So I snagged this $200 3W laser off AliExpress. I’m a newbie to lasers but worked in video and stage production for years so I’m familiar with lasers, but certainly not a pro.
Realized after I bought it that this thing can do some damage. And from what I’m reading it may not be possible to get a variance for this in the USA.
For the price and the results of it, it’s not shabby but im kind of afraid to use it outside of the home. And not sure if it’s even possible to get a variance.
My goal is to use these at shows, so now wishing my I had got the Shehd laser instead….
Has anyone got a variance or ever used lasers like this publicly? Or is that a bad idea?
Sadly you will not be able to get a variance un the states with that laser. I would say it purely for home use and learning.
I would not recommend using those lasers for public use.
I actually have some lasers that can’t get a variance and I only use them for home and TikTok Streams. I also use them to make cues and learn other software besides LaserOS.
These are an awesome learning tool and good way to demonstrate the idea of lasers to family and friends. Keep an eye on Emma Lasers as they seem to be trying the hardest to gain US compliance.
and it is the closest you are going to get for a US legal laser from AliExpress. All the features such as emission LED, Remote Interlock, FDA letter are there…As stated already, these are purely for personal use.
I see their products but no way to purchase them… I’ll try emailing them. Thanks for the recommendation. There is next to zero relevant results when searching for OPT Laser Projector.
I wrote them a mail, after that all other communication was over WhatsApp order included.
You get a price list via WhatsApp and tell them which laser you want. payment with PayPal.
I asked specifically about FDA approval and variance compliance and they indicated that they do not comply. They explained that it is a very difficult process involving a stateside representative and other steps. They said some buyers have been able to get variances after going through the process with the FDA but they are NOT ok for commercial or public use in the US as they come…
They offered to put me in contact / provide information about the other buyers who were able to complete the process on their own.
Of course they assured me that their lasers are safe…
yeah you won’t get US approved lasers from OPT. I think Lightspace and Able do it though? Although you may need to go through Lightspace’s US distributor.
