PLH3D-XT50 laser kit for CNC machines and 3D printers - Opt Lasers

The PLH3D-XT50 laser head kit by Opt Lasers is a patented, plug-and-play enhancement that allows for easy integration with CNC machines and certain FDM 3D printers. It delivers high-performance and precision, thanks to its 6 W optical power and ultra-HD 550 DPI 4x50 μm beam spot, making it an excellent choice for woodworking. The kit excels in high-detail engraving and can cut through materials up to 3 mm thick, ideal for fine, delicate applications. For other applications see the PLH3D-XT8 kit.

Video 1: The PLH3D-XT50 laser kit for CNC machines. Source: Opt Lasers.

Designed for woodworking applications, the PLH3D-XT50 laser kit delivers CO2-like results using advanced blue light technology, which offers several advantages. Blue light lasers, operating at shorter wavelengths than CO2 lasers, provide greater precision and detail, particularly on materials like wood and plastics, while being safer and more affordable. Additionally, blue light lasers require less complex setup and maintenance compared to CO2 lasers, making them easier to integrate into various projects.

The hardware

The PLH3D-XT50 kit includes all essential components to seamlessly integrate with any CNC machine. The kit comes with the PLH3D-XT50 6 W cutting and engraving laser head (1), a high-pressure Air Assist nozzle kit (2), the PLH3D CNC Adapter Pro (3) with its signal cables (6 and 7), laser safety glasses (4), a PSU with various adapters (5), a height reference tool for precise working distance adjustments (up to 60 mm) (8), universal CNC mount (M3 x 0.5 x 4.5 mm) (9), and a set of CNC laser stickers (10).

Image 1: The contents of the PLH3D-XT50 laser kit. Source: Opt Lasers.

Each part is crafted to ensure quick installation (Manual in Attachments section), allowing users to start working efficiently from the moment it's unboxed. Optional accessories (not included in this kit, must be purchased separately) include a magnetic LaserDock Pro module for quick connection and disconnection of the laser head from the CNC machine or 3D printer, as well as a laser safety window for CNC machines with enclosures.

The XT50 laser head

The PLH3D-XT50 laser head, equipped with a single-laser diode operating at a 450 nm wavelength, is designed for precision and reliability. Each laser head comes factory-set with a high-resolution triplet lens, pre-adjusted to a 60.0 mm focus distance for optimal performance out of the box. The XT50 laser head further enhances versatility with adjustable beam spots, achieving precision below 50 µm (0.05 mm) at perfect focus due to increased power density, making it ideal for high-speed or detailed cutting and engraving. By adjusting the height, the spot size can be expanded up to 2000 µm (2 mm), allowing resolutions from Ultra HD over 500 DPI to large-scale engraving down to 25 DPI.

Image 2: The adjustable beam spot can fo from 2000 µm to below 50 µm. Source: Opt Lasers.

The PLH3D-XT50 blue laser head offers versatile cutting and engraving capabilities across a wide range of materials, including wood, cardboard, rubber, paper, textiles, leather, plastic, balsa, plywood, and more. Its highly focused and adjustable beam spot size allows not only marking but also engraving of metals like stainless steel and tool steel, providing precise detail on materials with lower heat conductance. This versatility makes the XT50 ideal for applications requiring both intricate engraving on metals and efficient processing of non-metallic materials in a single, adaptable solution.

Image 3: The PLH3D-XT50 laser head while cutting and engraving. Source: Opt Lasers.

The PLH3D-XT50 laser head is designed to operate without the need for additional cooling systems. Its lightweight construction (370 g) incorporates an efficient heatsink design, with the laser body itself dissipating heat, enabling continuous 24-hour operation. This ensures reliable, long-term performance even under extended workloads, making it ideal for demanding applications.

Image 4: The efficient heatsink design enables safe continuous operation. Source: Opt Lasers.

What's more, the PLH3D-XT50 laser head comes with a high-pressure Air Assist nozzle, an accessory that significantly enhances performance. By increasing laser processing speeds by up to 6.5 times, the Air Assist nozzle reduces heat-related damage to materials and helps maintain clean, precise cuts. Additionally, the nozzle protects the laser optics from smoke and debris, ensuring longer-lasting, reliable operation.

Image 5: The Air Assist nozzle comes with the XT50 laser head. Source: Opt Lasers.

A key feature of the XT50 laser head is its compact, integrated diode driver, which provides enhanced protection and performance. The short connection between the laser diode and driver allows for high-frequency current modulation (up to 30 kHz) and eliminates inductance effects during activation, resulting in more precise control and reliability. This design also improves the diode’s durability, ensuring efficient and stable laser operation.

The CNC Adapter Pro

The PLH3D CNC Adapter Pro, included in the kit, ensures seamless communication between the CNC machine and the XT50 laser head. It provides important safety features, including laser head connection detection, laser status display, and system restart capabilities after power failures. Advanced users can take advantage of additional settings for customization, while the PWM/TTL modulation input allows for dynamic laser power control.

Image 6: The CNC adapter allows for advanced control of the XT50 laser head. Source: Opt Lasers.

It also includes a test mode for troubleshooting, making it easier to identify and resolve any potential issues during operation. For even more safety, the CNC adapter comes with keys to prevent unauthorized access.

Cutting and engraving performance

Thanks to its microscopic beam spot and 6 W optical power, the PLH3D-XT50 laser head excels in delivering exceptionally accurate highly detailed, small-size engravings on metal, particularly on stainless steel. Thanks to its compact size, versatility, and high-speed driver, the XT50 ensures superior performance, even when working on hard materials like metals.

Image 7: Metal engraved with the XT50 laser head. Source: Opt Lasers.

When used on ceramic tiles, the PLH3D-XT50 demonstrates remarkable engraving quality, thanks to its ultra-HD 500 DPI capability. The higher power density provided by this laser head not only enhances the visual detail of engravings but also enables faster cutting and engraving compared to models without anamorphic optics. This feature makes the XT50 laser head perfect for decorative and industrial ceramic applications alike.

Image 8: A ceramic tile engraved with the XT50 laser head. Source: Opt Lasers.

For soft and thin materials than require exact control, such as thin wood, the XT50’s performance is equally impressive, offering precise cutting with ultra-thin lines. Its beam spot width of less than 50 µm allows for delicate and even cuts, far narrower than most conventional laser cutters.

Safety and longevity

Constructed with a full-metal body, direct soldering and short thick wires, the XT8 laser head offers exceptional durability and protection. Operational safety is enhanced by an integrated signaling LED light, which alerts users to overheating and indicates the armed status of the laser.

Image 9: The LED light ensure user safety. Source: Opt Lasers.

The CE-rated 450 nm laser safety glasses are another valuable addition, offering an optical density (OD) of 7+ across the 190-540 nm range. With 50% visible light transmission, these glasses ensure clear visibility while providing significant protection from blue laser exposure and diffusely reflected radiation, making them indispensable for safe operation.

Perfect for meticulous work

The PLH3D-XT50 laser head kit is ideal for woodworking applications and beyond, offering the power of blue light technology, which is safer and more user-friendly than traditional CO2 lasers. With adjustable beam intensity, it is perfect for both high-precision detail work and fast large-scale projects, cutting and engraving a wide range of materials, including metals. 

Image 10: Highly detailed wood design made with the PLH3D-XT50 laser. Source: Opt Lasers.

The kit includes an Air Assist nozzle, safety accessories, and is universally compatible with CNC machines and many FDM 3D printers. Easy to install, reliable, and durable, the PLH3D-XT50 laser kit ensures top-notch performance for professional woodworking tasks.