EFR ZS-1250 Laser Tube

[Matt McCoy]

Hey everybody!

The EFR ZS-1250 laser tube has been out for a couple months and wanted to share some info here, if anyone is looking. I have one on the way and hope to compare it to the Reci I currently have.

ZS Series Feature

1. Reliability: discharge raw glass tube is imported from Germany, the complete glass tube quality is under controlled.
2. Power: mirror & Windows from II-VI, compared to common laser tube with same length, power is 40% higher. Max power can be 190W.
3. Long Lifespan: catalyst coated discharge tube with processed electrode, the discharging is more stable, and working life is up to 10000 hours.
4. Beam: stable cavity structure brings more reliable beam and better quality, beam mode is up to TEM00.
ZS Series Advantage

1. Solved the problem that beam mode changes, power is more stable.
2. Improved the yield, the production quantity is increased, delivery time is more short.
3. Production engineering and product structure is more mature, production cost is lower compared to ZN Series.
4. Reliability is better than ZN Series, price is lower than ZN Series.

Anyone that would like to offer their experience in this thread is very much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Dave Sheldrake]

They are really good....in other news though I'm getting a lot of sadly negative info back on the F180 and F220 twin resonator tubes :(

they seem to be detonating rather quickly.......big problems from what I have been told, 35mA and 52,000 volts is a lot for any system to manage I guess.......

Upside...I'm also involved with a project building 300 to 350 watt tubes so not all bad :) (and a lot of the reason I'm not around much lately)

[Chris Corwin]

I just installed a EFR ZS-1250 and have an 80w Reci in another machine next to it. I'm still aligning the mirrors and hope to have some engravings and cuttings done soon. One thing I have noticed is that the reci gives a smaller circle before the lens. The EFR tube has a larger ring but crisper and more defined. I have not put the focussing lens in to test dot size or quality of engraving. I did have to print new laser brackets because the zs tube is a fat boy compared with the f4 tube it replaced.

[Matt McCoy]

Hey gang,

The Fedex broker contacted me requesting a Radiation Document for this tube and sent me a PDF to fill out. We haven't heard back from the supplier yet and it looks like Chinese New Year starts on Monday, which means I may not catch them before they check out for a week and the tube will be returned. Does anyone have experience completing this form or advice?

Thanks

[Keith Winter]

All you need to do is fill it out and sign. When I ordered a tube awhile back I had the same thing. Its probably more scary sounding than anything, took less than 15 minutes to complete.

[Phill Barnes]

The ZN was to be my tube of choice due to it's availability here in Australia. Now I am about ready to purchase, they put the price up by $150. So I repeated my searches on Aliexpress and found it for $150 cheaper than the old price and it's stated that the nee ZS model is what will be supplied. Long story short, I'm really looking forward to your review and hoping for it to be of a positive.

Phill

[Matt McCoy]

All you need to do is fill it out and sign. When I ordered a tube awhile back I had the same thing. Its probably more scary sounding than anything, took less than 15 minutes to complete.


Looks like I need an accession number.

[David Somers]

Matt,

The accession number comes from the supplier unfortunately. If they are in China you have the long Chinese Lunar New Year celebration to compete with. I would not be surprised to have to wait till that ends. I am not sure what the first day back at work will be for most folks there. If I understand their calendars right it runs from Sunday the 7th through Feb 13 and involves a series of national and local holidays through that time. Wish I could give you more info on it. And to think we grouse about people getting Christmas off? <grin>

Xin Nian Kuai Le (Happy New Year!)

Dave

[Matt McCoy]

Thanks for the response Dave. Unfortunately, I'm up against the clock and the tube will be probably be sent back unless I hear from the supplier. If it does, I'll file a chargeback with Paypal and look at another option.

[Phill Barnes]

Hi Matt
What happened to your tube? Did it get delivered or sent back? I Have mine but am still have to buy a chiller before I can use it in my diy machine. Was really hoping to hear what you thought.
https://www.facebook.com/phillip.barnes.7773/videos/1673737832865742/?l=531733543682329804
Phill

[Matt McCoy]

Yes, I was finally able to sort it out and the tube was delivered. I hope to install it this weekend. BTW, it came in a box as big as a person. The Fedex driver asked me what was inside. I told him it was a mail order bride.

[Keith Winter]

haha Matt!

[Phill Barnes]

Ha ha, hope he got a chuckle. Mine came in a nice ply box. UPS>Australian Air Express> Australia post. Will never use UPS again as it made so many stops and took 6 days. Dhl delivered my other items China-Brisbane direct in 3 days DHL>Australian Air Express> Australia post. Cant fire it yet as I still need the chiller. Fingers crossed for both of us.

333364333365333366

[Matt McCoy]

Phill: Did you build that laser?

[Phill Barnes]

Hi Matt
Yes i did build it. It has taken me a couple of months thanks to Christmas, a tight budget and compulsive procrastination. I'm just in need of a chiller and I'm cutting which will be good as I have preorder customers waiting eagerly.

[Matt McCoy]

Do you have a build log?

[Phill Barnes]

What I did do is take a few pics along the way not with the purpose intended as a build log but I guess it serves as close enough.
My Facebook page is furnished with these pictures.
https://www.facebook.com/Tassie-Cnc-Plasma-Cut-Metal-Art-Signs-Cad-Parts-590458527656502/?view_public_for=590458527656502

Phill

[Phill Barnes]

Hi Matt
What is your latest news with the ZS-1250 tube?

[Steven Kalmar]

Matt, any update on the EFR tube? I've been researching tubes and have been thinking RECI until I found this forum.

[Matt McCoy]

Hey guys! I hope to write a little more soon, but it really is a nice tube. Not a night/day difference from the Reci, but certainly noticeable (speed, quality, consistency of work during a busy day).

[Joseph Shawa]

Hi Matt, Have you considered hooking up to city water for cooling? I ran a line with a shutoff timer from my water heater input. I drain it out the overflow valve. Just a thought.

[Matt McCoy]

Hi Matt, Have you considered hooking up to city water for cooling? I ran a line with a shutoff timer from my water heater input. I drain it out the overflow valve. Just a thought.

No, I use distilled water with an active chiller.

[Chuck Kahler]

how is the EFR ZS-1250 Laser Tube (https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?239469-EFR-ZS-1250-Laser-Tube) doing?
What are the current thoughts with RECI tube life?

[Mike Null]

Chuck

Welcome to SMC.

You may not get a response as this thread is nearly 3 years old.

[Chris Thomason]

I know you were looking for info on the Zs-1250 but ’ve had the 100w version for two years now and have no complaints.