I'm designing a new product that requires a decent burning laser. I'd like your advice on parts, suppliers, design, etc.
If you give me a good start and good answers, I will be delighted to mail you a prototype of the finished completed product along with my sincere thanks.
Here's what I have so far:
1. Focusing distance should burn around 1/2 inch to 1 inch away from lens with a small, focused pinpoint of light.
2. I'll resell this device attached to a larger product, so price is quite important. The laser makes up the bulk of the final price. Many people will want one of these, but only if it's affordable.
3. It must burn at a "reasonable" rate. Doesn't have to be super-fast, but can't be absurdly slow, either.
4. Package is not important, since it will be incorporated into a larger product.
5. Must be able to buy parts into the future (no discontinued one-off's).
6. Duty cycle: should burn continuously for at least 5 minutes, longer if possible.
7. Bonus: If possible, upgradeable to more powerful laser. Not critical.
Basically, I'm soliciting Forum Members' knowledge, expertise and experience to build a reliable burning laser diode project that costs as little as (reasonably) possible.
I expect to buy a diode, regulator circuit, power supply, focusing lens, heatsink, and perhaps a mounting solution or case, and then solder, glue and assemble the parts. If a pre-assembled solution is superior, that's even better.
If you also have advice on "what color laser best burns what color targets" I'm listening very closely.
Thank you!
Charlie Gosh
If you give me a good start and good answers, I will be delighted to mail you a prototype of the finished completed product along with my sincere thanks.
Here's what I have so far:
1. Focusing distance should burn around 1/2 inch to 1 inch away from lens with a small, focused pinpoint of light.
2. I'll resell this device attached to a larger product, so price is quite important. The laser makes up the bulk of the final price. Many people will want one of these, but only if it's affordable.
3. It must burn at a "reasonable" rate. Doesn't have to be super-fast, but can't be absurdly slow, either.
4. Package is not important, since it will be incorporated into a larger product.
5. Must be able to buy parts into the future (no discontinued one-off's).
6. Duty cycle: should burn continuously for at least 5 minutes, longer if possible.
7. Bonus: If possible, upgradeable to more powerful laser. Not critical.
Basically, I'm soliciting Forum Members' knowledge, expertise and experience to build a reliable burning laser diode project that costs as little as (reasonably) possible.
I expect to buy a diode, regulator circuit, power supply, focusing lens, heatsink, and perhaps a mounting solution or case, and then solder, glue and assemble the parts. If a pre-assembled solution is superior, that's even better.
If you also have advice on "what color laser best burns what color targets" I'm listening very closely.
Thank you!
Charlie Gosh