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Desktop Laser Cutting/Engraving

Posted by michael on from the keep-remaining-fingers-out-of-the-equipment dept.

bwags writes "I ran across this VersaLaser desktop Laser Cutting and Engraving printer. I really do not know what I want to do with it, but you gotta admit it is cool. Maybe make some balsa wood airplanes. At only $10K, I want the purple one!"

10 of 147 comments (clear)

  1. Hmmm.. by pdbogen · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Not just wood, but a variety of materials, too..

    I wonder if it can fabricate keys. "Government Property - Do Not Duplicate," here I come.

    1. Re:Hmmm.. by roseblood · · Score: 5, Interesting

      This would be great for cutting out the internal structures for model aircraft. Do you know how many spars and struts are in a 1:24th scale model of an F-14?

      --
      There are lies, damned lies, and statistics.
    2. Re:Hmmm.. by ebuck · · Score: 2, Interesting

      When I worked for a univeristy that had such keys, we could never get them replicated. Well, that was until we put a piece of colored tape over the "warning" message and wrote the room number of the key on the tape.

      After that, there was never a problem.

  2. so... I wonder... by Drakin · · Score: 5, Interesting

    How many request for a free sample will VersaLaser be getting. (For those who haven't been to the site, they offer a free sample of material cut with the lazer)

    More junk to collect!

  3. PCB Routing by Gyorg_Lavode · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I wonder if these could be used as an inexpensive way of routing PCBs. It seems it would be more reliable way to make boards without using a drill bit which would definately be niced. They don't seem to mention it being usable on metals though.

    --
    I do security
  4. Try before you buy... by PontifexPrimus · · Score: 5, Interesting

    You could check here; they seem to have at least one laser cutter, plus several other 3d-fabricating machines. You can even submit your own CAD-files for jewelry, toys etc.

    --
    -- Language is a virus from outer space.
  5. Re:I don't think it requires replacement cartridge by wotan2525 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Actually they use a patented quick change co2 laser cartridge with a lifespan of ten to twelve THOUSAND hours of use. After that you trade it back in and get a new one at the cost of about $1500. www.usedlasers.com -- we sell these machines used. Thanks, rob

  6. erm.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    I wonder what would happen if I took the laser off they cutting table and used it freehand to cut.... other things... I'd like to see my cat chase that dot :)

  7. OOS it! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Come on hackers... somebody GPL a design so we can all roll our own with parts from radioshack!

    why spend $10k when you can spend $1k and built it yourself?

  8. Re:Calm down by ipsuid · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Licensing is via the CDRH (part of the FDA). According to the specifications for the printer:

    "Class 1 safety enclosure for CO2 laser beam. Class IIIa for red laser pointer."

    This means that the CO2 laser is fully enclosed when the cover is closed (which would be opaque to infared red) and the cover would have a interlock switch to turn off the laser when open.

    If the beam were exposed, then it would be a class IV device, require a key switch, and all kinds of other fun stuff.

    The best CO2 lasers can approach 30% efficiency, so the laser in this is definately less then 150W, most likely much less.

    100W for a CO2 laser is nothing... the big CO2 cutting lasers have light outputs in the kilowatts.

    --
    It appears Ockham lost his razor and grew a beard.