The June 2005 issue of Discover magazine, page 81, has a description
of a new laser cutting tool. The laser can cut through inches of wood
and can etch metal and stone. It’s a 25-watt carbon dioxide laser.
It can be connected to a computer through a USB port. It costs
$9,995. The cost is way beyond most of our budgets but I will bet
there are some facilities that could do great things with the tool.
According to the article, images can be sent to the laser via a
computer and USB port. It can cut a line as narrow as five-thousands
of an inch wide. It can cut up to a quarter inch of wood and can
cut or engrave plastic, fabric, leather, glass, ceramic, stone,
rubber and chocolate or cheese.