Co2 Laser, AIR COMPRESSOR Upgrade, Setup & Testing, With Ultimate Air Assist
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- Опубліковано 20 лип 2020
- Is it worthwhile replacing the Air Pump which was shipped with your Co2 Laser Machine, with an Air Compressor? Will it improve the results from your laser machine? Aren’t Air compressors extremely noisy, I don’t want all that noise in my workshop? To address that last question 1st, no not all air compressors are noisy, the one I used in this video is a silenced air compressor which a noise level of 60dB compared to that of other compressors the same size with noise ratings of around 97dB
In this video I will show one way to install and configure your Shop Air Compressor with your laser machine, and I will show a few before and after examples of a few cut results.
I use the Ultimate Air Assist installation on my laser machines, and I highly recommend this upgrade if you do not already have a similar system installed.
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CLOUDRAY LASER - Ultimate Air Assist Kit - amzn.to/2CSOqUu
I recommend a Silenced Air Compressor with a volume of 50L or more, the smaller units may be sufficient for low volume work.
There are some great compressors available, this one I purchased here in Australia from Sedy, However If you are outside Australia, other compressors that I have heard are very suitable are those from California Air Tools.
50L Air Compressor Oil Free Silenced Direct Motor - SEDY - (Link Removed - I Do Not Recommend The SEDY Unit - See Pinned Comment)
California Air Tools 8010A Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free Lightweight Air Compressor - amzn.to/2OKGEi5
California Air Tools 15020C Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 2.0 Hp 15.0 gallon Steel Tank Air Compressor - amzn.to/3fQoMyc
California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 1.0 hp Steel Tank Air Compressor, 8 gal, Silver - amzn.to/39cSknp
1 HP Quiet Portable Air Compressor, 120 PSI, 6 Gallon, HULK Silent Series, Model HP01P006SS by EMAX Compressor - amzn.to/2OJAvD6
Silenced Air Compressor 24 Liters Oil-Free 67dB 8Bar 600W 230V - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dVM...
Oil-free Silent Air Compressor 50L Double Intake Mobile Air Compressor 220V - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6M...
HULK (USA) HP01P006SS 1 HP 6 Gal. Silent Air Portable Compressor - rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-532...
Next you will need a Flow regulator with a water trap. Water vapor is a by-product of compressing air, and the amount of vapor produced is dependent upon the environment, humidity and temperature your compressor is operating in.
1/4" Air Compressor Filter Regulator Oil Water Pressure Moisture Trap Separator - amzn.to/3fOAc5w
1/4" Compressed Air Pressure Regulator Compressor Moisture Trap Filter Oil Water Separator Filter for Oil Water Separator - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZT...
Male Stud Push In Fit Pneumatic Fittings for Air Hose - amzn.to/3eMgd6g
I use a NITO to 1/4 fitting and then use the following to connect the 6mm OD tubing.
NPT/NITTO fitting with 1/4" Female thread - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AqtgJ9
- 1/4" BSP Male Thread Straight Pneumatic Pipe Fitting OD 6mm s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9H6iDh
Air Compressor Hose Pneumatic Air Hose OD 6mm - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_APFDft
Air Pneumatic Straight Bulkhead Union - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9QZSJd
So now we have it all set up what air pressure is required? That all depends on what you are cutting, I have tested with various materials and the results for each vary. So for now I will show a few examples of 3mm (⅛ inch) plyboard.
It should be noted that I only used a 2” lens for this test, normally If you are cutting this thickness I’d recommend a 4” lens, I’ll discuss more about lens selection in a future video.
The LightBurn forum is a great resource for the Co2 Laser Machine users and LightBurn Software support, the web address is forum.lightburnsoftware.com/
Until Next time, take care
Cheers Matthew
Visit MW Laser www.mwlaser.com.au
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Facebook / mattsworkshopau
NOTE: This is not a paid production or advertisement. The featured products I purchased and installed on my own laser machine to allow me to provide viewers with this installation / how-to video - Навчання та стиль
My Review of the SEDY Air Compressor... Well after a day from New I had it replaced as it originally came with a faulty compressor unit. Now 4 months with this replacement unit, and this one has the same issue. I Don't recommend this unit.
from california air website....
"Up to 8 hours of continuous running at 90 PSI and 12 hours at 40 PSI.
