shorter focus lens is good for engraving but not good for cutting. That's why the 50.8mm is more popular as it lay in the middle of both.

90W? Strange tube. Usually there is 80W tube or 100W. But 90W, it's the first time I heard. Anyway, "90W" should give you plenty of power to do both task. You should be able to cut 1/3" wood or 8mm acrylic with approcimately 20mm/s (guess only)


Marco