Fwd: LaserOragami punches 3D Printing in the ear, cuts 3D objects

[Keith Mc]

A fascinating article, courtesy of Al B. on the GO-Tech elist:
"Hi-ya! LaserOragami Punches 3D Printing in the Ear, Cuts 3D Objects."
... http://solidsmack.com/3d-cad-technology/hi-ya-laseroragami-punches-3d-printing-in-the-ear-cuts-3d-objects/

Another way to do 3D printing... Uses a laser cutter, a "lift" to defocus and
allow localized softening instead of cutting, a servo to spin the material,
and gravity to fold it.

Procedure:
- Start with your primary cuts in a sheet of plastic via the laser normally, to make "tabs".
- A Z-lift drop plus fast scanning and laser modulation allows you to defocus
the laser cutter to locally heat and soften specific ZONES of the sheet plastic
instead of cutting it.
- As it softens, gravity (or gravity assisted by spinning the material via a servo)
causes precision folding of the material to the desired angle(s).
- Pause, to re-harden the current joint.
- Lastly, if necessary, you restore focus via the lift and separate the part from
the raw sheet via normal laser cuts.

The above article includes a short video showing the entire process of
fabbing several 3D objects.

This process allows complete 3D constructions to be made MUCH faster than
via either laser cutter "tab" assembly, or normal 3D additive printing methods.
It also gives you a continuous smooth piece, instead of tabbed articles to later glue.

The current version still shows open tabs where folds try to touch
(eg the card holder in the video). I can envision a number of simple
process upgrades to the rig, that would allow full welding of seams,
and combining of multiple parts. IMO that could complete the process,
turning a basic laser cutter into an EXTREMELY powerful 3D fabrication tool.

Example: Not shown but envisioned: "short tabs" - use the cutter to
define a large tab, whose weight then bends a softened joint.
Now spin and cut away the extra material from the large tab,
leaving a short bent tab.

Hybridize this rig with robot handlers, other additive & subtractive tech,
(and a few tricks to enhance and control the folding forces :-),
and you now have by far the closest thing I've seen to date to a
full blown, high speed fabricator for parts.

IMO this is a definitely tech with tremendous potential, and is
something to watch (or play with... :-).

- Keith Mc.