diode 09

There are many videos urging new diode users to choose thier engraving parameters by using the matrix test.. You can create your own or there is a preset template within Lightburn. This simple test sadly prevenets diode users from ever understanding what happens to the "burn line" when thery change speed and power.
This session is a VERY deep dive into all the factors that affect the "colour" of non-binary materials such as wood or leather that can be burnt to create a palette of browns. Demonstrating what each parameter does to "colour" and why, will quickly illustrate the deficiencies of the matrix test. Finding good engraving parameters involves so much more than just speed and %power.
Another misconception is that you can control the power of a diode laser with the %power parameter.. Wrong. A diode laser is either ON (full power) or OFF.. How the PWM control system tries to create the illusion of power control is explained in detail and how the matrix test colours are not what they seem.

[@newmonengineering]

When i want to find a focal point, i just run a single line with the material at a slope. Its known as a ramp test. The extremes will be out of focus but where the thinnest line appears is the focal point. So the hatch sizing of the lines has a large effect on the appearance color, but what we need is a software that we can create a pallet of these colors so that when you feed an image it can change the hatch size within the approximation of the color maybe, it would make a picture like a rubics cube from simply changing thr hatch sizes along the path.

[@SarbarMultimedia]

Hi
I guess you commented before watching all of the video. I use the ramp test to illustrate the way in which power and speed affect the focus with a CO2 beam. That same test gave suprising results for the diode laser.. However I find it a teduios and inexact way to determine focus. With a short focus lens on a CO2 laser a difference of 0.2mm can significantly affect the focus for photo engraving. I prefer the precision of the flat line test. In this case the relatievely long focal range means focal setting is a bit more tolerant.

[@ramhornnn]

please test this laser on ti02 glass or tile. Great job Russ!

[@SarbarMultimedia]

Hi
I have tested TiO2 with a CO2 laser and understand how the marking mechanism works. I will be doing an in depth study of the process in a few sessions from now but wood leather.glass and slate are first in line because they are examples of simple engraving. Marking metals and tiles involves more complex chemical/physics issues and you must walk before you run. Yes I have lots of CO2 experience but i am a diode student and that prior hap hazzard learning experience has now taught me to be more logical in the way I proceed with learning this different technology. Despite my desire to move on to 10 and 20 watt laser heads I must explore the capabilities of the single diode 5 watt head to it's fullest extent.
Thanks for the encouraging comment.

[@ramhornnn]

@@SarbarMultimedia You have done a tremendous job, thank you very much. I am eager to study diode lasers with you. I have already tried to engrave ceramics with titanium dioxide coating. The result is good, but it depends on the applied layer and the laser power. I want to reach the maximum speed on a 5 watts diode.