3D printer + laser engraver + laser soldering - what to assemble?

Question

Do it yourself

I want to build myself a miracle hybrid, a 3D printer in the classic version (PLA / ABS) with the ability to quickly and painlessly replace the extruder with a relatively powerful laser, which allows (depending on the setting) engraving on metal / wood, laser soldering (on printed circuit boards) , and it is possible to smelt the boards themselves from textolite blanks (a cut of the upper copper layer in the programmable areas). Of course, I want the maximum DIY, but I would still take ready-made motors and frames. In this connection, the question is - in which direction is it better to start smoking? What kind of laser will "burn" copper on a textolite well enough and accurately (preferably with little damage to the textolite itself)? And what else is worth paying attention to?

Answer 1

Now you can get for reasonable money only a semiconductor laser with a peak power of about 6 watts.
In principle, this allows you to engrave and even cut thin non-metallic materials without problems.
With some restrictions (not all metals) and conventions (this will not be engraving in depth, but rather a change in the color of the surface due to heat treatment), it will even be possible to engrave.
But for now, you can forget about cutting copper on a textolite with a laser fixed instead of a hot end, except to paint the board, burn the pattern on the paint, and then etch.
It’s hard to say about laser soldering, theoretically small SMD patches can be soldered, with preheating of the entire board with parts on the printer’s heating table, up to 110 degrees for example.

Answer 2

You will not put a laser that will "burn copper" instead of an extruder. This is already an industrial level device. Forget about metals.

Answer 3

Yuri Popov, hardcore iOS & ESP developer and DJ:
dreaming, of course, is not harmful and even right, but I would recommend that you first get acquainted with the basic principles.
for example, a laser of decent power is such a big glass tube, maybe a meter or so long, requiring noble power and no less impressive cooling.
a system of mirrors and lenses is responsible for moving the laser to the desired coordinates. it must be carefully calibrated to achieve a result. about the rigidity of the frame, I generally keep quiet.
how this will fit in with the "quick and painless replacement of the extruder", one can only guess.
Oh, and if you get to the realization, don't forget to buy normal goggles, otherwise the laser can only be calibrated twice - first with the right eye and then with the left.
"walk ischo" and we are waiting for a link to the article with the implementation! :)

Answer 4

To get started, make an overview report-analysis of several ongoing projects in each area! And, perhaps, you will understand that it will be difficult to assemble such a modular combine with a body kit!