I've acquired a small 5.5 Watt (output) diode laser engraver/cutter for our new shop. While I'm waiting to get there I thought I'd check on hints and ideas of what projects it's good for.

Looking at quick demos, it looks like it's not really all that far off the NdYAG lasers I used to build, use, repair, and modify. I don't know what the output power on those was, but the xenon arc lamp driving them was 4kW.

So, what projects should I start thinking of?

Working area 170 x 170mm.

I've already seen demos of partially curing powder paint for labeling, finish cure in oven.

Engraving anodized aluminum beneath clear plastic and glass to etch the back side of those.

Of course cutting thin materials and engraving anything not shiny.