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Challenge:  3D printer/Router/Laser Cuter Multi system

e14 Contributor

Hi I am a big fan of this show and I whach it every week.

I have a cool idea wich I think you will like and the people who whach this will find it verry usefull.

 

Here is the idea :

The CNC Router, 3D printer and the Laser Cutter all use same 3 axis functions. I think it is possible to be made a multisystem with changeable 'head' for ane particular device but they will use the same 3 axis. This way will be saved money of buing a full set for any single machine. And when you need a router take  the router 'head' with high speed motor on it. If you need a Laser cutter plase the laser 'head' and same for the 3D printer.

If you want to make it a bit more advanced make it portable image

And if I wasnt only sixteen I would try to make it myself but i dont have the knowledge and the finances for such a big project.

So please tell me what you think about the idea.

 

And sorry for bad English im form Bulgaria.

  • There have been several requests for this, http://www.element14.com/community/message/65543#65543/l/re-show-ideaquestion-combined-3d-printer-cnc-router-laser-cutter .  I agree that it would be a cool device to have, but there are several problems that might prevent such a machine to be built.  In the link you will find a lot of resons why, but the biggest problem is the different needs by each device.

     

    A 3d printer and laser cutter both need speed but a router needs torque, and achiveing this could get costly, take up a lot of space, and not be the most efficient machine. 

     

    I still think that it would be cool, but I'd hate to spend all the money to get it to work.

  • in reply to evan.stoddard

    Here are a few more thoughts that I don't think have come up before, beds and control boards.

     

    CNC machines typically have a consumable bed that can be scratched and cut up because you need to go deep to ensure you go through the material fully.  Also they require you to clamp the material down good because of the lateral forces on it. 

     

    Laser cutters tend to have a honeycomb looking metal bed, probably for a combination of fume extraction and less susceptible to issues from having a power laser on it (heat/reflection). 

     

    Printers tend to have a hot bed which is used I think to help adhere the first layer as well as keep the product warm during the print so it doesn't warp.

     

    You'd have to mess with the beds as well as changing your tool whenever changing processes.


    Another issue is the electronics.  CNC machines and 3D printers tend to use their own independent control boards, each with independent firmware.  So either you use two different boards, switching them out, or you make your own hybrid board with all the features you need and make your own hybrid firmware.

     

    Figured I'd hit on those as I've thought of them lately.

  • in reply to colecago

    Check out Qu-bd.com.  They are working on a 3d printer/milling machine/digitizer.

  • I think it is a good idea an interchangeable beds would be a lot easier and cheaper than 3 machines. And the heads and motor can both change out it is all doable and i have been working on the idea for a bit the biggest trouble i have is the Drawing to Arduino. software.