Version 2 coming soon!

Introduducing 3DPILE - a 3D Printed Inexpensive Laser Engraver

Something general:

Special thanks to 3dprint.com for writing an article about my project.
http://3dprint.com/74957/diy-laser-engraver-3d-printed/

This is my entry for the LightItUp contest, because a laser diode is basically just a focused LED outputting one specific wavelength.

Introduction:

Here you can find the printed parts and instructions to build a fully functional laser engraver out of two DVD drives and some other electronic parts for just 20-50$.

Why is this project cool/something special?

You may ask yourself: Why is this project so cool? There is simply one answer. It's the price point, which makes it something special. You can build this amazing laser engraver for just as low as 20$, if you already have some parts at home and carefully source the parts. And it is just awesome having an accurate, 3D printed and accurate laser engraver for just 20-50$, isn't it?

Design goals:

I designed this project using SolidWorks. I tried to keep everything as simple as possible (almost no nuts, screws will create their thread) and I focused on the printability of all parts (all parts can be printed on a standard Makerbot Replicator). And I wanted to keep the cost as low as possible.

How it works:

It works basically like a 3D printer, only that it does carry a laser diode instead of an extruder. You use Inkscape with a plugin to generate the files the printer uses. Then you just send it to the engraver and it will start the engraving process.
To show how it works, I have made a short video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp3-OLcRL1w&feature=youtu.be

Costs:

The costs of this project will be between 20-50$ depending on where and what you order and if you need to buy the DVD drives or other stuff.

Changlog:

17th of June 2015

• reworked the base cause it was too wobbly, now it is nice and stiff

21th of June 2015

• added an optional fan holder - useful for cooling your laser and blowing away the fumes (you will need an Arctic USB fan)
• added a STL called "Extender". Use this, if you can't focus your laser, because the distance between the workpiece and the diode is too low

Any questions?

Simply drop a comment or write me a message, if you have questions! Always happy to help! :)

Safety first! Be very careful when working with lasers!