Desktop Laser Cutters and Engravers
Description
Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman:
"laser cutters and engravers use
intense, focused beams of light to
cut out shapes and engrave images
onto a wide variety of materials.
Laser machines can produce
images, text or designs in an
amazing level of detail and
precision. Laser cutters are
versatile and can cut a range of
materials from wood to plastics to
leather, and can etch or engrave
metals, glass and ceramics. Their
versatility, speed and precision
make them ideal machines for
small businesses to create design
prototypes and customized consumer products. Beyond engraving, one of the most
common uses of home-scale laser cutters is to precisely cut parts out of a sheet of
acrylic or wood. These parts can be assembled by hand into complex, 3D products."
(http://web.mae.cornell.edu/lipson/FactoryAtHome.pdf)