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Unread 20-12-2015, 21:21
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z_beeblebrox z_beeblebrox is offline
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AKA: Cal
FRC #4183 (Bit Buckets)
Team Role: Alumni
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Rookie Year: 2012
Location: Cambridge MA
Posts: 811
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Re: Build-Season (Business) + Laser Cutter

My team has a Trotec Speedy 300 laser cutter in-house. It's a great machine and has revolutionized our build process (more on that in a second), but is likely pricey for an FRC team at >$25,000; if we had to purchase it ourselves, we'd probably look for a cheaper Chinese machine.

We've used the laser cutter extensively in the last two years, mostly for making robot parts from Baltic birch plywood. YMMV depending on what machine you get, but we've been able to get excellent precision (good enough for gearboxes and bearing press-fits) and turn-around times (<30min on the laser vs 1 week with our sheet metal sponsor). See some of the photos I've posted for examples of what we've used it for.

Be aware that substantial CAD expertise (and iteration with the machine) is required to make good use of the machine's capabilities and that maintenance can be expensive as the laser tube occasionally needs replacement.

I'm happy to answer any questions that the OP or others have about laser cutters or my team's process.
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2012 Utah Regional Rookie All-Star
2013 Phoenix Regional Judge's Award for "design process and prototyping"
2014 Hub City Regional Quality Award, Arizona Regional Excellence in Engineering Award
2015 Arizona East Regional Creativity Award, Winner
2016 Arizona North Regional Finalist, Arizona West Excellence in Engineering Award, Finalist
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