How do I cool my laser?

[Gene Uselman]

This is dependent upon the usage and the environment it is in. Most common is probably an aquarium pump sent with the laser. You can circulate thru a bucket of water or-

Post by Malcolm Ferrie » Wed Jun 07, 2017 7:31 am

My lasers run all day and none of them have ever had a cooler fitted.
I have 3 large 75 litre tanks with Aquarium pumps and filters in them and after 3 years I have never had a problem.
North East Scotland
2 x 50 x 30 50w Lasers (TL)
1 x 70 x 50 60w Laser (TR)
1 x Mini 0.5w Laser (Anywhere)
1 x 50 x 30 water cooled cnc (BL)

Some people route the water thru a small [or large?] refrigerator.

Some lasers come with a CW3000W chiller [really a cooler, with fan and radiator inside]

A better option is the CW5000W or CW5200W chiller [actually is a small refrigeration unit similar to an air conditioning unit]. These are usually copies of the S&A chiller. This is the manual for a genuine S&A chiller.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... E1y8oOR4Q7

If there is any chance of freezing temp [the laser tube is fragile] you should use antifreeze, which is talked about a lot, Some use RTV antiF, there is specific antifreeze for different uses. This may or may not be important. If anyone has specific info for CO2 lasers please post.

[Dave Vigness]

Running 100% RV antifreeze in Kansas... no problems. Added a squirt of algaecide just in case, I did the set up in the fall and didn't want an algae problem. Will rinse and switch to distilled when I can bring it into a climate controlled area.

[Tim Mellor]

In Oz I am about to face the reverse issue. My small Laser currently sits on top of a 3 door commercial under bench fridge and I am considering putting the tank into it for Summer at least.

For 9-10 months of the year it is a non issue as we seldom average more than 25C even in summer but there are times my shack hits 40C+ so a couple of small holes through the side of the fridge might be coming up. The Laser doesn't get continuous commercial use but if I need to use it then a tank of high temperature ambient water may not be a good idea even for short runs. Also in the process of fitting a temperature meter in the system to keep an eye on it.

[Dave Vigness]

Word of warning from the experience of another forum member. If your refrigerator does not have an external rear coil, be VERY careful putting holes in the sides. He just started drilling... and hit one of the internal refrigerant lines just inside the metal skin. Best to work slowly from the inside out, or go through the door near the hinge.