2w IR laser inconsistent power output

Snapmaker 2.0
1

I’m having random trouble with the IR laser.

I initially thought it was due to material inconsistencies, but have tested on a plate that engraved fine at another time using the same file.

So it will engrave dark and deeply on SS 95%of the time, once and a while, it just starts engraving very light and only on the surface with no texture, it’s almost like you were engraving on aluminium, almost white or silver instead of black/ brown that it usually does, and you can feel nothing when running your finger over it. I just had it happen for an entire 2 hour engrave with no change. I turned it off, unplugged it, checked the lens, cable, no issues, then I turned it back on and it seems to be working on the same plate. I had tried resetting it twice in between with no results, tried different files, plates, etc, no results.

I even had this happen on a stainless thermos where it was dark on one side, then it went to engrave the other side and lost is “vigor" no dark, no smell, no power.
Tried firmware update just in case, it’s most recent reinstalled.

20251105_174539
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20251029_200957
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2

Did you clean your lens? Procedure should be similar to the higher power laser but don’t have a 2W on my own.

https://wiki.snapmaker.com/en/general/maintenance/clean_laser_lens_protector_of_10w&20w&40w_laser

3

Twas the first thing I did, it’s crystal clear.

It’s strange because you could just start another job without doing anything before and it would work, now I just can’t get it to do anything. I’ve been using lasers and the snapmaker for years, this is just something I’ve not run into. Going to have to check some measurements with the scopes later. I wish I had some reference measurements from when it was full power, but we’ll see, I’m not going to take it apart until I hear back from support as it’s still under warranty, we’ll see, just wondering if anyone else experienced this.

4

When you run it, do you hear the fan kick on? I wonder if it’s working and slowly overheating and cutting out.

1 Like
5

Loud as ever. I cleaned that as well.

6

The only other thing I can think of is made sure you’re using constant power mode, M3 instead of M4 trapezoidal.