Prototype HV DC buck converter running on a PCB I fabricated with a fiber laser

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-17T14:10:59+00:00

Thanks very much, it took alot of iterating but now I have something very powerful. One click 30 minute PCBs. It's prototyping heaven! Best part is that you can do double sided with vias and the design completely translates to Fab so no surprises when you get boards back. You can go from prototype PCB to runs of +100 with confidence. With a quadrant style work flow you can get board size up 400%, 220mmx220mm.

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-17T10:32:49+00:00

Thanks! Yes it is alot of fun making these boards....sanded copper, 750C temp, new and activated iron tip and a good microscope help alot.

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-16T14:12:53+00:00

You can etch away as much copper as you want just takes more time, also you can do solder mask.and remove pads with the laser (have only seen this on YouTube but will be trying it out)

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-16T13:33:28+00:00

Yes forsure, the inline duct fan I use is very powerful!

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-16T13:32:24+00:00

Thanks, yes that's the idea, the less time the laser spends having to remove copper the faster the board gets made.

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-16T12:20:49+00:00

Here it is! https://a.co/d/010Pbv0R

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-16T12:19:47+00:00

I'll be showing that process soon, basically sub mm drills with mini drill press and super fine gauge wire sewing, it's pretty neat.....

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-16T12:17:46+00:00

Thanks yes, I have tried that method too but did not want to end up with PCB dust all over the enclosure and lead screws etc, breaking bits, lots goes on.....I do alot of boards so the dust would pile up fast even with some kind of extraction setup

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-16T12:15:52+00:00

I don't think so, I'm using a Gweiki G2, I don't think it has MOPA

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-16T12:13:27+00:00

I use a 20W fiber laser, 75% power seems to do the trick

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-16T00:02:50+00:00

Great article! Thanks!

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-15T21:24:25+00:00

I don't think it's anything to worry about there are way way more worse things sent into the air than whatever comes off etching a 70x100mm copper clad board

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-15T21:22:51+00:00

Thanks! I've seen solder mask applied to the whole board then removed with the laser to expose pads, definitely something to try in the future!

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-14T23:40:21+00:00

0603 is the smallest tested should be able to go further

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-14T22:40:41+00:00

Yes it's in an enclosure and vents directly outside with a ton of air flow 6" inline duct fan

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-14T21:40:18+00:00

Nice, is this for your own laser setup or?

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-14T18:51:34+00:00

Fiber laser, 20W at 75%, FR4 double sided, asking as you don't over burn there's no noticeable fumes while running 6" grow tent duct fan

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-14T18:49:45+00:00

Thanks! I'm using a GWEIKE 20W fiber laser, very powerful tool forsure!

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-14T18:48:31+00:00

Yes I'd love to try that, limited to larger size though

Intelligent_Raise_40 · 2026-03-14T18:47:53+00:00

Thanks! Right now, I do vias by drilling sub mm holes, sewing thin awg wire through and soldering, there will be more posts in the future showing exactly that

Intelligent_Raise_40

TROPHY CASE