Opt Lasers PLH3D-XT-50 User manual

Thank You for Your Purchase!
Thank you for purchasing the Opt Lasers’ PLH3D-XT-50 laser head. The XT-50 laser
engraver and cutter from the PLH3D Series is a versatile and powerful tool designed for
a wide range of applications. This laser head is capable of laser engraving and cutting
various materials, including plastics, leather, wood, cardboard, textiles, and fibreglass
as well as laser engraving anodized aluminum, stainless steel, tool steel and Titanium.
Similar to its predecessor, the XF+, the XT-50 can be easily integrated and controlled by
CNC machines and 3D printers, making it a flexible solution for many manufacturing
processes. Its universal mountability allows it to replace CO2 lasers in numerous
applications, providing a compact and energy-efficient alternative as XT-50 is 4 times
more energy efficient than a CO2 laser tube (not counting the CO2 laser chiller which
lowers a CO2 laser’s energy efficiency even further).
One of the notable features of the XT-50 is its compact and lightweight design,
eliminating the need for additional cooling systems. The laser head's body serves a dual
purpose by directing air from the fan to remove smoke and functioning as an effective
heat sink. With its housing crafted from machined Aluminum, XT-50 remains lightweight
while effectively dissipating heat from the laser diode, ensuring a longer operational
lifespan even at high power settings.
To safeguard the semiconductor laser and maintain its longevity, the XT-50 incorporates
a built-in overheating protection device. When the laser diode’s housing temperature
surpasses 45°C (113°F), the laser head automatically shuts off, resuming operation
once it reaches 40°C (103°F). Furthermore, its professional high-speed laser driver is

integrated directly into the laser head, enabling higher maximum modulation
frequencies. High power modulation (up to 100 kHz) ensures the high speed of the
XT-50 engraving laser, even for the most sophisticated patterns.
Equipped with a special advanced optical system, the XT-50 provides 4k Ultra-HD
precision engraving and cutting capabilities. This makes XT-50 the most precise
high-power laser head in the world. Unlike the XF+, the XT-50 has an adjustable and
square focused beam spot.
For optimal engraving performance in various applications, we recommend calibrating
the working distance in two runs on the first launch.
The XT-50 excels in working with different types of materials. It can engrave and create
2D and 3D images on various kinds of wood, including Birch and Pine plywood, Balsa,
hardwood, and MDF. Being based on the blue laser technology makes it the best and
most energy-efficient solution for laser engraving wood. Additionally, it can cut
low-density wood with ease. Textiles such as white cotton, denim, felt, Cordura™, 2 and
3-way stretch fabrics, and many types of nylon can be cut without penetrating the
protective layer, as commonly found in the embroidery industry. Furthermore, XT-50 can
laser mark the majority of fabrics and textiles.
The blue light emitted by the XT-50 enables engraving on metals such as black
anodized aluminum and wrought iron. It also excels in engraving (and marking) titanium
and stainless steel. When it comes to plastic cutting, the XT-50 is capable of working
with ABS, acrylics, polypropylene, polyamides, as well as latex, neoprene, and other
rubber compositions. Lastly, it is a perfect solution for cutting and engraving various
types of leather, especially brown (vegetable-tanned) full-grain leather and black
full-grain leather.
With its wide range of capabilities and robust features, the XT-50 laser engraver and
cutter from the PLH3D Series offers exceptional performance and versatility for various
applications, making it a valuable tool for industrial, professional, and hobbyist use.

Technical Specifications
Performance Parameter
PLH3D-XT-50
Laser Diode’s Optical Power1
[W]
6
Optical Power Density
[kW/cm²]
2500
Resolution
[µm (DPI)]
50 (>500)
Wavelength
[nm]
445 ± 10
Maximum Power Consumption
[W]
30
Control Signal Input
[V]
Analog - 0-5 / 0-10
PWM - 0-5 / 0-10 / 0-24
Power Supply Voltage
[V]
12-24
Dimensions
[cm³ (inch³)]
4.0 x 5.5 x 14.0
(1.6 x 1.7 x 5.51)
Weight
[kg (lb)]
0.370
(0.816)
Fan Flow Rate
[m3/ h (CFM)]
43 (25)
Fan Noise
[dBA]
58
Operating (Ambient) Temperature Range
[°C (°F)]
0-45
(32-113)
Mounting Hole Pattern
4 Holes,
24 mm by 15 mm
(0.94 in. by 0.59 in.)
Mounting Hole Type
M3 x 0.5 x 4.5 mm

Laser Safety
Only a person with specialized training and appropriate laser safety knowledge can
use and maintain the laser head. The laser head operator must be aware of laser
radiation hazard.
While the laser head is operating protection Laser Glasses designed for 190 – 540
nm (OD 7+) should be used. Make sure that all personnel in the same room wear
protection glasses.
Eye exposure to the direct or diffusely reflected laser beam is a hazard. The laser
head beam may cause permanent eye damage.
Skin exposure to the laser beam is a hazard. The laser beam may cause serious skin
burns. A laser beam may easily burn cloth.
It is possible to get a serious injury while using this product or being in the vicinity
of an individual using it. Improper use of the laser head can result in injury or death.
Flammable substances exposure to the laser beam may pose a fire hazard. The laser
head operation in an explosive atmosphere may be dangerous. The working area
must be well-ventilated. During the operation laser beam may ignite gases or
flammable liquids.
Before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or performing maintenance,
the laser should be powered off and disconnected from the power supply and CNC
main board.
The laser head must be properly mounted to a rigid body such that it cannot be
moved unintentionally. An unintentional move of the laser head is dangerous.
The unauthorized personnel must have no access to the system into which the laser
head is integrated. The laser head must be stored out of the reach of children.
Untrained persons are not allowed to operate, maintain and observe the operation of
the laser head.
Specular reflection materials should not be placed in front of the operating laser
head. Remember, a diffused reflection of the laser beam is uncontrolled and may
pose a hazard to an eye.
Appropriate shielding should be used around the system into which the laser head
is integrated. The system in which the laser head is used must be equipped with a
key switch and safety interlock.

