I got a little excited about seeing all the 3D printers at the Detroit Maker Faire. I realized that I could probably adapt my laser to be able to work as a dual use machine.
I need to do a little more research, but I think the only new parts I would need would be the extruder head and the extruder controller. The rest of the parts are probably already in the laser. It all runs on G-Code with some special commands for the extruder. Several people have alread done this to their CNC mills. They are often called RepStraps. They are typically run though EMC2, but Mach3 could probably be adapted to work.
The concept is this: I would make a quick release 3d printer carriage that rides on the gantry just to the left of the current laser mirror/lens carriage. It would connect the the current carriage to provide X motion. It would be heavier, so the speed would be slower, but 3D printing does not require much speed. It would be disconnected and removed for laser work. It could even be stored on the gantry to the extreme left if you don't mind the reduced X travel. the left side would keep it out of the laser beam.
I think the only big modification to my machine would be in the Z axis. Right now it is not too stable in the X/Y axes while moving up or down. It relies on the straightness of the threaded shafts which are less than perfect. Has a visible wobble when moving. I think I will change to some sort of ridged support. I am thinking about a wide central v-rail system. It might still be powered by by the threaded shafts but they would not be able to move it.
Am I missing something? Is this a viable concept?
If I persue it, I'll probably start a separate buildlog for it.