I have just purchased a new S 70 W laser. I just wondered if someone, anyone has made the same purchase and if they may have found out how much quicker the laser is and how much difference there is in the percentage of power and he speed as compaared to a 40W or 30w Laser there may be whenengraving or cutting 3, 4 or 6mm Baltic Birch woods? I have only assembled the laser. I have not ran any material tests. I will do this, but I was wondering what I may expect, Also, what is the thickest material anyone may have cut through with this laser?
Because the power in the dot is spread over a greater area in the more powerful lasers, you do not get a double in performance if you double the power. I have the S30 10w and the SF-A9 40w/20w. When I go double power, I actually see a 60%-70% increase in performance, in the same piece of wood.
Check the internet for a video. Pay attention to the fact that it was the pick of the best results, after many, many trials, and under ideal conditions. I can cut 10mm bamboo with my 10w laser, but it is not pretty, so “how thick” is somewhat irrelevant in everyday use. Those “I can cut x mm in one pass” claims are mostly for bragging rights and rarely match reality.
That said, I read that the Sculpfun S70 (that is the machine, right?) is pretty darn good, and matches the 20w for detail.
No matter of the power, I’d never cut more than 10-15mm with a laser. It starts to burn very easily, the thicker the material, the more likely (the beam gets thicker over distance). With my S70, the maximum I cut is 10 mm usually.
I cut 4 mm poplar plywood using 1500 mm/min, 80% and 2 passes.