I’m investigating a laser welder, choosing between Rofin & Laser
Star.
Small independent shop with lots of repair work and complex custom
design in gold 950PD &900-950PT.
I don’t want to regret such a big expense. SO,… Any problems,
concerns or you would suggest that I examine and which is
your favorite and why?
Sterling VanDerwerker CGA (AGS) GG (GIA)
royaldiadem.com
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I Have had my Rofin for 6 years, and have never had even one
problem.
One thing to look out for is chamber size. I have a studio laser and
sometimes its difficult to get a big bangle or such into just the
right position for a special angle of attack. While the chamber does
accept a bangle, odd positionings can be problematic. I think part of
this is the rather shallow ‘depth of field’(for lack of proper
nomenclature) of my unit. I had a tall object that required me to
raise up one optic so I could visually focus, and discovered that the
more I raised it the more the spot moved to the southeast. So
basically the beam is not on the same line as the optics, but at a
slight angle. Not a biggie unless you do larger objects on a
somewhat regular basis in a smaller chamber. I would guess full sized
models maybe don’t have this problem, especially the ones that have a
drop down floor.
For production work check the duty cycle. Its kind of a pain to have
to stop and let the mother cool down. Its been awhile since I
investigated lasers so I don’t even know if duty cycle is an official
laser term, but it definitely IS something to contend with.
Both the laserstar and the rofin have good reputations. I would look
at the finer points of how each model fits your requirements rather
than brand name itself. Ferrari, Maserati, both go pretty fast.
HTH
I own a BrightStar laser, by Laser Star, with nearly 600 hours on
it, and I had well over 500 hours on an older pre pulse shaping Laser
Star at my previous job. The only problem we ever had was on that
first laser, and that was due solely to poor maintenance, and was
corrected. As far as I know that shop is still using this laser
without problems, although it has been @5 years since I moved on.
I have set the laser up beside my work bench, so I can turn in my
chair to use it, without having to change stations. After all these
years I would be lost without the laser, it is such a part of my
techniques now. Assembly, repair, etc. Even work i will complete
with the torch is often pre tacked lightly with the laser, instead
of parts being held by clamps orthird hands.
I have tested the Rofin and liked it very much but I own 4 laser
star machines and they are great. Our lasers require very little
maintenance and the customer service we have received over the years
(since 1999) has been excellent.
Jason
Casting House
Hands down I would go with a zahntech laser if it fits into your
budget
Thomas
I have a studio laser and sometimes its difficult to get a big
bangle or such into just the right position for a special angle of
attack.
Could this be the hand sensors on the welder? We disabled ours - the
device has multiple overlapping safety devices - so don’t tell me
off 
- so that you don’t need your hands in the right position.
This was done by taping some paper over the infradred emitters. We no
longer have problems with the welder cutting out just as you get the
piece in the perfect position, because the sensor doesn’t like where
you’ve put your hands.
Jamie
http://primitive.ganoksin.com
Could this be the hand sensors on the welder?
nope, just a physically small chamber.
so don't tell me off ;)
gee whiz,you take all the fun out of being a cranky old so and so
Some lasers have a removable floor plate, so you can work on larger
pieces. I have never done this, but there have been times it was
very difficult to get a lager piece into the correct focal plane to
do a weld.
Note From Ganoksin Staff:
Looking for a laser welder for your jewelry projects? We recommend: