The desktop selective laser sintering (SLS) machine is one design asset that I would love to own.  At the current time there are no machines (affordable) on the market to fill this need.  So as any good Maker would do I am working on building my own.  The project started with research and development of two types of laser scan heads.  A traditional galvanometer scanner design and a more budget and build friendly stepper design.  Both scan heads are design to work with a 20watt CO2 laser and be controlled through custom software. 

 

The traditional galvanometer type scan head has yet to be tested due to the software learning curve I am working though.  However I have had some very positive results with the stepper scanner design. (see below)

 

Due to the complexity of the process, materials and mechanics there are many areas needing further development.  However the project is off to a great start and through further research, testing and prototyping refined solutions will start to emerge.  What an exciting time to be a designer!