I want to cut a beer can with a laser! Anyone know how strong of a laser I would need? Could I build one?

Question

I tried a cd drive but it is not powerful enough! Any links to places would be of great help.

Answer 1

You should be able to do it with a 100 watt co2 laser set on a really low speed. It will melt it more so than cut it the edge will not look that great. You wouldn't be able to cut one side and out the other you would have to focus and rotate the can.

It would be cheaper to buy one than to make one . You shoul be able to buy one off ebay for around 500 bucks with a power supply.

Like the guy said above my post they're very dangerous. C02 laser is not a visible laser you wouldn't even know you hurt your self until a few days later. Anything in the range of cutting metal or paper can make you go blind all it takes is one slip.

At the very least you should buy protective saftey glasses rated for the range of laser you're using. IT has to be made for a laser range your using or you migh as well not use anything.

Answer 2

Very dangerous. a reflection off the metal could blind you or someone blocks away, even through a window.

Answer 3

Wouldn't it just be easier to pop the top?

Answer 4

One problem with using a laser on a beer can is that beer cans are made of aluminum and don't cut well with heat.  What makes a cutting torch work on steel is that iron is easily oxidized, however aluminum and many non ferrous materials reach the melting point well before oxidation will occour.  When "torching" aluminum oxidizing cutting compounds are often used.