The 200CR motor/pump is tested for a minimum life of 5000 hours before wear. Wear parts can be a piston ring, cylinder ring or reed valve."
I wonder if you exceeded a similar timeline??
😅
This is amazing! You make it very easy to understand and it has been much appreciated!
Glad it was helpful!
I am in the process to finish my 2x4 laser cutting table w/100w tube. Every time I search for help on youtube for help your channel comes up. I learn a lot from you. A channel worth subscribing to . Thank you.
Great to hear!
Im starting my journey down the laser rabbit hole and figured this would make a difference but didnt realize how much. Thanks for the visual my laser will be hooked to compressor on first cut now for sure.
Cheers - Glad to help
Great video Matt, just going down the compressor route and this has answered lots of questions. Cheers👍
it certainly makes a difference to the work I do, I hope you have the same success. Cheers Matt
Matt, what have you set you cut in psi to on the compressor. As in how low does the psi go before the motor kicks in.
Always great videos. A compressor I highly recommend is made by a company called Jun-Air. They make several models but the ones that use a refrigeration compressor are whisper quiet (45db) and are very reliable. They are ghastly expensive because they target medical and scientific community but you can find them in the $4-500 dollar range in the used market. You need to use an oil/water separator as it is an oil lubricated compressor but they last for decades. They are quite small too.
Lo veo desde Colombia muy buenos sus videos no deje de hacerlos me ha enseñado muchas cosas que no sabia, y a saber para que se utilizaban muchos accesorios, son geniales sus videos sigue así felicitaciones, gracias.
De nada
Thankyou for sharing. Very informative. Great video
Glad it was helpful!
Thanka for the detailed video👌
You're welcome
Thanks Matthew, I'm currently building my CO2 laser inspired by your build, and using Cloudray components and MK extrusions, really happy with your upcoming series on setting up with Ruida
this will be super helpful, I'm at the stage of trial wiring my setup which has work area 1400x1200mm and have made mods to the drive system for the Y axis using 2 steppers and locating them at the front, I'm hoping this works out as it has cleared the area at the back of my machine making air extraction much clearer.
I was going to use an old Cigweld Big beaver diaphragm compressor, that has had little use, but after viewing this video I think I'll go with your recommendation.
I'll have see if can get onto an air regulator that can be remote mounted on the control panel.
Thanks for sharing your ideas bets regards
Ralph
That sounds great, it's a good size machine you're building too. Cheers Matt
I have the same air compressor they are great can talk on phone wile running.
those water outlets are auto when pressure drops. Have ordered air assist thx matt
Thanks Wayne, the auto air assist is definitely a great upgrade. Cheers Matt
Hello great info as always your videos are really helpful!
I'm in the process of buying a Co2 laser and wanted to ask you if you did these cuts with the 90w tube you mentioned on the part one of your laser build because I have chosen a Reci W2 90w tube for my machine and was afraid it couldn't cut 8mm and 10mm MDF or Plywood. I want to do some detailed engraving so the w2 seemed like a good option for cutting and engraving but please correct me if I'm wrong, and its impressive you did it with a 2''(50.8mm) lens I was thinking about a 2.5''(63.5mm) and wasnt sure if it would do that.
Also you used 7mm/s for 9mm MDF at what power? And the setting for the 12mm?
Thank you for your help
Great video...first time visiting. I am in the process of setting up a Thunder Laser Nova 63/135 Watt that I just received and had planned to use my Makita MAC5200 air compressor I already have. However, its volume (~20L) seems to be undersized for what you recommend. Will I find that the 20L will be an issue with some projects? Also, if I use the Makita, I am guessing I will need to use a separator to deal with oil mist also but haven't researched this yet to see what the options are.
I have an Omtech 60w laser. Is a compressor too much for my wattage or just right? Should I opt for a small air pump instead with the relay?
Thanks for the video. I am just about to finish building a 80W CO2 laser and already tested one compressor I sent back. Next I was going to try exactly what you mention here, a 50liter silent compressor.. What you did not mention I guess was that how frequently is the compressor running on such long cuts.. anyways I agree and think this is the way to go.. now just waiting for a good black friday deal :)
hope your upgrade went well - Cheers Matt
@@MWLaser Thanks! New compressor is installed and seems to work. Still need to adjust few things on the laser to get it really to action. So far everything seem good
Sir, great work,can you pls tell me what is the model of finder relay,i am trying to buy it locally
Hello, I am having problems with my co2 laser unit that has the same small compressor as yours. My laser has 150w power and I use it mainly for cutting wood and acrylic but I do need to engrave like 30 percent of the time and I am getting all sorts of burnouts. Will this type of compressor also help with this too?
