I suspect one could build a CO2 at 20 - 80 watts for the $500 price range.
http://www.amazing1.com/burning-lasers.htmA 2 watt green laser might have somewhat interesting characteristics.
It would be slow enough to perhaps be easier to control. Green PCB
fiberglass might not be cut quite as easily by a green laser.
However, I agree, a mill seems to be a much better way to go. I'd not
want to be anywhere around a CO2 laser aimed at shiny copper.
Richard Holbert wrote: <
http://www.amazing1.com/burning-lasers.htm>
> docstein99 wrote:
>
>>> Imagine a CNC laser, where the laser was (1) capable of cutting
>>> through the fiberglass
>>>
>>>
>> That would be a CO2 laser, which is worth thousands of dollars - let
>> alone that cost of an x,y cnc positioning system.
>>
> An x,y plotter with an electrostatic discharge system to mill away the
> unwanted copper of a pcb might be more practical.
>
> Rick
>
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