I have a simple question: Do you need air assist for the IR modules?
I purchased the Ortur 2w IR module (LR4-2B). It arrived today, but when I went to hook it up, I was surprised to find that it doesn’t have an air assist hose port. I’m using it on the OLM3, so maybe I’m just spoiled because the 20 module has it built in, and all I have to do is ‘plug in’’ the air hose. I assumed the IR module would be the same.
I tried several Google searches, but for some reason couldn’t find any info about air assist for the IR modules.
Anxious to use it, but I don’t want to run it without air if it needs it. My main purpose for the IR module is for etching metal pen parts (I want to try etching bands, clips and nibs).
As the previous posters have said, generally there’s no need for air assist when using 2W IR laser.
And IMO Your intended application falls neatly into that general category.
However, if the material to be engraved is very thin foil (may warp when heated) or otherwise tend to deform when heated (offset aluminium for example), or the laser is capable of removing tiny particles (plating, oxide particles, etc.), air assist may help with the engraving quality by cooling the material and/or removing the particles.
The DOF on most -if not all- such IR modules is after all very narrow, and the 2W max power means that there’s really none to spare, especially if the power level is less than 90-100%.
Depending on the style of the nib, that narrow DOF may prove to be a bit of a nuisance if the engraving needs to go from edge to edge of the shank.
