I’m a happy new MPCNC owner, first time post, greets all.
I’m thinking of adding a diode laser and looking on Aliexpress there are some 10w modules advertised for around $200.
I have no idea if these things are going to break after 3 cuts or be wrong for the MPCNC.
What is the most sensible way to get into lasers? I am guessing some will ask what I want to do with it, but the truth is I just want to explore possibilities. I have a K40 style CO2 laser already, and had plans to re-do it with RAMPS and play with 8 bit etching, but I’m intrigued by the idea of having a 1m x 1m laser bed (my MPCNC size)
I would not buy a laser off Aliexpress. The offerings there are a cesspool of bait and switch and outright lies with respect to any power numbers. I would recommend purchasing directly from the manufacturer, and I would stick to this list of companies:
XTool
Atomstack
Ortur
Sculpfun
NEJE
These companies also lie about power, but you will find demonstration and comparison videos on YouTube for many of the laser modules from these companies. Personally, I purchased the NEJE A40640 and am reasonably happy with it. I’ve done a lot of cutting with it, and lately done a substantial amount of engraving on tiles. As for bang for the buck, I’d look at the NEJE A40630 module. Don’t expect K40 performance from a diode laser.
Several of the companies above are offering 20W, quad beam laser modules this year. Performance is impressive, but so is the price at around $450 to $500.