Inconsistent power meater readings

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Brettman4
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Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2020 7:42 am

Inconsistent power meater readings

Post by Brettman4 »

Hi folks, I have a G.Weike LC1490 with a Reci W6 tube. I bought the machine second hand a bit over a year ago. I am guestimating that the laser tube is about 2 to 3 years old. I have been using for on average for a couple of hour per day over the last year or so.

In the last week or two, the cutting ability and apparent power output of the tube has diminished.

I recently bought a 200W digital power meter from Cloudray Laser.

When taking measurements at the end of the CO2 laser tube, (before the mirrors) I am getting a lot of variation in readings. I have been keeping the physical distance from the end of the tube the same, and letting the meter cool down for about a half an hour between each reading as well, so the conditions are the same for each reading.

On the same day, over a 2 hour period, I took three readings. They were as follows:

50W, 80W, and 85W.

All of these readings were with 40mA tube current.

This is a RECI W6 tube, (130W), it is about 2 - 3 years old. Is this a sign that the tube is on it's way out and needs replacing?

Thanks in advance.

Brett
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