Anyone here knows if there's an affordable desktop-sized laser machine out there capable of cutting 0.012" stainless steel for solder paste stencils?

 

Not a laser, but water is a better option I think: https://wazer.com/

$16k here: https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/w08720s

 

Anyone here knows if there's an affordable desktop-sized laser machine out there capable of cutting 0.012" stainless steel for solder paste stencils?

https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...796.html?spm=a2700.details.0.0.444fc08b2kSlJY

Feature:
【90W effect laser beam cutter】Our laser engraver uses the latest 5.5W laser beam shaping technology blue diode laser, it has an ultra-fine 0.06mm sharp laser focus, with super cutting penetration and precision, it can cut up to 15mm thick wood, 10mm acrylic,carve ceramics and stainless steel, this is almost beyond the effect of 90W CO2 laser.
【Fast focusing and safe design】Our powerful laser etching machine has the fastest focus design. It combines a fixed focus lens and a slider. You only need to slide the laser module and tighten the screws to complete the focusing. Very easy and convenient. Meanwhile the laser machine equipped with a power switch, which is not available in others. Fixing holes are reserved on the four feet and the body structure to facilitate fixing the machine and the data cable.
【New eye protection design】The laser protective cover perfectly protect your eyes,filter UV light for 98%. You and the people around can watch laser engraving without wearing goggles. Reduce the cost of your goggles and the inconvenience of wearing goggles, prevent pets and children from grabbing the laser spot.

 

https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...796.html?spm=a2700.details.0.0.444fc08b2kSlJY
View attachment 298464View attachment 298465
Feature:
【90W effect laser beam cutter】Our laser engraver uses the latest 5.5W laser beam shaping technology blue diode laser, it has an ultra-fine 0.06mm sharp laser focus, with super cutting penetration and precision, it can cut up to 15mm thick wood, 10mm acrylic,carve ceramics and stainless steel, this is almost beyond the effect of 90W CO2 laser.
【Fast focusing and safe design】Our powerful laser etching machine has the fastest focus design. It combines a fixed focus lens and a slider. You only need to slide the laser module and tighten the screws to complete the focusing. Very easy and convenient. Meanwhile the laser machine equipped with a power switch, which is not available in others. Fixing holes are reserved on the four feet and the body structure to facilitate fixing the machine and the data cable.
【New eye protection design】The laser protective cover perfectly protect your eyes,filter UV light for 98%. You and the people around can watch laser engraving without wearing goggles. Reduce the cost of your goggles and the inconvenience of wearing goggles, prevent pets and children from grabbing the laser spot.

Thank you, Danko. I've already looked at machines of that type ... but I'm very scheptical about their true output power. Somehow 90W doesn't seem realistic to me when one considers the price ... do you have first hand knowledge or experience with those machines? Or do you at least know somebody who owns one of them?

Edit, I just read the following ifo:

Our laser engraver uses the latest 5.5W laser

5.5W is much more believable than 90W ... I hate it when the Chinese confuse you with their sloppy handling of units ... Would 5.5W be enough to cut through 0.012" stainless steel? I wonder

 

Not a laser, but water is a better option I think: https://wazer.com/

$16k here: https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/w08720s

Cutting tiny PCB stencil traces with one of those things doesn't seem realistic to me ... are you aware of anyone using a machine like that one for that use?

 

I've seen apps to translate Gerber files to G code so you may 3D print a stencil.

I made one stencil for a board that never got made.

 

Would 5.5W be enough to cut through 0.012" stainless steel? I wonder

I think 33 W will enough:
SCULPFUN S30 Ultra-33Вт/22Вт/11Вт
$569,00
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805209623681.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.1.65391f9bPgrAD4&algo_pvid=f02c125a-7bab-40e2-8007-1eacbbaf1bb7&aem_p4p_detail=20230716191751349354181925490017884277&algo_exp_id=f02c125a-7bab-40e2-8007-1eacbbaf1bb7-0&pdp_npi=3@dis!USD!711.25!569.0!!!711.25!!@212249cb16895602715986476d0744!12000032893166920!sea!US!4576908365&curPageLogUid=Of8UvJDaKOs4&search_p4p_id=20230716191751349354181925490017884277_1
EDIT:
11 W $489
22 W $729
33 W $1,299

 

I've seen apps to translate Gerber files to G code so you may 3D print a stencil.

I made one stencil for a board that never got made.

Thanks, Ernie. I have two 3d printers and I've already tried that ... it didn't work out. Especially with chips having only a 0.65mm pitch.

 

Cutting tiny PCB stencil traces with one of those things doesn't seem realistic to me ...

Now that I've actually looked at your requirements, it's probably not appropriate. Sorry bout that.

Laser cutting stainless is not a simple job, unfortunately. Better outsourced?

 

Really not worth your time or money - check out https://www.oshstencils.com. I doubt you can do it faster/cheaper than them.