Re: CNC and Welding Polyethelyne

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "ballendo <ballendo@y...>"
<ballendo@y...> wrote:

>
> Does anyone know what the cost of a laser diode as suggested might
> be? And where it might be purchased?

The real question is how high power of laser do you need. A laser
pointer won't cut it (groan). IF a 1 watt will do the job, it may
be viable solution. if it takes a 4 watt it's getting a bit steep.
If you get to 15-20 watt range, you need to look at what the upkeep
and size requirements are. You can probably get a whole lot of CO2
laser for that price (a couple thou.)
http://www.thorlabs.com/diodes.cfm $890 for the 20 watt diode, and
another $4000 for the supply to drive it. This is too much for all
but an industrial usage.