LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

Hello,
I am new to laser cutting. I have a ChinaCNCZone model SL-1060, 100W, Ruida RD6445G and a 63.5mm focal length lens.
I would like to cut 3 or 4 mm plywood, but someone told me it would be better with a 50,8 mm focal length.
The problem is that I have an autofocus on the machine, so I don't think I can fit a lens with a smaller focal length.
What do you think?
Sorry if I'm not putting my question in the right place, I'm not a social networker.
Glad to be your family.
Dimitri.


Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Welcome Dimitri. Recommend backing up your vendor settings.

Russ has a new video on cutting with different lenses [sarbar multimedia on Youtube] and you don't have to use the auto focus - determine the best focus and then adjust the lense tube or the Z axis to properly focus. With a hundred watts I would first try the longer focal length lens.

Thanks for your answers guys.
Gene Uselman do you think that with the 63,5 mm focal length, it would be good for 3, 4 mm plywood with a 100W laser ?
Thanks

That should be fine- I have a 130w and have always used a 2" [50mm] and I can cut 6mm easily. I have obtained some longer focal lenses that I will be experimenting with when I have the alignment problems sorted on our newest laser. As the media gets thicker my belief is that a strong Air Assist pump is more and more important. I use a shop air compressor and have Russ' Ultimate Air Assist modified further for more control of the Air assist.