Another option is to use tape heaters (frost protection) with built in thermostat. And insulation!
https://www.ezeheat.co.uk/product/fre-e ... eater-kits
230VOLT from this supplier!! many others to search for.
I bundled the tape around the tube supports cable tied in position so mainly under the tube.
Stopped the tube freezing but the chiller froze and ice pushed the tubes off the chiller output! perhaps add some tape to the chiller?
'Winterizing' advice
-
Mike Tuppen
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2018
- Location: cheltenham;glos
- Country: united kingdom
- Nickname: thefordprefect
- Laser Machine Make or Type: thinklaser 6090
- Laser Power: 80
- Laser Bed Size: 600x900mm
- Home Position: TL
- RDWorks Version: 8.01.33
- Windows Version: 10
- Accessories: rotary table
-
Dave Vigness
- Posts: 526
- Joined: Sun Dec 15, 2019
- Location: Kansas City - Rural
- Country: USA
- Nickname: Dave
- Laser Machine Make or Type: Chine Red and Black
- Laser Power: EF RF2 80W
- Laser Bed Size: 20 x 26
- Home Position: TR
- Control Software: RDWORKS
- RDWorks Version: 8.01.54
- Ruida Controller: RDC6445
- Windows Version: 7
- Accessories: Power Switch for air assist / exhaust blower, Ma meter with switch for external digital, dual digital temp gauge, LED lights under gantry and and and.
Pics and a list here. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... sp=sharing
As long as you get some flow you are good, it's not like you're trying to suck heat out of a hot laser tube, just keep it above freezing. Don't forget to check both directions. It should be open both ways if it is at all, but you never know what some designer might do that would give you better free flow one way vs the other.
