Laser CNC cutting/etching using a 3D printer?

[blueskydriver]

Hey Everyone,

The subject has come up recently about using 3D printers and laser CNC cutting/etching together. So, while doing some researching, I stumbled onto this video where a YouTube user did just that...check out his video!

https://youtu.be/cbDS_ba_6j0

John

[Joe Lavery]

The laser shown in that video has been around for some time now but it's a blue laser which is very low power.
The video that followed that one from Thomas Sandler is a lot more interesting because the machine seems a lot more useful than I thought possible. 
So it seems my original contention that a multi purpose machine was not viable was wrong.    8
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OmD4kwz3XV8

Joe

[blueskydriver]

Hey Joe,

I don't think you were wrong. It's not the best option when you look at having one machine to do it all. For example, if any of the stepper motors fail, all three uses of the machine are done. Whereas, with separate machines, one can fail and yet, you can still do work with the other two.

Of course you could always keep backup stepper motors...lol, but if it's not them, it'll be something else that would keep your 3 in 1 machine from working.

The "Murphy's Law" thing 

John

[Joe Lavery]

I agree John, I also think the all in one solution is restricted to the base size of the machine, for example my Laser will cut up to 500 x 300, and my CNC router goes up to 600 x 400. But you're right the only way I would consider it was if I was restricted to the space I had to work in.

Of course these multi purpose machines are aimed more at schools and universities where the space could be an issue.

Joe.