Laser Blowing System

Updated the entry due to the fact that it became unavailable

A little bit of theory ... Solid-state lasers were not originally created for engraving, and even more so for cutting materials, but it just so happened - they can ... They engrave well, and cut more or less, but to improve the cutting process, you need to intensively blow through the burn-through.

The laser is not very powerful 5.5W, some materials need to be cut in several passes, and after the first pass of the beam, coal forms in the groove and the gap is too narrow for oxygen to enter, because it is a combustion catalyst. That's why a very simple compressed air supply system was created.

Also, the blowing system is very good at removing smoke, which can smoke the laser focusing lens during cutting and engraving.

Due to the fact that my compressor is designed for an airbrush and has a small receiver, I made the delivery system so that it would be efficient in working with this compressor, and it worked.

I used a copper tube, 2mm thick and 1mm inner hole. They are used in refrigerators and air conditioners, and of course they are easy to find and buy.

Fittings for soft tube used for a diameter of 4 mm with a M6 installation thread. I printed the fitting for connecting the quick-release connector, since there was no adapter with the required thread available. I ordered it for the future, but I also prepared STL it for a metal fitting and a plastic one that can be printed.

You can see for yourself how this time the burning takes place on the video. This time I used several materials that I was often asked about cutting after the publication of the previous video. As for the cut itself - in principle, I could cut each of these materials in one pass at a slow speed, but the cut quality is much cleaner, if you make two or more passes at a higher speed, then the edge is cleaner.

On the laser head seller's page NEJE 20W Laser Module DIY Kit there is a table of materials that this laser works with. It states that acrylic does not cut, engrave, etc. But you can see for yourself that it cuts and engraves perfectly. And in principle, you can cut more thickness thanks to the blowing, but unfortunately I did not have a suitable piece of acrylic. A 450nm laser cannot work with transparent materials, but even here you can get out of the situation a little by painting over the engraving place with a water-washable marker, or by sticking an opaque film.

More details - watch the video:

This time I used plywood, acrylic, aluminum sheet, stainless steel sheet (a piece from a PCB stencil) and felt as tests.

But I cannot give specific recommendations for power and speed. In each case, optimal modes must be selected for the task and material. To do this, you can create a test template with gradients, lines, etc.

Using the LightBurn program, which I already mentioned in the past, it is very easy and quick to do this, I recommend.

Try it, you will succeed! But do not forget - working with a laser requires compliance with safety precautions!

Parts links below:

If you think that creating such an engraver is too difficult, then I recommend taking a look at this model: 40W Laser Engraving Machine In the near future I will try to introduce you to her.