I've built a 4x4 ft. plywood/aluminum CNC router. I finished my primary project, the reason for building the router, and now I'm looking at what else I can do with it. One of the first things to come to mind is adding a laser for etching/engraving and possibly cutting 1/4" plywood, plastic, acrylic. What brand or make would you recommend for the laser module, PSU etc? What power level would be required to cut 1/4" plywood? Any other things to consider or be aware of?
There are lots available, but quality can be hit or miss which is why the good ones are recommended. They are easier to troubleshoot. A business has to play it safe when recommending a product.
I understand I understand, I get it. The idea of having a laser engraver is intriguing. I'm just not sure If I'm all in or just want to fiddle around for a while at minimal expense.
Search "laser module" on Amazon. I have no idea of the quality, but those are other options. Lots of them will be called 30 watt, but that is not the output power. That is what they consume, I believe. It is their marketing attempt to make you think you are matching the power of a CO2 laser
6w is the technological limit of diodes at this time. Optlasers has a genuine 15w (eyewaterering price) by taking 3*6w diodes and optical collamination lenses and prisms. Anything else is "marketing" Checkout the K40 CO2 lasers too though, for $400 you get 40w of actual cutting power (445nm laser diodes are only effective in organics like paper, wood, leather etc, and really only for engraving - not strong enough to cut. Co2 lasers have 10.6nm wavelength output and works on plastics too, and 40w can cut up to 1/4 materials)
That is what I did. I realized I could get a 40 watt K40 for the price of a good quality laser diode. If I were to do it again, I would build a 60 watt (or higher) from scratch.
The K40 Co2 style uses high voltage correct? Any issues or special considerations running power cables and water lines and keeping them isolated from ground? Or do you use mirrors like the dedicated machines use?
