Laser Power Meter

[Kim Vellore]

I guess Epilog used to do that before. My machine is a Epilog 45TT (45 watt machine) but the tube inside is a 40W tube, When I asked them about it they told me they measure the output and that's how they classify the machines... I thought that was not right. I am sure there is some consumer protection law against that. I dont think they are still doing that now.

Kim

[Dan Hintz]

Kim,

All tubes have a small window of power range due to the construction methods and materials used (one surface isn't perfectly mirrored at the correct angle, the next batch of gas is slightly off, etc.). That's the reason why two tubes designed in exactly the same manner can be 10-20% different in power levels. If Epilog chooses to use a nominal 40W cartridge that measure 45W and call it a 45W machine, that's their prerogative. I don't know about any manufacturer other than ULS, but I do know ULS accepts anything within +/- 10% of the rated value to be acceptable... they also choose to downrate their tubes in almost every case so no one can come back and say they were ripped off. My 60W cartridge lases at 70W+...

[greg lindsey]

Whether or not this is Epilog position, is up to them, I mearly stated what I was told by EL support. I am not trying to throw any EL techs under the bus, they are the best in the business, but just passing along what I was told. When I tested my summits on the synrad power meter they tested at 6 watts on a 25 watt machine, yes I know they are dinosaurs, but they work fantastic and there is no way they are only putting out 6 watts. I have had these machines in production for 10 yrs and both still produce the same way as the day I got them.