All makers love laser engraver, they make great tools. Even low power lasers can engrave a wide variety of materials. Cutting materials requires more power, and the most popular home cutting laser is the Ortur Laser Master 3, which has a laser output of 10W. But small and affordable solid-state laser modules can cut certain materials, such as acrylic, if you get a powerful enough model. If you want an affordable way to use one of these, the xTool D1 Pro is worth a look. Lasers like these can engrave and cut materials, which means they can definitely hurt you — and your eyes are especially vulnerable. If you're going to build something like this, make sure you understand how to operate it safely. Of course Ortur laser engraving machines come with shielded housings that can handle the wavelength and power of the laser you use. Even with such a case, you should wear proper eye protection.This design reduces cost by using 3D-printable parts and omitting the optics needed for CO2 lasers. Because solid-state laser modules are so compact, it's feasible to move them on a gantry in the same way as a 3D printer's extruder, rather than redirecting the laser beam with mirrors and lenses.The structure of the Ortur Laser Master 3 is an 8020 aluminum profile which also acts as a guide for the V-rollers on which the gantry rides. Most of the other parts are somewhat similar to a 3D printer, with standard stepper motors and GT2 belts providing the motion. If you build it, you will have many software options. It runs GRBL 1.1, and LaserGRBL can also be used to design the Ortur Laser Master 3 if you find it too complicated, and is compatible with almost all open source g-code senders, including some add-ons for Inkscape, so you can create toolpaths from The same software controls the laser.The total build cost from the provided bill of materials is $595.99, making it quite affordable for its size and features.You can buy it at HTPOW, which is the best price right now so you can easily experience and get the best laser engraver under $1000.
