I have a diode laser with air assist, and see that lightburn can connect it on or off. My question is: when air OFF is a desired thing?
Hey Dimas,
If I engrave things like leather or wood, I want the air off. Otherwise I will end up with soot around the engraving. And if I cut or engrave acrylic I also want the air off.
(but I am using a CO2 laser)
Generally speaking air has two purposes. For a CO2 laser it is wise to have some flow of air for no other reason than lens protection. It may be applicable to you.
The other one is to remove debris. If you’re cutting, it’s different than if you are engraving. Both of these are different depending on the material you’re using.
When I use it for most things, I generally want the air flow and debris to move over the area that I’ve yet to engrave. Prevents the particles from adhering to the newly engraved piece. I run a high pressure for cutting (up to 30 psi) compared to engraving (about 3 - 5 lbs) as the ‘damage’ to the material and the desired effect is different.
Mine draws fumes to the rear, so I try to engrave from the front to the back.
When it comes to lasers, try to think in terms of material you are working with. What damage will lasing produce ? Why do you have air assist at all?
Good luck
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