Make a 300mW Burning Laser CNC Plotter
A 300mW laser might not burn through a wall, it delivers fantastic results as a CNC plotter. This Motori plotter is all about precision and speed. According to the maker, the laser’s power is sufficient to cut into thin films and make a hole 10-12mm deep in high density foam and pyroengrave wood. Definitely good enough to use it in laser plotter projects.
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Demonstration Photos:
The Motori laser plotter came later. It started out as a flatbed pen plotter built from salvaged parts of old printers and scanners. The use of junked parts makes this a cheap but viable DIY project.
Lasers and pens is not the only thing this machine does. You can also make your own PCBs with it. The photos above are part of maker’s photostream showing the plotter’s handiwork. The project site features plenty of detail, but here is a basic list of materials:
Materials:
- 2 bipolar stepper motors recycled from printers
- Timing belts and tension pulleys
- Precision hardened shafts of different kinds
- Carriages matching the shafts
- Power supply recycled from the printer
- A supply of springs and plastic pieces
The results were great for demo purposes as the pen did a fine job with 0.8mm patterns on a PCB. Though it’s not industry grade as the precision is low and the marker pen wears out quickly. The great thing about the project is the complete project documentation that’s provided.
Man, I love the power of lasers! You don’t want to miss our past laser projects:
