adding a laser to mini?  

RE: adding a laser to mini?

Yes, it is possible.  I have not seen anyone do it.  It would require custom software.  

RE: adding a laser to mini?

Posted by: @cwbullet

not seen anyone do it  

You properly would not be able to see after you have done it 😎 

You might get away with some clever g-code. Perhaps purpose the heater supply to run the laser, and just set the temperature above/below ambient to fire it.

RE: adding a laser to mini?

@chillypenguin

Sight is so overrated.  

RE: adding a laser to mini?

Similar mods done to the mk3 use the parts fan Pwm speed control signal to control a pwm laser module. As long as whatever you use to generate gcode from your picture is set up correctly to output the correct gcode for that fan speed instead of the laser power you can in effect load a normal gcode file into the printer an hit print. The head moves around and the power is changed instead of the fan being controlled. 

However while it’s possible I agree with mr penguin that it’s not a sensible thing to do. There are no safety interlocks , the printer is not enclosed with laser blocking materials etc and all it takes is a fraction of a second inattention and you can damage your eyesight permanently. Even if you are careful someone could walk in and even reflected light can injure. Pet, spouses, children, all at risk.  The only way I would do it would be to use a camera and control it remotely in a blocked off room.  

RE: adding a laser to mini?

Just did this. added a 10w laser.  Putting together a video for it in the next week or so.

RE: adding a laser to mini?

@accounts-1 could you share with us how you did it? I added one to my Mini as well, but my laser is pulsing with the PWM signal's frequency if i try to set it lower than 100%...