Fiber laser mode shots

[dynamite.with.a.laser.beam]

Currently we have Mitsubishi 4kW fiber lasers in house. Mode shots are taken at the head on 3/8" black acrylic glossy purchased from OEM. No idea what type of acrylic they are, and OEM won;t tell us (playing dumb to sell more I suppose). They are 3/8" x 4" x 4", and are pretty pricey. Anyone have alternative solutions or want to share products they've used?

 

[itsmoked]

There are several kinds of 'black' acrylic out there. I doubt they had something custom created. Why not just buy some of each and try them all until you get the same results as their too-expensive ones.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[nniicckk78]

We just purchased a brand new 2kw fiber laser from a newer company and no one has done a mode or even talked about it.How does the beam shot look different if any from a co2.

 

[gorillam]

Crap someone was just talking about the exact same thing, I think it's a different plastic because with standard acrylic it just shoots right through. I'll have to have a few beers and remember what it is.

 

[dynamite.with.a.laser.beam]

nniicckk78, the fiber mode is a TEM00 vs a TEM01 (it is a solid spot vs. a donut shape). Shooting a mode shot at the head is the best way to tell you what exactly is going on with your beam from the lens - down. These fiber lasers are very picky. ANY dust or debris on the lens or protective window, and you're done! Any time you remove the lens cartridge from the cutting head, and you run the risk of exposing it to any dust particles floating around your shop - I don't care how clean you think you're being, it WILL happen. The OEM sells said acrylic for something like $60 a 3/8" x 4" x 4" pc, and we can get 18 shots (9 per side) out of it. It becomes very expensive very quick.

As a followup, I have found an alternative, and was very pleased with the results. If anyone would like to purchase some , PM me and I can get you the info.