Hi everyone, im new to the world of lasercutters but i have been granted access for a Trotec laser for a while with old firmware and only compability trought Windows XP. Then i decided to build my own laser, with some easier workflow and support for Windows 10. Since im still a student i have limited resources, so i will try too use scrap parts as much as possible. I will publish photos and updates during my build continously. Gladly taking advices from others.

I have completed some custom build 3d printers (i3 and delta style) and a cnc mill based on v-slot and c-beam. From the beginning the cnc was built to fit/change between router, 5w led laser module and plotter pen. While all three works great, the build is primarily focused on heavy duty milling and brings some disadvantages when it comes to laser - slow because of leadscrew motion system and not as powerful because of “only” led laser. That is why I have started this build of co2 laser machine.

DIY Lasercutter: Budget orientated, medium sized (60-100w), safety first, based on Lasersaur software toolchain

This is a K40 machine conversion!!

The Space Optimized LAser Cutter is a 40 watt CO2 laser cutter that supports a maximum part volume of 24" x 16" x 6.25". It consists of a V-slot frame + brackets/mounts designed to be 3D printed on a consumer desktop printer. Total cost of the machine is ~ $1,400 USD.

A K40 to ACRO Co2 laser cutter build. Designed and built to expand the work area of the K40

Co2 80 watt openbuilds laser cutter, 1200mm laser tube, 1500x1000x500mm dimensions. Build frame first and then panels to be added.

I will write a short buildlog here with mostly pictures. I designed this lasercutter in solidworks(not totally finished) for a good overview and such that the steel tubes could be lasercut by a company, the metal frame is based on the lasercutter the KÄSER, which you can find on cnczone.nl. The mechical parts are designed by myself because I had no mill to my use, so the mechnical parts are lasercut(same company as tube) steelplates welded together.

Modifying the K40 laser cuter stock gantry in favor of OpenBuilds superior and smoother movement. Also will provide me a better level control for easier beam alignment.

Second better project, high durable mainframe, silent work, non vibration.

Hypothesis - Running CO2 laser tubes at high amperage may shoirten tube life in number of hours, but will be made up for by the increase in actual inches engraved/cut using the higher power. This is a long term experiment, so the build status will remain as "Build in progress" until the experiment has been completed.

This build is for a testing rig to use while testing out different controller boards and CAM software for milling and routing. It is in the early stages, planning is complete, parts are ordered. Awaiting parts delivery to start build. Please not the BOM only covers parts from the OpenBuilds part store. I will be posting the other required items very shortly.

A new mini version of the http://openbuilds.com/builds/openbuilds-freeburn-1-v-slot-co2-laser-60-100w.1001/ FreeBurn CO2 Lasercutter

A very fun and fulfilling build. I can't say enough about the whole Open Builds site and Open Source movement. I strongly believe this is the fastest and most creative way of getting ideas out of the mind, and onto the floor.

A build which is based on a metal frame and aluminium plate which I salvaged from a skip. The frame is sized to hold 19" rack units so I'll build my control box into a 3U rack unit (also salvaged). The area available for the build is 700x1200mm. I'll sling a 60W CO2 tube under the base, the beam path will be initially upward into the enclosure.

Here it is my intention to show what was involved in adding a CO2 laser to my existing CNC machine.