Change in laser strength since replacing the PSU

[Ryan Hulbert]

Where to start with this one… So I have recently changed the PSU on my 50W grey 600x400 Laser engraver/cutter and now the engraving or cutting is not working as efficiently under the previous settings. Previously the settings I had would slice through the wood like a hot knife through butter but now I'm having to do 2 or 3 passes or the engraving is just off a little.

Now it's a little more complicated then just me changing PSU. Within the time I replaced the PSU I somehow deleted the lasers vendor settings, Sprung 2 leaks at each end of the tube and had to re-align my mirrors to make sure that is not the issue. I have also calibrated the X&Y axis. To resolve the leaks on the tube I have used 2 cable ties on both ends and thats done the job. As you can see from the attached image I have nailed the mirror realignment and I have a pre cut a 1.6mm piece of wood to make sure I hit my focus point each time so I think something may still be off on my vendor settings. I'm working with a ruida RDC 5121 so setting the vendor was a little challenging but I found a good video that worked and at least got me 90% there. Also a big thank you from Chris Medcalf (from a laser facebook group) as with out him I would still be crying in the corner somewhere. Legend!

Anyway, my machine moves smoothly and does cut and engrave to command but just not to the same strength as before I had the PSU go. I have included photos of my vendor setting incase that helps. I have also included a image that shows two different engraved pieces. These two engravings were done straight after each other under the same settings but they look so different. I just cant work out what is going on and I'm out of options and left scratching my head.

This sounds weird but when it engraves now the writing seems to have a pixelated edge and the printer makes a crackling noise when burning the wood. sounds strange but it didnt do either before. Starting to sound crazy I know! Haha

Little bit more background, I'm fairly new with lasers as we got ours second hand laser back in December 2020. With the laser being secondhand it's meant I have had to learn quickly with various issues springing up in that time. I mostly use Lightburn but have been using RDworks this last week so I could can change the settings and get it up and running.

Hope you guys can help and thank you in advance. The link for the images is below.

https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/gQ38QtQJCl1z

[Gene Uselman]

It appears you have at least three different problems going on here and I think we will need more info. Please give any of this info that might be pertinent. Why did the PS get changed, how were the Vendor settings lost, the controller you have does not have the 'U' or 'Z' channel that every other controller I have seen from Ruida. I wonder if the Vendor file is the same as the more expensive controllers [6442, 6445 etc].

[ ] Are you new to this machine? How long?

[ ] Is the problem new or long standing? Did it work yesterday but not now?

[ ] Which software are you using and how familiar are you with it?

[ ] Most machines are cabinet models with stepper motors for X, Y, and Z axis- how is
your machine different from these parameters?

[ ] Have you tried to troubleshoot the problem, and what have you tried [with what results].

[Ryan Hulbert]

Hi Gene,

Thanks for replying. Sorry if my message was a little confusing. A lot to take in and trying to communicate as clearly as possible.

So.., The PSU needed replacing as the machine would turn on but I had lost certain controls. The ruida controller stopped turning on and would only work if I plugged the computer into the screen directly and not through the laser. The laser would fire but I could not move the laser head around. This was very suddenly and after I spoke to a couple of guys in the facebook group 'made in china - Laser group' I had an electrician family friend check my PSU and he confirmed it had gone. I was getting power into it but wasn't going out to the different parts.

My machine doesn't have 'U' or 'Z'. It's basically a steel version of a K40 with a 50W tube. As I can see the vendor file inputs are the same as any other model but certain things are blacked out for me as I don't have it. I followed this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-tva0CSJao&t=1795s and it got my machine working smoothly again but the intensity is just off a little. I know the settings are never 100% but a 10mm square was 40mm before this video. haha.

Talking of vendor setting I'm not sure how I lost them, I can only think in my panic of trying to identify the original PSU problem I pressed a setting I shouldn't have! Idiot I know.

Also answered the other questions below just incase it helps as I just dont know if my tube is fried, Messed up some alignment or the settings are not optimised.

1, Are you new to this machine? How long? I have had the machine for 8 months. Its secondhand but it has worked like a dream until now with only minor amends needed.

2, Is the problem new or long standing? Did it work yesterday but not now? As mentioned in my post it is a new issue that I havent been able to resolve since changing the PSU

3, Which software are you using and how familiar are you with it? Also mentioned I mainly use Lightburn and know it well as Im a designer by career so know all adobe computers and computer literate.

4, Most machines are cabinet models with stepper motors for X, Y, and Z axis- how is
your machine different from these parameters? I only have X and Y which a I have reset after replacing my PSU using videos and posts from social media.

5, Have you tried to troubleshoot the problem, and what have you tried [with what results]. How long have you got! I have spent 4 to 5 weeks searching and playing around with things to see what it may be. I have realigned laser twice, tried 4 to 5 other people vendor settings to see what is happening. Maintenance on tube to look out for bubbles or leaks. Used both RD works and lightburn programs as well as use two different computers to limit down issue.

Thank you again,

Ryan (Man on the edge)

[Jeffrey Aley]

The laser has two PSU's - one is low-voltage (24V) and the other is high-voltage (thousands of volts).

Which PSU did you change (I suspect the low-voltage one)?

Regards,

-Jeff

[Gene Uselman]

Some actually have 2 low voltage power supplies- both of mine have 24v for the control system and 36v for the steppers.

[Ryan Hulbert]

The PSU I changed was the the 24V - Cloudray 250W CRS-250 Switch Power Supply - https://www.cloudraylaser.com/products/ ... 4059210913

Think the bigger supply would need to be done by someone a little more professional than myself. Hahaha

[Gene Uselman]

I cannot imagine how the LVPS could change the power output of the tube but I am wrong often. I would try realigning your beam [mirrors] and then do that again to be sure. There is a good chance changing the PS did not cause the current problem, so just start eliminating one thing at a time. Do you have a mA meter? And if you do is the current different now from when the machine worked?

[Jeffrey Aley]

I went and re-read your messages (but I haven't looked at the photos yet). The first thing that stands out to me is the coolant leak. How did you discover the leak? Was the tube operating when the leak occurred? As laser tubes degrade, their effective power gradually decreases. Is it possible that the tube was damaged due to insufficient cooling (caused by the leak)?

Regards,

-Jeff

[Ryan Hulbert]

Sorry for taking ages to reply. Lockdown No.5 in Melbourne has taken its toll!

Unfortunately I don't have a mA meter. Never thought I needed one till now. I agree I dont think the PSU has caused the issue but its a older machine so could be my new vendor settings, mirrors, tube, coolant, etc etc.

The leak was spotted quite quickly as I think it was from me moving the tube and I spotted it the same day. I noticed the leak as there was a tiny bit of water under the joints of the tube. I have since used two cable ties to lock them together better. Water is going all the way through the system and I have cleared any bubbles that may have collected in the tube.

I think I'm going to have to go through the machine and eliminate one thing at a time.If that doesn't work then have to get a expert in to get it back on track. so strange!