Appropriate Puck Test Limit?? 1

[CoffeeMan]

Hello,

we have a Trumpf 2200 watt continuous wave CO2 laser we use to machine sheet metal. Occasionally, it is necessary to perform a laser power output calibration, or Puck Test (labeled so because the laser power probe resembles a hockey puck).

When the machine was brand-new, output readings ranged between 2.2 and 2.4 (Kilowatts over 10 seconds). Now, five years later, despite regular maintenance and proper operation, our probe is reading between 1.9 and 2.1 (kW over 10 sec).

My question is this: Does anyone know what output we should be seeing for a 2200 watt laser? What reading should we be able to attain and aim for when we do a Puck Test?

Regards,

CoffeeMan

 

[Co2Laser]

You can expect to lose about 1-2% per mirror if you do the pucktest at the head. Also check your optics for purpling, or haze. Next, pop off some of the water fittings at the heat exchangers in the resonator, see any "putty-like" substances? Check your quartz tubes for aluminum oxide deposits.

 

[analogkid2digitalman]

CoffeeMan:

Another source of error:
Has the probe and meter been calibrated and inspected lately? Possible probe damage from too high of an energy density could cause power readings to be too low.

-Pete

 

[JayMaechtlen]

Ideally, you should see full power from the laser. Anything less indicates deterioration of something or some several things. Those "things" can include optics, electronics, cooling (which can affect alignment and optics performance), and the power puck itself.
As Pete says above, you have to determine if your test instrument is still working correctly.

Five years is long enough that your laser may need more than "regular maintenance". Part of the question is: Does it cut well? Is the beam quality still good?
Some lasers need to be overhauled or have blowers replaced to avoiid catastrophic failure- I have no clue as the your machine's requirements.
What does the factory service department suggest?
regards
Jay


Jay Maechtlen

 

[jacalope22]

You should be shoot the power puc directly out of the resonator and depending on what size puc you have and the calibration you should receive the exact wattage of the laser. 2200 watts. If the wattage is very low, then you internal mirrors inside the resonator probably need to be cleaned or replaced. Shooting into an acryllic block, and looking at the shape of the beam is the best way to tell if you need internal resonator work, shoot for a specified time probably about 3 seconds at 2200 watts.