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Challenge: 3Dprint/CNC/laser-combo

tikkeldebikkel

Hi Ben,

 

Do you think it would be possible (using your knowledge and experience) to build a machine with exchangeable heads, so it can be a printer, a CNC-router and a laser cutter all in one? Using the same stepper-motors and perhaps printrboard, and so on...

 

The reason I'm asking, is because I think in the end it would be cost-effective and it would save space.

On the other hand would it be necessary to have access to such tools to even be able to build such a machine. Or do you think the lot of us could use a specific kit to start with and mod it to a combo?

 

Hope you are willing to accept the challenge!!

 

Grtz,

Pascal

  • Sorry,

     

    the forum just presented me some related topics. Seems that speed vs. torque is a real issue.

    Still would be willing to give up some quality, since it would be mostly for fun and experimenting. Also not fully satisfied with the anwer yet, though... convinced that there is a totally different solution instead of bearings and belts. Something totally innovative, combining best of both worlds...

    Will keep on surfing.

  • I have been working on a similar project myself,for the past several years.3DPrinting is an additive process and LASER modelling is a subtractive process. Both are ways to process raw materials into manufactured goods that can be sold. ONE builds a better mousetrap to sell for the highest price.

  • A laser/3D printer combo makes the most sense since they're both based off speed. They both use belts.

     

    A CNC mill is much slower and requires torque to cut through material, thus drive screws / rack & pinion make more sense.

  • in reply to benheck

    Also a CNC mill makes a ton of mess, you certainly don't want stuff gunking up your laser optics, so laser/printer combo makes more sense in that regard as well.

  • in reply to Former Member

    subtractive in the sense of removal of the substrate. Yes! the laser could serve as a smoothing vehicle to eliminate things such as acetone smoothing of product.

    and of course,more accurate around sensitive areas.

    Great Idea!!!

  • in reply to Former Member

    Having grown up in a "Tool&Diemaking" family...I have a different tilt on the way I see things? Subtractive in the sense of taking a cube of metal,on a direct-drive motor turntable,3 head lasers to cut,system boards that I have patents pending and my licensed copy of AutoDesk Inventor and REVIT to cut a finished product or part[s](such as gears for a hi-speed gearbox.)In regard to Ben Heckendorn's comment,I do not consider "belts" to be the best bet for mechanical devices;especially for nominal efficacy.I have built my own machine shop:started with a wooden lathe-great wheel on a treadle powered in order to build my first metal machine lathe. Since then,I have added and greatly improved upon those nebulous machines!