I have the Two Trees Totem S and enjoying it, but would like to upgrade it to a more power laser module. It currently has a 5.5w module. If I wanted to upgrade it to a 10w module, would the stock controller board work and I would only need to upgrade the A/C power supply?
Generally when you go to a high power laser, it has it’s own supply and control board, which only needs the pwm control for the laser.
That’s what I had on my CNC3018 when I put a 30watt Neje on it.
You would need to know how much current that Totem can supply and if your current supply can provide it.
Do you have a link to the laser, that would help other that know your machine some data for a good response.
Good luck
The Totem S comes with a 4 amp power supply. The enclosure I built has lights and a couple of fans, so I installed a 17 amp power supply that runs those along with the Totem S, so I know I have more than enough power.
-
Model number: TT-5.5s
-
Type: Laser Engraving
-
Material: Aluminum + Plastic
-
Control board: MKS LKS
-
Laser wavelength: 450nm
-
Laser power: 5500mW (LD+FAC)
-
Engraving Size: 300*300mm
-
Laser input: AC100-240V
-
Power supply: 12V 4A DC
-
Plug: USA/EU/UK/AU Plug (optional)
-
Accuracy: 0.08mm
-
Engraving speed: 8000mm/min
-
Carving method: Computer Online Operation
-
Interface: USB
-
File format: .nc/.dxf/.bmp/.jpg/.png etc.
-
Engraving mode: image/text/scanning/outlining/pixel engraving, etc.
-
Support software: Laser GRBL/LIGHTBURN
-
Support System: Windows/Mac
-
Continuous working time: ≤6Hrs
-
Machine Size: L570W485H170MM
The problem is that ‘power’ has to go through the circuit copper paths on your controller board. These copper traces are limited on how much current they can safely pass.
All the higher power usually bypass the main power to the laser direct connection. Of course it’s another wire to the head…
Everything on the Internet is true 
. Lasers in this ‘cost’ range will not do metals, usefully.
The aluminum molecule reflect over 96% of the light that hits it.
I doubt your 5 watts of laser power, with 96% of it reflected, will do much of anything… wear your googles…
I have 50 watts out with my co2… I have to use a bonding agent to mark metals…
There are lots of fun stuff for these lasers, just put them in their proper place.
Good luck.
I’m not looking to increase power to engrave metal. I have a huge supply of 7mm thick cedar boards & discovered that it engraves extremely well. My 5.5w laser will cut it with many passes. I’m looking to cut it with fewer passes.
Sounds like you’ve got ample power to the controller. However, there is the concern of pushing too much current through the controller. You can expect about 6A with the upgraded laser module. Your current controller should have no problem controlling the new laser module but you may want to consider providing a separate power supply just for the laser module. Or don’t know if your power supply has multiple outlets that you could fork to supply power to the controller and laser module separately.
I believe your laser setup is a 12V solution. Be cognizant of this as you evaluate new modules. If you go for a 24V unit you’d need to for sure provide a separate power supply.