584,862 active members*
5,508 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Posts
    3

    thermal grease for mirrors?

    Hello- I'm working on a Strippit 3015L laser and just replaced and realigned the mirrors. Everything is working great, but I found a box of old mirrors that appeared to have grease on the back. I've consulted the manual and find no mention of this. MY QUESTION: do these reflectors need thermal grease on the back to help the fluid based chiller and keep them from getting too hot? Many thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    644

    Re: thermal grease for mirrors?

    No mirrors don't get hot when the beam reflects 100%. Grease might be used to keep the mirror tight. I wouldn't do that over fear of getting grease on the front.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Posts
    3

    Re: thermal grease for mirrors?

    Thanks for the reply.. There is a chiller that feeds through the back plates holding in all the mirrors that is designed to keep the mirrors at 77* f. I wouldn't think that would be required if they didn't heat up some. Maybe I'm missing something here?

    Thanks.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    644

    Re: thermal grease for mirrors?

    Maybe they do change temp for some reason. Not sure. If you left a mirror out in bright sun would it get hotter then the air?
    I think dragging cooling lines around when cutting could do more harm then good.
    Are you sure they aren't for keeping smoke off the mirrors?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Posts
    3

    Re: thermal grease for mirrors?

    The coolant lines are an integrated part of the LVD/Strippit 3015L laser. They actually run through the hardware that holds the mirrors in place from the back. Set at 77*, it may be to make sure no surface condensation collects on the mirrors, at least if heat is not the issue.
    Really, the only time we've had trouble with the mirrors burning up is when they weren't kept clean and the laser hit dust. It's a 3000w laser that we use to cut stainless sheets up to 1/4 inch. The mirrors are 3 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick, mostly solid copper.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Posts
    4
    hi,*
    you definitely* need some mirror cooling... since mirrors cannot be 100%... (0,5% means 15W on 3kW laser)

    depending on the mirrors mount, you may have several way to have good thermal contact... indium foil, thermal grease but also silver based glue or other thermal glue.

    standard electronic grease is not recommended unless your mounts have some kind of sealing to limit grease outgassing
    I typically use thermal glue, or Hala phase change thermal paste.


    cheers*
    Mark

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Posts
    5
    Hello
    Normally LVD optics in the external path need no conduction paste we never use on services. Only time we apply vac grease on backs of silicone mirrors inside the laser source cavity.

Similar Threads

  1. SBR16 bearing truck grease/grease fitting?
    By isaac338 in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-11-2014, 08:08 PM
  2. Mirrors
    By mondo50m in forum Laser Engraving / Cutting Machine General Topics
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-12-2012, 08:50 PM
  3. New to CNC, what parts to grease and with what type of grease? Wood machine.
    By 777funk in forum DIY CNC Router Table Machines
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 11-22-2011, 04:45 PM
  4. How to set mirrors...
    By p.ter in forum Laser Engraving / Cutting Machine General Topics
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 03-18-2010, 06:01 PM
  5. mirrors
    By miljnor in forum Laser Engraving / Cutting Machine General Topics
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 11-21-2006, 12:54 AM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •