Machine — Minerva Machinery · 2017
I designed and built the Minerva laser cutter in 2017 to help produce the models for my master’s thesis — the laser cutting area offered by the University of Pretoria was far too small. It also let me earn additional funds while studying, laser cutting for fellow students.
The Minerva laser cutter eventually became part of my startup, which produced parts for 3D printers — printers used to produce professional architectural models for architecture companies and exhibitions.
It is constructed from standardised aluminium profiles and connectors, custom 3D-printed components, an 80 W CO2 laser tube with its power supply, NEMA steppers and Wantai stepper drivers. The cutting area is 2100×1600 mm, with a motorised bed for height adjustment to set the laser focal position for materials of different thicknesses.
