Grad Student Invents Cheap Laser Cutter 137
Posted
by
samzenpus
from the frugal-cutting dept.
from the frugal-cutting dept.
An anonymous reader writes "Peter Jansen, a PhD student and member of the RepRap community, has constructed a working prototype of an inexpensive table-top laser cutter built out of old CD/DVD drives as an offshoot of his efforts to design an under $200 open-source Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printer. Where traditional laser cutters use powerful, fixed-focus beams, this new technique dynamically adjusts the focal point of the laser using a reciprocating motion similar to a reciprocating saw, allowing a far less powerful and inexpensive laser diode to be used. The technique is currently limited to cutting black materials to a depth of only a few millimeters, but should still be useful and enabling for Makers and other crafters. The end-goal is to create a hybrid inexpensive 3D printer that can be easily reconfigured for 2D laser cutting, providing powerful making tools to the desktop."
Dual Use? (Score:4, Funny)
The end-goal is to create a hybrid inexpensive 3D printer that can be easily reconfigured for 2D laser cutting, providing powerful making tools to the desktop
3D printer and a laser cutter? I'm no office machine expert but I don't think I want a printer capable of transforming into a laser cutter ... I've seen the Twilight Zone and this doesn't end well.
It will never sell. (Score:5, Funny)
Interesting note (Score:5, Funny)
His roommate's PhD project is the inexpensive cloning of sharks.
I'm not sure I like where this is headed.
Re:It will never sell. (Score:5, Funny)
Why would anyone want to cut a laser?
So it'll fit better on small sharks?
Where can we get cheap sharks to go with this? (Score:3, Funny)
Where can we get cheap sharks to go with this?
Re:Member of RepRap? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Member of RepRap? (Score:3, Funny)
I'll be impressed (Score:2, Funny)
when the thing can cut through the fruitcake I got last Christmas
Re:Dual Use? (Score:3, Funny)
I'm no office machine expert but I don't think I want a printer capable of transforming into a laser cutter
Not is Michael Bay is involved, anyway...
Re:It will never sell. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:I was not aware what RepRap was (Score:5, Funny)
I'm afraid your only choices are zero or infinite self-replicating replicators.
Re:It will never sell. (Score:4, Funny)
Re:As opposed to doers? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:MOAR POWER! (Score:5, Funny)
I'm going to be up front and honest and tell you "I don't know".
Ok, that's it. Please hand in your Slashdot ID on the way out...not knowing something is one thing, but actually admitting it?
Shame on you sir, shame on you.
Re:ahem (Score:1, Funny)
Re:It will never sell. (Score:1, Funny)
lasers...sharks
Another dumbtard geek/nerd meme that just refuses to die. Damn you Mike Myers!
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not on male sharks (Score:3, Funny)
The "smaller" the shark, the bigger the laser. Same as American males drive really big cars. It is called "compensating".