CNC Laser Project

MBurrell2011 · Apr 11, 2011

I have worked with a 15watt CNC laser at school for the past 4 years, i am graduating this year and want to build one for myself. I think I know how i'm making the CNC portion of the rig but i need to figure out what kind of laser to use.

Size: Not an issue, preferably around 2"x2"x4"
Power: ATLEAsT enough to Engrave and Cut, Stronger the better
Cost: id like to keep it under a hundred if at all possible

Can anyone reccomend me a laser to look into using? or a store online to look on?

Thanks.

anselm · Apr 11, 2011

Hello and welcome to the forum!:wave:

What material is it that you want to cut and/or engrave?
For thin sheets of paper, plastic or maybe balsa wood, you could get
away with a diode laser, use google-search of this forum for "12x" and "445" to
look into those. That's the only way you'll be under a 100$

Anything other than that you are looking at a CO2 laser. Such as this one:
Diane's Laser Page
These are available on ebay in several sizes and deliver power in the range 20~100 Watt!
You WILL need a water cooling system (reservoir, pump, radiator),
and a high voltgage power source, too.

MBurrell2011 · Apr 11, 2011

idealy i would like to match the performance of my schools, so that would mean
Engrave Glass
Cut Vinyl
engrave wood
ours could also do rubber and marble. whatever is doable. i would like to adjust the power if possible

Trevor · Apr 11, 2011

You're going to need CO2 to engrave glass.

For your time and money, buying a system is going to be a better bet. I won't say it's impossible, but you're going to get far better performance out of a commercial setup.

-Trevor

MBurrell2011 · Apr 11, 2011

ok thanks, so i wont be able to engrave glass, but what is the most i can get out of a diode laser?

MBurrell2011 · Apr 11, 2011

would something like this be suitable for engraving?
Laser Diode 3W 803.5nm H package (NEW) | eBay

MarioMaster · Apr 12, 2011

An ~800nm diode would work ok for dark materials, but a lot of stuff tends to reflect or transmit at IR wavelengths.

There's also the problem with focusing the diode down to a spot suitable for cutting. Those types of diodes will output a large line that will be difficult to bring to a fine point.

Flaminpyro · Apr 12, 2011

Your not going to do this for $100.00 no way no how !

If you realy plan on working with these materials you mention here your going to need a Co2 laser, listen to these guys they know what they are talking about !

Welcome to the forum :wave:

MBurrell2011 said:
idealy i would like to match the performance of my schools, so that would mean
Engrave Glass
Cut Vinyl
engrave wood
ours could also do rubber and marble. whatever is doable. i would like to adjust the power if possible

MBurrell2011 · Apr 12, 2011

ok so if i were to give up on the heavy stuff like glass and marble ect. then would i be able to pull it off with a diode or fiber laser? atleast to an extent

sorry if im a little confused, im used to the operation and still getting used to the technical aspect of all this

thanks for the help and wisdom so far, it is much appreciated

qumefox · Apr 12, 2011

I agree that you would probably be better off with a small commercial CO2 based system. For one thing, wavelength matters almost as much as raw power. The benefit of CO2 systems is that at 10600nm.. there are very few materials that DON'T absorb it. (which is a good thing) In the wavelengths diodes are available in, what your capabilities are, are going to be highly dependent on the material, and sometimes the color of the material, as well.

Of the 'cheap' available diodes, 405nm is probably going to perform the best over the widest range of materials. However right now, 'long term reliable' power levels for what hobbyists can get, max out at around 650mW or so. So you would be able to cut thin paper/cardboard/foam, or engrave some things like plastics and wood.

Ra1nfade · Apr 12, 2011

Not to mention the precision robotics needed to make a "CNC" operable...

MBurrell2011 · Apr 12, 2011

i plan to work on this alot over the summer, so i will probably make the rig and fit it with a 405nm diode for now, and also i found plans for making a co2 laser, would something like that be practical for this kind of application?

MarioMaster · Apr 12, 2011

MBurrell2011 said:
i plan to work on this alot over the summer, so i will probably make the rig and fit it with a 405nm diode for now, and also i found plans for making a co2 laser, would something like that be practical for this kind of application?

Making a CW CO2 laser that works for more than a few hours is going to need extensive vacuum equipment and glass blowing skills, not to mention the proper optics to form the lasing cavity. It would be a much better idea to buy a tube from ebay.

MBurrell2011 · Apr 12, 2011

MarioMaster said:
Making a CW CO2 laser that works for more than a few hours is going to need extensive vacuum equipment and glass blowing skills, not to mention the proper optics to form the lasing cavity. It would be a much better idea to buy a tube from ebay.

i can buy a tube if needed, i also read something about using a neon sign's glass for the tube and buying used optics? would that work? and time is no object by the way

chipdouglas · Apr 12, 2011

just for referrence, you should go to your school write down all the specs of the laser they have.

then do your own research so you know what materials will cost to match theirs.

michael.

CNC Laser Project

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