beyond design
Measured performance
Turnbull power cords have been tested in many different applications, from medical to manufacturing. Measurements don’t always tell the whole story, but they can tell interesting stories nonetheless.
Test Results: The following case studies come from the laser engraving field. There were many impressive test results, but these are the limited results we are allowed to share publicly.
Test 1 Hypothesis: By reducing distortion in the electrical system, we can produce a more structured laser beam with sustained power over distance
Method: A burn sample of the beam was taken at two locations: Point A, where the mirror carriage was closest to the laser emitter, and Point B, where the distance was the furthest from the laser emitter.
Sample A: Stock power cord. Comparison of laser beam structure from the shortest distance to the longest usable on the engraving platform. Shortest distance in the lower right corner, longest distance in the upper left. (first image is clipped, but clicking will reveal entire image)
Sample B: Turnbull Power cord utilizing only constrained layer damping
Sample C: Turnbull Audio power cord with constrained layer damping, mass damping, and field obfuscation technology.
Interpretation
Sample A: Test reveals a jagged perimeter of the beam, and less area possessing concentrated power of the laser in Point A. When the carriage is moved to Point B, the laser loses significant power and beam structure. Though able to engrave, power may have to be adjusted for use in this area of the engraving platform.
Sample B: Test reveals significant improvement of the beam structure perimeter, with better peak power dispersion in Point A. At Point B, we see a dramatic conservation of power and beam structure. Engraving surface finish may need a power compensation to maintain finish quality.
Sample C: Test reveals the highest and most centralized high power density with the cleanest beam structure at Point A. Point B reveals the most dramatic conservation of beam structure and power.
Conclusion: The results show that though constrained layer damping proved effective, the additional technologies utilizing mass and field obfuscation all combine for dramatic overall effect. By reducing noise inherent in vibration and heat, the power supplies were able to work quickly and efficiently, providing a more powerful and dense beam structure at all distances. This correlates with audio amplifiers, where power output containing lower distortion and noise results in greater current capability, and more dynamic range.
Test 2: Hypothesis: It is possible to measure audible mechanical changes during the operation of lasing machines when different power cords are used. These audible changes correlate with performance of the laser engraver.
Test 2 Method: A reference calibration engraving test was performed, and the audio recording of it was run through a spectrum analyzer. Evaluations were performed and interpreted by an audio engineer.
Sample A: Stock power cord.
Sample B: Turnbull Power cord with constrained layer damping, mass damping, and field obfuscation
Interpretation: The graphs read frequency, low to high, bottom to top. The cooler the color, the quieter the sound. Time elapsed moves from left to right. The engraver acts like a dot matrix printer, the frequencies from 800Hz to 12kHz are the actual interaction between the laser and the aluminum being engraved. In Sample B, there is a sharper delineation of when the laser is firing and when it is not, as well as a better consistency of engagement between the laser and the material. The 60Hz background noise is decreased in Sample B. The pulse of the cooling fan exhibits better air engagement in Sample B (420Hz is the fan, 200Hz-800Hz is the air). Overall decibel volume was 3.6dB quieter in Sample B (measured in the program, not seen clearly in the graph).
Conclusion: Sample B showed a positive impact on many aspects of the mechanical operations of the laser engraver, including carriage vibration, fan operation, transformer noise, and electrical noise within the motor systems. Application in audio systems suggest efficiency improvements for both amplification and digital circuits. Expectations include lower noise floor, more efficient operation, and more accurate tracking of square waves.