Lasers! Pew Pew Pew

Laser Cutting and Engraving: Coming Soon to Panda Motion!

Ever fantasized about wielding sci-fi tech from the 23rd century? Well, buckle up, space cadets, because that day is nearly upon us at Panda Motion! We’re on the cusp of introducing our very own, DIY-built 90-watt CO2 laser cutter, transforming sci-fi dreams into reality.

What’s All the Fuss About Laser Cutting and Engraving?

Imagine a laser, not just any laser, but one that can cut and engrave with the precision of a master craftsman. That’s what we’re talking about here. It’s a futuristic technique, once a figment of science fiction, now a tool in our very own workshop.

The Laser Line-Up: A Trio of Light Sabers

So, how does it work? In the world of laser cutting and engraving, there’s a veritable constellation of laser types. While several varieties exist, three have become the stars of the show these days:

1. CO2 Lasers: The workhorses of the laser family. Our 90-watt CO2 laser is a bit like a Swiss Army knife – capable of everything a diode laser can do, and then some! It’s a master at slicing through materials like wood and plastic and can intricately etch designs onto tougher surfaces like slate. The CO2 laser’s versatility is unmatched, making it a go-to for a wide range of creative exploits.
2. Diode (Solid-State) Lasers: The new-comers of the laser realm, these lasers have evolved from their humble beginnings in laser pointers and CD players (remember those?). Now, boasting up to 40 watts of power, they’re the sleek, more compact cousins of the CO2 laser, adept at cutting wood and marking a myriad of materials. They do, however, shy away from transparent materials, preferring the mystery of opaque surfaces.
3. Fibre Lasers: The aristocrats of laser technology, fibre lasers are a bit pricier but pack a punch with their high-powered pulses. They use a doped fibre optic strand, which is essentially a fibre optic infused with special impurities, to generate a beam potent enough to engrave any metal. These are the lasers that can turn a modest 20-100 watt input into a powerhouse of thousands of watts in bursts.

Our journey into laser technology is ever-evolving. For us, the Co2 laser is the best option all-round. It’s big and bulky but it can do everything that a diode laser can, and more. However, the one thing it can’t do is engrave metal so we would like to add a Fibre laser to our cornucopia of directed energy tools at some point in the future – but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves…

Panda Motion’s Laser Odyssey

Building my own 90-watt CO2 laser cutter from scratch was a labor of love, stretched over a year and competing with the demands of a lively 3-year-old. Sure, buying a ready-made machine was an option, but where’s the adventure in that? This project wasn’t just for Panda Motion; as a tinkerer and hobbyist ‘maker’ I’ve wanted to build my own laser cutter for many years, before Panda Motion was conceived. This new technological marvel will now contribute both to our business and to my personal projects which I hope to showcase here too.

Now, with a bit more tweaking and testing, we’re almost ready to unveil our creation. Stay tuned for an expanded range of Panda Motion products, all etched and cut with the precision and care that only a laser can provide.

Keep Your Eyes on the Stars… and Panda Motion! (But don’t stare into the beam!)