Hello,
Got some bad news for ya, I'm afraid...
Using the laser IS done, but for setup only as the machine dynamics create too much movement and vibration for it to work during cutting(interferometry), and the reflective type you mention is no good at longer distances...
Next, cable drives have a long history, and are still used in the French equivalent of the "shopbot". In other words, I've found that most hobby cnc in any given country seems to be largely similar, and the French "version" of "hobby cnc" uses roller bearings on square shafts and flat surfaces, with cable drive...
(The early shopbots also had cable drive, but are now rack and pinion.)
Early plotters have cable drive as well, and there is a small 3axis pcb drill by milford instruments that uses it. BUT...
Cable drive is the least repeatable of many methods and gets worse over time and over long travels. The French "get it right" and do some of the necessary things to make it as good as it "can be". But it will never match chain, rack/pinion or screws.
Hope this helps,
Ballendo  |