I strongly recommend printing these in PETG as you'll need the flexibility of the material to successfully wrap the cuff around the extruder motor. I designed a mount that attaches to the extruder motor of the MK3, which makes it possible to quickly swap between laser etching and printing without having to disassemble anything.Īttached you'll find the STL files and also the STEP file (editable in Fusion360), because more than likely you'll have to adjust the holes on the mounting plate to fit the holes on your laser module. I haven't tried any other wavelengths yet, but let me know if you do!

Most laser modules suitable for our kind of application are around the 400nm wavelength, meaning they emit blue or purple light. Lasers come in all sorts of wavelengths (i.e. It is possible to use a DC-DC step-down converter to make 12V out of the 24V but you'll have to run the wiring from the main board (if you're feeling inclined to go that route). Your MK3 runs on 24V and most laser modules run on 12V. You'll need an external power supply to power the module. This is the way your printer will be able to communicate with the module and tell it when to turn on and off.

Make sure the module has TTL capabilities. Sure, you can look directly at the beam, but there's also scattered laser light that might be harmful, so always take the proper precautions! I can't stress this enough. Always, ALWAYS wear your safety glasses while the laser is connected! Make sure that anyone else who's in the room with you wears them as well. Depending on what material you'll be etching, it's also advisable to properly ventilate the room and protect yourself from the smoke that will result from burning. If you're concerned about safety, putting on two (yes, 2) safety glasses will be safer for your eyes. Absolutely important to have proper safety glasses that are paired with the wavelength of the laser! If you get a 405nm laser, make sure the glasses are also rated for that wavelength. You'll need this amount of power to be able to burn wood and soft surfaces like leather, paper, cardboard etc. Depending on the model of laser module, you might need a pull-down resistor (more details in step 4). Get one and make sure you read through this Instructable while the laser is on its way to you. Look for something like this, or this, or even this / this. You can find these all over sites like eBay, Amazon, AliExpress, Banggood etc. First and foremost, you'll need a laser module.

Laser engraver anet a8