Air-Assist

Contrary to sellers making an internal air pump sound like an upgrade, it is not. Most Chinese lasers use an internal air pump which tend not to push enough air, pulse, and clog easily. In some cases, you may have an external air pump, but they usually lack the pressure and flow you receive from an air compressor. Air assist helps prevent your lens from getting damaged and dirty, and it keeps your material cleaner and reduces charring. For this reason it is suggested to replace the manufacturer supplied air pumps with an air compressor. This is something you'll want to purchase at the same time you purchase the laser. Scroll down to read more about air compressor and air-assist kit selection and installation.

Click on an Image Below to Order an Air Compressor

When selecting a compressor, you'll need to consider how many days per week, and how many hours per day it will be used. This will help determine the tank size. You should also think about were it will be placed, since they are typically loud and bulky.

Compressors are available in different tank sizes. The 8-gallon model is commonly used and are a nice happy medium between space, noise, and cost. For high-volume production use, consider 26-gallons or larger. If you're running the compressor indoors and have limited space, you can go with a 2-gallon model. However, the downside is that the compressor will run constantly, and will likely have a shorter service life compared to 8-gallon or larger compressors. An extended warranty is highly recommended when running a small compressor. (Fortress has a 90-day warranty, California Air Tools has a 1-year warranty, and Kobalt has a 3-year warranty.)

In general, compressors are extremely loud! Loud enough that hearing protection should be used if you are going to be around them for any length of time. Fortunately, there are companies that make "quiet" models (70db or less) which include: Harbor Freight Fortress, California Air Tools Ultra Quiet, and Lowes Kobalt. For the money, performance, and sound pressure levels, I prefer the California Air Tools 8-gallon model with aluminum tank.

Hear the difference between a 90dB compressor and 70db Compressor (forward to 2:10): Video  





Note: Every 10db increase is perceived as a doubling in sound volume.  So 10db is twice as loud, 20db is 4 times as loud.

Air-Assist Upgrade Installation:
Connecting an air compressor to the laser is fairly easy and straight-forward. Three popular methods for adding an air-assist are listed below. Each has its own unique advantage.

Installation Steps (Important! Use diagrams and photos below for reference):

NOTE: Depending on where you place your filter, you may want to use straight fittings instead of elbows. You can order the item (e) 6mm OD, 1/4" NPT Push-to-Connect Fittings instead of item (f) 1/4" OD, 1/4" NPT Male Elbow Push-to-Connect Fitting if you do not want to use an elbow.

TIP: It may be easier to bend and trim the diode prior to installation.

UPDATE: Good news, on Sept 3, the manufacturer of this solenoid said they have plans to install the diode in their solenoids. On the down side, it is going to be a revision, and not a part number change, so it is not possible to tell when the new version will begin shipping. Look very closely to see if yours includes a diode, and be sure you find the positive (+) and negative (-) markings if you receive the new solenoid. Please be aware that there is an LED power indicator light soldered to a brown resistor with stripes, this is not the same as a diode. A diode will generally be a solid color with a stripe on one end.

a. In RDWorks:

1. Turn on your laser and wait for it to finish initializing.

2. Go to File -> Vendor Settings. If prompted for a password, enter your password (your manual should list this, but some common ones are RD8888, CC8888, and HF8888), and Click Read, then click on the Vender Param tab and then Other in the left menu. On the bottom right, under Enable Param, Check the Enable Blower setting. Click Write to save. Click Exit.

3. You can skip this step if you have a Ruida 6442 controller. Otherwise, go into the User Tab on the right side, click the Other Radio Button, click the Read Button, and change the Blow Type setting from "Laser on blow" to "Processing blow." Then click the Write Button to save it to your Ruida controller. This will prevent the solenoid from clicking on and off when the laser turns on and off during a job.

Note: Depending on the model of your Ruida Controller and the firmware version, you may or may not see this option.

b. In LightBurn:

1. Turn on your laser and wait for it to finish initializing.

2. Go Edit -> Machine Settings and click Read.

3. Go to Vendor Settings and change Enable Air-Assist Output from False to True.

4. Click Write to save the change and then OK to exit.

5. Exit LightBurn.

6. You can skip this step if you have a Ruida 6442 controller. Otherwise, since LightBurn does not currently allow you to change the Blow Type, you will need to perform the below step in RDWorks. Start RDWorks, and go into the User Tab on the right side, click the Other Radio Button, click the Read Button, and change the Blow Type setting from "Laser on blow" to "Processing blow." Then click the Write Button to save it to your Ruida controller. This will prevent the solenoid from clicking on and off when the laser turns on and off during a job.

Note: Depending on the model of your Ruida Controller and the firmware version, you may or may not see this option.

Tips:
If you find you are getting lots of water in your dryer, you may want to consider a dryer with silica beads.

A good starting point for most vector cutting is 20 PSI, but you can set the regulator up to 40 PSI. You will need to adjust the PSI based on the type of material you are cutting or engraving.

Required Components and Tools for the DIY Air-Assist:

Optional Components for the DIY Air-Assist:

DIY Air-Assist Hose and Fitting Routing Diagram:

Old Air Pump

Old Air Pump

Installed Diode

Installed Diode

Mounted Solenoid

Mounted Solenoid
Diode Installation

NOTE: It is important to observe the polarity of the diode.  It can only be installed one way.