Laser for burning and etching?

[cobright]

Is there a diode laser with suitable power and wavelength for burning/etching wood, leather, and maybe some plastics? I'm converting an old cricut cutting machine to full cnc.

This is a very simplistic question and it must have come up before but usually I see something like "What diode laser is best for cutting 3mm acrylic?".

I don't want to cut anything much thicker than paper and I have seen some blu-ray laser CNC machines that seem to do all I need, but those lasers are like 300mw and I wouldn't mind going a bit hotter than that.

I understand I'm at the shallow end of the learning curve, but I'm a quick study and I will learn best by doing, yet I fear investing in a laser to get started then finding out that everything is great except the wavelength I chose is only good for cutting marshmallows.

Would a 3w 808nm IR laser get me where I want to go?

 

[Blarg King]

Yeah your best bet for high power and low cost for a diode laser would be something in the IR spectrum. You can probably get a 5 Watt IR diode if you want to burn/etch wood.

 

[SKeeZ]

Is there a diode laser with suitable power and wavelength for burning/etching wood, leather, and maybe some plastics? I'm converting an old cricut cutting machine to full cnc.

This is a very simplistic question and it must have come up before but usually I see something like "What diode laser is best for cutting 3mm acrylic?".

I don't want to cut anything much thicker than paper and I have seen some blu-ray laser CNC machines that seem to do all I need, but those lasers are like 300mw and I wouldn't mind going a bit hotter than that.

I understand I'm at the shallow end of the learning curve, but I'm a quick study and I will learn best by doing, yet I fear investing in a laser to get started then finding out that everything is great except the wavelength I chose is only good for cutting marshmallows.

Would a 3w 808nm IR laser get me where I want to go?

get your self a CO2 laser... that should to the trick.

 

[Blarg King]

He said he wanted a diode laser. Also he seems to be new to the world of lasers so a Co2 might be out of his skill range.

 

[cobright]

get your self a CO2 laser... that should to the trick.

I do appreciate the help, but everyone goes right to the 'CO2 Laser'. I get it, diodes lack cutting power. But if I need something cut I can use a big laser or mill at the shop or the local hackerspace. I need something that can be packed up and moved in the trunk of an suv without undo fear of breakage.

One of the things I have been playing with is using low power lasers to bond powdercoat to metal to act as an acid etch resist or airbrush stencil.

 

[Miki88]

I wasn't discussing any particular type of laser, just stating basic physics involved with lasers and my experience with the results from the different kinds I've seen.

 

[NightExplorer96]

I do appreciate the help, but everyone goes right to the 'CO2 Laser'. I get it, diodes lack cutting power. But if I need something cut I can use a big laser or mill at the shop or the local hackerspace. I need something that can be packed up and moved in the trunk of an suv without undo fear of breakage.

One of the things I have been playing with is using low power lasers to bond powdercoat to metal to act as an acid etch resist or airbrush stencil.

Even a 3W 808nm might not cut threw wood rapidly, It CAN, but it would take awhile.

Your best bet is a laser in the 1064nm range! :beer:

That wavelength is perfect for cutting/burning, and can be had at high powers for cheap.

Remember to get some goggles.

 

[SerpantSlayer]

Definitely go for a cheap high powered IR diode. Sounds like a perfect fit for you