Dekupeo Case Studies
3D Printing, CNC Milling and Laser Cutting for Beginners
If you're an advanced DIY enthusiast or a tech geek, you might be tempted to buy a 3D printer, CNC milling machine or a laser cutter. These tools are affordable nowadays and can open up a world of possibilities for creating custom parts, prototypes and artistic projects.
I like to say that 3D printer should be in every DIYer's household! Or CNC? Or a laser cutter? Where to start? It depends what you like to create, what kind of materials you like, how much you want to spend and how tolerant is your family (and neighbours sometimes).
Whichever tool you choose, it has some learning curve. Part of that learning curve is about the technology and HW, but sometimes it is more about the software and workflow. Dekupeo tries to make the software and workflow part as easy and intuitive as possible, so you can focus on creating and not on learning the software. It is designed to be a practical tool for production, so it guides you through the process of preparing your job, optimizing the layout, generating the G-code and running the machine. Unfortunately, not for 3D printing, but it can help a lot with laser cutting and CNC milling!
3D Printer
Principle
Most common 3D printers use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, where a thermoplastic filament is heated and extruded layer by layer to build a 3D object.
Materials
With 3D printer, you're limited to plastics. (OK, there are printers for metal, but not in DIY range.) To run a 3D printer, you need to buy filaments, which come in various types such as PLA, ABS, PETG and many more. For start, PLA is a good choice. Cheap, easy to use and does not smell bad. Second beginner choice is PETG, which is more durable and heat-resistant.
Environment
3D printers are not loud and are relatively safe to use indoors, so they can be used in a home or office environment without much concern. Just make sure to have proper ventilation when using certain filaments that may emit fumes, such as ABS or ASA.
Safety
3D printers are generally safe to use, just beware the hot nozzle and heated bed.
Cost
3D printers start from around $200. For $500-$1000 you can get a decent one. 1 kg of PLA filament costs $10-$30, depending on quality and brand. Nice thing about 3D printing is that you do not need any additional expensive tools, SW or materials to get started, just the printer and filament.
What can it do
Decorative items, stand-offs, motor holders, tool holders, workshop jigs... it's limited only by your imagination and the size of your printer. Also, the bigger, the longer it takes, so it is wise to start with smaller projects. If you combine prints with bolts and other hardware, you can create functional and durable assemblies for pennies.
Process
You start with a 3D model. There are online repositories where you can find models, but to unlock the full potential, learning to design your own models is highly recommended. Fusion 360 is a great tool for that, and it has a free license for hobbyists and students.
The 3D model is exported as an STL file, which is processed by slicing software (such as Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify3D) to generate the G-code for the printer.
Laser Cutter
Principle
Laser cutters use a high-powered laser beam to cut or engrave materials. There are different types of lasers, such as CO2, fiber and diode lasers. They differ in wavelength, power and the type of materials they can cut or engrave. In DIY segment, blue diode lasers are common.
Materials
Laser cutters can work with a wide range of materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, fabric and some plastics. They can cut even metals, but that is realm of industrial machines.
Environment
Laser cutters are silent (except for the cooling fans and some pulsed lasers). Their downside compared to 3D printers is that they produce fumes and require proper ventilation or filtration systems. So, they are better suited for workshops or dedicated spaces rather than living areas.
Safety
Laser cutters are more dangerous than 3D printers. It's given by their nature, because they need powerful laser to cut through materials. They can damage your eyes, skin, and even cause fires if not used properly. Always wear appropriate safety gear and follow safety guidelines.
Cost
The cost of laser cutters is comparable to 3D printers, starting from around $300 for entry-level models, with some decent options available around $500-$1000 and practically unlimited price for industrial machines. To run a laser cutter, you need to buy materials to cut which can vary widely in price depending on the type and quality. Unpleasant surprise is that many materials are sold in large sheets (e. g. 1.5x3 m) and it might be difficult or expensive to get smaller pieces for hobby use.
What can it do
Typically cut shapes out of flat materials. Nice feature is that it can engrave (draw) on the surface of the material with the same laser as used for cutting. To create 3D objects, flat pieces are often assembled together with notches, fingers, glue etc.
Process
Laser cutting workflow typically involves designing your parts in a vector graphics software (such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape or CorelDRAW),