Vytek laser question

[Jim Dawson]

Our Vytek laser is just over 3 years old. Its a 100w model and used to cut 1/4" plexi at around .8 ips

Lately, we have had to turn it down to .2 to get all the way through… lenses and mirrors seem to me clean and focused. Is it time to get the laser recharged? Is there any way to test it?

[Dan Hintz]

You just did... if the mirrors and lenses check out, but you need to slow it down more and more to cut the same stuff you always have, it's a sign the laser isn't outputting as much power as it used to.

If you want to be sure, though, rent a power meter ($100 from LaserBits) and test the beam directly.