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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Posts
    7

    Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    I bought a 60W laser tube for a DIY laser that I built, but I'm not convinced that it is getting anywhere close to 60W.What is the best / cheapest way to check the power output of the laser?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Posts
    411

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    One of the links placed at the end of your request is labeled "Laser power meter for testing laser tube power"

    It leads to this product. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/High...809985313.html

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Posts
    7

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    I saw this. $312 seems expensive for what I'm trying to do. I don't need to know +- 0.1 W. I just want to know if this thing is producing like half of the 60W it is supposed to. I'm wondering if there is a problem with the power supply. I think it might really be a 40W power supply.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Posts
    787

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    Quote Originally Posted by rjd1234 View Post
    $312 seems expensive
    Nobody said that laser playing is a cheap game.
    CNC lasers, constructions, service

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    155

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    Have you contacted Russ at SarbarMultimedia on YouTube? He created what he calls a "Dohickey" that can measure laser power output. Not sure if he still sells them, but it might be worth asking.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO9rWlobLZU

    You can also buy a Macken Instruments laser probes on eBay for around $120-150.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    92

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    I have a 50W epilog helix and I cut 1/8" thick baltic birch plywood with the following settings;

    Speed = 16% = 80in/sec*.16= 12.8in/sec
    Power = 93% = 46.5W
    Freq=500Hz

    You could use this as a basic benchmark to check your machine.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    96

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    Try to found someone near you with power meter. Cheapest.
    Buy simple power meter - bit more expensive, but way better.
    Polish @ Éire

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Posts
    5

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    Most ebay/chinese 60w laser tubes are rated for peak not continous power. What is make/model/length of your purchased tube. What current are you running the tube at? What voltage and what power supply. These all will effect the output power of the tube. Before even trying to check output power make sure you are running your tube at the proper parameters.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Posts
    7

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    I am measuring 21.3 mA.
    I have the power supply set to 110V.
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/60W-Laser-P...sid=m570.l1313
    The tube is 1200mm, 50 mm diameter.
    https://www.ebay.com/p/60w-1200mm-La....c100012.m1985

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Posts
    75

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    Follow robertk925's advice. Russ' device costs less than $70 to put together and works great.

    Measure both at the end of the tube to find out the tube's actual output and then again at the work surface to find out how much loss you are getting via your mirrors.
    "80 Watt” 700mm x 500mm Ke Hui 7050 Laser (Similar to the Red Sail)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Posts
    20

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    We have power meter especially for co2 laser tube range from 0-200w.If you have interest please visit our website:Canton Wonder Laser Technology Co.,Ltd - Canton Wonder Laser Technology Co.,Ltd

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    3063

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    Quote Originally Posted by co2lasertube View Post
    We have power meter especially for co2 laser tube range from 0-200w.If you have interest please visit our website:Canton Wonder Laser Technology Co.,Ltd - Canton Wonder Laser Technology Co.,Ltd
    What do you get for those in US dollars?

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Posts
    20
    Quote Originally Posted by MichaelHenry View Post
    What do you get for those in US dollars?
    Please leave me your email address.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    3063

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    Quote Originally Posted by co2lasertube View Post
    Please leave me your email address.
    Let me know your price and if it meets my budget and the quality is acceptable, I'll contact you.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Posts
    20
    Quote Originally Posted by MichaelHenry View Post
    Let me know your price and if it meets my budget and the quality is acceptable, I'll contact you.
    Dear fob price is 600 USD.If you need correction,need to pay more 200 USD.We will bring it to authority and correct.You will have one certificate finally.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    3063

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    Quote Originally Posted by co2lasertube View Post
    Dear fob price is 600 USD.If you need correction,need to pay more 200 USD.We will bring it to authority and correct.You will have one certificate finally.
    Thanks, but I'm afraid that $600 is more than I'm willing to pay for a laser power meter right now.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Posts
    20
    Quote Originally Posted by MichaelHenry View Post
    Thanks, but I'm afraid that $600 is more than I'm willing to pay for a laser power meter right now.
    Understand,can cheaper 50 USD at most.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Posts
    6

    Re: Measuring the power output of the laser tube

    I bought a used CO2 laser power meter like the one below for $50 on Ebay. Check this instructables link.
    https://www.instructables.com/id/How...?amp_page=true Buying used means you don't know when the last time it was calibrated was, but I'm mainly interested in monitoring power loss over time, and figuring out what my software percentage output actually meant in terms of a wattage figure. I was able to determine that 65% in the software actually produced all the power the tube could output. Minimum % to fire the tube was 15%. So my true output range is 15-65%. My Chinese "50W" laser is currently putting out 25W max, but it is 4yrs old.

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