dirt cheap laser cutter

the only problem is that this is would use a class 3b laser. Eye protection is mandatory. however, im fairly sure that I can extract the required diode from a dvd drive. I want to set up a red laser first because I need the experience before moving on to violet lasers.

I am basically going to make this out of junk, with the exception of the laser diode module, the two $10 stepper controllers and the raspberry pi. Here are ballpark prices of the things I need, I wont know the exact laser diode module until I take my dvd drive apart.

www.aixiz.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/59/products_id/295
www.ebay.com/itm/like/151139957946?lpid=82


"Programming a Pi looks like the easy part compared to actually building the thing"
I am just going to use the code from here funofdiy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/a-raspberry-pi-controlled-mini-laser.html

"I wonder if we can get by with a simple DVD drive laser diode."
we can get by with a dvd drive laser diode. The more power the laser has, the faster it can engrave the piece. The websites call it a laser cutter but it is more like a laser engraver. The laser cutter at Normandale uses a co2 laser, I believe it is around 60W. Anyway, here is a good example of what i would like to make

"Most of what I've seen are laser diodes striped out of Blu-Ray players or something like this"
yes, they do look like that. Red laser diodes also look like that. I have a diode but I still need laser diode module to hold it. Here is a link to show what Blu-Ray lasers can do

"Also does anyone know if Normandale has a laser cutter/engraver? I remember the math professor who does the tessellation work (forgot his name) cuts his pieces with a laser cutter."
Yes, Normandale has a laser cutter/engraver. Kevin Lee uses it all the time for his tessellation program.

Ill share some information from wiki, this is pretty much quoting OSHA guidelines anyway.

"A Class 3B laser is hazardous if the eye is exposed directly, but diffuse reflections such as those from paper or other matte surfaces are not harmful. The AEL for continuous lasers in the wavelength range from 315 nm to far infrared is 0.5 W. For pulsed lasers between 400 and 700 nm, the limit is 30 mJ. Other limits apply to other wavelengths and to ultrashort pulsed lasers. Protective eyewear is typically required where direct viewing of a class 3B laser beam may occur. Class-3B lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock. Class 3B lasers are used inside CD and DVD writers, although the writer unit itself is class 1 because the laser light cannot leave the unit."

"Class 4 is the highest and most dangerous class of laser, including all lasers that exceed the Class 3B AEL. By definition, a class 4 laser can burn the skin, or cause devastating and permanent eye damage as a result of direct, diffuse or indirect beam viewing. These lasers may ignite combustible materials, and thus may represent a fire risk. These hazards may also apply to indirect or non-specular reflections of the beam, even from apparently matte surfaces—meaning that great care must be taken to control the beam path. In most U.S states it is illegal to sell preassembled class 4 lasers, however a citizen can construct a class 4 laser for personal use. Class 4 lasers must be equipped with a key switch and a safety interlock. Most industrial, scientific, military, and medical lasers are in this category."

The problem with safety goggles is that they are designed for a wave length range. ie, it would not be a smart idea to use safety glasses that are designed for red lasers to be used for violet. Now, we also have to keep in consideration that most safety goggles are designed to handle a laser that is under 500mW of power. We are getting very close to that threshold. If we are going to get good safety goggles, lets get the right ones the first time.

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