Lasers

Lasers: Exciting!

Also, dangerous.

Only safety-conscious adults with proper safeguards should operate lasers of any kind.

CO₂ Lasers

Hyrel offers 40w and 80w CO₂ lasers on some of our Hydra models.

Hyrel Specific

• CO2 Laser Marking with the Hydra
• Converting a Hydra from Printer to Laser
• Cutting Nylon Mesh with CO2 Laser on a Hydra
• Cutting acrylic with the CO2 Laser on a Hydrda
• Changing the Address Resistor on the Hydra CO2 Laser
• Hyrel Hydra CO2 Laser Alignment
• Flashing Firmware on the Modified CO2 Laser Controller
• Draining Laser Coolant on the Hyrel Hydra
• DXF to Laser Gcode Generation

Laser Alignment

Hyrel-specific Laser alignment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBBxkx40H8s

Below are great videos about laser alignment in very similar setups:

1. RDWorks
2. ThunderLaser
3. BossLaser

Informational Videos

Below are links to some VERY helpful videos from a gentleman named Russ, who purchased a laser engraver very similar to ours. In these videos, he shares his experiences, advice, and safety tips. While some of what Russ explains does not apply to using lasers on Hyrel equipment, much of it does. Please watch all these videos, even if you don't feel you need the information. Safety first!

1. Introduction to Laser Cutting
2. Laser Theory and Safety Issues
3. Software (n/a for Hyrel users)
4. Initial Setup and Powerup
5. Test Prints
6. Focal Distance and Power Analysis
7. Modifications and Recommendations from a Year of Use

Diode Lasers

While less powerful than CO₂ lasers, diode lasers are still dangerous, and the same safety precautions apply.

Hyrel offers diode lasers in two configurations:

• LA6-450 and LA5-808 Laser Overview
• DXF to Laser Gcode Generation
• LA6-450: 6w, 450nm Diode Laser Head Intro
• LA5-808: 5w, 808nm Diode Laser Head Intro
• DXF to Laser Gcode Generation