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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

The power of a 5 Watt 808nm Diode

Joined
Apr 11, 2013
Messages
7
Points
0
Hello everyone,
I'm completely new to the world of lasers.
I'd like to built a laser cuter to cut thin pieces of metal and wood. I Have a few questions that have been bugging me about laser and power ratings etc.
First off, I see a lot of 5 Watts 808nm laser diodes on eBay for 120 US dollars or so .
Does 5 watts mean that the laser beam deliver 5 watts of power or that the diode consumes 5 watts?
Second , is this the wavelength and power I need for the given intentions I have?
Third, what kind of optics do I need to buy? And am I getting something wrong or in theory I can focus the beam to an infinitely small point and so I could cut through pretty much any material so long as I focus the beam properly?
Thanks!
Ethienne.
 





ARG

0
Joined
Feb 27, 2011
Messages
6,772
Points
113
Hey Ethienne,

5W will be enough to cut through very thin wood (balsa), but not metal. You can probably mark anodized aluminium with that power.
You should consider buying one with an FAC already mounted, it's a correction optic that helps make the beam less rectangular, which gives you better cuts. You can buy the FAC separate but mounting them is difficult.
Also remember to use a fan next to the laser so the fumes don't accumulate on the collimating lens.
 




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