[jag2x]

Hi all,

I'm looking to build a laser cnc printer. I'm a photographer and
looking to produce negatives with the laser. Producing negatives you
can buy certain film that takes the 633nm laser frequency.

What sort of laser would I need for such a purpose? I'd need a laser to be able to have a small diameter and I would not change that when printing.
What sort of software would I need in order to control such a laser? I'd also need a way to control the output of the beam with the laser, if I were to get a grayscale/raster image to be printed.

Any help would be helpful!
THanks
Jag2x

[zax15uk]

It sounds like you need a laser printer, with a low power red diode.

You may be able to use certain desktop laser printers (like a Xerox) or something similar to a LightJet printer.

Unless you want to engrave plates for printing, in which case it would depend on the material.

Please provide some more information on the negatives, is it a film or some other substrate?

Zax.

[jag2x]

There is film negative that service bureau's use called imagesetter negative film. Once the laser has done its work in total darkness, you'd then put that film in a developer solution, from there a fixer, to fix the image.
They work in the 633nm range. What sort of controller and software would I need to control the laser to make a raster image?

Your right its like a Lightjet printer.

[zax15uk]

These devices come with a standard driver, so you could just use Photoshop.

I would suggest looking at the Agfa Accuset, it's not cheap though - I believe around $10k used.

Minolta / QMS offer cheaper alternatives if you want a new system.

Zax.

[jag2x]

I'm sure there is software that will work for a CNC machine to control the laser to make a raster based image.

[zax15uk]

Photograv does that, but you can do the same with Photoshop and a lot more. The advantage of Photograv is its very easy to use, and does the one task automated so saves time and gives repeatable results.

Zax.