CO2 Laser Dye Question

why not use the dye suggested for engraving? just paint it on each edge and butt the edges together. It may (probaly) won't work though because 40W is way too little power for soldering anything but very thin (like0.010") sheets.

Have you thought about using a sheet of solder material between the two pcs. to be soldered? the solder would melt only where the laser hit?

Just a thought

I have tried the engraving dye and it won´t work.

This is my first-hand experience with lasers as a user, and I thought there might be dyes with different compositions (in order to increase local temperature), that might allow us to solder: seller of this machine showed a complete lack of imagination... He says it is for engraving ... and that´s it!

In regard to use some soldering material in sheets: i already requested some sheets of silver to do this test. It may work as melting point of silver is much lower than of SS. Next week I´ll post my results about this!

Pls keep on thinking!!!!!

While learning to use the machine we have been doing some amazing jig-saw puzzless in all kind of materials!

I have worked with lasers since the mid 70's from 100 watt to 3000 watt CO2.

You don't mention if you are using raw beam or if you are focusing the beam by lens or parabolic reflector. Try using different focal length focusing lenses; which, will change your beam spot size. The idea is to put the beam energy into a smaller area and increase beam density.

Hope this idea helps.

Eddie-nel

Hi eddie-nel,

thanks for the reply!

As a matter of fact, what we are using is a table-top laser engraving machine with 4 axles. Working surface is of about 60 x 60 cm (20 x 20 '') The beam is directed by means of a series of lenses.

You are 100% right when talking about increasing the beam's density, but as we have paid about 20,000 bucks (U$) for it, my partners would kill me if I start messing with the lenses!

I understand your reluctance to tamper with the original beam delivery system.

Is there enough room between the final lens or mirror to add another focal lens?

If so experiment with different focal lengths.

Remember Edison never claimed to be smart; instead he always said success was 99% persperation and 1% inspiration.

Good luck.

Eddie

Hi Eddie,

Unfortunately this machine works the same way a PC printer does: there is sort of a bridge that moves forward and backwards pointing the beam towards the work-table at a 90 degrees. The optical system is conceiled within this bridge and moves from right lo left, so I have almost no chances of adding another lens to it, as it should move simultaneously with the "emitter"...

This weekend, Ill take a closer look to it, and see if there is something else to be done! I'll keep you posted!