adding a laser to extruder assembly?
Hello!
I wish to add a laser to the extruder-assembly of my prusa i3 plus 1.75mm (for engraving wood, etc.).
As a noob, I see two options - anybody with greater experience care to suggest which path is possible &/or better?
OPTION 1: http://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=2438 describes a modification procedure of their product for a lulzbot -- which seems closest to a prusa i3, in choice of a rambo-brain.
Will this process translate over to my prusa? jtech highjack-overload a fan control-line, in order to control their laser. They recompile the lulzbot firmware with a constant removed. They say they use "M106/107" commands - noobish question: is that gcode to control the fan?
OPTION 2: http://www.amazon.com/Copper-445nm-Module-X-Drive-405-G-2/dp/B00HFHPPQ0 contains a raw laser with description of "Input Voltage 6V-8.4V Driver Output Current 1800mA Driver Current Draw 1.4A +/- 0.5A Power Output 1.9W-2.2W Driver Type Constant Current"
Could this product work, with a similar fan-control-line highjack technique? Or if laser-input is too demanding for fan control-lines, perhaps, would the extruder power-lines be configurable to use for supply of laser's voltage & current (using some other M___ commands)?
OPTION 1 or OPTION 2? Or something completely different?
Thank you for your thoughts on this matter,
Phil
Re: adding a laser to extruder assembly?
Hi Phillip
I don't think a fan output will be able to drive a laser, but the E-motor output should be able to. The maximum current that can be set for a motor output within the RAMBo is (I believe) about 2 Amps (or it may be 1.5 - can't remember...); the voltage will have to take care of itself but will be a maximum of 12V.
Good news is that current limits are set within firmware, so it should be to code analogWrite on pin 44 for current control (subject to maximum values)
Bad news is that with current limiting, there is no voltage control, so you will always get the maximum power output.
Personally, I think it would be rather complex and time consuming with the potential to damage the motherboard, so I would simply buy a laser engraver from BangGood and get an A3 model.
Peter
Please note: I do not have any affiliation with Prusa Research. Any advices given are offered in good faith. It is your responsibility to ensure that by following my advice you do not suffer or cause injury, damage…
Re: adding a laser to extruder assembly?
Nice idea Phillip. Unfortunately I can't help you with your question but have you seen this laser cutter/engraver?
http://3dpburner.blogspot.com/
3D printable parts and seems to turn out some impressive results. I think I'll go down this route once I make some space on my desk. As Peter said though, the machines on Banggood have always seems good value/tempting.
Ben