Could you please do an updated video on the Ultimate Air Assit for an Air Compressor? I'm having a hard time figuring it out as the relay is no longer needed.
email askmatt@mwlaser.com.au with your controller and some info on your current setup and I will fwd you some additional diagrams that may assist. Cheers matt
I might have missed it in the video, did you have a second pnumatic solenoid to prevent your air from leaking while the machine is idle? (The ultimate kit has a relay for turning on/off the aquarium pump, but that wouldn't do such a great job with a compressor and its tank)
Edit: nevermind, I should have read 3 more comments than I did, I found my answer
Great video - very helpful. I have 150W tube (180W peak power) some of my projects have LOTS of details and cutting take about 1 hr. What air tank capacity would you recommend? Would 50L be enough? Thank you in advance
The bigger the better, 50L is probably not sufficient for your scenario.
Hello, i'm wondering is 140 liter/min air too much for 100watt laser? Thanks in advance
Hi Matt! Thanks for this video, really helpful. I have a question about ultimate air assist and air compressor combination. Do I need to use relay for the air compressor? I thought that my compressor will stay on when working with laser and only the solenoid is needed for letting the air go to the nozzle. Thanks for answer!
Also, my air compressor will be in another room on the other side of the wall, so I would like just to make a hole in the wall for the air hose. Is that possible or I need to bring power from my laser to the air compressor? Thanks
No you do not need to use the relay for the compressor
Wow. Much better result... 12mm??! How much watts ?
90w Tube 26mA 7mm/sec
I may have missed it in the video or your notes, but do you mention:
(1) What kind of ADAPTER comes off the air compressor to fit the hose to the regulator . . . and
(2) What kind of HOSE is used throughout -- e.g. from compressor to regulator and from regulator to the laser nozzle? (Is 6mm the outside diameter)?
Currently my red-and-black has hose from the air compressor to the laser's housing that is the same diameter as the hoses from the chiller. I'm thinking I might just bypass the connection that is on the housing when running from the regulator to the laser head.
I wonder if some hoses might not be able to handle the 30+ psi or wear and tear of a heavier-duty air compressor.
Reply is not saving - I have emailed you
Thank you for making these videos, they help a lot. Can the Ultimate air assist still work without plugging the compressor into the laser? I have a shop air compressor on the other side of my shop. I was planning to make a 6mm air tube run across the shop into a pressure regulator on the laser and let the compressor turn on when the PSI gets too low. When plugged into the red and black laser have you ever noticed any issues with compressor amp draw causing any issues.with the larger compressor.
Yes you can use a compressor that is always on. You should not have your air compressor plugged into the back of the laser machine (this is ok for an air pump). Cheers Matt
@@MWLaser thank you so much Mathew,! You are a great teacher and provide much appreciated laser info. You have a great voice.
Great video. I have two head co2 laser machine, how will I upgrade my air compressor? Any suggestions
email askmatt@mwlaser.com.au
How about psi for say engraving on wood and acrylic? What would you recommend
I used only minimal air for engraving wood and acrylic, no high pressure at all.
This is my preference, there are many people who like to have higher pressure to have a darker engraving on woods, and whiter engraving on acrylic, the exception is for 3D engraving, which I hope to cover in a video sometime for the Ruida Video Series.
I'd love to "hear" how loud that compressor is when it starts refilling to get a better idea of the noise (or quietness) it supposedly has.
Hi Greg, The problem is when video records sound it is not a true indication of sound levels, as the volume on recording and playback may be different. This is the best I can do (link below) without you hearing it in person.
Cheers Matt.
mwlaser.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/VID_20201008_101628910.mp4
@@MWLaser Yeah, I see what you mean. How does one get a good idea how quiet they really are.
