LASER for Laser Engraver build so can use to build an SLA or SLS

General discussion of topics that don't seem to fit anywhere else.
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ImagineThat
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LASER for Laser Engraver build so can use to build an SLA or SLS

Postby ImagineThat » Sun Sep 13, 2015 9:26 pm

I know this thread probably doesn't belong on this board, but maybe someone here may have some ideas or links that could be useful.

I have been wanting to build a LASER engraving machine / Laser cutting machine. So that it could be used to create parts to build an SLA or SLS 3D Printer. The problem is finding useful info on LASERs for such a project that shows what correlating materials can be engraved and or cut with which Laser wavelengths and at what power levels.


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Here is my Idea (which I also posted on Open Builds forum but it received no responses):

I have an Idea to create an XYZ table Laser Engraver/Cutter. The design would be created in such as way as to allow a modular insert for the Laser - so I could design multiple Laser Inserts that can be exchanged as desired - with different Laser Diodes consisting of Different Wave Lengths and Power - so that the best insert can be selected based on the material being engraved. To account for the change the software would be written to allow Laser specific parameters so that the software can adjust the speed and power based on the Insert being used at the time of the engraving process.

Here are my questions if anyone can assist with info:

1) Is there a web site or resource that lists what laser frequencies are best for what materials - materials can be anything from wood, plastics, metals, etc.

2) What are some of the best web sites to purchase diode lasers and diode electronic power modules that are at least 5 Watts up to 30 Watts (or more) of power. I have found it difficult to find good resources for Laser Diodes with enough power to engrave metals, etc.

3) What other resources or web sites have good info, and resources to assist in the actual LASER part of a laser engraver build. Many forums have info on building a laser engraver and list every part but not where to purchase a Laser with enough power to engrave.

I apologize if this is a silly question.
And appreciate any assistance this forum may offer.

Thanks
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Also note that this same information would be used to build an SLS machine - the same x/y table could be placed over a powder bed.
Such that the X/Y portion of the laser cutter could in one instance be an engraver/cutter depending on the laser and substrate,
then the bed of powder could be revealed below the bed surface and with a wiper mechanism it could also become an SLS printer
again by selecting the appropriate modular LASER wavelength insert that correlates to the powder being fused.
In essence this become a very modular machine that the maker community can re-purpose for many functions.
One minute it is doing Subtractive Manufacturing, then the next it can be doing Additive Manufacturing.

Thanks for any feedback or input.

AndersonTa
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Re: LASER for Laser Engraver build so can use to build an SLA or SLS

Postby AndersonTa » Fri Sep 18, 2015 1:33 pm

I've been looking into this too. There are already affordable laser engravers that fit the bill to do this. They are equipped with 450nm lasers, this means we are limited to nylon w/ carbon black (some of the more recent SLS Kickstarters do this!). I just bought a whole system to try out sintering with.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ivwurta5evgb ... GMOZa?dl=0

As for resources, check out these projects...

http://www.andreasbastian.com/opensls/
http://reprap.org/wiki/OpenSLS
http://you-sls.com/
@AndersonHTa

ImagineThat
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Re: LASER for Laser Engraver build so can use to build an SLA or SLS

Postby ImagineThat » Sun Sep 20, 2015 9:11 pm

Thank you for the links

EdgE
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Re: LASER for Laser Engraver build so can use to build an SLA or SLS

Postby EdgE » Mon Sep 21, 2015 1:32 pm

Cool, I'm also going this way.
I bought a big 60W CO2 laser.
I did some nice engravings already on wood, so for the resolution, I guess this will work.

I will definitely try to do some sintering too.
But have no clue where to start buying some sinter materials...
What materials could be possible, with the 10600 [nm] laser.
And what will be the lowest laser output, while not creating a fire...
Then of course creating a powder bed etc..

Nice links:
http://pwdr.github.io/
http://reprap.org/wiki/OpenSLS


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