LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

More accurately, what's the pressure?

My searches came up with a few references, but nothing solid.

I've been gifted a contractor's compressor with intermittent problems, that I suspect are founded in overwork/overheating. It has a wonderful output pressure gauge and adjustable regulator. I think it would work well for my laser, as it would run until the tank is full and then only start occasionally during use.

What air pressure should I be running? The fish-tank pump is not stable enough to get a pressure reading and I suspect that it's on the low side.

Is ten psi considered a high pressure for the laser? Should I be shooting for half that?

I run at 10 psi for most work I do Most of my work is engraving lacquered woods...the residue wipes off with a towel and a spritz of windex ( glass cleaner ).
Many prefer a lower pressure when scanning but I prefer to prevent residues from getting to my lens and clean up takes but a moment.

When cutting wood I generally run 12-15 psi.

Acrylic I use 10psi for all.

I am sure others have a different preference.
I have a small wood shop at home and have a 5hp air compressor with air plumed throughout the shop....volume and pressure aren’t a problem for my setup. But I have a desiccant filter Assembly setup in the air supply line to my laser. Moisture and oil carryover is a factor to take into account in your setup.

10-20 PSI is heaps at the 'Pressure' regulator but it doesn't really matter. It is really air volume control that matters. The generally small hose to the nozzle and the nozzle itself it what will provide back pressure in the line relative to the flow. To much flow and you will have to much pressure, control the flow and you control that pressure.

So suggestion set your 10-20 PSI at the compressor which the un-reinforced hoses will handle without blowing off or out if you block the flow.

Look at a flow control device be it a simple ball valve like Russ was using at the head or consider adding an actual flow meter to your Laser https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LZQ-7-acryl ... 2749.l2649 That way you can put a number on what works better for X jobs.

Thanks for the responses. I had also considered that oil and moisture would be a consideration. I doubt that the compressor (now in storage) is oil-free, but it's possible. I'll have to check and add to the equation a decent separator and desiccant system.

I'm surprised at the high pressure figures. I expected something in the 3-5 psi range, but 10 and up is still easily accomplished. I think the compressor has a max around one hundred or so.

Doubt the moisture will be an issue as even the small amount of heat/power loss on the final mirror and lens should keep that at bay. Oil maybe but the levels are very low unless the compressor valve plates are suspect. Still worth adding an Oil and Moisture trap if you would ever tempted to add an airbrush or spray system to your kit. 20-40PSI for most of these unless it is a HP Gun (70+PSI).