Article
 |
 |
|
Led Laser Etcher Engraver is the
simpler of all the technologies. The materials that are to be
processed can be acquired locally. Entry level is in the
under $300 range and the learning curve is weeks. Not to be discounted
is that there are dangers associated with operating a laser that can be
harmful to your person and belongings. Excellent Ventilation and non-flamable surroundings are warranted.
Lightburn.
|
 | Wood
Plastic
Bamboo
Slate
Glass
Anodized
Aluminum
Cardboard
|
CNC plasma
cutting can be operated as a job shop for local hobbyists or
businesses. Products that come out of plasma cutters are of high
mechanical ability. Entry level cost is in the two to four
thousand dollar
range. E-Machine Shop X-ometry There
are electrical noise issues with plasma making it more difficult
to set up. Consumables are less in need of replacement as often as CNC's
parts. CNC has a bit of a learning curve. You can download and emulator
software like CAMotics to facilitate learning your way around before
investing in a machine. Highly recomended as that you will be able to
tell in short order just how much machine you might be interested in
commaniding.
Plans
DIY Build
Use Cut 50L Low frequency Start
Amazon Version Known to Work
Ebay Version
Alternate CNC Rated
Samadre
Plasma Cutter for Table DC Non touch cuts to 1/4 clean 1/2A" max
|
 |
Steel
Aluminum
Stainless
Brass
Copper
Iron |
3d printing is
the next easiest requiring an initial investment in the same range but
the materials are not readily available and the learning curve to
enable to put out a marketable product requires substantially more time.
One can download files that are ready to go but it still generally
takes some dialing in before there is results that are marketable and
entry level machines are not capable of any substantial degree of
throughput necessitating printer farms which are generally occupied by
higher end machines of increased reliability. |
 | ABS
TPU
PLA
Nylon
PETG
|
CNC Milling can
produce high precision parts of robust mechanical cability. Long
learning curve and high maintenance relative to other forms of desktop
manufacturing. There are
Services that offer the capability to the desktop mfg. entrepreneur
that can help with proving a design concept without investing
thousands. There are entry level machines but the cost of having a
service company provide a finished product often undermines the validity
of doing it in house. Software can be pricey if not stand alone and
using Sketchup or Easel to output gcode into a stand alone interface
such as the MKS DLC32. To test
files prior to running on a machine it is wise to run them on an
emulator first. Not needing a PC and Linux CNC E.... or Mach.
Drip Controller.
Ebay DNC Drip
Combination Laser and CNC machines are available that are interesting
for folks doing small pcbs and laser etching of small parts such
as business cards. DIY
|
 | Aluminum
Brass
PCB
Acrylic
|
| Water Jet WAZER ~$8000 |
 |
|
| This Klutch® Mini Milling
Machine is a cast iron milling machine that runs vibration free for
smooth operation. The 1/2 HP, 110V variable-speed motor with a 2-speed
gearbox delivers 350 Watt power. Milling head and column tilts to 45°
left or right for added versatility. ETL listed. , Horsepower: 0.5,
Chuck Size (in.): 1/2, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 20 1/2 x 20 1/16 x 29
15/16, Drilling Capacity (in.): 1/2, Light Included: No, Speed (RPM):
Variable, Stand Included: No, Volts: 110, Worktable L x W (in.): 3 5/8 x
15 3/8, 360° Head Swivel: No |
 |
|
Motion Control
CNC lends itself to motion control for Robotics and Movie Making. We have developed software
for generating files to control and position lighting and cameras.
|
|
|
Scanning Photogrammetry and Reverse engineering.
Goes hand in hand with motion control.
|
|
|