I am new to using a laser. I have an Atomstack S10 Pro.
After speaking with a friend who has been using the same laser for a couple of years, and comparing notes, it would appear that the settings I am using are similar to what he used when he had the5 watt laser.
My question, is there a way of checking the actual output of the laser. For all the label on the casing tells me it is a 10 watt, how can i be sure
without Specialized equipment you wont have a scientific exact measurement
The best way is to create a power scale, compare settings and visually check on similar materials (the more exact material the better) the results of engraving.
Few variables to make sure are the same
a) Edit → SEttings
b) Edit _> device settings
c) Lasers are both clean optically
d) Power adapters are both the same
e) material is the same. Example those business cards of plywood
Then if you and your friend run the same test file the results should be 100% similar
Lightburn has on TOOLS menu a laser power tester too you could use
Hi.
^This.
Keeping in mind of course that as there’s rather short focal length optics involved, the actual cutting/engraving/etc. “power” depends greatly on the spot size (=focus) being exactly the same.
Even though a proper laser power meter is guaranteed to be well and truly outside a hobbyists budget, something like this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000921120538.html
gives a decent but unscientific approximation of the actual optical output power of a laser head.
Because of the way a sensor like that measures power, the spot size is more or less irrelevant so it won’t tell anything about the cutting ability, just the power.
I have the exact one on the link, and it seems to give surprisingly accurate values.
ATM I have it attached onto a 100x75x45 2,2K/W heat sink:
as suggested in the manual and on the web reviews, but should the need arise, I’m prepared to install a miniature fan on the side for forced cooling.
The local Flir dealer assured me that the sensor on my E5 is capable of handling the scattered and reflected visible spectrum laser beam, so I won’t have to rely on guesswork for the need either.
Regards,
Sam
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Even if inaccurate to some degree, it will be accurate for comparing two lasers. And checking if power output is drifting down (like aging or dirty). Ask your buddy to split the cost.
Thanks for the reply. I have done what yo are suggesting. I was just hoping they may have been something i was missing.
Thanks again.
The “Fieldbest” power meters aren’t TOO terrible expensive if one is inclined to buy such things. I believe I paid more for my PAR meter. I know I paid more for my FLIR. But, I like tools.
Hi.
Exactly.
I do have to admit that the accuracy was a bit of a surprise, and a nice one at that.
That is in fact the reason I wanted a power meter in the first place, and of course because:
, as do I.
That is a very good point also, from both sosioeconomic- and moral standpoints.
Even with that one costing ~150€ roughly a year ago, I had my doubts.
Mainly because I rarely if ever buy anything from such vendors, but for that piece of equipment I found zero alternatives so I took a chance.
At least so far it seems to paid off, but only time will tell 
Regards,
Sam
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