Etching copper PCB with 405 nm or 445 nm laser

[Hiemal]

Well, so...

I might be getting a 3D printer this christmas. And I can 3d print a head attachment that allows me to use a laser head, to make it into a laser engraver as well.

My question, is it possible to etch away copper PCB's using the more high powered lasers, or is that really only possible with CO2 level power/wavelength?

If not, I can always use permanent marker and use a violet laser to etch away the marker, and make the PCB that way, but removing the middleman in that equation would make a lot more sense you know?

 

[diachi]

You can use black paint or photoresist end either etch the paint off with the laser or cure the photoresist with the laser. Then use normal chemical methods of etching.

Direct etching requires quite a bit more power than those methods.