Q&A for DIY Fiber Laser
The above Q&A is updated as of October 24, 2024,and we will continue to update.
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I didn't see a 400W servo with a brake. Do you have a servo with a brake?
-- Yes, we have a model with a brake available on our website. -
I was planning on using the same chiller for both the laser cutter and the laser welder, as I won’t use both at the same time. Is this okay?
-- Yes, but we don’t recommend this. When changing the head, dust can easily enter, which may damage the cutting head and laser source. -
Do you know where I can download the 2D CutAhead software for the Raytools XC3000S?
-- You can download it from the Raytools website. Download Link -
Does the Raycus laser source have a 380V option?
-- Yes, it has a 380V option. -
Are cutting head brands universally compatible with laser sources? Can the BWT 1500W Laser Source work with the BM110 head?
-- Yes, as long as the power matches. You can select cutting heads and laser source brands based on your requirements and preferences. -
What are the advantages of choosing the BM111 over BM110, as both are rated for 3.3kW?
-- Please check the detailed comparison on our website. Comparison Link -
Do you have any recommendations between MAX and Raycus for a 1.5kW cutting laser? They are pretty similar in price, but I’m not sure which one is better.
-- For the U.S. market, we recommend MAX. Raycus was listed on the U.S. Entity List in 2021, and there might be issues with clearing U.S. customs. Currently, Raycus lasers can only be imported to the U.S. as part of a complete cutting machine. -
Do you need gas in a cleaning machine, or is it only necessary for welding?
-- Both cleaning machines and welding machines require gas, such as nitrogen or argon. -
Can you give me advice on the NNT auxiliary gas control system? How does it differ from the SMC?
-- The SMC and NNT gas control systems have the same components, but the proportional valve brands differ. One uses SMC, and the other uses NNT. SMC is more well-known, which results in a price difference. -
Can a bus controller drive a pulse cutting head?
-- A bus controller must connect to a bus cutting head, and a pulse controller must connect to a pulse cutting head.Click to Join Our Facebook Group "DIY Fiber Laser" for Expert Support -
The shipping cost on your website seems quite high. Is there a way to reduce it?
-- FedEx occasionally has special routes that offer lower shipping costs than calculated on the website. When you're ready to purchase, let me know, and I will recheck the shipping cost for you. Besides express shipping, we offer air and sea shipping options. We also provide DDP terms for sea shipping, which includes customs clearance, taxes, and door-to-door delivery, ideal for heavy goods. -
Can you give me an estimated cost of customs duty?
-- It’s usually around 20%-25%, but you can check with your local agent. Here’s a useful tool for calculating import duties: Simply Duty Import Calculator
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Can protective glasses be worn over prescription glasses?
-- Yes, they can.
Do the protective glasses differ for welding machines, cutting machines, and marking machines?
-- No, there is no difference.
Is there a trial version of the XC3000S system?
-- Yes, there is. You can download it from the Raytools website. Download Link. Note: The trial and official versions are downloaded in the same way. The difference is whether they are decrypted or not. If not decrypted, the trial version will stop working after a short period of use.
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Can a laser source from a cutting machine be used on a welding machine?
-- Yes, but using a welding machine laser on a cutting machine can have some effects.
For a 10-meter fiber used for cutting, the performance is generally not as good, but if the customer is cutting thin sheets, there will be no issue. The main differences between welding and cutting versions are:
- Fiber length (welding versions are usually within 10m).
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The optical quality of the fiber in the welding version is slightly lower.
However, if you are only cutting thin sheets, it's fine, though the cutting quality will be significantly lower than with a cutting version of the same power.
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Does MAX Laser have a G5 interface only for 6kW models?
-- Yes, only the 6kW model has the G5 interface.
For 3kW models, upgrading from QBH to G5 will increase the cost.
The advantage of G5 is better sealing. -
What are the standard cutting bed sizes available?
-- Currently available sizes are: 3015, 4015, 5015, 6015, 6020. - Entry-level system with a 3x1.5m bed at 3kW power:
- Does it have automatic video perimeter zeroing, or do you need to align the sheet with the laser head manually?
- Does it have clash detection?
-- Yes, it has both automatic edge detection and automatic obstacle avoidance.
- How to choose motors for the XYZ axes?
- X axis: 1300W, one set without a brake.
- Y2 axis: 1300W, two sets without brakes.
- Z axis: 400W, one set with a brake.
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Which motors should be chosen for EtherCAT systems?
-- We recommend motors from Yaskawa or Inovance. The motor and driver should be selected as a set. Yaskawa is more expensive.
-- No, we do not sell fiber optics separately. We need to confirm that the customer has the capability to replace and repair them.
Click to Join Our Facebook Group "DIY Fiber Laser" for Expert Support |
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What is the difference between the black and blue cables on the XC3000S system?
-- The black cables are for pulse versions, and the blue cables are for bus versions. -
How to choose a Raycus laser for 220V single-phase power?
