Would appreciate some advice!

[SquidgyFridge]

Hello everyone,

I'm a complete beginner when it comes to lasers, so I thought this seemed like a good place to go for advice!

I work at a science education centre in the UK, and I'm looking to purchase a laser that can pop an appropriately-coloured balloon from about 20m away (but that won't pop a white balloon or one the same colour as the laser).

I would ideally like to receive the laser within 2 weeks (less would be even better!), but definitely within the month.

DragonLasers seemed to be well regarded in this forum's list of companies, so I wonder if the Spartan 200mW 532nm would be able to meet my needs:

LINK

Would it need some kind of focusing lens to be able to pop balloons from the distance I was mentioning?

If anyone has any other suggestions or retailers they could reccommend - I'd appreciate the advice!

 

[trinh hong phuoc]

I think you need 1 watt violet laser pointer ( BDR-209 diode) a suitable price ,you can also choose 1w 532nm but the price will be very expensive.

 

[SquidgyFridge]

Thanks for your advice. Are you advising a 1W laser because of the 20m distance, or to pop balloons in general? If needed, I could pop them close-up!

 

[trinh hong phuoc]

If you want to pop balloons near, I think you only need 70mw + green laser with convergent beams.And I forgot to mention that you should write a self introductory topic, that is necessary

 

[RedCowboy]

Hello everyone,

I'm a complete beginner when it comes to lasers, so I thought this seemed like a good place to go for advice!

I work at a science education centre in the UK, and I'm looking to purchase a laser that can pop an appropriately-coloured balloon from about 20m away (but that won't pop a white balloon or one the same colour as the laser).

I would ideally like to receive the laser within 2 weeks (less would be even better!), but definitely within the month.

DragonLasers seemed to be well regarded in this forum's list of companies, so I wonder if the Spartan 200mW 532nm would be able to meet my needs:

LINK

Would it need some kind of focusing lens to be able to pop balloons from the distance I was mentioning?

If anyone has any other suggestions or retailers they could reccommend - I'd appreciate the advice!

Be aware that you need protective eye glasses that will attenuate any diffuse and/or specular radiation, also be aware of your local laser laws, if you plan to pop balloons for spectators they must also wear laser safety glasses.

 

[SquidgyFridge]

Thanks again - I'll maybe go for the 200mW green laser I linked to and find the distance that works. I'll also post an introduction later on!

Edit - I've also looked into safety goggles as well, appreciate the safety advice for sure though, RedCowboy!

 

[paul1598419]

Popping balloons at 20 meters is not easy as most lasers powerful enough to do so are multi-mode diodes and diverge greatly at 66 feet. You will likely need a beam expander to focus the beam at that distance. Also, the UK has some pretty restrictive laws about laser pointers.

 

[hakzaw1]

your first ever thread should have been mostly an intro with completed profile and the thread needed to be in the 'welcome' section---we wont remember 'UK' so add that into your profile if you expect correct help.. Odicforce sells kits in UK -any 405 near 100 mW WITH right focus will pop black balloons...wishing you good luck