Laser doide sources? Mr. linear? was Re: CNC and Welding Polyethelyne

Hello,

Thank you for the information.

There was a CNC machine for sale on ebay by "Mr. Linear" which had a
one watt laser diode. I was surprised what it was able to cut...

So where can we find one of these lower powered (and hopefully lower
cost!) 1watt laser diodes, and the info on how to drive them?

Maybe Mr. Linear is a member of this forum?

Thank you in advance,

Ballendo

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "zestronad54529
<dpeter@n...>" <dpeter@n...> wrote:

> --- 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.