What do you guys think of this project?
I saw that on one of 3ders site.
My first thought is it really seems weird an established Chinese 3d printer company would launch a new product on kickstarter. Are they hurting for money or just doing what they others doing . Saving a buck by using the customers money ? do not know what to make of it.
CTC is not really what I would cal a premiere brand. Flashforge has a much better reputation. But must admit the price point of the CTC vs flashforge is very appealing.
My opinion of multi use multiple duty machines is not high.
CTC makes a decent 3d printer and very value priced so this machine is a 3d printer.
As a mill I expect the milling head to put out mouse power and the cutter diameter to be limited to 1/8 diameter. the materials limited to plastic wood and foam. Z height of milling will be limited to 3/4 of an inch that is about the limit of stick out on a 1/8 carbide cutter. IMHO more of an engraver than a mill so ok for engraving . In fairness more of mini or micro router /engraver.
Lazer will be limited to engraving and cutting paper. Real lasers use mirrors to direct the beam due to the length of a laser with any real power 30 40 watts for a hobby laser. that will cut 1/4 in wood. A $500 hobby laser has a 8 x 12 bed . so small bed very limited power.
The down side of 3 in one machines of any type. 1 increased set up time you have to convert the machine for each use.
and if you have 3 machines you can run all 3 at one if you want . And if a 3 in 1 breaks you have no machine working idf you have separate machines and 1 is down you can still use the other 2. And possibly make parts to fix the broken 1 .
SO if this machine is say $1500 i would say not worth it since one can buy a 3d printer , cnc tabletop router and laser cutter engraver for$500-$600 each depending on exact model and where you buy it from . And you have 3 separate single purpose machines that run independently.
The only real advantage to a 3 in 1 machine is it save bench /desk space.
The other problem is dust and smoke unless there is a system in place to remove the dust and smoke from the machine you will have maintenance problems, impaired quality in the 3d prints due to dust residue and possible health issues.
Laser normally come with exhaust fan and duct. and a router will need housekeeping dust collectors added.
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