My New Computer: Class 4

[loopee]

A filter wouldn't do much since the case is so full of holes anyway :P

Xytrell

Nice job on the build

If you make the fan blow air into the case you create a positive air pressure inside the case therefore pushing air out of all those holes.

Then if you put filter on the fan you’re only pushing clean air into the case keeping the optics somewhat cleaner.

You should try and separate the optics from the rest of the case, it’ll save you having to clean the optic all the time

[White-Light]

I wonder if the dust problem is from the fans blowing into the case. Maybe
using some sort of filter would fix this.

Mark

Computer cases as standard do get a lot of dust ingress. I have the Thermaltake Tsunami on my desktop and it has a filtered front fan and a side fan. I have to blow it out once or twice a year because of the thickness of dust inside. Even now as I type this I can see a white layer of dust everywhere.

I think perhaps some heavier grade filtration at the expense of air flow would be a good idea. Computer cases are large anyway so I guess probably run a lot cooler than your average compact laser case.

[White-Light]

my lasers specs are a 1W green with a 300mW red and a 200mW blue. i like what u have done.
for the dust, have u tried a piece of pvc pipe that will fit over the scanners and seal it with a rubber cap at the back. for the beam you can make a hole in the side of the pipe for the beam to pass thru.

Yeah you could try to create a sealed optic set up. As you want to see everything, how about a perspex cover for the optics with cut outs fitted with non reflective laser glass for where the beams enter the optic area and exit the projector - I believe you'd need 4 pieces, 1 for each of the beams to enter and 1 for out. I'm sure Edmunds sell it in per-cut sizes and shapes.

The only thing that would get dirty then is the perspex case not the optics provided you sealed it down properly with a rubber gasket or clear silicone sealant.

Nice projector though. I like the concept of being able to see the lasers working although some method of covering the side might be good to keep the ambient (leaked) light level down when doing a display.