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A project log for Lowest Complexity Laser Cutter

simple, low-cost DIY diode laser machine

jason-choJason Cho 03/30/2020 at 21:000 Comments

I have always wanted to use a laser cutter. But without a makerspace/hackerspace near me, it's difficult to access a real laser cutter.

Like 3D printers, there are cheap laser cutters around the market. Generic "K40" machines can be purchased on eBay/Bangood/AliExpress under $400 and require only minor modifications to get started. However, K40s have a small cutting/engraving area for its price, and its safety remains questionable (with CO2 tubes running at ~20kV, albeit not quite enough amps to kill me or you)

This project tries to inherit the intentions of RepRap project, creating an open design to be used and improved by others, especially individual makers or students without access to laser cutter nor big $.

It is also a design practice for me in experimenting with 3D printing to compress what would conventionally take multiple parts into a smaller number of parts.

All in all, it's just another laser cutter project!

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