I have an Extended bed ATEZR 24 watt L2 which I have had since the product was launched. It is a workhorse and very heavily built. I was going to upgrade the module with a 60 watt unit but there is almost no way to mount it without major surgery. The current module attaches with a dovetail with a robust screw tightened from the back that is both quick and secure. No fiddly screws to deal with. I was going to upgrade the unit for a new laser from a company that will hopefully be in business next year, but in the end, decided to purchase a CO2 laser to handle some to the production items I am unable to do with the diode laser, including glass, acrylic and white ABS.
I would, however, like to purchase a backup laser module that would work with the ATEZR. Anyone have any suggestions. At one point, I believe
Can your ATEZR power supply handle the additional current draw of the 60w unit?
Are you prepared to replace the undersized power wire and connectors to the new 60w module?
Is your current laser frame rigid enough to accomodate the increased size and substantial mass of a 60w module?
Have you considered the substantial increase in laser beam size compared to your current 20w unit? You will maybe get a double in cutting power because the 60w beam is spread out over a larger area. It will not be 3x as powerful as your 20w unit.
Do you have access to a machine shop so you can fabricate an adapter plate?
A backup module would be a 20w unit, not 60w.
Have you compared the time and cost of upgrading your ATEZR to just outright purchasing a laser already designed for a 60w module?
If I have not talked you out of this idea, go back and re-read items 1-6 slower. I have experience and access to everything listed, yet I would not do this. I had a 10w machine (The Scalpel) and bought a 40w machine (The Chainsaw) when I needed it.
I’ve used my co2 to cut head mounts for both my led and China Blue machines.
I used a double stack of 3mm acrylic for the diode laser and the same for the China blue. It’s help in compression on the China blue, so it will still run fast.
Re-read my post slowly and you will realize I have no intention of purchasing the 60 watt module. I recently purchased one from Laser Tree and they claimed it would be no problem. Unfortunately I was not prepared for the work involved and would have to fabricate a mounting plate. I am not sure it is something I can 3D print. I returned it same day.
I have built my own wiring harness for an older diode laser I converted to an extended bed.. I also build custom Li battery packs for RC model planes and have an electronics background.
With luck, I will be able to fabricate the products I can’t produce efficiently on the K40+ including cutting white ABS, clear acrylic and a few other hard to cut materials.
My current laser is a workhorse. The framer is significantly more robust than any other laser I have seen, and would easily handle a 60 watt head. The current PS is 24V and Laser Tree provided a higher amperage for the 60 watt head. But I decided, as you suggested, more trouble than it’s worth for an uncertain result.
My Extended bed 24 Watt performs well on a daily basis, cutting leather for my custom leather business. However, my concern is that since ATEZR is no longer in business should he module fail I will be up the creek. So I am looking for a backup for the current module of between 24 and 36 watts that will drop in should the current head go South on me.
I may try to design and 3D print a compatible dovetail and test it on another 24 watt module I have. That may solve the problem, but I suspect a plastic bracket may not work.
I do have a friend who is a retired machinist with a well equipped machine shop.
Very kewl! The problem with the ATZER is that there is only the dovetail visible and very little clearance. It’s actually very elegant, keeping the center of gravity of the module as close to the Gantry as possible. My best shot would be to print a dovetail matching the back of the module that can be attached to the back of another module. I’m going to play around with my other 24 watt module and see if I can adapt that without major surgery.
Well, I read that slowly and did not see that coming. My response was based on the info you initially provided. It is obvious you have it under control, but maybe a less experienced and limited equipment user will benefit from this thread.
I decided to purchase a 45 watt OMTECH K40+ for cutting White ABS and engraving wine glasses. My other lasers are doing a great job for my other tasks.
