Chiller temperature

[davehills]

I have an HPC 'Ice cream' type chiller and have been reading about the benefits of a lower coolant temperature with regards to quality of cut.

I'm running at 15C (I think) but would there be any benefit in running colder? Should I lower the temperature now that a hot summer is on its way (Ha!)? What's the minimum practical temperature?

Can I ask what temperature are people are generally running at and how are you finding these temperatures?

Edit: The machine is indoors.

[Daven]

I doubt you would notice much difference in the range of 15 to 21c - higher and the tube may not like it (will actually stop cutting over 25+) lower will not have much benefit other than maybe letting you cut a bit longer in hot conditions.


Best
Dave

[PhillyDee]

Any lower than 15 degrees and you are just wasting power to be honest. Mine is set to 15 degrees, and it starts chilling it at anything over 16.

[Spooky]

Same as Dave & Phil, 15 - 21 range but stability is good...if you can keep it to 2 degrees (say 16 to 18) then the beam will be premium quality

Lasers function better the colder they get BUT and it's a BIG BUT too cold and you risk condensation issues....best to stay at 15 and above.

[davehills]

OK, thanks for that. I'll leave it at 15C. Never had any condensation issues.

There are times it can get hammered for the entire day, so won't set it any higher, what with the summer coming up.