Personal Manufacturing Machines
Typology of Personal Manufacturing Machines
Desktop 3D Printers
Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman:
"3D printers use as an additive process, meaning they make objects by systematically depositing a chosen raw material in layers. Somewhat similar in concept to that of an inkjet printer that orchestrates different colored print cartridges to form an image onto paper, the most common household 3D printing process involves a “print head” that works with any material that can be extruded, or squirted through a nozzle. Another common type of 3D printer uses a laser beam or glue to selectively fuse powdered plastic, metal, or ceramic raw material in layers." (http://web.mae.cornell.edu/lipson/FactoryAtHome.pdf)
More at Desktop 3D Printers
Desktop CNC Routing and Milling Machines
Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman:
"more established than 3D printers are desktop-sized numerically controlled (CNC) routing and milling machines. These machines use a physical blade to cut and carve precise designs into a broad range of materials. Under the guidance of an electronic design blueprint, a rotating mill bit, sometimes called a cutter, is spun along by a motor called a router or spindle. As the electronic blueprint guides the cutter along x, y and z coordinates, the cutting tool makes multiple passes over the material to create perfectly carved engravings or shapes." (http://web.mae.cornell.edu/lipson/FactoryAtHome.pdf)
More at: Desktop CNC Routing and Milling Machines
Desktop Laser Cutters and Engravers
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)
More at: Desktop Laser Cutters and Engravers
Desktop Sewing and Embroidering Machines
Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman:
"Automated, personal-scale embroidery machines are already available in mainstream stores such as JoAnn Fabrics." (http://web.mae.cornell.edu/lipson/FactoryAtHome.pdf)
More at: Desktop Sewing and Embroidering Machines
Desktop Circuit Makers
Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman:
"PERSONAL CIRCUIT MAKERS FABRICATE MULTILAYER PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS ON YOUR DESKTOP, WITHOUT THE TRADITIONAL CHEMICAL-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES, EITHER BY MILLING OR SPRAYING CONDUCTIVE TRACES.
at-home manufacture of circuit boards is a rapidly emerging application for hobbyists and electronic designers.
Desktop circuit makers offer a clean alternative to traditional chemical-based processes, making them an appropriate tool for the classroom, lab or home." (http://web.mae.cornell.edu/lipson/FactoryAtHome.pdf)
More at: Desktop Circuit Makers