Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- tool:cloudray_laser_lenses [2023/12/28 07:37] – majicj
+++ tool:cloudray_laser_lenses [2023/12/28 08:21] (current) – majicj
@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
   - Detach the air assist line from the lens.
   - While holding the laser lens with one hand loosen the knurled knob and gently slide out the lens from the head assembly.
+==== Installing a lens ====
+  - Slide the lens into the head assembly and gently snug the knurled knob. Do not over-tighten.
+  - Attach the air assist line to the lens
+==== Detaching and attaching the air assist. ====
+The standard and 4 inch lens have a simple push to insert and push to detach system while the engraving lens has a small diameter tube that is inserted inside of the air assist line.
+{{:tool:laser_cutter:lenses:laserairhose1.jpeg?direct&400|}}
+Laser lens with blue air assist tube attached
+{{:tool:laser_cutter:lenses:laserairhose2.jpeg?direct&400|}}
+Push down on outer ring to release and gently pull the blue air assist tube from lens
+{{:tool:laser_cutter:lenses:laserairengravelens.jpeg?direct&400|}}
+The laser engraving lens has a smaller diameter tube that is permanently attached to the lens. Just slide this inside the larger diameter air assist hose.
+{{:tool:laser_cutter:lenses:laserairengravelensconnect.jpeg?direct&400|}}
+Smaller diameter air assist hose inside of larger diameter air assist hose.
+===== Lens Focal Length, Speed and Power Settings, Passes =====
+Each lens requires its own settings for focal length, speed and power settings, number of passes for each specific material and operation type (i.e. cutting vs engraving).  Basic starting parameters are given here for various operations.  All laser users are expected to experiment and find the optimum settings for their own projects and to share these findings with the wider community.
+==== 2.5 inch Standard Lens (green tape) ====
+The usual Lightburn speed, power settings and focusing guide may be used with the standard lens and materials.
+==== 4 Inch Lens (orange tape) ====
+Note air assist is absolutely required for cuts with this lens.
+  * ½” hardwood  - focus height 2mm, speed of X and Power of Y with Z passes
+  * ¾” Birch ply - focus height 1mm, speed of X and Power of Y with Z passes
+See [[https://talk.vanhack.ca/t/laser-cutter-7-16-maple-hardwood/14880|laser-cutter-7-16-maple-hardwood]] for an example of some power and speed settings to cut 7/16” maple.
+=== Fire safety awareness with deep cutting ===
+When your laser cuts are deep **It is extremely important to keep a fire watch on your cut at all times**. This means not walking away from the laser or using your computer or engaging with other tasks while the laser is actively performing deep cuts.
+==== Compound Engraving Lens (blue tape) ====
+This compound lens was designed by YouTuber RDWorks. They have a very nice video outlining in depth information about engraving using this compound lens. [[https://youtu.be/ZG5KsMw8fJY?si=mj3bWv7gRNXFy1x2]]
+The current documentation calls for 10.5mm focus height but testing at VHS shows 11mm works better.
+{{:tool:laser_cutter:lenses:compoundlenskit.png?direct&400|}}
+===== Storage and Care of lenses. =====
+After you have completed your laser session please do the following
+  - Inspect the laser lens by looking through the end of the tube. If the lens appears dirty then please alert the Laser Cutter Committee so that they may perform laser lens maintenance.  Do not use a dirty lens as this will cause dirt to be baked onto the lens and permanently damage it.
+  - Ensure that the 2.5 inch standard(green tape) lens is left on the laser cutter for the next person. Return the 4 inch (orange tape) or compound engraving lens (blue tape) to the lens storage box.
+{{:tool:laser_cutter:lenses:lensinspection.jpeg?direct&400|}}
+Look through lens to see if it is dirty and report to LCC.
+===== Technical Information for Interested Users =====
+These lenses were purchased from Cloudray Laser
+[[https://www.cloudraylaser.com/products/cloudray-n04-universal-compond-engraving-nozzles|Compound Engraving Lens (blue tape)]]
+The 2.5 inch standard lens (green tape) uses position 3 and the 4 inch lens (orange) tape uses position 4 in the following Focal Length Adaptation diagram.
+{{:tool:laser_cutter:lenses:lensfocallengths.png?direct&600|}}