I have some questions about if it’s possible to setup a single machine that has 2 lasers with their own independent air compressors into Lightburn. I want to know if I can control the air compressors independently in the software.
Controller: Ruida RDC6445G/S
Compressors: Hailea ACO-009D x 2
If I was to use the Cloudray ultimate air assist kit, would I need to buy 2 kits? Or would it be better to just piece the parts I need individually.
Hi
I built a duel laser machine, it runs one compressor but you could have two. The compressor could be initiated by power to specific laser and the nozzle solenoid as normal thru the cut layer control air assist function on off.
I dont see the value in two compressors, running and maintenance also feed lines. These all take up real estate. I put in a larger compressor to handle demands and it has worked out for myself.
One compressor is all i would recommend for the average user even cutting metal.
Cheers
There is no direct way to do this with the outputs of the Ruida.
It only has the Status and Wind outputs that are used for air control.
There is no separate outputs for another tube except the the basic items that control the laser… nothing really for external equipment.
I think you’d have to come up with some other interface circuitry to do this…
I have to agree with @Fatbuoy, seems overly complicated to involve multiple compressors…
Good luck
The manufacturer chose to use 2 compressors. I assumed it would be 1 compressor as well at first.
2 compressors have an advantage of being simpler to tune the air output. Changing the flow of one won’t affect the other with an increase/decrease of pressure.
So let’s say I disconnect 1 compressor. Could I just use 1 compressor for both and have them just turn on/off together? Would it affect anything if the 2nd head is shooting air when not in use. I only plan on firing 1 laser at a time, but both are going to be used in the same job.
How is yours setup? Do you run a solenoid to the cut layer air assist?
Yes, you need to have only one air assist electronic parts kit, connected to ruida wind terminal.
My system has three with metal cut ability, air, oxygen,nitrogen solenoid outputs. Even at that for the stainless mesh i cut only the air assist is used. My system for 180w metal cut is controlled by an additional screen.
Back to yourself it is a straight hook up to ruida control and select in your cut layer that you want air assist, enable it. I also placed a flow control valve in both supply lines prior to gantry feed such that i can vary air pressure delivered.
I hope that answers yr question.
Cheers
So when air is activated, both heads emit air? This seems fine, just asking for clarification.
The machine comes with a Haiklea AC0-900D which is 135w and 120L a minute compressor.
So I have 2 questions:
I used this compressor, 140l/min it is more than enough:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32665410748.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.350.1af71802bwcy9P
along with two flow controls
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000262079592.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.161.1af71802bwcy9P
All this went to a multi outlet manifold, from there on 6mm lines.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32851235127.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.order_detail_item.33.6c7cf19c72VNoP
Control valves to suit
Cheers
Thanks for the reply and all of the information I do appreciate it.
Can the compressor handle emitting air to both heads at the same time?
I plan to use both laser heads in the same job. The air pump would need to be able to have enough strength to pump air through both at the same time. The manufacturer seems to think the air pump supplied couldn’t handle it.
Also, did you mount the control valves near the compressor (off gantry) or near the heads? Seems like mounting on the heads could add extra weight.
Yes the compressor can handle it easily. My apologies for not explicity stating this.
Try to only have the air line on gantry, have control flow valve and manual valves placed near as possible to front control position.
Compressor is noisy until well mounted, then it is pretty good.
Another option i put in was to have a flow filter from my workshop compressor fitted, this means it would run a bit too much, it is a good backstop if you need it in the future.
Cheers
I put in a quiet tank compressor that has some pressure on it and it made a world of difference… I would never go back.
These compressors look like the one that came with my machine… if that’s the case …
The supplied fish tank pump, or so called compressor I got, can’t really support one head, let alone two… don’t even think about any kind of real use in a cut operation …
They are better than no air flow… 
I’m curious the wattage of air pump you got with your machine.
If you’re asking about mine, it came with an 18W at 0.02MPa (2.9psi) … It’s in my junk drawer… here’s a photo
I used a Husky home compressor for 6 to 8 months, but it was so noisy I purchased one from California Air… they are not low cost, but are very quiet…
Probably more than what you need… it will supply 60psi for a cut no problem…
Good luck
The nice part is they are very quiet compared to most of them… the bigger the storage tank the less it will cycle…
I got one with an auto purge of condensation. It was very noisy so I built a muffler for it…
Good luck
