1st Laser project: 1000mW 445nm Blue Cree C1

Hello,
I hope I picked the right section, I just joined this forum and would like to share my first laser creation:

Here the host I started with:


For 140$ I got
- a 1000mw 445nm diode assembled in an axiz module
- glass lens
- Driver already soldiered to fit into the module
- Red protection glasses



Ready to start:


I am trying to use the tin wire to work as heatsink and to fit in the larger flashlight tube:


But it's not easy and the result is lousy:


Plan B: if you cannot bent it, melt it:

Placed a metal disk at the righ height to act as base for the tin.

Melting tin:
Warning, vapors are poisonous (and contains lead!)


Final Result:


Drilled hole of 12mm, the laser module fit tightly. I also pinched the negative contact between the module and the tin:


A little piece of plastic holds the +contact and isolate it:


The cap with assault crown fits perfectly, it's waterproof!


Used too much space with the module, so the original switch in the bottom no longer fit.
Removed it and reversed the spring to create a push button:


Final Result:


Let's try it outside:




I know I could have done better so I am happy to hear your comments.

PS: is it ok to leave the glass on? I like it to be waterproof but I don't know how much light is lost.

Welcome to LPF. Very nice 1st build. Creative molten tin heat sink is a really nice touch. You said you had RED protection glasses..is that a typo? You need glasses to protect you from Blue 445nm.

It depends on how much is reflected back into the diode, but as a rule any reflection into the diode is bad. I would ditch the glass if it was Me.

Hello,
the glasses are effective against blue light, but the plastic color they are made of is Red ;-)

Tanks for the tip, I am going to remove the glass and as little project I'll try to make an aluminum disk to adjust the focus...or maybe I can find on the site something that fit the module/lens and only require a little adjustment

Very Creative... But you know getting a heat sink and focus knobs are not Expensive, there are a ton of members who make them. Just saying. Nice project...

Nice first build. :wave:
I had thought about melting solder to made a heatsink, but always end up having one machined. A machined one looks quite a bit cleaner and sometimes only costs a few dollars from a member here. (Jayrob, Mohrenberg, Flaminpyro, etc.) :yh:
Depending on the type of front glass, I think you would have a +/- 100mW power increase with the glass off, but having it waterproof is a great feature. There are not many waterproof 445's out there yet.
Have you tested it underwater yet?

Thanks for the suggestions,
about the machined parts: I was not aware of this great forum when I built it. I a seriously considering to buy a kit from a member for my next project.....truly amazing stuff!

I had to remove a bottom ring so I am not sure the back rubber button fits so tightly to resist water pressure...maybe it's only splash proof and I am about to remove the glass

but I realize would be damn cool to shoot an 1w blue laser under a swimming pool