Electrical Inputs
Pin Descriptions:
1. Mod Input #1 ANG
Modulation input #1 accepts analog or Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) signals. The
operating range of modulation input #1 is 0 - 5 V. If it is connected to a signal with a
slightly higher voltage, e.g. 0 - 10 V, only the 0 - 5 V part of the signal will affect the laser
power. The voltage connected to this input should not exceed 10 V.
NB: Do not connect control signal cables simultaneously to the Mod Input #1 ANG pin
and Mod Input #2 PWM.
NB2: Mod Input #1 ANG and Mod Input #2 PWM pins share a common ground in the
form of pin #3 (Mod Input GND).

2. Mod Input #2 PWM
Modulation Input #2 accepts PWM signals whose voltage in the high state (interpreted
as laser on) should be a minimum of 3 V. Examples of compatible control signal ranges
are: 0 - 5 V, 0 - 10 V and 0 - 24 V.
In the case of PWM control, we recommend using a frequency of base frequency of
5,000 - 10,000 Hz. Although frequencies such as 1,000 Hz will also work, higher
frequencies usually produce better greyscale images. The signal fill percentage
corresponds to the laser power output percentage.
NB: Do not connect signal cables simultaneously to the Mod Input #1 ANG pin and Mod
Input #2 PWM.
NB2: Mod Input #1 ANG and Mod Input #2 PWM pins share a common ground in the
form of pin #3 (Mod Input GND).
NB3: For the voltage to be interpreted as a high state (laser on) it should be a minimum
of 3.0 V. Conversely, for it to be interpreted as a low state (laser off), it should not
exceed 1.0 V. The state between 1-3 V is not defined.
3. Mod Input GND
This is the ground (GND) common to the Mod Input #1 ANG and Mod Input #2 PWM
pins.
4. GND
This is the ground (GND), for the laser head’s power supply (Vcc pin).
5. Vcc
This is the power supply (Vcc) to the laser head, which should be (for XF+ and
XT-Series laser heads) in the 12-24 V range. At a 12 V power supply, the current should
be a minimum of 2.5 A, and with a 24 V power supply, it should be ≥1.25 A.

Working Distance
The working distance (WD) of the PLH3D-XT-50 laser head should be set to 60 mm
(2.36 inch) between the bottom face of the laser head and the material processed as
shown below.
Working Distance Calibration
The working distance of the XT-50 laser head should be calibrated with high precision
once the initial working distance of 60 mm is set. This only is required to be done once,
unless the laser head was unassembled from the CNC machine and put back on.
An example of calibration (with an XF+ laser head) is shown in this video:
https://youtu.be/PP30pUkwDrE
The process consists of engraving lines on the material at different working heights
around the standard working distance. This is followed by moving the working distance
to a height at which the engraved lines are the thinnest.

For the XT-50 we highly recommend that two calibration runs are carried out. The first
run should be done ± 5 mm around 60 mm WD (with 1 mm iterations).
The working height at which the engraved lines are the thinnest is the distance to which
you should move your laser head (ie. at which you should use it) and which will give you
the best results.
The second calibration run should be done with an accuracy of 0.1 mm (in 0.1 mm
iterations) around the best WD established during the first calibration run. Some users
calibrate the XT-50 with even greater accuracy, e.g. 0.02 mm during a third calibration
run.
NB: Most customers perform the working distance calibration process on plywood.
Better results can be obtained on black anodised aluminium (but then the
engraved aluminium should be tilted by a small angle, e.g. 4-7°). However, the best
calibration results can be achieved by marking a microscope slide, painted with a black
spray before the procedure.
NB2: The beam profile of the XT-50 (and XT-10) is always symmetrical.

High-Pressure Air Assist Nozzle Accessory Usage
The High-Pressure Air Assist Nozzle (HP Nozzle) can be installed on the XT-50 laser
head by simply sliding the nozzle cap on the lens sleeve and tightening the nozzle’s
position with the 4 provided screws.
For XT-50, the nozzle should not be placed higher than the oblong line on the XT-50’s
lens sleeve. On the other side, the HP Nozzle should ideally be placed approximately
2-3 mm above the material being processed.
Incorrect High-Pressure Air Assist Nozzle Installation Symptoms

Case 1 - Nozzle Too High
If the HP Nozzle is installed too high up, or it is not leveled properly, part of the laser
beam will be clipped. This looks similar to the pictures below, depending on the severity
of the issue:
This can result in a ghost image of the laser dot, which:
- will lower the laser power that arrives where you want to use it;
- depending on the exact setup and the material used, it may even engrave a copy
of the image/design on a side.