What can I do with a fiber laser? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: resistor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2013, 05:59:20 pm
content: There's a liquidation auction happening near me and, in addition to some test equipment, they're selling off a bunch of fiber laser sources. That sounds neat in principle, but the reality is that I have no idea what they're useful for. Is there anything neat I could do with a fiber laser source (other than burn the house down)?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2013, 06:13:06 pm
content: Depends hugely on exactly what they are - The term could cover anything from a small comms module with fibre pigtail to a multi-kilowatt laser for cutting holes in metal.The latter will probably come with lifting hooks and a 3-phase power connection, probably also water in/out for cooling

author: resistor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2013, 07:54:04 pm
content: I'm guessing more towards the former end. Unfortunately, the auctioneer doesn't seem to have a lot of information available. They appear to be bench top and/or rack mount units. Here's the link to an example:http://hgpauction.auctionflex.com/showlot.ap?co=56936&weid=37709&weiid=13655119&archive=n&lso=lotnumasc&pagenum=2&lang=En

author: resistor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2013, 08:10:42 pm
content: Quote from: Pippy on December 03, 2013, 08:04:28 pmIs it supposed to be mounted into a CNC frame or something? How is something in that form factor used as a cutter?QuoteSo much fun, so many opportunities to burn my house down...

author: resistor
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2013, 08:27:36 pm
content: After some searching, the one I linked appears to be the same (or very similar to) as this ebay listing:http://www.ebay.com/itm/IPG-YTTERBIUM-FIBER-LASER-YLP-C-1-100-20-20-free-ship-/141129850196?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20dbfe9d54From there I was able to track down a spec sheet, which leads me to believe that it's either a 10W or 20W unit:http://www.ipgphotonics.com/Collateral/Documents/English-US/120515-spec%20E27028%20R08%20YLP-C-series.pdf

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 05:42:38 pm
content: Quote from: resistor on December 03, 2013, 08:10:42 pmhttp://www.gizmag.com/twi-yb-fiber-laser-demolition/29544/

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:18:37 pm
content: Quote from: ConKbot on December 04, 2013, 05:42:38 pmi want one

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:29:51 pm
content: Quote from: resistor on December 03, 2013, 05:59:20 pmDid you see this movie called: Star Wars?But it is basically cutting, drilling... I've seen a laser making hundred microvias in 2 second.

author: JoeyP
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2013, 06:56:08 pm
content: If you do get it to play with, just be very very very careful. Most lasers used for cutting are IR, which means you can't see the beam - or its reflections. There is almost no direction you can point such a laser that it doesn't stand a chance of blinding you or someone else. Keep in mind that it will reflect off most surfaces, and at 10-20w power level even a 99% absorptive surface can still reflect plenty enough energy to damage your eyes!

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 03:24:05 pm
content: If you get the laser get a few sets of these as well.http://www.phillips-safety.com/laser-safety/laser-safety-glasses.html