Laser, Nd:YAG - Golden Laser

Aliases “The YAG”, “pewpewpew”, “thiccasaurus”, “Metal Laser Cutter”
Other References
Official Maintainer Joshua Hogendorn

Working

Machine is working as expected.

This machine requires induction.

Contact the machine maintainer or metalshop team leader about using this machine. A formal induction process is currently being developed but we are still happy to make the machine accessible with training on an ad-hoc basis.

DRAFT

Before Use

Before use, you must ensure that the optics are aligned. See the section below on how to do this.

Align optics

To align the optics:

  1. Make sure the bolts are aligned with the flats on the lens holder.
  2. Tighten the bolts in the head, reconnect the air lines and auto-focus sensor.
  3. Remove the nozzle from the very tip of the assembly and replace it with the alignment head from the blue box laser kit. Tt looks like a tube with the wall cut away and a pyramid in the bottom.
  4. Turn on the red dot function, and tighten down the 4 bolts while trying to align the red dot with the very tip of the pyramid.Iif you get it right it will appear to get much brighter.
  5. Remove the alignment head and replace the nozzle confirm the focus depth gauge on the front of the assembly.
  6. Rule of thumb is that it should be set to 25mm. It is adjusted by spinning the knurled ring above it.
  7. Do a test cut to confirm correct operation.

Cleaning optics:

It's common for debris to accumulate in the optics. To clean the optics:

  1. Disconnect the air line.
  2. The optics are removed by unscrewing the retaining ring. We don't have a special tool for this but it can be done with a screwdriver.
  3. Be exceedingly careful to not handle the optics with bare hands at any point (wear nitrile gloves).
  4. Once removed, take the optics into green room as it is a cleaner environment.
  5. Disassemble the optics from the holder.
  6. Clean the optics with Kim wipes (where do you get these from?). Don't use anything to touch the lens other than the Kim wipes.
  7. Reassemble the optics into the holder. To do this it is easier to hold the lens up, bring the holder down over the top and flip the assembly.
  8. Confirm the rest of the head is clean and clear of debris etc and place the lens holder back in, keep the 4 bolts loose.
  9. Align the optics.
Required Always wear AS/NZS 1337.1 compliant safety glasses while operating this machine.
Required Enclosed shoes are required, no open sandals, thongs etc
Recommended Wear gloves when handling sharp materials.
Maintenance Disconnect power to the machine before performing maintenance
Name Value
Type of Laser nd:YAG
Maximum Material Thickness

Steel - 6mm
Aluminium - 4mm

Bed Size 2300mm x 1500mm
Laser Power 850W
Voltage Range 200V-650V
Frequency Range 50-500Hz
Cutting Speed Range 0-100mm/min
Reposition Accuracy <0.05mm/m

Manufacturer

Support

  • Yan Liang
  • Overseas service manager
  • T: +86 27 82944108
  • M: +86 15926499449
  • E: yanliang_laser@qq.com

Reseller

Date Description Workaround Proposed Remediation
01/01/2020 PLACEHOLDER Describe the problem PLACEHOLDER Describe the workaround currently in place Placeholder Describe a proposed fix or solution
Date Modified By Description Remediation Cost
05/10/2020 Eris Removed HDD from computer Replaced HDD in computer, copy is now in laptop box in server room. You owe me a 1Tb mechanical HDD at some stage.
01/01/2020 PLACEHOLDER NAME PLACEHOLDER Describe what happened PLACEHOLDER Describe how it was fixed or modified PLACEHOLDER document the cost of the change
Image Category Accessory Name & Notes Location Buy from
PLACEHOLDER Image, 100 width PLACEHOLDER Category of accessory PLACEHOLDER Accessory Name
PLACEHOLDER Description and usage notes for accessory
PLACEHOLDER Describe location of accessory PLACEHOLDER Link to where it was bought from
Image Category Accessory Name & Notes Location Buy from
Image Optics Xenon Lamp
The lamps that excite the crystal
- Email Manufacturer, $100USDea
Image Optics Full/Half Reflect Lense
-
- Email Manufacturer, $20USDea
Image Optics Beam Extender
-
- Email Manufacturer, $120USDea
Image Optics Protect Lense
-
- Email Manufacturer, $30USDea
Image Optics YAG Crystal Rod
-
- Email Manufacturer, $3000USDea
Interval Task
PLACEHOLDER Pick one: Daily/Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly/Biannual/Annual PLACEHOLDER Description of maintenance task and any relevant parameters

Lens Cleaning

NOTES BEFORE:

