Cutting Laser for CNC

[Stonewall]

Hi, im new to the Forum, actually joined specifically to ask this question.
I did search around a bit and couldn't find anything ssimilar, so if i missed it i apologize (i dont want the first 3 replies to be SEARCH!!! lol)

So heres my question: (keep in mind i have almost zero knowledge about lasers)

I am currently making a 4 Axis CNC router (2'x4', 1/1000th inch precision)
And i have a feeling i will be cutting more sheet metal, most likely aluminum,
than i had expected. So i would like to add to my arsenal the ability to do laser cutting of up to 3/64 inch sheet metal (and it doesnt have to go through on the first pass, just get there eventually), and the ability to do engraving on thicker aluminum, and some steels.

so i guess the real question is:
is there a laser i could get/build that could cut sheet metal?
how big/ heavy would it have to be?
What is the on/off time response? i figured i would just rerun the Z-axis input to a basic on/off, but if the laser had heating up or cooling down time, i would have to figure out a way to add a shutter that wouldnt melt.

If it does exist:
And how much would it cost,
and what is the legality of it for "industrial / lab" purposes.


Sorry for the long winded post. but any help would be appreciated

Stonewall

 

[Kmor2004]

WElcome nad its not all the winded (mine was longer LOL) I had an extremely similar question when I first joined and the answer is....a CO2 laser your talking around 16" just for cylinder for 25W you'll probably want to go higher power so possibly between 20-36" long.

With out possibly giving you incorrect information hit up ebay for CO2 Laser, basicly the lasing part is an all glass tube inside another glass tube and in most cases you'll need water cooling, there are some other ones wbut the get into the high hundreds of dollars and into the thousands, while you can get a CO2 laser off ebay for about $100 for a 25W with power supply plus these use High voltage.