Cutting & Engraving Laser Head uSpot 450nm, 6W for CNC and 3D printing machines

Description

PLH3D-6W-uSpot
Product description
The youngest and most precise member of our PLH3D family of laser heads. A higher optical performance and energy density with a smaller spot size (compared to other 6 W lasers) gives this laser head faster engraving speeds and allows for the cutting of thin materials like textiles and films.  It comes with a new type of customized, easy-to-clean lens.
Technical Data
Dimensions
L:40 x W:54 x H:105 mm
Focus Distance
60.0 mm
Input Voltage
12 - 24 V
Max. Power Consumption
30 W
Noise
58 dBA
Weight
220g (7.76 oz.)
Mounting Hole Type
M3 x 0.5 x 4.5 mm
Ambient Temperature Range (Operating)
0 - 45°C (32 - 113°F)
Mounting Hole Pattern
4 Holes 24 x 15 mm (0.94 x 0.59 in.)
Modulation Input 1
0 - 5V Analog/TTL/PWM
Modulation Input 2
0 - 24V TTL/PWM
Max. Modulation Bandwidth
30 kHz
Laser Diode Optical Power
6 W
Max. Power Density
680 [kW/cm^2]
More info
Parts included in the PLH3D-6W-μSpot laser head:
PLH3D-6W-μSpot Laser Head
High-speed driver with analog and PWM/TTL inputs
High-resolution and high-efficiency engraving lens
Connector strip for lengthening the wires if needed
New Version of PLH3D-6W-Series Laser Head. What is new?
Improved  mechanical design
New generation of PLH3D-6W-Series has an even more compact design which looks even better than the previous one. The laser head is no longer a pigtailed, a cable can be simply and quickly connected or disconnected via 6-pin terminal.
The laser head is still compatible with all PLH3D-Series accessories and adapters.
Improved safety features
The laser head is now equipped with an “Armed” indication LED. Whenever the laser head is connected to the power supply the indication LED will turn on.  Additionally to the laser safety features the LED will indicate if the laser head is overheated.
- If the ambient temperature of the environment where the laser head operates in CW mode exceeds 40⁰C (104⁰F) the indication LED will start blinking. Such a warning means that the temperature is about to cross maximum operating temperature.
- In case of the ambient temperature of 45⁰C (113⁰F) and above the indication LED will no longer work and the laser head will shut down.
Improved electronics
New version of PLH3D-6W-Series is equipped with the new generation laser diode drivers. Compared to the previous version this laser diode driver has higher efficiency, less noise and higher quality components which ensures reliability and long lifetime of the laser.
Additional switch for 10V analog input
The laser head is now equipped with an additional switch for 10V analog input. Modulation Input 1 of the laser head can be changed from 0 – 5V analog input to 0 – 10V analog input. This change makes the laser head even more versatile and compatible with more CNC machines and 3D printers. Please refer to the user manual to find out how to change voltage range on Modulation Input 1.
Features & Benefits of the PLH3D-6W-μSpot Engraving Laser Head
Faster engraving and cutting of thin materials
- the PLH3D-6W-μSpot is designed to achieve the best available optical performance, highest optical power output, smallest spot size and highest density of energy at the focal spot for the fastest engraving and cutting possible with a 6 W diode. This laser head can cut and engrave various materials such as wood, cardboard, rubber, paper, textiles, leather, plastic, balsa, plywood, and many others, as well as marking stainless steel, titanium, and low heat-conducting types of steel. In the same amount of time, you can do 40 to 80% more cutting or engraving.
New, customized, easy-to-clean optics
- this engraving laser head is shipped with newly-customized optics that provide the highest optical power output, smallest spot size, and highest density of energy at the spot among all the PLH3D series laser heads. It is also easier to clean because all lens surfaces are easily accessible.
Factory set focus
- the lens is installed and adjusted to focus at 60.0 mm (measured from the front-facing surface of the laser head to engraving plane). This focal distance is optimized to deliver a focal spot size which is suitable for many engraving and cutting applications.
Symmetric Beam Offset
- In some applications, such as laser engraving wood, it is recommended to defocus the laser by a small amount in order to achieve a symmetrical beam. This can be done by translating the laser forward or backward in the beam propagation direction by the amount shown in the table below. Doing so will allow the laser to engrave with the same line thickness in both the X and Y directions. However, for certain applications, such as engraving metals and cutting, maximizing the power density is more desirable than having a symmetrical beam. In these cases, defocus is not always necessary or recommended for the best performance.
Recommended defocus for specific engraving applications:
Laser Head Model           Symmetric Beam Offset Value
PLH3D-6W-XF                    ±4.4 mm (± 0.173")
PLH3D-6W-Hobby             ±4.4 mm (± 0.173")
PLH3D-6W-μSpot              ±1.8 mm (± 0.070")
For example, The PLH3D-6W-XF engraving laser has a factory-preset focus at 60.0 mm from the front of the laser head. Setting the laser to 64.4 mm or 55.6 mm (+/- 4.4 mm from the focus) will allow the laser head to engrave with the same line thickness in both directions
Input signal versatility
- the built-in driver accepts a variety of signals including 0-5 V analog signals and 0-5 V, 0-10 V or 0-24 V for PWM/TTL signals.
Built-in driver inside the laser head - Opt Lasers is the first company to integrate the laser diode driver directly into the laser head. A short connection between the laser diode and a driver ensures better protection for the diode, the possibility of high-frequency current modulation, and eliminates inductance effects when turning on.
Accepts a wide range of power supplies
- accepts 12-24 V thanks to the integrated high-efficiency DC-DC converter adjusting the input voltage to proper diode compliance voltage. This reduces the amount of heat generated and ensures over-voltage protection.
