38.1 mm Lens

[Burcot]

Hello everyone - I have spent a lot of time browsing but, this is my first post
I am using a LS3060 with the 60 watt upgrade

I read that a 38.1mm lens may improve the quality of white card cutting. I went ahead and purchased the new lens from HPC but - I have a couple of questions

1: The new lens is 20mm diameter, the original 50mm lens is 18mm
The old lens sits within an O ring whilst the new lens will not fit. I can seat the lens over or under the O ring and wondered which is correct (if any)

2: To achieve focus with the new lens, I have to raise the bed to it's highest point and then sit the card on 3mm MDF/Acrylic to raise it further
The lens cone has to be removed to achieve this extra close proximity. I wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction because, it would seem I am doing something wrong lol

Many thanks - Mark

[Daven]

On the 3060 you can lift the honeycomb bed out and put blocks under it (make sure the are all the same size) - this will lift the height up but as you have found out the nozzle will hit material if you datum the bed. If you have done a ramp test there is not a lot you can do other than make a new nozzle that is shorter.

I would take the o ring out and cut a new one if necessary - the o ring helps to centralise the lens but may also help to stop compressing the lens too much (I never tighten the lens holder too much). You could cut a new ring if necessary from fab foam.

Best
Dave

[Burcot]

Thanks for the quick reply Dave - makes perfect sense!

Does anyone know if a shorter nozzle is available to buy off the shelf?

[Daven]

No problems - as far as I know there is not a shorter nozzle available that could fit! There are some places that sell the complete head with different designs (mainly for the K40 or 3020 machines) but I suspect the thread is smaller.

Best
Dave

[Burcot]

Ok, thanks for your help Dave

[TimBobTastic]

it may be worth asking in your local Model Engineer forums, there is bound to be someone local to you who would be willing to make something to a drawing for a few beer tokens... If I still had access to machine tools, I would have been more than willing to help... The best I can offer is 3D printed in ABS... but I do not think that would be advisable.. heat.. and plastic are not the best ingredients for structural integrity / fire safety