Last month we saw how you can reuse a DVD-RW’s laser diode to make a small laser engraver. But if you’d rather buy something like it instead, check out the MicroSlice.
Made by Instructables member SilverJimmy, MicroSlice has a 405nm laser module, similar to the ones found in Blu-ray drives. The original MicroSlice had laser cut birch plywood parts for its body, but the latest version can be ordered with acrylic parts in a variety of colors.
It’s controlled by an Arduino Uno R3 and has a 4″x 4″ work area. You can use it to cut paper as well as thin pieces of balsa and neoprene foam, or engrave on leather, wood, plastic and even chocolate. The video below shows SilverJimmy’s original MicroSlice.
You can order the MicroSlice from The Little Box Company as a DIY kit for ~$300 (USD) or as a fully assembled device for ~$600. Don’t worry makers, SilverJimmy’s Instructable is still up and both the laser engraver’s hardware and software (at least the original version) are open source.
