Sculpfun S9 : Power loss

LightBurn Hardware Compatibility Sculpfun
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1

Hello,

I have been using a Sculptfun S9 laser for a month and a half. Here is my problem: after engraving metal, I noticed a sudden loss of power. My engraving tests no longer produce the same graphical results.

Checks performed:

  • The lens is not damaged.
  • I haven’t changed the power supply.
  • No module has been added to the laser.
  • I have cleaned the lens as well as the diode inside the laser.
  • The diode does not seem to have any defects.
  • I have check the $1000 already

Additional details:

  • Machine: Sculptfun S9
  • Controller and firmware: LightBurn / GRBL
  • LightBurn version: No, I am not using the latest version
  • The issue is new; it hasn’t occurred before
  • Computer and operating system: Windows 11 and Windows 10 on two PCs (Lenovo Legion Y540)

I am engraving on zinc (with ventilation). Although zinc is reflective, this is not the first time I have engraved it without any issues. I have re-inspected the lenses and the diode without noticing any defects. I also tried changing the spacing between the diode and the lens without success; the laser still makes a line.

I have attached a video of the laser in operation as well as two graphical tables with the same parameters: one is much more engraved at 20% power than the other at 100% power.

I am ready to perform any type of repair from home if you have any suggestions for identifying the problem.

Thank you for your valuable help.

Video link: WeTransfer - Send Large Files & Share Photos Online - Up to 2GB Free

2

Hello Enzo

Could you share your EDIT > Device settings screen

Have you reached for the manufacturer to discard the possibility of a hardware failure?

3

Trying to move the focal point by moving the lens is not a good idea. However, make sure you are not confusing the protective glass disk with the actual lens. If you did take the lens out, make sure you reinstalled with the curved side in the right direction.

It still makes a line in what material? Visible line or burn line?

4

Hello Gil,

Thank you for your quick response!

Here are the device parameters. If you need any additional information or photos, I can provide them.

image
image657×736 24 KB

5

Everything seems correct to me - not sure if your origin is thought it should be normally front/left?

I would be inclined to think laser decay try running this for me . which ever fits your module power best.
Power test 5W.lbrn (130.7 KB)
Power Test 10W.lbrn (145.8 KB)

6

Hello Mike,

Thank you for your quick response as well!

I think I made a mistake; it is probably the protective glass. The diode inside the Sculpfun S9 is completely soldered, and only its position within the heatsink is adjustable relative to the protective glass.

Below, I am attaching a photo of the components I am referring to:

Laser head :

IMG_6259
IMG_62591920×2560 306 KB

Protective glass:

IMG_6260
IMG_62601920×2560 289 KB

Diode:

IMG_6258
IMG_62581920×2560 377 KB

7

I understand that what I did might have caused an issue, but the problem was already present before I disassembled the laser head.

I’m not sure which curve you’re referring to, sorry.

Here is a photo of the different graphs I have made. There is a difference between before and after, but I don’t think it affects the laser’s power.

Before:

IMG_6266
IMG_62661920×1602 329 KB

You can see that this graph goes up to 16% (it’s cardboard for packaging).

8

After (other graphs are all a from 0 to 100% at 600 speed) :

IMG_6264
IMG_6264697×3154 308 KB

IMG_6267
IMG_6267600×1857 349 KB

IMG_6263
IMG_62632262×541 349 KB

And here is the line that the laser makes, as I mentioned earlier:

IMG_6268
IMG_62681920×2560 164 KB

9

This should not be part of the optical stack of the module, should just be - as you said - a protective passthrough glass - so it should not interfere unless is damaged.
Without it does the laser power get better?

I would recommend getting in contact the manufacturer for better diagnostics.

10

I engraved your file with and without the lens, and there is very little difference.

IMG_6270
IMG_62701920×1533 263 KB

IMG_6271
IMG_62711920×1083 259 KB

IMG_6272
IMG_62721920×1154 239 KB

I contacted the supplier, and they sent me this link to fix the issue, but nothing has changed despite this adjustment.

11

Your X axis belt is for sure a lot loose
I think you have some issues to take care on your frame too

Try this on cardboard please, is a belt tension tester
Dot Test with Angle.lbrn (46.3 KB)

1 Like
12

Thanks for that !

13

Update :

I tried to follow the instructions in the video, and indeed, my laser has a defect; its spectrum is completely different from the one shown in the video.

image
image667×547 41.7 KB

I think the only thing to do is to change the laser head.

Do you have any advice on the parameters to consider when purchasing a diode laser?

I know I need to think about the power (W) and wavelength (nm), but I don’t know much else.

Especially on sites that sell these at a reasonable price, I think there might be some pitfalls.

I’m also considering getting an IR diode laser to attack metal in the best way, but is it really suitable for other materials?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to help.

14

Seeing that on the wall - which i assume is a lot of meters away - i would say is not a 100% thing. BUT does show optics are playing up

Only the manufacturer can guide exactly on how to diagnose and their parameters of what is acceptable.

Keep us posted on how the conversation goes with them could be extreamly useful for others too

This said. your frame still needs to be checked :slight_smile:

15

I will document as much as possible in a final post about the origin of the issue, the problem, the solution, and advice on how to avoid such issues once I receive the last response from the supplier.

Thank you for your help!

1 Like
16

I finally got to the bottom of the issue. Support responded regarding the image I sent. Indeed, there is a defect in the laser. They kindly asked for my address to replace this part :slight_smile:

I think the laser might have been damaged by the zinc. I switched materials, and one of them had an extra coating, which might have created better reflection.

Or it could be a manufacturing defect…

If you have a problem with your laser, you can consult the support video to check if your “spectrum” is viable or not.

1 Like