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Aixiz 9mm mod possiblity?

Gryphon

Gryphon

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Hello LPF,

This is my first post so i thought i start off with what i hope will be just a simple question. Would it be possible to modifiy an aixiz collimator to accept a 9mm diode?:confused:

I know that aixiz and sure modules (i think thats their name) are nearly identical and are made to use 5.6mm diodes and that the more exspensive Meredith modules are made to use 9mm. To me it would seem that if aixiz and sure modules could be opened up with a lathe to fit 9mm diodes, that they would be a much cheaper alternative. Does anyone feel that this could be done effectivley or would we just be better off buying a Meredith module.

Ryan
 





It's definitely possible, but it would have to be some highly precise and very clean machining. If it was done with the proper care, I'm sure it could be done effectively.
 
digital_blue- Yeah, it does lack heatsinking from its low mass but thats always easily solved by adding a heatsink to the collimator, which seems to be common practice now.

ElektroFreak- Cool, i was hoping that someone would think this was possible. I've seen some pretty slick work from some other members who machine heatsinks and custom hosts, ill bet this wouldn't be too tough of a task for them, thanks.

Ryan
 
i agree with elektrofreak... it would have to precisely done in order to match the "press fit" use for the diode... the tighter fit will also be best for better thermal transfer to the module. Let us know if you get something to work!
 
i agree with elektrofreak... it would have to precisely done in order to match the "press fit" use for the diode... the tighter fit will also be best for better thermal transfer to the module. Let us know if you get something to work!
 
One concern that I failed to think of before, and one that may kill this idea is that in order to obtain decent focus, you'd have to de-can the diode. The can on 9mm diodes is large enough to restrict how far the lens assembly can travel.
 
Yeah, i'm not too sure about the focusing part since I've never used a 9mm diode. However, I'd think it's more about using a precise, jeweler's lathe rather than a typical lathe. Also, it would depend mostly on getting the EXACT size drill bit to use. Lastly, I'd think it would be nearly impossible to do using just a drill bit because you would need to drill away the outer circle (where the diode would press-fit) and at the same time make sure you don't go deep enough to drill the whole 8.9mm through the entire module (or else when you press-fit, the diode would go straight through).

I'm not too sure if I explained all this well, but... I gave it a shot.
 
I considered this myself and picked up a 8.9mm drill bit for this mod. I don't have any 9mm diodes yet, but plan to in the future and will let everyone know how this mod goes if I ever get to it.

Edit: It was 8.7mm, not 8.9
 
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Jimmymcjimthejim- awesome, would be nice to know how well this might work
 
An 8.9 drill bit won`t work either because when you use a drill they always drill a bit bigger. You will need to drill 8.7 or 8.8 and then use a 9mm reamer very slowly and carefully. The cost of the reamer out weighs the cost of the module. I don`t think it would be worth the time and effort unless you plan to make a bunch of them.

The best way to get the 9mm would be to use a lathe and cut that inside diameter with a very pointy peice of carbide or high speed steel. Even then it will be difficult because you need that opening to be exactly 9mm or .335''. I would measure the diode with a good micrometer and make the opening .0005'' smaller to ensure a good interference fit.

Just my $0.02
 
I have found some "cheap" 9mm diodes to test with, if you don't want to waste an expensive diode. They are on qualifound, and when that site goes back up, I'll post a link

Rob
 
The Aixiz module Diode mounting end is 10.5mm, of which 0.5mm used for screw thread that left you with 10mm diameter. If you open it up from 5.6mm to 9mm the wall on the diode mount is only 0.5mm thick.
 
robjdixon said:
I have found some "cheap" 9mm diodes to test with, if you don't want to waste an expensive diode. They are on qualifound, and when that site goes back up, I'll post a link

Rob
Click to expand...

Why not buy some "junk diodes" from heruusciences to test with for size. I'm guessing its probably cheaper than the qualifound, but I don't know for sure.
 
IMO, if you need a 9mm module just go with meredith as you mentioned. They are 25$ with acrylic and 35$ with the very nice glass lens. I am assuming you want to use the module for a 635nm diode? In this case the 35$ spent on the meredith glass module is almost worth it, considering its increased photon throughput.
 
mmmmmh is the beam spec of a 9mm diode similar to a 5.6 mm diode ? only one lens could produce a nice beam?
 
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