Back in June Glowforge touted itself as the Next Big Thing in 3D printing after raising $9M in series A venture money. They announced a laser cutting machine marketed for the home market, which would consist of a device about the size of a laser printer that would precision cut materials such as paper and leather, and said it would cost under $2,500. At the time of their first announcement they didn't look like they had anything more than an idea and a good sales pitch, but they've now announced that they've raised $28M in crowdsource money, which works out to something like 6000 units. They said they will start sending them out in December.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by VLM on Tuesday November 03 2015, @04:44PM
hey didn't look like they had anything more than an idea and a good sales pitch
On the bright side (LOL sorry pun) the R+D for a $2500 laser cutter won't cost much when the Chinese are currently shipping theoretically UL/CE/FDA approved laser cutters of that general capability and performance for $2000 or less. So purchase a $2K cutter, slap a $500 "I'm a cool startup" sticker on the box, and profits roll in?
(Score: 2) by richtopia on Wednesday November 04 2015, @12:09AM
DONE!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fsl/affordable-20x12-laser-cutter-engraver-assembled-i [kickstarter.com]
Admittedly, FSL is providing software and control on a laser almost identical to that 500 dollar laser on Amazon. Unfortunately, from what I've read these lasers still suck and the support rivals that of the Chinese lasers.