New 445nm Laser Using 9mm Diode and Lens

[billg519]

Having recently received the 9mm 445nm diode and lens that I ordered from DTR, I decided to make this build. I machined the host from aluminum. It was polished and anodized navy blue. This is a side button style host. The laser head is direct diode pressfit with a brass lens nut to hold the lens that comes with the diode. The tailcap is threaded (0.75mm pitch) and the head is fixed with a setscrew.

Power is provided by 3 x 25500 lithium ion cells (C size).
The regulator is linear, using an LM338 and a wirewound resistor in a glass tube that I made up myself from nichrome resitance wire. The LM338 is heatsinked to the laser head for good cooling.
The switch is a microswitch, actuated by a machined aluminum button.

The laser draws 1.62A at the tailcap, producing a measured 2.08W of output. I can change my custom resistor if I want more power.

Here are some pics of this project.

The laser in parts.

This pic shows a view of the heatsinked regulator with one end of the glass resistor tube visible above it.

Hre is a look at the microswitch.

A look down the end of the laser at the top of the diode.

A pic of the assembled laser.

For this beamshot, the room lights are all on, and flash was used on the camera.

Beamshot in the dark.

Another beamshot.

I like the 445nm 9mm diodes and this will not be my last build with one. Thanks, DTR, for great diodes and quick shipping!

Here is a link to my video of this laser in action.

http://youtu.be/VSD3K06rndg

 

[DTR]

I have to say I really like that build. Side clicky and 3x25500's. Great work.:beer:

I think you chose a great current for it. 2W and only 1.6A that should give you very long diode life.

 

[billg519]

Thanks. I like long diode life. Especially since so far I only have one such diode.

 

[Extremeshade]

That is a sexy host! Very nice build! :drool:

 

[Kizdawg]

I have to say nice Job too! I love the side clicky and that host looks great did you anodize it too? Great job that one it should last a lifetime at 2W I am still waiting for my next one to arrive..

 

[jander6442]

Good job... Nice and clean.

 

[billg519]

Yes, I did the anodize myself. I like side clicky style hosts. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Cel]

It is... beautiful!


good job!

 

[billg519]

@Cel - Thanks! I wanted to put this diode in a nice (blue) host.

 

[cheech226]

gotta give ya a +1 for the side switch/workmanship!
:gj:

 

[ped]

That's a great build.

Those high current microswitches are the best but I've never found a practical way of mounting them.
Yours looks good, and they give a satisfying positive click.

Great work.

 

[billg519]

I had to make a mount for it from 1cm thick synthethic countertop material (corian). I turned a piece round on the lathe, and then used the scroll saw to cut out for the microswitch. Since the trigger is off to the side on these switches, I had to rig a little offset lever on my button to reach over and depress the trigger on the switch. A return spring is also in there to push the laser firing button back up. The completed assembly has the switch, the positive battery contact, and a power lead for the driver. The button was turned from 6mm aluminum rod. It is a lot of work, but I really like and prefer a side switch over a tailcap clicky. The cheap Chinese switches don't always do well at high current, so I do things this way.

 

[Kizdawg]

I cant wait for my lathe... MY ahem wife is looking for one for me. She keeps showing me these Lathes that are 22 feet long I say Um no... no smaller.. much smaller.. There not as easy to find but I am glad she is willing to spend $65,000 on a lathe... :beer: Shouldnt that be stored inside?

 

[billg519]

A lathe is an awesome tool to have. Take your time and get a good one and lots of tooling. You'll be glad of it. A four jaw chuck, steady rests, tailstock chuck, dial guages, etc. are all needed accessories. You'll enjoy it. I'm lucky, three lathes and two mills here.

Edit : Hmmm ... Post # 1000 ...

 

[Kizdawg]

thnx for the info..I will keep all that in mind if I ever get one..

Nice post 1000!

Thnx again

 

[awillis2589]

:drool: great build!!