Air Assist. Choosing which air assist is best for your K40 Co2 Laser

Partner Link:
monportlaser.com?sca_ref=5108713.1fPCcETmkD
Discount Code. Adam10 (use on all machines for a 10% discount)
Etsy
www.etsy.com/shop/MSRworkshop...
Air assist by size and recommendation
Small aquarium pump
AquaMiracle Laser Air Assist Pump 30L/min (475GPH) 0.03MPa 16W Air Assist for Laser Cutter and Engraver, Remove Smoke and Dust, Protect Laser Lens, Reduce Surface Temperature High Pressure Air Pump a.co/d/j5ZL4CX
Small compressor
www.harborfreight.com/2-gallo...
Large compressor
www.harborfreight.com/26-gall...

[@jaynorthwoods]

I too have seen air pressure, which is directly related to flow( basically same thing all things the same) higher is better. Only problem is a compressor running free flow 1/4” line at 30 psi starts to overheat the compressor. So even though compressor is always better a small continuous pump may be more practical. Good video, I came to the same conclusions using both my 50w k40, and 40watt D1 pro which can cut 3/4” ply one pass at ~ 1-2mm sec. Still use 3 passes though at higher speeds with 2 “aquarium “ stile pumps. Cheers

[@MyGrowthRings]

We just purchased an Omtech K40+ and it now comes with air assist. This is our first laser, so we have no personal experience of working without it, but I’m sure it makes a big difference.

[@MSRWorkshop]

Congratulations. And yes , air assist makes huge, and really an almost mandatory edition to lasering.

[@davetanner3987]

Did you change out the fish tank air pump you originally installed for something else??

[@MSRWorkshop]

Yes, I added a “Y” conector from my large air compressor that is hooked to my large laser, so now I use a big compressor at about 30psi

[@Checo1]

will a 3 Gallon, 1/3 HP, 110 PSI compressor work?

[@MSRWorkshop]

It will but it’s gonna cycle a lot just because the tank isn’t very big so it’s gonna be running a lot. if that doesn’t bother you then it should be fine. If it does, you’re gonna want to get a much bigger tank.

[@Checo1]

@@MSRWorkshop Thanks for the quick response, planning on getting the laser and following all the upgrades you have done so far.

[@freebird1963]

Those lines look to thick. Like out of focus. So whats more important Air Flow volume or Air pressure ? Thanks for the video

[@jaynorthwoods]

Air flow is same calculation as psi if the 1/4” line or nozzle stays the same size. His cut is smallest at focal point but cutting thicker material I find the optimal point is usually below the surface. This gives slightly larger cut on the face but more efficient. ie the beam is a double cone, think hour glass shape with focal point smallest in the middle. Cheers

[@freebird1963]

@@jaynorthwoods Thanks for that explaination. Appreciate it.

[@ChrissRollex]

Can you share your settings from your k40 (power, mm) for 3mm plywood and 4mm plywood !? I trying to find the right power and mm from my omtech k40 . Keep it up 🦾🦾

[@MSRWorkshop]

Are you using an air assist? I got all my settings from Etsy. They sell an entire library of power settings for the k40. www.etsy.com/listing/1211188987/

[@ChrissRollex]

I am not using air assist atm ( i am waiting for it 'AquaForte Air Pump' ) Also , my omtech mother board dont support lightburn! @@MSRWorkshop​