output coupler

[fab3]

I am curious if there are any specific signs a output coupler is going bad or needs replacement. I am quite sure the one i have in use now is at least five years old and could probably be changed.

 

[Foostrap]

As far as cutting, as the output coupler gets stressed, you'll usually have to move your focus higher and higher to be able to cut. Or it will cut for a 1-5 minutes, then go bad. On stainless cutting, it may cut OK for a while (1-5 minutes), then you'll lose the cut. Eventually you won't be able to cut at all.
To check it, you can take a cold and hot mode. If the hot mode is getting a lot deeper and diameter getting a lot smaller compared to cold mode, then the output coupler is stressed and needs to be replaced.

 

[krugtech]

does the power hold? What kind of resonator?

Chris Krug

http://krugtech.com/

Maximum Up-time, Minimum BS

 

[fab3]

The resonator is an old PRC 1500 watt. It does not hold full power but is stable at about 1300 watts.