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Experience combining 3D printing with laser? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 1 month ago by to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world
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Anyone have any experience with this?
Strongly considering adding a xTool F2 Ultra UV to the hobby, but it’s quite costly and I’m unsure if I’d use it enough to justify it.
Any other laser experience also appreciated

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[–] 3 points 1 month ago (18 children)

I've been considering the same as I'd love to be able to engrave labels into my prints, but have held off so far because I've heard less than great things about xTool's serviceability, repairability, and warranty. Not that I'm remotely qualified to do DIY work on high powered laser components, but I'm sure as hell not about to drop several grand on a machine only to have a random part break and be left with a paperweight.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 month ago (16 children)

    If all you want to do is engrave plastic, look at the the cheap diode lasers. They'll easily engrave plastic. Make sure you ventilate the area, and be very cautious about the lasers. They will blind you instantly.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 month ago* (10 children)

    Oh that's perfect! I'd need to do more than a 10 minute skim (since Creality kinda sucks), but something like the Creality Falcon A1C looks like something much more my speed (and budget).

    Thank you!

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  • [–] 2 points 1 month ago (2 children)

    Is there something that laser engraving prints brings that debossing in the slicer won't do?

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    I guess both yes and no.
    A UV laser can literally print high resolution images to a print. I think it would make great gifts, engraving photos onto thin sheets and printing a nice frame to it.

    Otherwise I’d probably use it equally much for metals, glass and wood

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  • [–] 1 point 1 month ago (4 children)

    Read this before please https://blazexlaser.com/blogs/news/hazardous-materials-to-avoid-in-laser-engraving-pvc-and-other-toxic-substances-safety-guide

    You can absolutely kill your self engraving the wrong material.

    Look at the xtool m2, it comes with a air filtration system and also can print onto engravings

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 month ago (3 children)

    Good advice.
    I have a full exhaust setup that sucks everything outside, but it’s good to be extra cautious with these things

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  • [–] 2 points 1 month ago (2 children)

    Even with an exhaust setup, pvc creates chlorine gas which only takes a little breathing in to kill you. Filter plus exhaust

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 month ago (1 child)

    Duly noted.
    I’ll stick with PLA/PETG only if I get a laser.

    Much obliged!

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  • [–] 2 points 1 month ago

    No worries! Laser engraving is fun, but it doesn’t burn through stuff so much as vaporizes it, most home hobbyist level companies don’t do a good job of warning you of the dangers. PVC = Chlorine Gas and ABS = Cyanide gas are good rules of thumb

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  • [–] 1 point 1 month ago

    I have a two trees tts-55pro, its cheaper, but no enclosure.

    I would strongly recommend not relying on the enclosure anyway though, and make sure the glasses are actually capable.

    I tested my glasses by putting them between the laser and a sheet of paper, and ran the laser at full power. If the paper is clean, its a good sign. Does mean my glasses have a big burn on the lens in front of my pupil though :D

    I start my jobs and get as far away as possible, just to be safe.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 month ago (4 children)

    Considered this, but the glass and metal part makes UV a better fit for our needs.
    Otherwise I’d prefer diode, price and selection wise

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  • [–] 2 points 1 month ago (3 children)

    You can engrave glass with a laser diode, only catch is that you have to paint it first. I got some $2 washable acrylic paint from a craft shop and it worked great. And easily washed off afterwards.

    Not sure if that can be replicated for metal though, but im definitely curious to try now.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 1 month ago (2 children)

    That is neat, did not know that.

    I know a fiber beats a UV for metal any day, but UV seems to be the best all-rounder for anything engraving. And those k9 crystals look bloody cool too!

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