5.5W Blue Diode Laser Module - 450nm Wavelength with Adjustable Focus for CNC Engraving

Specifications

• Optical Output Power: 5.5W

• Wavelength: 450nm (Visible Blue Light)

• Laser Class: Class IV

• Operating Voltage: Typically 12V DC

• Control Signal: PWM / TTL (Allows 0-100% power scaling)

• Cooling: Active Fan & Aluminum Heatsink

• Focus Type: Manually Adjustable Lens

• Connector Type: 3-Pin (12V, GND, PWM)

Key Applications and Projects

• 3018 CNC Upgrades: Easily swapping out the rotary spindle on a standard desktop CNC machine to convert it into a versatile laser engraver.

• Custom Leatherworking: Permanently burning intricate logos, patterns, and text into leather wallets, belts, and patches.

• Architectural Models: Precision cutting thin balsa wood and basswood sheets to assemble intricate 3D scale models and dollhouses.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution)

• The Air Assist Upgrade: To get the absolute cleanest cuts out of a 5.5W laser, you need to remove the smoke from the beam's path. Evolve your module! You can 3D print a custom nozzle that slips over the bottom of this laser lens. Attach a silicone tube from the nozzle to a small aquarium air pump. This "Air Assist" system blows a constant stream of air into the cut, pushing smoke away, preventing the wood edges from charring, and allowing the laser to cut deeper and faster!

Package Includes:

• 1 x 5.5W / 450nm Blue Diode Laser Module (with adjustable lens and cooling fan)

• 1 x 3-Pin PWM Connection Cable

(Note: Laser safety goggles and mounting hardware are not included. Appropriate safety eyewear is strictly required for operation).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. What does the 3-pin cable do? The included 3-pin cable provides Power (usually 12V), Ground (GND), and the PWM signal wire which tells the laser how bright to fire.

2. Will this plug directly into my 3018 Pro CNC? Yes, almost all standard GRBL control boards used on 3018 CNCs have a red 3-pin port specifically designed to accept this laser's cable.

3. Do I need to wear safety glasses? YES, ABSOLUTELY. This is a Class IV laser. Even catching a stray reflection of the beam off a piece of wood can cause instant, permanent eye damage. You must wear laser safety goggles rated for 450nm light.

4. How do I focus the laser? Turn the laser on at a very low power setting (e.g., 1% via software). Place your material under the module, and gently twist the knurled metal ring on the bottom of the laser until the blue dot is as small and sharp as possible.

5. Can this cut metal? No. A 5.5W diode laser cannot cut any type of metal.

6. Can it engrave metal? It cannot engrave bare, reflective metal (like bare steel or copper). It can engrave coated metals, such as painted brass, anodized aluminum (like dog tags), or powder-coated tumblers by burning the coating away.

7. Can it cut clear acrylic or glass? No. The laser operates at 450nm (visible blue light). The beam will pass harmlessly straight through perfectly clear materials. You can only cut or engrave opaque, dark-colored acrylics.

8. Why is my laser engraving fuzzy and out of focus? Your lens is likely not adjusted correctly for the Z-height of your machine. Re-focus the lens. If it is still fuzzy, the lens may have accumulated soot and needs to be cleaned carefully with a Q-tip and isopropyl alcohol.

9. What is PWM? PWM stands for Pulse Width Modulation. Instead of the laser just being ON or OFF, the PWM signal pulses the laser rapidly to simulate different brightness levels, allowing you to engrave shaded photographs.

10. What voltage does this module require? Most modules of this size and style require a 12V DC power supply capable of providing at least 3 to 5 Amps.

11. Why is there a fan on top? Diode lasers generate extreme heat. The fan runs constantly to push air through the blue aluminum heatsink, preventing the laser diode from overheating and burning out.

12. Can I run this at 100% power continuously for 12 hours? While the heatsink is robust, running any diode laser at 100% power for massive durations will shorten its lifespan. For long, multi-hour cuts, operating at 80-85% power is recommended for longevity.

13. Will this burn my desk? Yes. If the laser cuts through your material, it will immediately start burning whatever is underneath it. Always use a sacrificial "spoilboard" (like scrap MDF) or a steel honeycomb laser bed beneath your work.

14. Does this module come with mounting screws? This listing includes the module and the cable. You will typically use the existing spindle clamp on your CNC carriage to hold the square aluminum body in place.