Thanks for posting the very good countermeasure plan.
The measures are as follows.
Model the top panel of the 10W laser with a 3D printer and provide external suction from outside the enclosure.
Create a bracket with a 3D printer to attach a blower fan on the full side of the 10W laser and force exhaust.
Drill a 40mm hole in the enclosure with a hole saw and install a 50mm x 50mm 24V fan to increase the amount of external intake air to the top of the 10W laser.
We decided to modify the enclosure for the idea that it should not suck in wood dust that was convected inside the enclosure in the first place.
I suggest using an external exhaust fan. At least 70 cfm. The stock fan does not cut the mustard.
I exhaust my enclosure to the outside of the building.
Next, use additional foam on all the door panels to seal the air flow from anywhere except the touch screen hole is at. This will help to reduce the dust from being so bad. You will still need to blow the intake out of the laser module. Itâs part of the standard upkeep.
I run both the 10 and 40 watt laser.
Keep your exhaust blown out also. Keep the air flowing in your enclosure to the exhaust. That and adding air assist (10 watt laser) have been the biggest game changers I have done to improve laser cutting/engraving.
Do I need to use a 70x70 24v fan to maintain airflow?
I will verify this with a 50x50 24v fan.
I have finished the design in Fusion360 but have not been able to mold it due to work, so I will report back when I have the results from the modification.
I removed my original fan completely and went to an 3â inline fan outside of the enclosure. I use surge protector with switched circuits to control the fan, power to Snapmaker, and air pump for the the assist on the 10 watt laser. There is an attachment you can make for the air assist in Thingyverse.
I can take pictures if you would like.
If you can get a higher cfm fan in the 3ââ diameter do it 70 cfm is on the edge of enough.
4ââ
Fan would be better then neck down to 3â at the enclosure to use the OEM collar.
I agree with the cleaning and maintenance of the fan. I actually replaced mine after about a year of heavy usage. Itâs all just part of the process to maintain quality laser work.
Thank you for the advice. By using external air intake, the 10W laser can now be maintained in a clean state. Even with a 30mm pipe, combining it with the blower fan ensures sufficient heat dissipation and exhaust clearance.
For those using a 10W laser or similar, please make sure to perform maintenance regularly to prevent breakdowns.
Doesnât that just suck debris into and onto the laser lens? I think it would be better to blow air down and thru the module.
Although I have to say, Iâve been using the 10W for 2+ years now and have no buildup inside when I took it apart the other day. Cutting a mix of wood, leather, paper/card stock and acrylic.
Iâd be more inclined to put a vacuum nozzle external on the module. Extracting fumes, debris right off the cutting surface vs pulling them thru the module. But hey whatever works for you.
It appears that there might be a misunderstanding on your part.
The top of the 10W laser is sending air from outside the enclosure. Air flows from the top to the bottom of the 10W laser. Some of it is expelled to the outside through the fan on the left side of the electronic board of the 10W laser.
By directing airflow from top to bottom towards the laser processing area, it is possible to prevent discoloration due to laser burning.
Creating a system to flow air into the cylinder below the laser output is simpler than using an air pump. No air pump is necessary.
Increasing the airflow from outside the enclosure using a blower fan further enhances the effectiveness.
Why there are elements to intake dust or debris from outside the enclosure is a question to considerâŚ
I knew I recalled someone having their exhaust mounted at the top, and someone that complained about buildup inside their laser, and to no oneâs surprise itâs the same person. I can almost guarantee thatâs a huge part of your issue. Youâre pulling up fumes, etc and the laser is pulling them back in. Like I said before, I donât have the buildup issue inside my laser and and i left my exhaust in the lower right. You seem like the type to instantly dismiss any critique based in your previous reply. So Iâll just leave it a that.
