LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

Is there anything that would make adding an additional air port on the top side of the lens a bad idea? The ultimate air assist keeps air flowing to keep the bottom side of the lens clean, I'd like to keep the top side cleaner as well. Might be a little finnicky dialing in the flow at the head so it doesn't starve the air assist when cutting, but that's the only real con I can think of.

from my experience, flowing air on the TOP side of the lens is totally useless. never had any residue on this side... this may be the cleanest part of your machine, as the way for the fume to get inside is through the top opening, way higher than the place where the fume is produced.

unless you have absolutely no ventilation in the machine, the fumes should move laterally to the back of the machine, and never go up.

I'm picturing the Air you produce on top of the lens will go directly to your 3rd mirror and if there is any debris it just adhere to the 3rd mirror and you would be worse off .... just my opinion.

Brian

I did it, I like it. It keeps positive pressure on the top side of the lens. I did use a flow control, set screw style so I can control the pressure from both upper and lower of the lens.

My 3rd mirror and lens are never really dirty, however I still pull and clean.

Eric Fryfogle wrote: Sat Feb 04, 2023 I did it, I like it. It keeps positive pressure on the top side of the lens. I did use a flow control, set screw style so I can control the pressure from both upper and lower of the lens.

My 3rd mirror and lens are never really dirty, however I still pull and clean.

Hello, this looks like a really good idea! Do you lose a lot of pressure and flow in the nozzle?
Thank you.

I'd agree that the top side of the lens will rarely get dirty. The only concern with your fix is that you're adding weight to the laser head, potentially decreasing your engraving speed.

Aahh, a/c for the lens. Sometimes you just have to feel good about modifying something.
Willy