Is it Possible to Make Clear Acrylic CD-ROM Covers?

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SUMMARY

Creating clear acrylic CD-ROM covers is impractical due to safety regulations surrounding laser visibility. The laser in CD drives must be contained to meet Class I safety standards, preventing user exposure. While clear front bezels for CD-ROMs are available, manufacturing a fully clear drive would require specialized materials that absorb specific wavelengths, which would be costly and face certification challenges. The discussion also questions the relevance of floppy drives in modern builds.

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  • Understanding of Class I laser safety standards
  • Knowledge of optical drive technology
  • Familiarity with materials science, particularly light transmission properties
  • Awareness of current computer hardware trends
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  • Research Class I laser safety regulations and compliance requirements
  • Explore materials that absorb specific wavelengths while allowing visible light transmission
  • Investigate the current market for optical drives and their components
  • Learn about modern alternatives to floppy drives and their applications
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Computer builders, hardware enthusiasts, safety compliance professionals, and anyone interested in optical drive technology and design.

sweetjones
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Hello,
I'm planning to build a new rig and I want most of my components to be clear. Does anyone have any info on where I can get cd-roms with a clear casing and floppy drives with a clear cover also? I've actually found a psu with a clear casing so I'm sure there's other components such as cd-roms. I've also found a mouse and a keyboard. Thanx In Advance!
 
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I would have thought a clear CDROM drive is unlikely.
The laser in a CD is quite bright, to make the equipement Class I ( ie. eyesafe) you have to ensure that the user cannot see the laser.
In theory you could make it out of a plastic that absorbed 905nm while transmitting visible but that would be very expensive and you would have a job persuading the certifiction authorities.

Do you want a floppy drive these days?
 
mgb_phys said:
I would have thought a clear CDROM drive is unlikely.
The laser in a CD is quite bright, to make the equipement Class I ( ie. eyesafe) you have to ensure that the user cannot see the laser.
In theory you could make it out of a plastic that absorbed 905nm while transmitting visible but that would be very expensive and you would have a job persuading the certifiction authorities.

Do you want a floppy drive these days?

Damn! I didn't even think about that. The laser is pretty hazardous. Well, I figured a clear case was possible because they sell the front bezels for the cd-roms. You are also right about the floppy drives. LOL!
 

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