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For all its promise, the 3-D printer is not perfect. Sure, it's great for creating prototypes or small personal items or parts, but it simply cannot do everything. Those who want to dive into design or embellish their DIY creations, or even use materials like leather, wood, or cloth need something more refined, more accurate and versatile. They need a laser cutter.
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Though Glowforge's abilities will be virtually identical to most laser cutters on the market, it sets itself apart by focusing on the average consumer. The Wi-Fi connected "3-D laser printer" (as the company calls it) will be compatible with a range of digital design software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and AutoCAD. (The less artsy among us can buy or download a design rather than mocking up their own.) After that, the process should be as easy as placing material on the bed, securing the top, and pressing a single button. If you try to open the machine while it's running, the laser will disengage before unlocking.The lasers can cut nearly anything up to ¼-inch thick, from paper and seaweed to wood and leather, except metal, glass, and stone, which it can only engrave.
Original Submission
(Score: 4, Informative) by WillAdams on Friday June 26 2015, @12:40PM
http://www.lasersaur.com/ [lasersaur.com]
http://www.instructables.com/id/MicroSlice-A-tiny-Arduino-laser-cutter/ [instructables.com]
http://www.buildlog.net/blog/2011/02/buildlog-net-2-x-laser/ [buildlog.net]
Or one can convert a CNC router:
http://jtechphotonics.com/?page_id=1100 [jtechphotonics.com]
http://robots-everywhere.com/re_site/purchase/l-cheapo/ [robots-everywhere.com]
(Score: 4, Informative) by richtopia on Friday June 26 2015, @03:01PM
I've been interested in purchasing a laser cutter, here is some of my research:
The lasersaur is a good example of how much the laser costs from raw materials (~8000USD). It is also a lot better than most (100W CO2 laser, while most hobby grade are 30~60W depending on price, and a large cutting table). I would be building one now if the software was a little more finished, as currently it has no built in raster engraving features. It also lacks a rotary upgrade.
If you look at Chinese lasers, they are quite inexpensive (first results on ebay and Amazon, you can find a tiny desktop model for ~600USD). If I were to buy a laser today, it would probably be from Rabbit Laser http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/ [rabbitlaserusa.com] which is a little more expensive but focused on supporting the American market.
More developed American companies have hobby grade lasers available, although I've heard mixed stories of great to nightmare for the products. Full Spectrum Laser sells a hobby laser http://fslaser.com/Products/Lasers#Hobby [fslaser.com] for roughly 4000USD. It appears they take the desktop Chinese laser and remove the controller, so they can drive it with their own software. I think the Epilog Zing competes directly here but I haven't done much research on that https://www.epiloglaser.com/products/zing-laser-series.htm#models. [epiloglaser.com]
I am a member at the Chandler Tech Shop, where they have three Universal Laser Systems lasers http://www.ulsinc.com/products/vls460/. [ulsinc.com] They are probably the most busy tools in the shop, and understandably. They are very user friendly, as you just press print.