Hi Matt the fins from cloudray for the table do you have a link. Also how are you finding the extraction fan you have does it work well. Thanks Alan
I don't have a link for the alloy fins - I emailed Cloudray directly with a quote request, include the length of each rail and the spacing required for the width of the laser bed. and they can provide a quote to your specifications.
The extraction fan is working well.
Cheers Matt
Hello!! Great video. I NEED HELP. My laser uses a larger diameter silicone tube. I need a connector that will go from the compressor to the silicone tubing. Do you have a link to one that would work?
I would replace the silicone tube with a nylon tube if using an air compressor
Thank you for this video !
What is the laser wattage in this video ?
130W
@@MWLaser can we have the same result with 80 watts?
I see the video is from some time ago. Have you since then, or anyone else here for that matter, gained any experience in the water-filtration on the regulator. Do you use any special size of the micron in the filter?
I have a regulator with filter now, but I still get water coming through putting a layer water on the focus lens. Not sure what micron size I have on current filter, but planning on buying a 5 micron filter.
Try a 2 meter pvc pipe filled with desiccant crystals
Hi, this is interesting. Please let me know why you choose air compressor than co2 tube?
the air compressor is not used other than a co2 laser tube, the air pressure is used to assist with the laser cutting.
Hi. Just wondering how you going with the compressor so far? Im in the market for one..do you recommend it? Also alot of my laser work run for between 30-60 mins..can this compressor keep up and not overheat? TIA
Yes I have not had any issues with the compressor, it is keeping up even after long cutting sessions, it has not over heated in my environment. However it is winter here, I'll know more after 12 months use.
Is the 30psi that you recommend the static pressure or working pressure?
static I guess. I set at 30psi then start, I monitor it, and if it did drop below about 10psi I would pause job until compressor caught up. however the newer (AEG 60L) compressor I have maintains 15-30psi while cutting for about 30-40 mins which is plenty.
I’m wondering where I might find one of those blade tables at a reasonable price. I’ve got an 80w red and black similar to yours that I’d like to replace the honeycomb on.
I ordered mine by emailing and requesting a quote from cloudray they supply to size you request
@@MWLaser thanks!
Their shipping costs to AU are super high right now 😭
Hello, please, is there a table with the necessary air pressure for each material, such as MDF, acrylic, rubber, and others?
no there is not that I'm aware of. It something you will need to test on the material you use with your laser.
MW Laser thank you very much
When I added a 50L air assist to my k40 laser It turns on and off by itself, what is the SOLUTION please 🥺
Can you please make a video and diagram for Trocen AWC708C LITE
I need diagram for Trocen AWC708C Lite
Sir i am upgrading my air pump to compressor,since i live in india,getting parts from china is a bit costly and time consuming,I can get locally source solenoid valve which has 24vdc, can you pls provide any alternative pls let me know,thanks sir
Hi Matt.
Did you notice any issues with air leakage when swapping from air pump to compressor?
I installed the Cloudray Ultimate Air Assist kit last year (following your video - thank you!), and it has been working great.
I recently bought a proper compressor, and when I have it plugged in to the air port, I get air coming from the laser head immediately. Did you experience this, or have to make any modifications such as another solenoid? I think I expected no air to be passed through until a job is active.
It otherwise works as I would normally expect (no air is smaller volume and air is larger volume), controlled via software. I will say it is eerily weird to have the laser going and not have the constant chatter of the air pump in the background.
Thanks again,
Bill.
yes, due to air solenoid having a bypass for when air is off to protect lens during laser cutting job, the air from compressor will drain, unless you add a full off tap or an additional solenoid connected to Status.
@@MWLaser Thanks Matt. I ordered (for anyone else having the same issue) a 24V NC (Normally Closed) solenoid, and put it first in the air chain. Used the status wires originally going to the relay and rerouted to the solenoid, which fixed the problem. Cheers :)
@@billstickerz3296 Interesting, Do You have a visualisation of that?
What is the focal length of your lens? At 7:15, your nozzle looks very close so just curious. I have an 80w that I like but have issues cutting 1/4" ply or mdf with it. I have to burn the hell out of it to get it to cut through.
I'm using a 2" (50.8mm) focus lens. On my setup this leaves a 7mm gap between nozzle and material.
@@MWLaser Thank you! Really enjoying your videos.
