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3d Printing       Laser Engraving & Cutting       CNC Wood      CNC Metal       CNC Plasma       CNC Water Jet     Designing Products  News



Laser Engraving & Cutting: The laser engraving and cutting discipline has evolved substantially in recent times. I stands to keep advancing with
advances in LED laser devices. It is now possible to cut wood up to nearly half an inch.
One can also cut paper, cardboard, opaque plastics, fabrics.  One can  etch many materials like stone, glass, metal, plastics, wood, tile. One can use the technology to help create printed circuit boards.
There are a host of materials that can be up-cycled.
Working with lasers is not for the inattentive. A dedicated sprinkled room is advised as well as an air scrubber or exhaust system.
Video

LED Lasers Most Accessible

CO2 Lasers Best for Cutting but are more involved to install requiring liquid cooling for the laser tube. Tube longevity can be an issue if operating above 80 pct.
 
Fiber Lasers Best for Metal Marking and Etching
As far as operating costs, fiber needs only about 1/3 the operating power compared to CO2  Under 6mm

Ender 3 with laser head allows for z axis control.
Could be adapted to existing laser frame.
https://hobbylasercutters.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/sculpfun-s9.jpg
90 Watt Effect LED Laser

3d Printing: This technology can be a bit of a learning curve. It is for the most part slow. Delta machines are the fastest. PETG is the material of choice for entry level functional parts. PLA is easiest to use and is the material that most get their first experience with.     Materials are general special order. Then materials run the gamut for pricing. From PLA to Conductive Plastics. There are possibilities to recycle plastics.
Engineering grade plastics demand can be printed on machines in the 300 dollar range.

Metal 3d printing machines are the  tip of the technology. A work around is lost pla casting.
There are also options for printing bio materials.
I suspect that there is huge potential in the area of medicine and dentistry.


Entry Level Delta Printer

Ender 3
Anycubic
Prusa

Comgrow

CNC Wood: CNC machines require a fair amount of maintenance. https://dzevsq2emy08i.cloudfront.net/paperclip/machine_kit_machine_kit_images/124/default/1000mm_X-Carve_2-5_Custom.png?1648666646
CNC Metal: CNC metal machines have  a somewhat substantial learning curve.

CNC Plasma: Produces the high value products. Some consumables.


CNC Water Jet:Can cut anything and produce the finest products. One of the more pricey technologies to first acquire.