A small UV laser allows a CNC machine to transform from a noisy munching beast into a slick and fast laser cutting system.

This sounds amazing however the reality is that a little laser diode can’t cut through much.

Fortunately I have a good stock of grey foam that the laser slices through like a hot knife through butter.

What the laser can do:

  • cut grey foam used for insulation under wooden flooring
  • burn paper
  • burn the top surface of wood
  • melt black plastic such as CD cases
  • engrave (burn the surface of) leather (note: a smelly process!)

What the laser will not do

  • It will not cut through wood (thin balsa possibly but nothing more than this)
  • It will not engrave, melt, mark any plastic surface that I’ve found except the black part of CD cases
  • Metal, stone etc??? Errrrrr no!

The photos below show the 1W 450nm laser module and power supply that I currently have.

PLEASE DO NOT take this as a recommendation to use this particular model. It works but has some limitations (see the page on foam cutting)

A few notes for anyone considering using a laser.

  1. Eye protection – this is not optional! (Don’t forget to get some extra safety glasses in case anyone else wants to watch the laser in action)
  2. These are designed to burn through things so use with great care and use responsibly
  3. These are VERY random when bought on line!
  4. Laser diodes have a short life expectancy