Is GLOWFORGE SPARK a new machine?

[dwardio]

Yes, the Aura and Spark use the same laser diode, so work with the same materials.

[shop]

@dan84

I was hoping there was going to be a second laser head option with more than 6 watts that could fit either of the diode laser siblings.

i don’t know enough about diode lasers, but i do know there are other potential options for diode colors, although i don’t know if they’re used in laser cutting. but if they are, being able to swap in a red diode head for the blue diode head might allow you to cut more material types, right?

[tjleasa]

Glowforge Spork.

[markevans36301]

Isn’t that the idea of a fiber laser? What one wavelength doesn’t do the other does.
It’s a rotten shame no one has figured out how to get a diode to emit the wavelength that C02 does.

[ekla]

@High_Latitude

Has anyone used ‘chipboard’ in their Aura?

I’ve been cutting museum board quite successfully. Several passes are needed but very little surface scorching and the edges are more tan than black.

[bill.m.davis]

I experienced drift in the X axis on a long job. I had to clean the rods to get it to work properly after cutting hardwood. I ended up needing to clean it after each hardwood job to prevent it. (Hardwood cuts very dirty.)

I think @deirdrebeth experienced the drift also?

[evansd2]

@bill.m.davis

needing to clean it

@evansd2

the same avalanche

Then I guess we have our answer.

[markevans36301]

Okay, I stand corrected. If two out of our small group had issues that was significant.

[kelley1]

Perfume makers, as well.

@tjleasa and @chris1 : Ohhhhhhhh, I finally got it! I’m slow that way, but still had a good laugh.

[deirdrebeth]

Yes, but only when I didn’t clean between jobs. Now I take the material out and immediately wipe the rails with a baby wipe and I haven’t had an issue since, even on fairly long jobs.

[johnj]

Spark? That name sounds very familiar for some reason…