  1. Do not handle the optics with bare hands at any point. wear nitrile gloves.
  2. Do not do any of this in the actual metalshop, go into green room.
  3. Do not use anything to touch the lens other than the kim wipes.
  1. The laser head is held on by 3 small cup head screws. two are on the circumference near the top of the lens assembly, the last one is on the far side on the top going down vertically. if you undo those and the airline and auto focus cable, you should be able to remove the lens head.
  2. Once you have the unit separated you can loosen the 4 bolts that hold in the laser optics holder and remove it.
  3. There are 2 optics in this, the lens itself and the protective glass, which has a coating on one side to reflect away YAG reflections.
  4. It is common for crap to accumulate in between these.
  5. The optics are removed by unscrewing the retaining ring. we do not have a special tool for this, we should make a special tool for this. I have done it with a screwdriver but i was exceedingly, painstakingly careful
  6. Using the kim wipes, you can put a few drops of isopropyl on the wipe on a clear and clean working surface. place the optic on this wet patch which will let it 'stick' a little. you can then irrigate the top surface of the optic with isopropyl. place a kim wipe over the top and you can drag the wipe to make a cleaning action. so you're not actually putting pressure on the optic at all, its just the weight and surface tension of the wipe and alcohol. like pulling a sheet across a bed. A few rounds of this cleans most things.
  7. Reassemble the optics into the holder. i find its easier to hold the lens up, bring the holder down over the top and flip the assembly.
  8. Confirm the rest of the head is clean and clear of debris etc and place the lens holder back in, keep the 4 bolts loose.
  9. Make sure the bolts are aligned with the flats on the lens holder.
  10. Bolt the head back onto the machine, reconnect the air lines and auto focus sensor.
  11. Remove the nozzle from the very tip of the assembly and replace it with the alignment head from the blue box laser kit. it looks like a tube with the wall cut away and a pyramid in the bottom.
  12. Turn on the red dot function, and tighten down the 4 bolts while trying to align the red dot with the very tip of the pyramid. if you get it right it will appear to get much brighter.
  13. Remove the alignment head and replace the nozzle
  14. Confirm the focus depth gauge on the front of the assembly, rule of thumb ( @Ryan M [Secretary/Metalshop] confirm if i'm wrong please) is it should be set to 25mm. you adjust it by spinning the knurled ring above it.
  15. done
  16. you should be good to go, do a test pierce and a test cut.

PLACEHOLDER A RACI is an important documentation process to let people know what ACTIONS can happen, and who needs to be Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed for each ACTION. Delete this line.

Task / Action Executive Cause Leader
Cause Team
Named Maintainer Trainers Cause Membership Implementer
Modification and Repairs - AC C I I I R
Induction changes C RACI RC I I I R

PLACEHOLDER: Risk assessment is important to ensure we are making tools available to members in a responsible fashion. Please make every effort to do a reasonable risk assessment. If there is a safety incident with the tool, please redo a risk assessment and add it to the table.

Ref / ID Pre-Mitigation Mitigations / Warnings / Remedies Post Mitigation
Risk Risk Severity Risk Likelyhood Risk Level Risk Severity Risk Likelyhood Risk Level Acceptable to Proceed
0001 Death Severe Possible 15 Induction to train users in correct usage. Severe Very Unlikely 5 Yes
0002 Electric Shock Major Unlikely 8 Induction to train users in correct usage.
Ensure power cables are properly connected and off the floor.
Cables are tested and tagged and inspected for damage.
Minor Very Unlikely 2 Yes
0003 Noise Moderate Likely 12 Train users to wear hearing protection. Insignificant Unlikely 2 Yes
0004 Tripping Hazard Moderate Possible 9 Train users to maintain a clean working area.
Keep all cables off the ground and secured out of the way.
Insignificant Unlikely 2 Yes
0005 Insufficient Lighting Minor Possible 6 Turn on shop lights.
Open metal-shop doors for natural lighting.
Insignificant Unlikely 2 Yes
0006 Burn from workpiece Moderate Possible 9 Induction to train users in correct usage.
Allow parts to cool after cutting.
Train users to ensure adequate coolant is used.
Require assessing workpiece temperature before handling.
Insignificant Unlikely 2 Yes
0007 Eye damage / Blinding Major Possible 12 Induction to train users in correct usage.
Require use to wear specifig YAG safety glasses.
Warnings to other occupants of the metal-shop.
Proper fitment of shields around laser.
Minor Unlikely 4 Yes
0008 Fire Major Unlikely 8 Induction to train users in correct usage.
Use of approved material for cutting.
Use of approved settings for laser power and speed.
Minor Unlikely 4 Yes
0009 Inhaliation of Fumes Moderate Possible 9 Induction to train users in correct usage.
Open metal-shop door to allow ventilation.
Require the use of the YAG's fume extraction system.
Train users to use the appropriate type and volume of coolant.
Require use of appropriate PPE.
Minor Unlikely 4 Yes
0010 Crushing Severe Unlikely 10 Induction to train users in correct usage.
Require users to keep clear of moving parts.
Minor Unlikely 4 Yes
Ref / ID Decision Details Impact Proposed Date Proposed By Status Approved By Date Resulting Actions and Comments
0001 Decided to purchase Brings the laser onsite 18/08/20 JH Approved Membership 18/08/20 We bought the laser for $20,000
  • tools/metalshop/yaglaser
  • Last modified: 9 months ago
  • by capella_ben