This page describes how to use this: Open source laser system for polymeric welding located in the MOST lab. Our primary interest in it is making Expanded microchannel heat exchangers for all kinds of energy efficiency applications including solar water disinfection. For the most up to date publication on this topic see Open Source Laser Polymer Welding System: Design and Characterization of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Multilayer Welds
The Laser is composed by three main devices: LaserMount 264, TECSource 5305 and LaserSource 4320. The LaserMount 264 is a unit that integrates a Peltier cooler for precise temperature control and the laser itself. TECSource 5305 is a temperature controller that needs to be attached with the LaserMount. LaserSource 4320 is a Laser Diode Driver, it controls the laser behavior.
When operating the laser make sure that the doors to the rig are closed and that you are wearing the laser safety glasses.
The LSO shall be notified of the purchase of any laser, regardless of the class. Such notification should include the classification, media, output power or pulse energy, wavelength, repetition rate (if applicable), special attachments (frequency doublers...etc.), beam size at the laser aperture, beam divergence and users.
No attempt shall be made to place any shiny or glossy object into the laser beam other than that for which the equipment is specifically designed.
Eye protection devices which are designed for protection against radiation from a specific laser system shall be used when engineering controls are inadequate to eliminate the possibility of potentially hazardous eye exposure (i.e., whenever levels of accessible emission exceed the appropriate MPE levels.) This generally applies only to Class IIIB and Class IV lasers. All laser protective eyewear shall be clearly labeled with optical density values and wavelengths for which protection is afforded.
Skin protection can best be achieved through engineering controls. If the potential exists for damaging skin exposure, particularly for ultraviolet lasers (200-400 nm), then skin covers and or "sun screen" creams are recommended.
HANDS - Most gloves will provide some protection against laser radiation. Tightly woven fabrics and opaque gloves provide the best protection.
ARMS - A laboratory jacket or coat can provide protection for the arms. For Class IV lasers, consideration should be given to flame resistant materials.
The Template, and all other files are uploaded in SourceForge, https://sourceforge.net/projects/lasersystemforp/
Side note:
If the RepRap printer interface comes up as "untrusted connection" then click "I understand the risks" --> "Add Exception --> "Confirm security exception". If it doesn't work on the first try, click "confirm security exception two or three more times. Sometimes it takes more than one try for it to work.
Example gcode for a simple linear weld:
;///LaserSource and TECSource SET-UP/// ; Laser Source ; Begin communciation via: "ssty -F /dev/ttyUSB0 raw 38400" ; Next string follows as: "echo >/dev/ttyUSB0" ; TECSource ; No direct communcation to SSH. Turn on, set to 25C. ;/////START///// ;start position G1 F600 X10 Y10 ;set to experiment current (5000mA (12A)) (SYSTEM:echo 'LAS:LDI 5000' >/dev/ttyUSB0) ;turn on laser (SYSTEM:echo 'BEEP' >/dev/ttyUSB0) (SYSTEM:echo 'LAS:OUTPUT 1' >/dev/ttyUSB0) ;raster across Y290 G1 X290 ;path completed turn off laser (SYSTEM:echo 'LAS:OUTPUT 0' >/dev/ttyUSB0) (SYSTEM:echo 'BEEP' >/dev/ttyUSB0) ;move x-head to convienet set-up location G1 F600 X10 Y300 ;//////END/////
| License | CC-BY-SA-3.0 |
|---|---|
| Cite as | JLaureto, Bmtymrak, Thaddeus Waterman, Npbudd, Sparasar (2011–2026). "Laser welding protocol: MOST". Appropedia. Retrieved October 3, 2026. |
