Well finally got to try things out since I aligned the beam. Cutting performance is significantly improved. I am able to cut 3mm MDF in one pass at 10mA and 10mm/S and it goes through 3mm Acrylic like a hot knife through butter at 10mA & 7mm/s. I accidentally did a pass on 3mm MDF at 10mA & 20mm/s - it was mostly cut through, just a few little hangers-on.
So here is the front panel and case for the controller I am building for the interlocks on the K40 - the unit will manage dual door interlock switches, an Emergency Stop button - shutting down the laser if either open - but also monitoring the changes to detect failures. It is also going to measure inflow and outflow temp on the laser and the water tank temp, shutting down the laser if the coolant gets too hot or stops flowing.
The control panel is 3mm white acrylic which has been etched to produce the lettering (16mm/s at 10mA) which has given a nice deep engrave. They were then back-filled with airbrush paint and the excess polished off the glossy front when dried.
Now the question is to persist with the MDF for the case or to move to clear 3mm Acrylic
