Laser as a secondary Head option

[flr09]

This is a feature request for a Version, Plugin or Macro in Super Slicer that modifies mostly existing options. With this Superslicer should generate Printable G-code, which is a partial repetition of generated Slices.

The request is based on an Idea of a Paper i found some time ago about priming deposited Layers with Laserlight for optimal Layer adhesion of FDM printed ABS parts.

for Printer:

• specifying the offset of the Laser on x/y
• specifying the focal distance to deposited Material/ buildplate

for Print:

• specifying the intensity of the Laser on inner and outer Perimeter and Infill
• specifying the speed on Perimeter on inner and outer Perimeter and Infill
• specifying traveled distance or ON time of laser until next material deposit to reduce overheating of the Model
• specifying the length of points to strokes and distance to each other
• specifying the hight above Platform, when first layers are lased

actually not important:

• specifying other pattern, like waves, zigzag, octagon
• overlapping
• galvo support
• several diodes support

How it should Work: The Paper purposed a red laser with about 500mW The Laser is hooked up to a Fan port on the motherboard and definded in the Printer config The Laser is fixed on the x Gantry and has a fixed distance to the Toolhead. The focus point of the laser should be similar or even to the extruder hight The Laser performs a path on every or every other Layer to melt the upper part of the last deposited layer. The Distance of the Lased Path should not exeed a defined amount, as the Material could cool down too much before the next Layer is deposited. The Laser could perform a dotted line or strokes in the middle of previous deposited Material for faster performace and to reduce upheating of material too much The Laser could perform a wavy pattern to reach into the corners of actual deposited Material for optimal layer bonding of e.g. inner and outer perimeter.

What there is to find out: how much powerper second is needed to soften the upper surface of semi cooled ABS Material is there any shrinkage or tension in the Material is there any warping is the material annealed? is it possible to use fans in ABS? is there any need for headed chamber while using laser? is it possible to print ABS material cooler and with more pressure

The printer, that uses a Laser fixture should have:

• Closed chamber with mechanical failsafe
• Window with red block (Green or Blue) Filter
• Ventilation

as this is my first request i hope you understood what I´m requesting. Maybe you´re on something similar or have an Idea how to hook up the Diode laser.

best,

chris

[tylerinpdx]

Tldr for anyone, prints layer with abs and goes over it a second time with a laser to melt it better. That is so freaking cool but also extremely complicated, maybe you can even use the laser to melt stringing