Imagine a machine that would consume 20% less energy, take only 10 mins to be aligned, can be controlled via phone, and has a good fire protection system. Well, it doesn’t need to be a fantasy. Wattsan updated their CO2 laser machines to suit these characteristics.
Why was the update done
Nowadays technologies progress quite fast, don’t they? Thus, we need to stay on top of them. With that idea in mind, Wattsan decided to update their CO2 laser equipment. They’ve done some modernizations before based on feedback from clients and dealers, including Virmer and our customers. However, this time they combined the latest achievements of the laser industry for mass production in renewed models to make them faster, more convenient, and safer.
Design changes
The most obvious change is the machines' look. It was changed to be more convenient, safe, and modern.
- The corners of the body are now rounded.
- An enlarged handle provides a wider area for gripping. For shipping Wattsan engineers fixate the handle on the inner side of the lid so it would be easier to transport the machine.
- The buttons for turning the machine on and off have been replaced with stronger ones, and the controls for raising tables are set within the panel to prevent unintentional pressing.
Construction changes
Laser system
People are always creating something to ease up the work, and CNC machines themselves are the greatest proof of that. Our engineers decided to make the process of laser alignment easier for users; thus, three modernizations in the laser system were made:
- Beam combiner on the first mirror. That device projects a red dot via which you can determine where the beam is.
- New mounts for a laser tube. They are sturdier and allow you to replace the tube in about 3 mins.
- Modern mounts for mirrors. Better control over mirrors’ placement.
- Adjustable by the Z-axis laser head. It’s simple to set the focus with it, which is especially useful when working with a lot of different materials or thicknesses.
High-voltage unit of 4th Generation
This is the part that allows us to claim 20% less energy consumption. Wattsan changed the HVU for the fourth-generation one. Also, by giving it more stable work, it increases the laser tube's lifespan by 35%.
One more addition is a digital potentiometer for the HVU. Before, machines had a version with a pointer; however, the new ones are more precise at adjusting the power, allowing accuracy up to 0.001 A.
New movement system
Wattsan engineers decided to do something with maintenance time as well. To decrease the number of checkups, they placed the gantry, belts, and guides inside of a housing. This closed structure doesn’t allow carbon deposits to subside on the parts.
Three-stepper motors are now installed on the machines. In comparison with the two-phase motors that were before, these move smoother and have speeds up to 500 mm/sec. That helps to enhance the quality of engravings.
Gearboxes with a ⅓ ratio were given new strengthened mountings. They decrease the motors’ loads and divide steps, making the positioning more accurate.
Control system from Ruida
Ruida is one of the leaders in the controllers’ market, and it’s because the company tries to stay on top of the latest achievements or create them itself. Recently, Ruida presented a new controller, model RDC8445S, and it’s mounted on updated Wattsan CO2 laser machines. What are the features?
- USB copy speed. It’s way faster than old versions. Also, the new model can work with all brands of USB.
- Enhanced memory up to 1 Gb.
- WiFi module. It allows connecting a computer to a machine via the Internet or the CO2 machine’s own network; no need for cables. Also, there is Mantisurf.com, where you can create and edit files and send them to the machine.
- Controls via phone. The Mantisolo app allows you to adjust settings and basically operate the machine remotely. You can even take the photo in the app and direct it to the working area immediately.
- Control of several pieces of equipment at the same time.
Wattsan Safety Assurance System
Or the SAS, to speak shortly. Wattsan created a set of measures to face the fire problem that may occur with any CO2 laser machine if not being watched or set correctly. The system consist of:
- Anodized laser head. Eliminates the chance of laser shooting back while also protecting the head from overheating and corrosion.
- The Wattsan FOX system. If the smallest ignition occurs in the workspace, its sensors will detect that and send a signal; then, a loud alarm will signal. It’s made to be very noisy so you would hear it even in the faraway corner of the facility.
- A lid from the tempered glass. In contrast to plastic, which would simply begin to melt and release toxic fumes, glass delays the spread of the fire.
- Additionally, engineers designed a new perforation in the lid to allow air to enter more quickly, which improves the efficiency of the extraction system.
- Special sealant that is placed between the lid and body. It contains gases and smoke inside.
- An indicator light on the upper panel of the machine will show whether something is wrong with the machine or whether it is working in a stable condition from afar.
Conclusion
The Wattsan factory keeps on modernizing their equipment. With this CO2 laser machine upgrade, they also announce the new Pro series and a full reboot of the 0503 model.
