I haven’t removed mine, so I can’t comment on the overall process. I will say that it does not look like it can be removed/replaced without removing the top left and right covers. When @dan cautioned people to not disassemble their units because it would screw the alignment up, I asked about how that impacted tube replacement. I didn’t get an answer.
That’s one goal, though another is to allow it to be compatible and still work with GF’s cloud. It also could run it’s own web interface, like LaserWeb.
Other goals include:
- Fully open source - you can change the hardware and software as you like. (Glowforge’s lack of respect for the Open Source community is the direct reason that I ceased work on firmware for their factory control board.)
- Flexible processor choice. I designed it to use the Boundary Devices Nitrogen6X System on Module family. You can choose how much horsepower you want from a single core up to the quad core. Plus they have builtin connectors for a full color display.
- Much better stepper drivers. It uses Trinamic TMC2130-LA drivers. They are 256 microstep beasts that have a ton of features to explore.
- Auxiliary I/O. 16 fully programmable GPIO’s, and Bluetooth to allow you to connect whatever your heart desires. Limit switches, rotary axis, filter, booster fans, external chiller, etc…
This batch was from Seeed Studio’s Fusion PCB service. Next round, I’m going to give OSH Park a try.