Universal Superspeed feature

[Kevin Groenke]

Good research Richard,

We have a X2660 SuperSpeed and an X660. Most of our work is vector cutting and engraving, so we've honestly never done a comparison of rastering times. However, we have noticed that the X2 SuperSpeed does not seem to have as fine of a vector line as our X660. I always attributed this to the fact that we were cutting with ~120 watts vs 60, but perhaps it's due to an alignment issue with the SuperSpeed mechanism.

Mike Mackenzie - Do you know if this could be the case?

I'll have to look into this: maybe even a call to ULS to see if anything can be done to remedy the matter (if it is a matter).

Paul Phillips - We could probably run a small file on each of our machines if you would be interested in comparing the output and run times.

-kg

[Mike Mackenzie]

Kevin,

It is possible if you know how to do the alignment test then do this unplug the bottom tube then do the alignment test then with the tape still on un plug the top tube and plug in the bottom tube and see if the burn marks are in the same spot. If not then you need to do an alignment if they are then it is not the issue.

I would also check the focus tool try using the tool for the X on the X2 see if it makes any difference. You may just need to calibrate the tool.

Do not adjust the mirrors if the bottom tube does not line up, The mirrors within the system are for adjusting the top tube only. You need to adjust the bottom tube from the back of the system. There is a plate that is removed to expose the combiner optic and this is the adjustment for the bottom tube.

[Richard Rumancik]

. . . Most of our work is vector cutting and engraving, so we've honestly never done a comparison of rastering times. . . .

Well, for engraving (raster marking) it would seem to me that the speed should increase by a factor of two. If you have one tube (say 60 watt) marking a material it will take x minutes for the raster job. If there are two lasers operating such that two rows of dots are put down at a time, it seems to me that the best you can do is x/2 minutes. But I also found this:

"Up to 500% Increase in Productivity
The X2-SuperSpeed is the flagship CO2 laser platform. With patented dual laser capability and patented simultaneous dual line engraving (four lines with the dual head option), the SuperSpeed redefines productivity. Large engraving jobs can be run up to 5 times faster than on a single beam laser system - truly amazing. The SuperSpeed is an exceptional laser system and if you have a market for the high volume of products it can laser process, the profit potential is stunning.
Up to 500% Increase in Productivity"

Now I suppose if you have BOTH two-heads and SuperSpeed then you could get 4x productivity, providing you didn't need all of your 60 watts to mark. (You would only get 30 watts at each head.)

But I don't know how you would get 5x even if you had both options.

[Jim Dawson]

we looked at one of these machines..... the idea of having a motor adjust focus scared me..... plus having 2 - 60 watt lasers doesn't translate into 120....

[Dan Hintz]

I see no problem with using a motor to adjust focus (it's done in digital cameras every day), as long as the motor is spec'd appropriately.

[Richard Rumancik]

we looked at one of these machines..... the idea of having a motor adjust focus scared me..... plus having 2 - 60 watt lasers doesn't translate into 120....

Jim, not sure what you mean by that - the micro motor is not actually focusing; it is aiming the beam. Although it is a "motor" it is not a stepper in the normal sense. It is basically acting like a galvo motor steers the beam in a galvo laser. The actual motion here is probably much less than a degree. (Could be perhaps 20 degrees in a galvo marking head.) Galvo motors can steer a beam very accurately so I don't have any real concerns that it can't be done well. In the ULS case the motor needs to adjust the optic only when you adjust dpi; after that the optic would be locked down for the job.

Also, what do you mean by saying that two 60 watt lasers doesn't translate into 120. I think that generally it does - have you found an exception?

[Neal Schlee]

we looked at one of these machines..... the idea of having a motor adjust focus scared me..... plus having 2 - 60 watt lasers doesn't translate into 120....

Our ULS X-2 660 120 watt (2-60 Watt Lasers) with Superspeed output 145 watts when delivered new. After nearly 5 years of use it still outputs 100-110 watts.

We use the SS feature on all acrylic raster jobs. The driver has settings (1-8) for resolution and spacing between the two beams when in SS mode. The higher the number, the higher the resolution and the closer the beams are at the focal point.

Neal