Interestingly, if you're doing CNC laser cutting as a business, with the larger CO2 laser cutters, you're gonna spend a lot to keep replacing those CO2 laser tubes. Because the gas degrades with heavy use, even if the tube is intact.
Why can't you just refill the gas? Because the precise gas combination that makes for a stable, reliable laser tube was monopolized ages ago.
Because of that one trade secret, countless tubes end up in the trash and way more than necessary are manufactured. Classic case where monopolization of scientific knowledge can end in significant unnecessary waste.
Why can't you just refill the gas? Because the precise gas combination that makes for a stable, reliable laser tube was monopolized ages ago.
Because of that one trade secret, countless tubes end up in the trash and way more than necessary are manufactured. Classic case where monopolization of scientific knowledge can end in significant unnecessary waste.