NOTE: These upgrades are NOT mandatory, nor do you need them to make your laser function. Laser comes with everything you need to get started. These are just suggestions to help make your experience less cumbersome. We recommend receiving your laser, learn the ins and outs, and then allowing the laser to pay for its own upgrades down the road when you are ready.
Listed below are the most common upgrades for your OMTech Co2 Laser...
1. Inline Fan:
This vastly improves your ventilation. Your stock setup is not very effective and without an inline fan you'll have a ton of smoke. We tend to recommend the S8 (8 inch) for the 24 x 35 models and above because of their size.
AC Infinity S6 or S8:
6" AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S6 - Inline Fan with Speed Controller 8" AC Infinity CLOUDLINE S8 - Inline Fan with Speed Controller VivoHome/VivoSun 6 or 8 6" VIVOHOME/VIVOSUN Inline Exhaust Fan with Variable Speed Controller 8" VIVOHOME/VIVOSUN Inline Exhaust Fan with Variable Speed Controller
Additional inline fan information and installation instructions can be found HERE!
2. Industrial Water Chiller:
Your laser will come with a water reservoir and pump. The only downside to not upgrading to a chiller is you will need to constantly monitor the water temp. Increased water temps could decrease the power of the tube, causing inefficiencies in your cuts and engraves. Optimal performance occurs when the water temp is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (16-22 degrees Celsius). Adding an upgraded water chiller to your set up insures constant water temp and ease of mind. You are able to set the chiller to a certain water temperature, and the chiller maintains that, similar to a refrigerator in your home. Set it and forget it. Below are some options for water chillers that we recommend. Once again, not mandatory, but definitely recommended.
Below are the 2 main models we recommend. These are both on the OMTech Website, or Amazon.
CW-5200:
CW-5202: 2 Laser Capability OMTech Website: OMTech CW-5200 Industrial Water Chiller For Co2 Lasers (50w-150w)
Additional water chiller information and installation instructions can be found HERE!
3. Air Assist Upgrade:
Most CO2 Lasers come with some type of stock air assist. Depending on the brand and style, it may come as a built in addition, or a stand alone unit. These included air pumps usually work just fine to get started, and are perfect for getting used to your laser. Air assist is beneficial for three main reasons.
Helps keep the lens clean and free of debris
Reduces the chance of flare ups with the material being engraved or cut.
Keeps smoke away from the laser beam giving the beam a clearer path through the material.
As you become more in tune with using your laser, you may find that the stock air pump lacks pressure and constantly runs (when the laser is powered on). Upgrading to a system that incorporates a compressor adds a huge boost in air pressure, and is beneficial for a few reasons. With added PSI, you will see cleaner cuts (less char on sides), less burn marks (top and bottom), and may see an advantage with faster run speeds. Also, with the upgraded air assist, which is wired to your Ruida controller, the solenoid only allows air to flow when the laser job is actively running.
Air Assist Components Needed:
To install the air assist upgrade to your laser, you will need each of the components listed below. You will have some parts left over, but these listings were the cheapest and easiest way to purchase them from one source.
California Air Tools 8gal Compressor (Aluminum) (or a compressor of your choice)
2 Way Normally Closed Solenoid DC 24V Electric Solenoid Air Valve 1/4" NPT
Optional - (You may not need the following part. New machines most likely include these already connected to the Ruida controller)
Additional Compressor Recommendations:
26g Kobalt Quiet Tech Compressor 10g California Air Compressor 8g California Air Compressor (Steel) Alternative Air Assist Option:
This involves replacing the stock air assist with a stronger air pump and doesn't require all the extra components or wiring. Should be plug and play with your current tubing.
Additional air assist information and installation instructions can be found HERE!
Installation Video
Bearded Builds Co - Brandt W. - Upgraded Air Assist for Chinese /OM Tech CO2 Laser
4. Lightburn Software:
LightBurn is layout, editing, and control software for your laser cutter. With LightBurn you can:
Import artwork in a variety of common vector graphic and image formats (including AI, PDF, SVG, DXF, PLT, PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP)
Arrange, edit, and even create new vector shapes within the editor, with powerful features like offsetting, boolean operations, welding, and node editing
Apply settings like power, speed, number of passes, cut order, brightness & contrast, dithering mode, and much more
Send the result directly to your laser cutter
LightBurn is a native application written for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Check out Lightburn HERE
Additional Resources:
5. LED Lights:
Depending on the model of laser you have, and where you are using the laser, it may be difficult to see inside the laser bed. Most models come with just one little 12" strip of light, which makes it nearly impossible to see inside the laser bed with the lid closed. Adding these inexpensive LED lights drastically increase visibility. Since you will be adding these to the laser power supply, make sure you purchase the correct lights. For application inside the laser, you will need 24v LED's. Super simple to install, you will be styling in no time.
Installation Video
Edmonds Woodshop - Cam E. - Install 24V LED Lights on Chinese / OMTech CO2 Laser