Engraving machines

[Ryo]

Last week I visited a few companies that used laser engraving machinery, as well as laser welders (used for Hermetically sealing)
It engraved on different materials, and I guess on Titanium it's able to engrave in different colors.. pretty cool stuff. Any case that got me thinking..

What type of power are we talking about for engraving on metal like stainless steel?

I was thinking of taking on a project of building engraving laser, mounted on a few stepper motors taken from scanners. Is it even possible and cost effective for me to build one at home?

 

[AoiShikaku]

they usually start runing at 30w-40w.

 

[12dstring]

I used to work for a company a few years ago which had a Copper vapour laser used for engraving on steel. I think it was 30W if I remember correctly. It was pretty huge though, about 4x2m - wouldn't want to try and build one

A CO2 laser might be feasible though.

 

[Ryo]

Ooo that is a task. Hmm I was hoping it wouldn't need to be that powerful. Oh well. Thanks for the info.