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Laser power dropped. Is it the cold?

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Laser
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2023-12-05

I bought my 80w co2 laser last summer. Being nieve i didnt use any antifreeze and the tube cracked in December. I live in the Uk and my laser is in the garage. This year i bought coolflow Dtx which is designed for this purpose. Its a special antifreeze. I use the laser most days and until today it was great.
The outside temperature has dropped and about freezing. The laser tube looks ok and the cooler is working and displays 4 degs. When i try to cut something there appears to be a significant power drop. Would i be right in thinking that this is related to the ambient temperature of the garage?
C

    • Gilbert

      2023-12-06
      There’s typically an inverse relationship between temperature and power. With power reducing as temperature increases.

You’re on the other end of this, however, at fairly extreme low temperatures. I’ve heard of lasers requiring a warm-up period at low temps but I’ve not seen anything that would indicate a dramatic power drop-off at near freezing temperatures.

If you give the machine ample warm-up time does the power return? One other thing to watch out for is if you’re potentially getting frost or condensation build-up on any of the mirrors/lens/tube. That would have a direct impact on power.
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