Assembling a do-it-yourself laser at home into a device that allows you to cut various materials is quite simple. To do this, we need a MiniMag laser pointer, an AixiZ module and an emitter from a faulty DVD-ROM (the mechanical part may be faulty, but not the laser itself).
It must be taken into account that the laser beam is quite dangerous and it is highly undesirable to direct it at a person or animal. Do not play with it and let children have fun. Be sane, aware of the potential danger of the device. It is quite difficult to make a laser for cutting metal with your own hands from improvised means, but there are other materials that the assembled product can easily handle.
To work, you will need a laser from DVD-ROMs manufactured by LG, while keeping in mind that different drives have diodes that differ in their power. Those manufactured by other manufacturers may not be suitable (for example, drives manufactured by Samsung will not be suitable, since the diode has a frameless design, the crystal itself does not haveprotection against mechanical damage). If you don't have a defective DVD drive at home, you can buy the emitting diode itself from a store or market, as well as a broken drive from a junk dealer or repair shop.
Remove the screws holding the drive cover and remove it. After removing the fixing screws of the movable carriage assembly, it is necessary to release the two guide elements and remove it. Along the way, disconnect the existing wiring. Start further work by unscrewing the screws, which are quite a large number. After disconnecting the cables, 2 diodes will be found: an infrared one used for reading, and a diode that burns the disc when writing. We need exactly the one whose hallmark is a fixed electronic board. Use a soldering iron to carefully remove the three PCB mounting screws. The he alth of the diode can be checked by connecting two AA batteries. If it works, then carefully remove it from the case, being careful.
Remove the sticker on the AixiZ body, disassemble it into its component parts. A low-power diode is placed inside the upper element of the case, which we will change with our own. With light blows using a knife, remove it and knock out the emitter with a small screwdriver. Apply a small amount of hot melt adhesive to the edges of the diode and carefully insert it into the AixiZ package. To avoid sticking out, use pliers to gradually press on the edges of the diode until you reach the desired result.
Next, you need to solder the existingtwo antennae to the corresponding supply terminals of the diode and install the assembled emitter directly into the MiniMag. Take it apart and enlarge it using a round file or reflector drill. After checking the polarity of the connections, carefully place your laser on top of the MiniMag in place of the original emitter. After assembling the upper housing, you will need to fix the reflector without installing the plastic lens.
Be sure to determine the correct polarity of the diode leads before installing it and connecting the power! In addition, when adjusting the focus of the beam, it may be necessary to reduce the wires.
Install batteries and use. Having made a laser with your own hands, try various options for its possible use. It easily burns paper sheets, balloons burst when the beam hits them.
Assembled from improvised means, it is not powerful enough, but it is a gas laser. With your own hands, try its capabilities for cutting household plastic products. By properly focusing the laser beam and moving it along the material, at first you will get quite deep grooves, and if you continue, then burnt areas.
Gently attach the laser with your hands, without using any tools to the head of the plotter, and now you can engrave various images and inscriptions on plexiglass or plastic. Show your imagination, try your strengths and possibilities.
In conclusion againI want to remind you to take precautions. Do not use your device for hooligan motives or to test the sensitivity of the skin to the beam. You made a laser with your own hands and you will be responsible for it yourself.
