[intelinc]

Hi all.

I have a 600x900 CNC CO2 laser that I am realigning after not having used it for over a year. The tube is an 80w Reci. There are less than 100 hours on the tube, but it is >6 years old. The beam is significantly diverging -- seemingly upon exit from the tube -- growing to a diameter of >20mm at the far edge of the bed. See attached photos for a visual. All mirrors are brand new (swapped them out to rule out any optical issues with the old mirrors, but this happens with both). I have also visually checked the exit window on the laser, since I was wondering whether this could be caused somehow by scattering/reflection from the aluminum walls. It doesn't appear dirty, but I have never cleaned it.

Before I expend capital on a new tube, I wanted to check to make sure this symptom of significantly-growing spot size is in fact a sign of irreversible tube failure. Thanks for any help.

[cinematic2]

Hi all.
There are less than 100 hours on the tube, but it is >6 years old.

Too old to rock&roll :-(