Toolchanger mixed laser and printing terraimaps and buildings
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I'm interested in mixing things. As an architect I'd like to produce architectural models tagged with information like signature, text labels etc. They could be produced by modelling and multicolor printing, but the laser is a simple way to do it. I wonder if it is possible to slice the model so that You get all in the same gcode file? Sometimes one text can be in different heights (terrain, slopes etc.), which makes things complicated. The toolchanger machine should print and carve many times.
I´m not expecting any detailed answer, rather is this method possible with toolchanger. -
@pertti
you'd need a post processing script that modifies the slicer gcode and adds the laser code. A laser needs data, a slicer can't produce.
Finding a program to engrave a complex 3D structure is another problem. I used to use inkscape with several plugins to engrave and cut, but that was in 2D.Last not least, engraving always produces dust. You have to find a way to clean the print before printing the next layer.
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@o_lampe
Good points! Need to configure a vacuum cleaner tool... -
@o_lampe said in Toolchanger mixed laser and printing terraimaps and buildings:
You have to find a way to clean the print before printing the next layer.
I took it to mean printing the full model and then going over it with the laser to engrave.
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@phaedrux
Maybe the laser doesn't have to work layer by layer, but you can't expect to engrave (traffic) signs in a street between fully printed skyscrapers. The focus of a laser allows (needs) a certain distance to the object, so angled engraving has to be done at the right time.