laser less effective than it was

[chrisv]

I'm using a 7 year old VL300 & have started to have problems cutting through acetate. The optics are clean and blemish free, the focussing is good & the correct material and thickness have been selected, but the laser is only cutting about 3/4 of the way through. I've tried increasing the intensity, making small adjustments to the focussing in both directions and using different sheets of acetate, but it's still not cutting right through. Can anyone suggest what may be wrong, other than the laser nearing the end of its' life (do they deteriorate gradually or do they just stop working altogether)?

Also, there is a label on the laser cartridge saying "UL-30", am I right in thinking that this indicates that it is a 30W laser?

Cheers

Chris Vaudin DT technician Atlantic College

[bradders]

Hi Chris,

After 7 years, it sounds as though the laser cartridge is expiring, contact Denfords for replacement costs. Just as an after thought, is the air assist cone partially blocked with debris etc and is it aligned correctly. i.e. so the the laser beam is not hitting the side of the cone?

Yes UL-30 means it is a 30Watt laser cartridge

[chrisv]

Thanks Bradders, air assist cone is clear and aligned, so it looks like the laser is on its way out. Ho hum I'd better get on the phone then...

Cheers

Chris V.

[bradders]

Hi Chris, 7 years is quite a good run for the laser cartridge

[chrisv]

Cartridge changed, works fine now, thanks Bradders!

[bradders]

Chris,

Can you package up the faulty cartridge, address to to Denford's, leave it in your reception and then we will get a courier to come in and collect it. Ring Denford's and let us know when you have done this please.

[chrisv]

Will do!

[bradders]

Cheers Chris, I have e mailed you on the subject too. Just let me know when you have packed it up and where it is, i.e. reception and i will arrange for a courier to come in and pick it up.