AMAZING Printrbot  Simple to Laser engraving mod:

3D Printing
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AMAZING @Printrbot Simple to Laser engraving mod:

http://polakiumengineering.org/1000-portable-3d-printer-laser-cutter/

@Brook_Drumm that would make an awesome option kit
http://polakiumengineering.org/1000-portable-3d-printer-laser-cutter

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You need to take safety precautions very seriously with this kind of upgrade.

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I have been kicking around such a thing, but I agree… Safety is key. It would have to be foolproof and completely enclosed with lots of air assist and exhaust fans. And maybe some sort of shut down fail safe. It’s s scary thing but do cool!!

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I am with you on safety and fume managment. Wonder is such a laser could etch a PCB…

Which brings the idea of an other mod… Etchant pen attachment or even small spindle attachment for PCB engraving.

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I don’t think such low powered lasers can etch metal. You might be able to apply something, burn it away and etch that away, but I haven’t found that to be reliable.

Also, there’s reasons why most laser machines are enclosed.

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Example of milling a PCB on a Printrbot using a Dremel with a flex shaft (from almost two years ago):
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_-W73S6kPY
Wiki post: http://www.printrbottalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=3184

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Thanks @SirGeekALot had seen those. Just need time to put together something to try something like that. Would be interesting.