Laser cutter, start slicing stuff for under 50 dollars

Step 6 Follow me as I discover a laser cutter

This isn't so much of a step, but a story. This shows me discovering the stepping, the power of the laser and the first time I cut anything out. If you want a better view of how this actually works, or for more a different perspective on some difficult parts this might be a good place to get it:

Here we start with an overview of my lab, and also all the parts, a basic diagram of how things are set up. A close up view of the "print head" is here if you're curious:
I also get the stepper motors going here!

This is part two where I find out what it means that I have two stepping scanners connected:

This is the part where I take you to show you the power of the laser. You can see the beam outside, and also you can watch as I hold it to burn paper by hand:

Now you can watch as the entire setup is connected and hooked up. Hear my surprise when I actually get it to cut a diagonal line:

lastly hear me as i try out postscript sending for the first time, watch the scanner as it cuts, you get a nice close of up how it's all hooked up.

And that's it, I hope this extra story line helps. This is a fun project, and if anyone wants to improve it I'm sure it can be done. Show me your best!
All the best.
-Bilal

Comments

[UQONYX]

You should be able to create classes in the files for different types of materials that will also control the speed of the cutter. That way you can have an even cut on the material. You should also focus several dvd or bluray diods at a central ppoint or even get a burning laser diode(link)----------> (http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=200mw+laser+diode+650nm+Kip+Kay+project+suitable&_sacat=&_ex_kw=&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_sop=&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&clk_rvr_id=249109212700&satitle=200mw+laser+diode+650nm+Kip+Kay+project+suitable) and magnify it with lenses. Either way, its an awesome project and it looks real cool.

[BigTW]

FRKN SWEET

[gemguy]

cool ideas! my question is... what about using something like this to cut rocks?
yeah, i do cut rocks by hand but this idea would be so much easier and cooler.

any ideas on how powerful a laser must be to cut silica?

Thanx in advance!

[nutsandbolts_64]

Very powerful is how I'll say it is. Unless you can concentrate the laser by a lot you won't be cutting anything. By the way, a 1 watt laser is dangerous enough, a kW laser (I dunno what I'm saying) can be barely moved. You might as well motorize your drilling technique.

[ilpug]

get an old tile saw and modify it. lasers are impractical

[gemguy]

Have one...lol they make laser engravers for rock and jewelry applications, but they are spendy.

[rlimosenero]

hi, do you have another site that I can view all your works..coz I can't open all views here...I am really interested in these kind of stuff and would like to build bigger or in large scale...

[perfo]

Could you use something like a Fresnel lens to concentrate say 20 of these things in to spot to get faster/deeper penetration? If Mr Lasermaster thinks you will need 20 watts to cut 1/8 " then as it seems you can buy 1w laser diodes on eBay, using 20 or 30 of the blighters in a matrix, concentrated with a Fresnel should do the trick. Should it not ?

[solsed]

brownie points for playing 'that time' by regina spektor! :) love that girl! :)

[cuaz64]

Hi, Good work, What kink of lase I need to cut metal?

[sensoryhouse]

You'd be better off with a plasma cutter.

[iBurn]

......One that's really big......and REALLY expensive........

....like.......REALLY expensive....

[KEYBOARDISBROKEN]

try aiming several dvd burners on the same point

[lasermaster3531]

to all comments above about cutting metal, think about this. to cut construction paper you need 200 mW plus. you would need a laser capable of several watts probably 20+ . to cut 1/8" plastic you need at least half a watt.

[iBurn]

Going sheerly on the fact that his name is "lasermaster3531"....I'm going to believe him.

[KEYBOARDISBROKEN]

lol depends on how thick it is too...

[lasermaster3531]

yeah. aluminum foil would be easy. try angle iron.

[sensoryhouse]

who needs to laser cut angle iron?

[lasermaster3531]

I'd say, anyone with some angle iron that they need to cut and that have a laser cutter and nothing else to cut it with.

[iBurn]

Who cares if you have something else to cut it with?! If I have a laser that can cut through angel Iron, you can bet I'll use that just because it's gonna look cooler than a hack saw.

[KEYBOARDISBROKEN]

lol try propane tank...

[Derin]

BOOM

[lasermaster3531]

yes.BOOM!!!!!!

[iBurn]

BOOM only begins to describe it...

[Wafflicious]

Ka-boom?

[lasermaster3531]

yes,indeed. the fireball on it's own would look like a mini neuclear blast. the heatwave would ignite anything within a 50-yard radius. that is, if yoy managed to cut the whole tank open at once, otherwise the tank would just act like a rocket.

[iBurn]

I can haz?

[lasermaster3531]

you can what?

[iBurn]

I can haz giant lazor and propanes?

[lasermaster3531]

if you haz mucho cash, maybe.

[Derin]

Derin Industries sells those items if you like.We also give %30 pyro discount to these when bought together.Of course,to keep prices down,im adding this label:
MADE IN CHINA

[KEYBOARDISBROKEN]

how about 'propane tanker'

[lasermaster3531]

maybe.

[iBurn]

Knock it off guys, I'm gonna start drooling.

[KEYBOARDISBROKEN]

massive 2,000,000 gal. tank filled with napalm....

[iBurn]

Omnomnomnomnom

[iBurn]

Now we're starting to talk beyond this instructable...

[thinker]

depends on the metal aluminium can be cut quite cheaply think of how easy it is to burn through pop cans

[iBurn]

Point taken. But it would still take this laser a while to cut through aluminum, unless you spray painted it black or something...

[johnjay]

would it cut thin metal (in your example a soda can) if the laser simply moved slower? Thanks for the great instructable!!