UV laser for cutting plexigalss

[swamidog]

i strongly recommend you converting that to a co2 laser system.

i recently built a laser cutter and it cut acrylic like butter.

 

[The Lightning Stalker]

That CNC is looking good man! :beer:
With the NDB7A75, depth of focus will
quickly become a problem, as per what
Sigurthur said. For about the same price,
you can get a 40W CO2 tube that will cut
clear plexi and even some metals.

 

[attah]

Sigurthr: Yes, perhaps i should raise it a bit.. or maybe look at other lenses? I think i read that the 3-element one might will a lower output. But since it should give a longer useful focal length that might be ok? Also, I get the feeling that it might not handle the power all that well.

upaa27: interesting, but seemingly impossible to find such a laser still.

Swamidog: yes, perhaps it's the way to go. But I'm a little skeptical to doing the mirrors to get the beam to the tool position... and not to mention the high voltage stuff.

TLS: Thanks! I must admit I'm pretty happy with it too. And solving it with a lens setup is not easy nor economical i take it. So perhaps i do need to start looking at CO2.

 

[swamidog]

Swamidog: yes, perhaps it's the way to go. But I'm a little skeptical to doing the mirrors to get the beam to the tool position... and not to mention the high voltage stuff.

i've diagrammed the beam path for you. it's not too complicated. the hv stuff is also quite simple assuming you use an off the shelf co2 laser psu.

 

[attah]

Thanks! Pretty much what i expected. But still it's somewhat outside my immediate comfort zone, I don't really like invisible lasers running all over the place. But i have a feeling i'll warm up to the thought eventually. By the way.. what is that fume extractor you are using?

 

[swamidog]

Thanks! Pretty much what i expected. But still it's somewhat outside my immediate comfort zone, I don't really like invisible lasers running all over the place. But i have a feeling i'll warm up to the thought eventually. By the way.. what is that fume extractor you are using?

i have a 400fcm duct fan and tubing mounted under the table and venting the exhaust air outside.

 

[attah]

Wow! That's what pretty serious stuff! I'm thinking to get away with something a bit smaller, since mine is placed in my living room. We'll see how it goes.

 

[swamidog]

Wow! That's what pretty serious stuff! I'm thinking to get away with something a bit smaller, since mine is placed in my living room. We'll see how it goes.

living room is easy. you can use short ducting and vent out your window.

 

[The Lightning Stalker]

The hardest part is the alignment, but it's
not too bad. There are a few YouTube
videos on how to do it.