Watts vs Focus for Engraving

Hi, I started building a simple XY plotter to do some laser engraving and limited cutting. While in a rush to get the parts I needed shipped, I ordered a NUBM44 as it seemed to he the highest power laser diode that was reasonably available. (More WATTS equals More GOODER!)

Now that I’ve slowed down and started learning more, I understand that focus is just as, if not more important, than how much total work the diode can apply to a material.

What I was wondering, is there a better choice available? I don’t even have a driver for the NUBM44 yet, and I haven’t tried it, but I don’t want to spend time struggling to get it working when a better option may be available.

Looking at DTR’s site, other diodes that might be good include the:
• NUBM05 – 450nm 3.5W
• NUBM06 – 455nm 3.5W
• NUBM07e – 465nm 2.9W
• NUBM08 – 455nm 4.3W

I understand that the NUBM08 has about as bad of a divergence as the NUBM44 (per DTR’s description).

While a lower wattage, the 07e has a higher wavelength and I’ve read anecdotally that in that range, higher adsorbs more into materials and therefor cuts better. But I can’t find a lot on that.

Does anyone have any experience with any of the above diodes for engraving and cutting (card stock, balsa, wood veneer)? Thanks for any help or advice.

Check out this post in the CNC thread over on PL with some results with the NUBM44 and the whole thread has a lot of comparisons, builds and general discussion as well.
https://www.photonlexicon.com/forum...8bit-Shades-of-Grey-445nm?p=326361#post326361

Thanks DTR, funny enough I started reading that thread before I posted, but stopped at the third page when it didn't seem to be going in the direction I needed. While the post didn't answer my question, it has helped a little and given me a few more things to look up.

Thanks for the help!

For anyone else looking for looking into this subject, the best collection of information I've found thus far can be found here:

Diodes for cutting wood?