I'm installing the cloudray ultimate air assist kit to be used with a California air tools compressor . Is the supplied relay still needed in this case ? Is the compressor supposed to just be turned on and off manually? Thanks in advance.
no the relay is optional, and I don't recommend using it for the compressor, however you may like to install it for the exhaust fan
Thank you!
Great info, thank you! For your 45 min cut test, do you know what kind of duty cycle the compressor was running to keep up with that output? Did it have to run constantly or was it able to turn on and off?
it stayed on for 45 mins, with 30psi supplied at the nozzle and maintained 50-80psi at the compressor.
@@MWLaser you are killing your compressor. Those silenced non oil units must rest 1:3 at least, so 1/3 work, 2/3 rest. Otherwise it will die very fast. You need at least 420 l/min to work ar 30 psi correctly for compressor and bigger tank is better, 50 litre is somewhat small. Cheers
how much air pressure is needed for basic flow/etch?
just enough to protect the lens, low flow for etching is best
I have a 100w RECI tube and I still cant manage to cut through some of the material you cut here. Can you list what settings you used to cut everything? I also have upgraded air assist and while it helped a lot for 6mm plywood, 6mm MDF and 1/2ply is still no go :(.
Both the 9mm & 12mm MDF I used 7mm/Sec at approx 26-28mA. I'm using a Cloudray CR90 90-100W Laser with a Lens 2" Focus Lens 20mm Diameter. Usually for these thicknesses I'd use a 4" lens however I forgot to swap out my lens for this video.
On 3mm Ply and MDF I run at 25mm/sec at approx 20mA
10mm Acrylic I used 4mm/sec at 26mA
12mm Plyboard is something I have not used, so I can only suggest testing yourself with varying speeds and power settings.
Cheers Matt
MW Laser Thanks for the response. RECI recommends that I don’t exceed 24ma on my tube. Do you worry about running your tube that high or is your tube rated for a higher amperage?
@@RyKnocks My 90W tube max is 28mA and I don't run higher.
what speed did you cut the 3mm and the 12mm at?
what size tube do you have ?
130-150W
MDF
3mm about 30mm/sec (26mA)
12mm at 7mm/sec (26mA)
Привет друг. Хватит ли компрессора объëмом 24 литра для работы на лазерном СО2 станке? Или нужен больший объëм?
it would be a good starting compressor for low volume and short cutting time use. the larger volume and capabilities the better.
How do you find the Sedy compressor? Is it aluminium - currently deciding between the Sedy, and the Chicago from Sydney Tools which appears to maybe be a bit better, but more costly.
The Sedy was recommended to me by another Co2 Laser user, he has used his daily for the past 12 months with no problems. I've had mine since May 2020, it arrived damaged but the company replaced it without problems.
It is a good budget compressor and is quieter than I was expecting for an air compressor. The quality is what you'd expect for a unit in this price range, it does not have the aluminum tank.
MW Laser thanks. I’ve just ordered one. Fingers crossed!
Got the compressor. Working much better than the air pump. Thanks for the advice. I have a feeling there is a fault with the pressure reducer, I still get quite a flow of air even when the solenoid is closed and the bypass almost binding. How do you set your bypass pressure and are you almost able to stop the flow altogether? Thanks in advance.
@@santostuguts I use the tap shown at 4:08 and fine tune the air flow to a minimum
Cheers Matt
ua-cam.com/video/4P-5nIckybM/v-deo.html
Hello
Can i use a compressor with tank with a cloudray ultimate air assist? If yes, how?
yes, however you run compressor on a separate power outlet and not to the relay so the compressor is always on. You can use the relay output for the exhaust fan.
@@MWLaser a valve is normal open, so, how to control it?
Why not use 75psi at the laser? What's the intention of having that pressure at the compressor?
The installation I used includes the pressure regulator at the laser, it allows quick and easy adjustments when using various materials.
@@MWLaser But, in your testing, you settled at a lowish pressure, albeit much higher than a fish tank type air pump. Did you experiment with higher pressures? Sorry to question you. I'm just curious. Great video either way. :-)
Did this upgrade replace your Ultimate Air Assist upgrade from April 26, 2019 or does it complement it?
No it doesn't replace it, like you stated it complements it.
Just replaces the air pump with and air compressor for higher air pressure which is better cutting through timbers. Low pressure is still best for acrylics, so having the regulation valve is necessary.