First, Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year to all.
I just replaced my pancake air compressor with a California Air Tools, extremely quiet, 8 gallon air compressor. It has a regulator on it as most air compressors do, but I’m not sure how I would be able to use this, as other people have, for air assist on my lasers. If anyone has any information on how to regulate the amount of liters per minute from the tank [30-50 preferred], the connections to make it work for air assist, and anything else that’s necessary would be greatly appreciated. Links would also be helpful. Thank you so much.
I use an air flow regulator (plenty available on Amazoo) versus varying the pressure. Makes things a bit better for my records on what setups are needed for various operations. With that in mind, I don’t think it is very critical and just adjusting the compressor pressure and/or using a small needle type valve will give you all the control you want. A few test runs with different air settings will get you into the ballpark.
Thanks for the prompt reply. My 8 gallon compressor does not have an auto drain so I’m pretty happy about that, don’t need a muffler. But you say you set the regulator to 60 pounds, and indicated more than needed. So there is no concern about running this and having too much airflow? Would setting it at 30 to 40 pounds be just as good? Possibly let the 8 gallon tank last longer between turning on and off. Your thoughts? I looked at regulators on Amazon and they’re about $17 for one that goes up to 30 L per minute. But if you say I don’t need one, and you’ve been very helpful with all my previous inquiries, then I’ll just go with setting my regulator at 30, 40, 50 pounds even 60.
I have mine using the basic version of the ultimate air assist. When the machine runs a job, status goes low, allowing full pressure into the machine. It’s only way out is through the restrictor, so low pressure is set here.
When I have air assist enabled on a layer and it’s executing, Wind goes low, this bypasses the restrictor and allows full pressure air from the compressor.
You can generally only know the psi, you need a flow meter and they are cheap. I have both, but it depends on the lens/nozzle type I’m using what values you use. I don’t bother knowing the flow rate, I just use pressure to control it.
This is my setup from my Compressor to the Laser … I find it important to use an Air Filter to prevent any water getting to your lens … it could crack it
Interesting set up. I like it. I see the air comes in from the left side, filter picks up any moisture, then goes out the other side for air assist. What I don’t understand is the solenoid. What is the purpose of the solenoid, and where can you get one as well as where can you get the filter? And what pressure do you run it I believe you said 30 pounds is that correct? Any and all information in links would be greatly appreciated. Happy new year.
The Solenoid is controlled the the Ruidia Controller to turn the Air and Off while cutting.
I’m attaching links for all the Items I purchased for Air Assist
And I run my Pressure at 40PSI for Baltic Birch and 5 PSI for Acrylic
Hope This helps
out of me and my dog.
