Laser For 4 Axis 3040 CNC Router

[Onoff]

Can anyone recommend a laser module for this type of CNC machine? Ideally something physically bought and used rather than searched for...as I've been doing!

I can see a diode laser module fitting quite easily. With a CO2 laser tube is there then a "fibre optic" or similar tube to get the laser to the cutting head?

Then, does a "laser module" need a separate motherboard, PSU etc?

Cheers

 

[julianf]

So far as i can tell, the way to get a cheap laser is to buy a "k40" style machine.
Ive not seen much in the way of just sticking a laser on a traditional unit.

And if you do, please watch your eyes, if its not in a box, as reflections can happen.

(the machine in the photos looks to be three axis, not four)

 

[pcwizme]

So, this is my wheel house, Personally I would not bother. Lasers are generally fast and light, CNC router like that is slower and will have a heavier spindle so is not really ideal for a laser module, you will also need to make sure that the board will be able to control the power of the laser.

If you only want to engrave then get a diode laser such as a Ortur laser master 2 pro or simular, it will cost you about £400 with lightburn as your control software but is so much easier than trying to add a module to a machine like that. And you will only be able to have a diode.

If you want a Co2 then you need a full chamber as there is (as far as I know) no fibre optic carrying laser. I have a fairly good one going up for sale soon as I upgraded.

Issues with CO2 are cooling, Air pump for the Air assist (a must have on a CO2) and power for the extractor and a hole somewhere for the extractor hose to go!