3D printer with a laser head ⁎ Home CNC laser

3D printer laser engraver

CNC laser engraver based on improved 3d printer are ideal tool for home workshop due to:

relatively low price,
machining precision,
low cost of operation,
a wide range of applications it offers.

About 3D printer with blue laser head

Some Handymen found in 3D printers an ideal tool to create something new out of nothing. But 3D printers and CNC machines are also useful if you want to edit workpieces precisely. Laser adapters extend the capabilities of these machines. Its allow you to cut some materials or engrave it with great detail.

This is where laser cutters help, which can be attached to the mechanics of the printer. The first laser head to CNC machines was the L-Cheapo. However, since then, the technology of blue laser modules has evolved considerably. Currently, Opt Lasers brand produces high-quality blue laser modules.

Of course, you need a 3D printer. The low-cost laser engraves wood and cuts plastic with a 445 nm diode. A new CNC machine with a blue laser head can be purchased under USD 2,000. If you are a hobbyist who can independently assemble or upgrade a used CNC machine, the cost may be even lower.

Of course, you have to pay attention to a lot of safety instructions and it is not easy to handle around with the device because the laser can of course also leave bad burns.

No-name China products vs. Opt Lasers items

Most of us were fascinated as children by lasers and the idea to cut with light. Due to cheaper laser cutters and engravers, the goal is finally feasible. Some people rebuilt a 3D printer with a China diode for little money. However, the use of a quality product is worthwhile for permanent operation: e.g. the combination of the PLH3D-6W-XF from Opt Laser with a plotter.

Since money for the hobby is something rare for many handymen, it makes sense to hack existing devices with a cheap diode from China to make a laser cutter out of it. If you have a 3D printer, there is already a kind of a "CNC machine" in your workshop. Since a modern diode laser does not weigh too much and exerts no additional forces on the machine when working, the conversion sounds like a nice solution. To mount the laser, just add additional drilled holes in the mounting plate and screw the diode. But mostly it did not work out. The use of the 3D printer is generally possible, but there is a small work area. Since the laser head limits the movement of the X-axis, you have to constantly retool it.

CNC plotter with the laser engraving head

You can also use a plotter, as it has a large working area of about 300 × 380 mm at a moderate price. It also exists as a laser engraver. In contrast to the 3D printer, an X-Y plotter can be better tuned to the intended purpose and expanded, for example with its own housing with filtering viewing windows, safety switches, and smoke extraction.

You can use the high-quality PLH3D-6W-XF blue laser head OptLasers with 6 W power, even if it costs 550 US dollars. Opt Lasers has been producing laser modules for research and industry for many years and enjoys a good reputation. With their price, modules for the DIY sector are still interesting.

Particular attention is paid to wide, small laser diode engraving heads, which can be adapted for many machines. The PLH3D 6W has a wide supply voltage range of 12 to 24 volts, which makes it universally usable. The scope of supply includes next to the laser head a small tool for adjusting the focus point, as well as an additional lens. It has a higher transmission but does not focus so precisely on a point.

Since the entire laser module weighs only 220 g, it can also be moved by weaker machines without any problems. Its dimensions are 40 × 55 × 77.5 mm³. With the optional docking station, it can be easily installed and removed to store it safely when not in use. All electrical connections are made through the docking station while the laser is held magnetically. A handle to remove the module, another to attach the supplied protective plate to the docking station – it cannot work more elegant and faster. You can use it with Stepcraft and X-carve.