Power setting for tube longevity

I have a general question about how to maximize the longevity of a laser tube. I have an 80 watt machine (Gweike LC6090) that I have just put a new EFR F2 tube into. The specs on that tube say it has an operating current of 28 mA. I generally try to run my machine at 21 mA maximum. Will operating at even lower power settings and cutting slower be easier on the tube / help make it last longer? Or is the situation more that there is a healthy power range which will preserve the tube if not exceeded?

Any help in better understanding this is appreciated. Thanks.

Greg

I have never seen any information that says your slower strategy will increase the life. In fact, it might be worse/less efficient since your tube will be on/firing longer for a given design.

FWIW, I have the same tube and EFR states the tube is designed to operate at a maximum of 28 mA but that the long life specification for your tube is 25 mA. I would not be afraid to drive it at 25 mA and below.

Glass tubes like to be ran at 100% power, a lower power might have negative affects

My 80w Triumph is almost 6 years old. The machine is used 'regularly' but not necessarily daily, probably 4 out of 7 days it's used. I use it to engrave larger anodized operator panels I build that won't fit in other machines, as backup for when other machines are busy, and for cutting lots of 1/16 and 1/8" Rowmark. My 'full power' is 72% as sent from the software, that usually equates to 26mA. Several times when deep engraving wood I've used 80% power settings. Rowmark and anodized alum raster engraving is done at 12 to 18% power.

That's my typical usage, and it works exactly as it did in 2013.

Thanks so much for the replies guys. Running it at maximum specified levels (thus running it for shorter time) makes a lot of sense.