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More on the Versalaser

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

A random reader writes: "In an article at PCMag.com, Bill Machrone describes what has to be the coolest printer ever (or close to it). A company called Versalaser sells a printer which uses a laser and can cut/write on everything from paper to wood to stone. Available in 25-50 Watt models, starting at only US$10,000. Great for the geek who must have it all! Unfortunately, Windows drivers only at this time." We mentioned this wondertool before.

6 of 236 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Surely by Nutt · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Most likely it's because this tool would be able to make precise cuts at a very narrow diameter. From working with wood I know it's hard to get a perfect line 1/16" thick in a piece of wood. Same with stone I'm assuming. There's only so small you can go with mechanical tools. It also doesn't require cad/cam experience so people like landscape companies could etch their name into paving stones or things like that.

  2. Re:Surely by tsanth · · Score: 4, Insightful
    I really don't understand why the price is that high either...
    1. It's fairly unique.
    2. It's for a niche market.
    3. Supplies are limited (as in, one supplier makes it).
    I'm sure I missed something.
  3. Re:Surely by vpetersen · · Score: 4, Insightful

    What if you wanted to cut / print on two hundred stones plates (or tiles, glass sheets etc) and in larger volumes than a person can write, thousands a day, for several years? Surely, it's not worth $10,000 if you need just one printed item.

    I guess it's the same reason we use regular printers and digital storage and not 16th century monks manually re-writing bibles, one book a year.

    Unless I'm missing your point?

  4. Re:It had to be said... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Every time you're thinking "it has to be said," keep in mind that it probably already has been.

  5. 20 times more power at 3 times the cost by Chris+Y+Taylor · · Score: 3, Insightful

    For about $20,000 dollars more you can get a used 1kW industrial laser. It'll be powerful enough to cut 3/8" steel plate if you slow the feed rate down. Of course it takes up more room. And the operating costs will be a tad higher. But, it is just the thing for disposing of unwanted British spies.

    http://www.franeklaser.com/usedlasers.htm

  6. Re:It had to be said... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    No, it really didn't have to be said.

    This is simply pathetic.