Summary
In this chapter, we have seen how we can turn our 3018 into a 2-in-1 laser cutter and CNC machine. Just as we added the ability to be a drag knife, our machine can be very versatile and cut a variety of materials using multiple methods. In the process of setting up the laser, we identified what laser toolhead we needed, determined a suitable mounting method, and added the components necessary to run the laser as an integral part of our 3018 machines. We also noted the software that we can use and looked at some example installations. Just as we can cut with a CNC on a fourth axis, we likewise can do the same with the laser. This means that our machine can really cut and engrave not only flat objects but also round ones. This means we now can engrave bottles, glasses, and anything else we desire. With a laser, we are not constrained to uniform surfaces since the laser will engrave or cut anything it can when it hits it. We have learned enough to allow us to build a larger machine...