-- Raycus models below 2kW are suitable for single-phase power. Above 2kW, three-phase power is required. -
Can you include a drag chain in the system?
-- It depends on the customer's cable box size. The drag chain can bend 180 degrees. -
What is a gearbox (reducer)?
-- A gearbox (reducer) reduces the motor’s rotational speed, which increases the load capacity of the equipment. The larger the reduction ratio, the slower the theoretical speed of the equipment, and the stronger the load capacity. Conversely, the smaller the reduction ratio, the weaker the equipment’s load capacity. - What are the cutting capabilities?
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1500W Cutting Capability:
Stainless Steel: 1-4mm
Carbon Steel: 1-10mm
Aluminum: 1-2mm -
3000W Cutting Capability:
Stainless Steel: 1-6mm
Carbon Steel: 1-16mm
Aluminum: 1-4mm -
6000W Cutting Capability:
Stainless Steel: 1-10mm
Carbon Steel: 1-20mm
Aluminum: 1-10mm
We have a blog post that provides more details on DIY cutting machines. You can check it for a better understanding. Link to blog
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Can the machine function without an auxiliary gas system?
-- No, an auxiliary gas system is necessary for a laser cutting machine. It outputs gases such as oxygen or nitrogen to assist in cutting. It also blows air to remove slag and improve cutting efficiency and quality.
- If I run a 3000W laser system on 220V, will it lose performance or capability compared to using 380V, especially since three-phase power isn't always available in DIY setups?
--Most 3000W laser systems are designed to run on 380V and cannot operate on 220V. The power demand for a 3000W system is quite high, and 220V does not provide sufficient voltage to ensure stable operation. While single-phase power (220V) works for smaller devices, high-power systems like lasers require three-phase power (380V) for reliable and consistent performance. Using a 380V-rated system on a 220V circuit can lead to damage and safety issues. Therefore, three-phase power is highly recommended for safe and optimal operation.
- Can the XC3000S controller be set up and run from a laptop until we have an industrial PC?
– Yes, it’s possible. A Windows 10 or above system is sufficient.
- Is the EPC-2000 a control computer or a master module? Do I need a separate computer for control?
– EPC-2000 is a master module. You need to prepare a separate computer with Windows 10 or above.
- What is the largest laser source that supports single-phase power?
– Currently, 2000W and below can run on single-phase 220V.
- Is 208V 3-phase power acceptable for a laser cutting machine?
– The machine requires 380V 3-phase power. To adapt to your local power, we recommend purchasing a transformer stabilizer.
- Do you have servo drives that require 3-phase power input?
– Yes, all servo drives above 750W require 3-phase power.
- Do you have charts or software to help calculate cutting costs?
– Bochu’s nesting software (CPYNEST) includes this function.
- Can protective glasses be worn over reading glasses?
– Yes.
- Are there differences in protective glasses for welding, cutting, and marking machines?
– No, there are no differences.
- Can the laser from a cutting machine be used on a welding machine?
– Yes, but using a welding machine laser on a cutting machine will affect performance. The welding version has shorter fiber lengths (usually under 10m) and lower optical quality. For cutting thin plates, it’s acceptable, but the quality will not match a cutting-specific laser.
- What are the current standard machine formats?
– 3015, 4015, 5015, 6015, and 6020.
- What is the cutting capacity for a 3kW laser?
– Carbon steel: 12mm for mass production, 20mm maximum.
– Stainless steel: 6mm for mass production, 10mm maximum.
- Can 18mm thick plastic be cut with a fiber laser?
– No, fiber lasers are only suitable for cutting metal materials.
- What is the difference between multi-mode and single-mode lasers?
– Multi-mode lasers can continue working even if one module fails, whereas single-mode lasers stop functioning if a module fails. However, multi-mode lasers are expensive and generally no longer used for power levels under 6kW.
- Are batteries for the backpack laser cleaner replaceable? Can it be used directly with a 220V outlet?
– Yes, it can run on AC220V±10%, 50/60Hz with a power adapter, or a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts 1-2 hours.
- Do you sell rack and pinion systems?
– Yes, all accessories related to laser cutting machines are available.
- What type of gear rack is used for a 3kW machine?
– 37 teeth, M2, with standard lengths of 0.5m or 1m. Custom lengths are available.
- Are there 3D drawings available for the machine components?
– Yes, 3D drawings for the laser, cutting head, chiller, and motor drives are available.
- What is the recommended power to cut aluminum plates?
– For reflective materials like aluminum, it’s recommended to cut plates under 5mm thick with a power level above 3kW.
- What is the difference between BM110 and BS03K cutting heads? Why is BS03K more expensive?
– BS03K includes temperature monitoring and is primarily used in Jiaqiang’s own system.
- Does the XC3000S bus version work with all EtherCAT servo systems?
– Yes, as long as they use the EtherCAT protocol.
- Does the chiller need two separate temperature controls for the cutting head and laser source?