Where Do I Go From Here? - 3D Printing: Build your Own 3D Printer and Print your own 3D Objects - page 204

er two technologies. But it is dropping. Ten years ago a laser cutter would have
cost you well over $100,000, but today you can find hobbyist versions for under
$10,000. There are even “build your own” versions, such as the one from buildy-
ourcnc.com shown in Figure 11.4 , that you can grab for less than $2,000.
Figure 11.4 This laser cutter was made from a kit.
Laser cutter special software is also needed to control laser cutters, so you'll typ-
ically get this software when you purchase the cutter. You should also be aware
that the laser tube that comes inside a laser cutter must eventually be replaced; it's
a consumable item, meaning that it has only so many hours of usage. Be certain to
inquire not only about the laser tube's expected life before making any purchase
of a laser cutter but also about the replacement tube cost.