Inconsistent power meater readings
Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2020 7:51 am
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
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