TO-can opener

[dbrown2k]

So I thought I would share the design for a TO-can opener (for de-canning TO laser diodes etc.) that may be useful to people. It's a similar design to the Thorlabs WR1, but uses 3D printed parts and low cost components (total cost of components if you have access to 3D printer should be ~ $20).

The project page for this is here: [https://hackaday.io/project/25845-to-can-opener] and has the geometry STEP and STL files.

This is shared under the creative commons ShareAlike 3.0 license, so if anyone decides to modify / sell, the only requirement is to indicate attribution back to the original design, otherwise do what you want with it.

 

[ElectricPlasma]

Cool concept, I might have to make one of these in the future. Have you made one yourself?

Thanks for sharing!

 

[dbrown2k]

yes, it's my design

 

[Alaskan]

Cool, better than paying what Thorlabs wants $135

https://www.thorlabs.com/thorproduct.cfm?partnumber=WR1

 

[Benm]

Yeah, $135 seems a bit pricey for a glorified pipe cutter indeed

Then again a pipe cutter could probably do the job as long as it can take narrow pipes like laser diode cans

 

[paul1598419]

That's great. Could you show more of it in action? I'd like to see how it works. Not really obvious from your one photo.


Edit: Never mind. I saw it in your link.

 

[ezgiertunc]

Hello,
Could you please let me know how to use to-can opener? Is there any video about it? I will open a super sensitive laser diode with it and I am afraid to break.

Thanks in advance.

 

[GSS]

Do you have a de can tool for a laser? or a regular kitchen can opener?

 

[Lifetime17]

Hi
Isn’t a toucan a tropical bird.
Anyway try Thor electronic for a de canning tool. And remember when you de can a diode you need a be extra careful due to the exsposed emiitter bars
Rich

 

[ezgiertunc]

Do you have a de can tool for a laser? or a regular kitchen can opener?

Hello! It is a Thorlabs TO-Can opener (WR1).

 

[ezgiertunc]

Hi
Isn’t a toucan a tropical bird.
Anyway try Thor electronic for a de canning tool. And remember when you de can a diode you need a be extra careful due to the exsposed emiitter bars
Rich

Hello! Yes that is exactly why I am worried I just want to know how to use this thorlabs to-can opener.

 

[Lifetime17]

Hi
Here you go

 

[ezgiertunc]

Hi
Here you go

Thanks for the pictures but can you make a video with an example please

 

[Encap]

Thanks for the pictures but can you make a video with an example please

Doubt anyone is going to make a video---way too much to ask anyone to do about a very simple to comprehend and easy to use device

You can clearly see how to use it on the Thor website at bottom of page offering it+ the Thor site writes about using it also, see: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=302

You put the diode on the rollers and adjust the cutter stop and turn the cutter---how much more simple can it be?

See this thread for a detailed photo example: https://laserpointerforums.com/threads/diode-decanning-tool.95971/