You NEED a LASER CUTTER... Here's Why (DIY CO2 Laser Pt. 2)
194,719
Published 2022-12-22
This video was sponsored by Brilliant
Thanks for watching! I have linked the CAD files for this project below as well as some of the links to the hardware I used. I am very happy with how this machine turned out and will definitely be using it in future projects. I think this laser cutter costs around $1000-$1200 in parts which is less than half of what a commercial option would be. If you are looking to replicate this project I would urge you to do as much research as possible and use my files as a starting point. Laser cutters are extremely dangerous (but also awesome) so do it at your own risk.
CAD Files: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A_2T810oLfjeFdJv24…
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Hardware List: (Affiliate Links)
24V Power Supply: amzn.to/3HW4VyB
TMC2209 Stepper Drivers: amzn.to/3hLWVWg
Cooling Fan: amzn.to/3BUwuoj
Flexible Exhaust Hose: amzn.to/3YHjU5k
Exhaust Fan: amzn.to/3Gmr7Rv
Toggle Switch: amzn.to/3HXWVgI
Momentary Toggle Switch: amzn.to/3jsuMUs
Limit Switches: amzn.to/3hF5Xo9
Wire for Stepper Motors: amzn.to/3Gcp9Tk
Laser Safety Goggles: amzn.to/3FPo3LT
Z-Axis Shaft Coupler: amzn.to/3GeYaH6
Z-Axis Stepper Motors: amzn.to/3hKebLs
2020 Aluminum V-Slot Extrusion: amzn.to/3WACrP8
Z-Axis Threaded Rod: amzn.to/3Vi57v2
Z-Axis T-Nut: amzn.to/3PQowSH
Z-Axis Bearings: amzn.to/3WCsxMR
X&Y Axis Stepper Motors: amzn.to/3Wo87Yb
Eccentric Nuts: amzn.to/3jeeSNs
V Wheels: amzn.to/3PTRqS8
Idler Pully: amzn.to/3PUdfAT
Motor Pully: amzn.to/3HW09kB
Laser Tube: amzn.to/3Vr6bwY
Laser Mirror Mount Set: amzn.to/3vc7FAm
GRBL Control Board: amzn.to/3GcpIfW
2040 Aluminum V-Slot Extrusion: amzn.to/3hJHQV5
Laser Power Supply: amzn.to/3vdzIzw
Air Assist Pump: amzn.to/3BUYec6
Terminal Blocks: amzn.to/3FLFxJf
Cooling Water Pump: amzn.to/3VhZ1Lg
Cable Chain: amzn.to/3WFz3Cj
M5x30 Cap Screws: amzn.to/3BRIlTW
M4x10 Cap Screws: amzn.to/3HWGqkY
Z-Axis Pully: amzn.to/3VgGEX1
Aluminum Corner Bracket: amzn.to/3WlYo4E
M4 T-Nut: amzn.to/3HSVm3l
M4x12 Cap Screws: amzn.to/3PO6DEa
GT2 Belt: amzn.to/3FRmqxz
Links to stuff I use (affiliate links):
AnyCubic Kobra Go: bit.ly/3quyQnL
Creality CR-10S: amzn.to/3BuAiM2
Ender 3 S1 Plus: amzn.to/3xv7zW8
Elegoo Mars 3: amzn.to/3UwVvh1
Creality LD002H: amzn.to/3QXhpqJ
Creality Wash Station: amzn.to/3S1NTBi
All Comments (21)
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Keep exploring at brilliant.org/MichaelRechtin/. Get started for free, and hurry—the first 200 people get 20% off an annual premium subscription
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Dang dude this looks so professional, awesome build! Can't wait to see what you make with it.
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Overall for metals you'd want a Q-switched laser as you need very high power density, instead of trying to give this power all the time, you can use lower average power but in pulses so it has a lot of energy in short amount of time so heat doesn't have time to get transferred to the rest of the metal
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Thanks for testing the sintering possibilities. NGL, I almost fell out of my chair when I heard you call me out & saw my comment flashed on screen. lol. Also, the results you were able to achieve with aluminum powder are really surprising. That stuff really likes to burn, so having gotten any of it to sinter without just making a fireball is pretty impressive!
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Gorgeous enclosure! Awesome of you to share the plans
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Thanks! Awesome work!
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Merry XMAS, Michael! 🎄🎄🎄🎄
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The part you mentioned about minimum operating wattage for CO2 laser wasn’t something I had heard yet in other comparison videos. The speed of a CO2 laser was starting to make me consider going for that despite the drawback of being much bigger and less mobile until you mentioned how it might over engrave in some situations and I’m mostly looking to do engraving at this time. Thank you for the entertaining and informative video!
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The smoke that you mention which damages the lens in your case also enters from the top, which is why I designed a whole protective window and custom produced it. Made everything way cleaner and easier to do maintenance. Was well worth it for me.
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Great job. Thanks!
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Awesome build
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Thanks!
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Great Laser! Great Project!
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Nice work 👍
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Adjust design so you can mount the diode laser on it also and use either one depending on if you are engraving or cutting
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Merry Christmas, and thank you for your really enjoyable and informative videos. (I can't wait to see what Santa brings you!)
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i build my own 45 watt co2 laser 2 years ago and best thing ever. one advice. when buying a tube look for the purple glance or coating in the flashtube. those re the best. i use startnow lasertubes
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Hey friend, just found your channel and really enjoy the practical uses for 3d printed items. I was recommended through the YouTube home page. Cheers to you. Off to make a planetary gear set for the power a feed on the mill.
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Youre a genius dude ✌
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A few things to try with different air assists: Co2, n2, or argon to make cleaner cuts, with less smoke marks O2 at high pressure to cut steel. For steel the O2 is dong the cutting, the laser mostly provides direction and the initial melt.
