This thread is for discussion and updates around the YAG Laser Compressed Air Situation.
The YAG will work much better with improved compressed air. We are currently sourcing quotes from suppliers so we can utilise the lord mayors grant to buy a new air station.
@antifoo found this: https://www.graysonline.com/lot/0019-7027707/plant-services-compressors-and-generators/hydrovane-hv04-screw-compressor
and I found this https://www.jjairsystems.co.uk/product-category/air-compressors/industrial-air-compressors/hydrovane-hv04-hv45/
So maybe theres a deal there. Otherwise this is sort of the size of compressor we need:
https://www.totaltools.com.au/113508-ironair-7-5hp-270l-belt-drive-air-compressor-lb32270s3
We don’t know what the Free Air Delivery we need is, but we know we need a Pressure of 8 bar (120psi) “continuous”.
We know that air should be dried, no oil etc.
I called trade tools to figure out our current compressor and this is what I learned:
the last RP35 they sold was in 2005, so our unit is at least 15yo
180L tank, 750L/m FAD, probably 120PSI maxop, relief valve probably triggers at 140PSI.
I also got in touch with Blue Elephant CNC and asked what the requirements were for that machine and they stated:
0.7mpa [sic] is fine
For ATC machine is about 400L/min is ok
So thats 100psi pressure and 400L/min FAD
If I were you I’d go that screw compressor listing. You’re not going to find something equivalent cheaper, or even close (given the dryer and massive air tank - this will help with air delivery on shorter cuts and things like air tools). It’s also going to be quieter than our current one which will make the “plant container” less deafening.
It is only 7 bar capable however I can’t imagine that’s a massive deal for the laser cutter, if it needs more airflow, just change the orifice size. Trying to find a better compressor to do 8 bar, as well as the dryer etc will likely cost an arm and a leg.
Also to consider is if you do still want to go 8 bar, you’ll likely need to run a separate line to the laser cutter for it, rather than up the whole system pressure.
There seems to be be 2 HV04 models as by the second link. if its the former its 7bar, if its the latter its 10bar. i agree it would be a good get, but it wont stay that price, it will jump up as we approach the auction deadline, so we need to decide what its worth to buy. I’m going to confirm which model it is on monday when the owner returns.
We have discussed the idea of having a ‘big machines only’ airline. so yag, cnc mill, cnc router. It really comes down to what the free air delivery that we need ends up being, and how much we anticipate simultaneous operation.
another brief thought, it might be worth putting an air receiver tank near the machine itself.
Good catch, didn’t notice that the models repeated on the 10 bar units. However, I’d be willing to bet it’s the 7 bar unit, 10 bar would be pretty uncommon in industry.
I doubt you’d need a receiver at the laser cutter itself, that is only really necessary for things with short, high bursts or air consumption. That would be more suited to the metalworking area, with high uses of air tools. However the air lines in the building are of reasonable size so that’s still not real necessary with a large tank at the compressor.
I’d set a budget for it and still try with that auction. A new Chinesium air dryer for 600L/min is worth $1800. A new compressor is $2700. You score that listing for like $2k, and just cope with it being 7 bar is like half the price of getting it all new.
Do you know what the router needs air for? It doesn’t need to clear smoke and assist in the cutting process like a metal laser cutter so it seems a bit… excessive… to use 400L/min just to clear the dust (not to mention that’ll make a lot more mess).
Its for the atc i believe? I think that number is high also, but its the one they gave me. They didnt really understand the question.
the air compressor auction stops at 6pm tonight and it’s up to 3,600 + 7.5%.
Josh has inspected the unit and had a photoshoot with it.
Tank was built/tested in 1999 and the chiller in 2007. The gas is 134a which will get expensive in 3-5 years.
I think the topout is 4-5k and its basically there already. a new unit is in the range of 10k so its not worth paying more than 50% for a unit this age.
It’s bid * 1.075 * 1.1, so $3600 is approx $4200.
$4200 bid is $5000. So I think this is on the high side already and will exceed what I think its worth.
An update on the previous posts, we are currently sourcing quotes for a screw compressor air station to go to the lord mayors grant with. Probably a 4-6kw unit.