Are O-Like 18mm modules good for 445nm diodes?

[lazerov]

Has anyone tested these modules with the Casio 445nm diodes? I need to know if they provide good enough thermal contact with the diode case. I know they are not press-fit like most 12mm modules, but rather have a small retaining ring holding the diode in place. Not sure whether or not this is sufficient to take away the heat from a diode running at 1,5A. The module itself will be placed in bigger sink.

I'm asking this because one diode already burned out due to insufficient contact with the heatsink (its case exceeded 80°C :yabbmad. At least it lased happily for some minutes ...

 

[resal7]

I'm using these modules for my projects.These modules are industrial spec housings.There are far superior in heat handling/cooling than any other brass module (...like aixiz).You MUST though follow certain rules ...

1)USE THERMAL PASTE.Apply Thermal paste(preferably that silver or copper particle grease)in small but adequate quantities where the diode sits,on the threads of the brass lock,and the threads of the diode/lens holder so that you will ensure full thermal conduivity throughout the whole housing...

2)Yes,you have to machine a module retainer/heatsink to further add mass and enhance the thermal exchange.you have to glue the module-housing with 2-compound epoxy in which you will add 1/2 part of that thermal metal particle grease!!! It works...(you can make it either of copper or aluminium..I run mine at 1,05 Amperes, in a 45mm ~22mm dia aluminium retainer/heatsink.It takes about 2 minutes to heat up to about 40-45 celsious _ambient temp 35 degrees Celsious)

3)Tight really good the brass lock.be cautious not to overtight.diode holder is made of aluminium.Tough alloy, but still aluminium.

4)For really long runs at about 1W youy can machine a heatsink with threading to mount the diode/lens holder directly to the heatsink-rest of hollow module becomes useless..

Hope i helped a bit...

 

[resal7]

here are some pics.Sorry for double-posting.Done by mistake instead of edit .....

 

[Bionic-Badger]

How's the lens that comes with it? Is it any good?

 

[resal7]

Well,the lens for the 405/445 module housing are the Aixiz 405/445nm "A" type single coated AR, triple glass element,half threaded (M9x0.5) lens..Very good round dot for the 445 diode....

P.S. One big minus of that module housing is that you cannot attach a focus ring to the standart aixiz lens and that because of the existance of the cooling fins...There is no space left to glue/screw the focus ring...:cryyy:
But the fins do a great job cooling the diode fast...
Focusing is still possible though.I'm using my index finger nail to focus the lens...(laser is off,of course..)

 

[lazerov]

4)For really long runs at about 1W youy can machine a heatsink with threading to mount the diode/lens holder directly to the heatsink-rest of hollow module becomes useless..

Thanks for your post!

I think that's exactly what I'm going to do. That threading will cause some problems though. Its step looks small (M11x0,5 ?) and taps like that are hard to find. Maybe I'll have to order one for machining...

BTW, nice beamshot in the first picture

 

[resal7]

Yes, M11X0,5,hard to find.My friend who does all the machining for my projects said that this threading needs CNC machinery to be done...
Thanx..

 

[Bionic-Badger]

Very nice! I think I'll order one.

 

[RDTech]

I have used them for many 405nm projects. Absolutely thermal paste or arctic alumina epoxy, there are too many air gaps. As for the heat sink length, I've sliced off the first fin and had enough room to focus better. It didn't look as good, but it worked. Krylon, matte black is OK.