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6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 6:38 pm
by ncamacho2000
Hi

Im new to the world of lasers and have hit a problem with my 6040. I have only been engraving on MDF and it seemed to be working well but when i came to cut the material it doesnt seem to want to know. I have been cutting 2mm MDF Speed 5% Power 98% . The mirror alignment on the final mirror looks fine and the air assist is on. The guy that sold it to me cut 2mm ply on it no problem. Could this be the tube on its way out?

I have supplied some pictures of the cut attempt and engraving but im not sure how to interpret it.

Any help would be gratefully received.


Cheers NIgel

Re: 6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 6:43 pm
by Spooky
Hiya Nige,

Post the pics here :) failing that email them direct to me and I'll upload them for you.

speed 5 at 98% power is wayyyyyyy higher than you should be using to cut, drop your power to 75% and increase your speed to 15 and give that a try .

A 40 watt 3040 should just about manage 6mm plywood and cope with 4mm and 3mm easily.

When was the last time the lens and mirrors were cleaned?

best wishes

Dave

Re: 6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 6:46 pm
by ncamacho2000
Cheers Dave thanks for the quick reply ill send you the pics as its not letting me upload for some reason.

I have not actually cleaned the mirrors yet as i have only used it a few times (its second hand) but they look quite clean.

Cheers for your help

NIgel

Re: 6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 6:51 pm
by StarLoc Adhesives
When you clean the lens, also check its the correct way up

Re: 6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 7:19 pm
by Spooky
Focal Height Nige :)

The laser is either too close or too far away from the material :)

Re: 6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 7:39 pm
by ncamacho2000
Cheers Dave

Ill have a look at this first and let you know how i get on, you seem to know what you are on about.

Thanks again for the quick reply i do appreciate it

Re: 6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 7:49 pm
by PhillyDee
Also, make sure you use the right woods. Sould be laser grade which is water based glues. Usually not available off the shelf at your local hardware shop!

Re: 6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 11:05 pm
by endcan
Hi Looks like the focus is well out 50mm from lens to top of material....
Or if its a 6040 41mm to where the knurled lens meets the smooth air assist cone.
6040 40 watt 15 speed 80-100 percent power

Re: 6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 11:27 pm
by Spooky
Ummm 100% power can cause problems, the chinese PSU's often pump over their posted power so keeping below 90% will ensure you cover any spikes.

best wishes

Dave

Re: 6040 Not Cutting Help Please

Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 7:51 am
by SimonMallas
Morning,
Ya endcans right, your way out of focus. 2" / 50mm lens or 41mm to the top of the washer that holds the red dot. 100% power and a speed of 15 should run fine ( maybe too slow ).
Cheers Simon