--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Len Warner <yahoo@...> wrote:
>
> At 8:14 am ((PST)) Fri Nov 17, 2006, john80014 wrote:
> >3a. Re: Any info about this technique?
> > Posted by: "john80014" jhewatt@... john80014
> > Date: Fri Nov 17, 2006 8:14 am ((PST))
> >
> >Copper is used as a reflector in CO2 lasers. Most materials will
> >absorb CO2 emissons.
> >
> >A 60 Watt CO2 laser would blow holes through the fiberglass in a
> >heart beat. Generally you will use a focusing lense to narrow the
> >beam and intensify it. with a 2.5 inch focal length you would
> >probably get a .003 - .004 spot size.
> >
> >A 100 Watt CO2 cut .025" mild steel @ 130ipm using a 40psi O2
assist
> >
> >Cutting FR4 with 60 Watts, probably 40 ipm using 50-60 psi of air
> >assist
>
> You won't get anywhere near as much energy assist from
> burning(?) FR4 (Fire Resistant grade 4) fibreglass in 60psi air
> as from burning molten steel in 40psi O2. Do you have
> experience or references to support the above cutting speeds?
>
>
> Regards, LenW
>
Yep straight from synrad applications. there is a section there
discusing the applications of cutting of different materials and how
they solved the customers problems. there is a website ( I will try
to find the URL) of a guy cutting either .125 or .0625 stainless
with 100 watss and shop air assist. not sure how fast he is moving
but it cuts. and my own experiences w/140 co2 and 1kw trumpf. you
really need to have a pretty accurate depth of field set for co2
lasers. sometime you need to be a little higher above the material
sometime lower. more pressure less pressure. setting the focus to
just the right amount. unfocused less power density.
Again you will not cut the Copper! it will reflect. Nd:YAG will get
the job done though