[ML-General] laser

[Ryan Coons]

The amber ZnSe lens material eventually breaks down into Zn and Se,
creating the dark spots. CO2 transmission optics are wear items, like brake
pads.

On Mon, Nov 18, 2019, 10:35 AM Joshua Pritt <ramgarden at gmail.com> wrote:

> Just an FYI we recently noticed a drop in power and had to turn up the
> power and lower the speed for cutting on the laser at Melbourne Makerspace.
> We did the one pass with qtips on the mirrors like mentioned above but it
> didn't help. We saw that the final lens in the system had a dark spot that
> wouldn't clean off so we removed it thinking it was dirty on the back side
> somehow. As soon as we removed it we could tell it was not something you
> could clean. We put a brand new lens in and now it is better than when we
> bought it! What normally took 70 to 80% power to cut all the way through
> now only needs 30%! So just a heads up on something else to check if you
> notice the power dropping on the cuts.
>
> On Sun, Nov 17, 2019, 8:38 PM Norm Marshall <normcooks at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> The laser has been working fine for me all day. If you would like some
>> assistance in focusing it, I am happy to help
>>
>> Norm Marshall
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 17, 2019, 6:04 PM Ryan Coons <ryancoonsyhg at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> DO NOT USE RUBBING ALCOHOL ON OPTICS.
>>>
>>> Propylnol can destroy the anti-reflective coatings and other
>>> treatments.  Methanol (wood alcohol) should be used instead. Clear vinegar
>>> is acceptable for use on the ZnSe optics in CO2 laser systems.
>>>
>>> On Sun, Nov 17, 2019, 2:57 PM Wesley Swift <wesleyswift2 at gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I am fond of q-tips and rubbing alcohol.   Shake off excess alcohol and
>>>> make a pass on the glass.  Don't rub.   Use each end for one pass only and
>>>> toss it or use to clean non optical parts.
>>>> Microfiber is also great  stuff but q-tips are better with liquids.
>>>> Don't rub.
>>>>
>>>> Wes
>>>>
>>>> On Sat, Nov 16, 2019, 10:22 PM Bradley Marshall <sk8rbradley at gmail.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> For the laser at work we just use some vinegar and a qtip. They told
>>>>> me to specifically not wipe in circles as it is apparently bad for the lens.
>>>>>
>>>>> On Sat, Nov 16, 2019, 10:19 PM Joe Iacuzzo <joe.iacuzzo at gmail.com>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> Can anyone let me know how easy or difficult it is to clean the laser
>>>>>> lens? When we went to use it I noticed that the fan on the laser was off. I
>>>>>> turned it back on but the cuts weren't as clean as they have been. I
>>>>>> believe that it may have allowed for residue buildup on the lens. I didn't
>>>>>> want to mess with it unless I was certain I knew what I was doing.
>>>>>> Joe
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>>>>>
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>>>> _______________________________________________
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>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>> This list is for public discussion about Makers Local and related
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>
> _______________________________________________
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