Homebrew 250-watt laser cutter

Owen sent a link to his very sweet CNC laser that can cut sheet metal. He’s spent over two years and $15K developing the system.

This is a CO2 laser system that cuts sheet metal. The laser and all optics are stationary. The beam is directed downwards on to the part that sits on a computer controlled platform which moves the piece in the x and y directions. Cutting is achived by passing the beam through a focusing lens inside of a cutting head nozzle. Oxygen is fed into the side of the chamber below the focusing lens. This gas exits the nozzle along with the beam and the laser beam/oxygen combination serves to vaporize the steel.