My 445nm (lab) build

[ped]

Hi guys, i wanted to build a 1.2W 445nm laser that would have a high duty cycle, so i built this, with forced air cooling and a custom mount. I'm also using a die cast metal box, but to add even more cooling, the Aixiz is firmly fastened to the aluminium mount, which is screwed to the case, using thermal compound as well. Ive used 2 18650's in series and a geareb LM317 driver circuit , the 317 itself is mounted directly to the metal case for heatsinking. Ive put a charger socket in and built a custom charger. On the input of the charger socket ive added filter components just to be sure. Anyway see the pics let me know what u think.

The start of the aluminium mount

The aluminium mount cut to approximate size

The host

The mount and aluminium spacer before being offered up

Auminium mount installed & fastened with screws & HS compound

Front view

On/off switch & charger socket installed

Battery & driver circuit installed & cabled up

Fan installed

Final wiring

Fired up & calibrated (fan running)

Finished long duty cycle laser with an auto bulb for size reference, 3 different angles.

And thats it! ive added some rubber feet and the unit is undergoing tests for battery longevity and thermal stability. The fan drawes cool air across the back of the LD and blows it out of the vent on the RHS , i plan to add more heatsink fins on the inside of the case to further add efficiency to the cooling process.

 

[dieselmarine]

Nice build!
-Sarge

 

[Hemlock_Mike]

Nice --- Any measurements on diode current to get 1.2 Watts? You might have a HOT one!!

HMike

 

[Gryphon]

Is that silver port on the back next to the battery for charging the internal batts?

 

[Nanolaser]

Nice one !

 

[ped]

Nice --- Any measurements on diode current to get 1.2 Watts? You might have a HOT one!!

HMike

Im going to be taking measurements later, and yes it runs warm..but the fan keeps it under control.

Is that silver port on the back next to the battery for charging the internal batts?

Yup thats the charger socket.

 

[kiyoukan]

As you stated you will want to add some fins to that heat sink. take an old pc heat sink if you can find a square one and cut it and use them. they are great.

 

[andy_con]

am i correct in saying the diode golder/mount is steel?

 

[ped]

am i correct in saying the diode golder/mount is steel?

Diode golder?

 

[kiyoukan]

he meant holder.

 

[ped]

Its an Aixzis housing.

 

[millirad]

Good job! Nice layout. How about the obligatory beam shot in a dark room? I'm working on my labby and will have solved my last problem once I find a 5 ohm 100watt resistor.

 

[kiyoukan]

He means the angled piece you have holding it is it aluminum or steel................

 

[ped]

He cudda just read the description

the Aixiz is firmly fastened to the aluminium mount

 

[ped]

Good job! Nice layout. How about the obligatory beam shot in a dark room? I'm working on my labby and will have solved my last problem once I find a 5 ohm 100watt resistor.

Beam shots coming later

 

[magonegro]

Nice build, I like very much the idea of a metal case. Just one thing... It seems like there are little contact between aixiz module & alum heatsink, lot of the aixiz module is exposed not being heatsinked, does this feel hot to finger? Remember, we don't like very hot things near the diode.