No additional cooling required
- the thoughtfully-designed shape of the laser head provides the best possible cooling for a 6 W laser diode. This laser head design was found to optimize cooling of the laser diode after testing many prototypes. The current design allows the laser head to warm up by only 2 to 3 °C after an hour of constant work at full power.
Strongest fan available on the market for its size
- cooling is not the only function of this fan; 43 m3 of air per hour (25 CFM) doubles as a great smoke removal system. Additionally, the fan has a life expectancy of 70,000 hours.
Compatibility with accessories for ease of use
- usability and safety are very important to us. We use in-house CNC machines to produce high quality components that are convenient and easy-to-use. Check out our accessories for PLH3D series laser heads here.
OEM customization is available for CNC and 3DP machine manufacturers.
Control Inputs and Electrical Connection
The PLH3D-6W-μSpot blue laser head has two separate controls.
Modulation Input #1 accepts 0-5 V or 0-10 V (with additional 4.2k ohm resistor in series) for analog power modulation.
Modulation Input #2 accepts 0-5 V, 0-10 V or 0-24 V for TTL/PWM and turns on the laser when the voltage exceeds 2.5 V.
Important: Do not connect both Modulation Input 1 and Modulation Input 2 at the same time. Doing so may result in the malfunction of the laser head.
10 V analog signal input connection (X-Carve, CS-Lab, and other machines).
Important: PLH3D-6W-μSpot engraving laser head should be powered from a high-quality power supply without anything else connected. Please note: connecting the laser head to the same power supply unit as a stepper motor or any other high-impedance equipment is not recommended. Doing so may cause damage to the laser diode.
Laser Driver Parameters
High power and high-frequency current laser diode driver
Maximum output current capacity: 5 A
Typical output current: 3-3.5 A
Input voltage 12-24 V
Input current max 2 A
Integrated microcontroller for temp. measurement and soft start
Thermal protection system: 45 °C 1
Soft start for diode protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection
Reverse voltage protection
Overcurrent protection
Compact size and 90% efficiency
CW Mode and Input Control Mode
PWM/TTL and analog inputs
Modulation bandwidth 0-30 kHz
1. Thermal protection system that cut off the laser when ambient temperature higher than 45°C.
Opt Lasers manufacturers the laser diode drivers in-house. From our years of experience designing and creating laser diode drivers, we have developed a high-efficiency driver with low power consumption and low heat production. On top of that, it is the fastest dedicated laser head driver available on a market accepting signals up to 30 kHz. Using the 6W laser at high speeds is no longer a problem while engraving small details or making small radius turns because the laser controller is able to read all the needed signals.
CNC controllers are able to send modulation signals at high speeds so 30 kHz is not a problem for them. This is why a high-speed driver is a requirement in laser head drivers. Our driver is able to read 30,000 instructions a second which provides great precision and resolution in terms of power control. Also, the maximum driver current is 6 A so using it with 3-4 A value ensures offset and a long life for the driver.
Protections
The PLH3D-6W-μSpot laser head incorporates a thermal protection system that protects the laser diode from overheating to maintain its lifetime. The unit is designed to automatically shut off when the ambient temperature exceeds 45°C and the laser head operates at CW mode. The analog input is protected by a 5 V Zener diode in case a voltage higher than 5 V is received. Despite this, this input should not be used with higher voltages to prevent damage. The laser diode is protected via a Schottky diode, which protects it from reverse voltage and electrostatic discharge (ESD). In addition, the integrated driver is fully covered to protect it from metal chips and debris in a CNC machine environment.
More info about PLH3D-6W-μSpot laser head:
Improved Heat Sinking
This lightweight, 220 g (7.8 oz) laser head requires no additional cooling. The body acts as a heatsink, and the fan design allows it to function as an air nozzle protecting the lens from smoke, while also cooling the laser head. Iterative prototype design testing allowed us to optimize the heatsink’s shape and enable efficient cooling while maintaining the module’s notably small form factor.
Our 6W laser head allows engraving or cutting of materials such as wood, stainless steel, paper, leather, cardboard, and many others. For materials that generate smoke when engraved or cut, we offer an optional nozzle that is attachable to the front of the unit via magnets built into the laser head.
Customization
For bulk orders, the PLH3D series can be customized based on the customer’s needs. We can add a customer’s logo and additional features by request. Customization is offered for 3D printer and CNC manufacturers and distributors.
Compatibility
Our PLH3D series works with many CNC and 3D printing machines including the following models:
Azteeg X3
CNC Shark
GeckoDrive 540
Lulzbot
MakerBot Replicator1 and Clones
MakerBot Thing-O-Matic
MakerGear M2
MakiBOX
MYDIYCNC
Openbuilds – C Beam/OX
PrintRBot Upgrade
Replicator 2 and 2X
RepRap – Melzi Board
RepRap – RAMPS1.4
RepRap – RUMBA
Rigidbot
Shapeoko 2
Shapeoko 3
Solidoodle
Stepcraft
Ultimaker 1 & 2
Velleman K8200
X Controller
X-Carve Upgrade
Zen Toolworks
Note that this list is being continuously updated. Please contact us if you have any questions or feedback regarding compatibility.
have any questions or feedback regarding compatibility.
Caution:
Remember that it is not a toy.
Laser radiation is dangerous even when scattered or reflected from any surface.
Always use proper protection laser filter on your CNC machine dedicated to 430 - 480nm in order to avoid reflected radiation.
Never point laser head at people or animals.
Do not touch the beam, it may cause burns or other injury.
Do not stare at the beam or the beam spot while the material is being cut.
Laser radiation - Avoid eye or skin exposure to direct or scattered radiation.
Class 4 laser product.
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