CNC LASER module shield

thingiverse

As my laser is an attachment for my CNC router, it isn't contained within a box with a tinted window. Therefore, I am required to wear laser-safety glasses whenever it's operating. So, I designed this simple shield with dark red windows (as the laser is blue). It consists of a small frame that slips onto the laser module (with a hole for a screw if needed to prevent it from sliding down) and a three-sided shield that slides onto the edge of the frame. After printing, the front and two sides need to have dark red plastic glued in: I cut mine from a plastic square photography filter I picked up cheap on eBay. Then those three pieces need gluing together at the front corners to form the shield. The shield can be easily removed for when you want to focus the laser or remove cut materials. And, if adjustments are needed, I've included the OpenSCAD file. This design is also compatible with my simple laser extractor system. If interested, you can read more about it here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3302896 **Update 9th January 2019**: I've updated the files here just to add a completely optional bottom component. I decided it would be useful for two reasons. The first reason is that it adds some rigidity, if you're concerned about that. The second reason was more important to me: it prevents air from being sucked in from outside so much, which helps extraction efficiency, especially when the shield overlaps the edge of the material being cut. And, if interested, you can also read my blog-post about this project at the link below. https://cncmakerzone.co.uk/adding-a-shield-to-a-cnc-mounted-laser-module