J TECH Dual Pro 14W Laser Head Instruction Manual
- October 30, 2023
- J TECH
Table of Contents
J TECH Dual Pro 14W Laser Head
Product Information
The Dual Pro 14W laser head from J Tech Photonics is a combination of two 7W PRO laser diodes that are collimated and compressed into a square, resulting in increased power density and equal beam in both axes. The laser head has a lifetime of 5,000 to 10,000 hours at the recommended 3amp setting, depending on environmental conditions. The laser diode output varies with temperature, and the optimal level for thermal performance is 3 amps. The laser spot size on wood is typically 0.006 or less, while on acrylic it is 0.0045, and on tile, it is 0.0035. The laser diode will degrade if operated above the recommended current level, leading to possible thermal damage and reduced lifetime. The laser diode is a static-sensitive device and requires proper handling to avoid electrical surges that can degrade its performance.
Laser light can cause damage to eyesight and skin if proper laser safety is not used. Always wear appropriate laser goggles to prevent any laser light from contacting the eyes directly or indirectly. Avoid exposing the skin directly to laser radiation as focused light increases the safety hazard.
Product Usage Instructions
Before using the Dual Pro 14W laser head, inspect the shipping container for any damage and verify the contents of the package. To operate the laser head, follow these instructions:
- Ensure that the laser diode is operated at its optimal level for thermal performance of 3 amps to prevent possible degradation of the laser output and thermal damage.
- Avoid operating the laser diode under 0 degrees C as this can reduce the power of the laser.
- Take necessary precautions when handling the laser diode as it is a static-sensitive device. Avoid electrical surges that can degrade the performance of the laser diode.
- Always wear appropriate laser goggles to prevent any laser light from contacting the eyes directly or indirectly. Avoid exposing the skin directly to laser radiation as focused light increases the safety hazard.
By following these instructions, you can effectively use the Dual Pro 14W laser head while ensuring safety and maintaining its lifetime.
GENERAL
DUAL PRO 14W LASER HEAD OVERVIEW
The new Dual Pro 14W laser head is the optical combination of two 7W PRO laser diodes. They are combined and then the beam is collimated and compressed into a square, increasing the power density and making the beam equal in both axis. The magnetic shroud allows for easy mounting of the laser head to multiple platforms and also provides a safety viewing window for the laser processing. The focus lens of the laser has a fixed focus at ¼” below the shroud. Lifetime of the laser at the recommended 3amp setting is 5,000 to 10,000 hours depending on the environmental conditions.
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
| Item | Absolute Maximum Ratings | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Current (Tc = 25°C) |
4
|
A
Absolute Max Output Power
|
14
|
W
Allowable Reverse Current (Tc = 25°C)
|
85
|
mA
Lifetime @3 amps
|
5000-1000
|
Hours
Lifetime @3.5 amps
|
1000
|
Hours
Lifetime @4 amps
|
<1000
|
Hours
Operating Case Temperature
|
50
|
°C
ELECTRICAL / OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS
| Item | Min | Typ. | Max | Unit |
|---|
Typical Optical Output Power @3 amps
| |
9
|
13
|
W
Typical Optical Output Power @3.5 amps
| |
10
|
14
|
W
Typical Optical Output Power @4 amps
| |
14
|
14
|
W
Typical Operating Current
| |
3
| |
A
Dominant Wavelength
|
435
|
445
|
455
|
nm
Threshold Current
|
80
| |
220
|
mA
---|---|---|---|---
Operating Voltage
|
3.7
| |
5.5
|
V
Focused Spot Size
|
.0035
|
0.006
| |
Inch
Beam Divergence Full Angle (1/e^2) //
|
5
|
14
|
25
|
deg.
Beam Divergence Full Angle (1/e^2) – Perp
|
30
|
44
|
50
|
deg.
- Above specifications are for reference purposes only and are subject to change. Figures in specifications may contain measurement errors.
GETTING STARTED
UNPACKING
Inspect the shipping container for damage. Verify the contents of the package:
- Dual Pro 14W Laser Head
- Focus Tool
- OD4+ Safety Goggles with Case
OPERATION
LASER FOCUS
The laser is fixed focus to ¼” below the laser shroud. For engraving, you
can focus the laser to the top surface of the material using the focusing tool
provided. For cutting, we recommend putting the focus at the bottom of the
material. For example, if you are cutting 1/8” material, then set the focus of
the laser at 1/8”. If you are cutting ¼” material or more, then put the laser
almost touching the material to allow for the focus to be at the bottom.
BEAM PROFILE
The 14W Dual Pro laser uses proprietary technology inside the laser diode
package to decrease the total beam size while increasing the total power. This
makes it the smallest spot size possible in a diode laser.
The energy from the sides of the rectangle are superimposed into the center,
increasing the power density, reducing the spot size, and making the beam
uniform.
Spot size on wood typical is about 0.006ʺ or less. On Acrylic, it is 0.0045ʺ. On tile it is 0.0035ʺ.
OUTPUT CONDITIONS
The laser diode output will vary depending on the temperature. Warmer
temperature environments will reduce the power of the laser. Do not have the
laser in under 0 degrees C. The laser diode will also require more current to
maintain the same amount of output power as the diode degrades.
NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS:
The laser diode will operate at its optimal level for thermal performance at 3
amps. Additional current above this level will lead to possible degradation of
the laser output and thermal damage if additional precautions for thermal
management are not taken. It is possible to reduce the current on the diode to
increase the lifetime of the laser. Running at higher current levels reduce
the lifetime of the laser.
STATIC PRECAUTIONS
Take precautions when handling laser diodes as they are a static sensitive
devices. Static electricity and electrical surges will degrade the performance
of the laser diode.
LASER SAFETY
Laser light can cause damage to eyesight and skin if proper laser safety is
not used. Always wear the appropriate laser goggles to prevent any laser
light, either directly or indirectly to contact the eye. Never expose skin
directly to laser radiation. Focused light will increase the safety hazard.
CLEANING
CLEANING THE LENS
- Sometimes soot or smoke can get onto the lens surface when processing, causing decreased levels in output power. This is especially needed for cutting projects. If your lens is dirty, then it will significantly reduce the power level.
- To clean it, use a q tip and isopropyl alcohol. Dip the q tip in alcohol and then put it up into the lens holder and give it a twist or two to remove any debris. Take the q tip out and let it dry for 5 minutes before use.
LASER CONNECTION
If your laser was part of a driver kit, it will be cabled with a Molex mini fit Jr connector which will connect directly to the laser driver board output.
- Connect the laser to the Molex Mini Fit Jr. Header “H3” for laser output on the Dual Pro Driver Board.
MOUNTING
The laser has several magnetic mounting kits available. Check the product
website under the magnetic mounting kit section to see one for your machine or
use the generic magnet mount.
The magnet mount makes it easy to remove the laser when using the router to
carve. Simply disconnect the wires from the gantry connections and remove the
laser from the mount. When you want to use the laser, then re-connect the
wires and place the laser on the mount.’
DISCLAIMER
- All statements of safety are only applied when the laser is used in its intended purpose.
- You are legally responsible for any injury to anybody resulting from the use of or assembly of the laser or their finished products.
- This laser as a COMPONENT for integration in a machine and is not a full laser machine and will be legally responsible from any and all LIABILITIES.
J Tech Photonics, Inc.
www.jtechphotonics.com
Copyright 2022 V2