Hybrid CNC RP that's do-it-yourselfable

While you're looking at self-build CNC systems, here's a cool link
http://www.sellbic.com/eng/col38.html
from a Japanese company that combines what they call 'injection
welding' and CNC machining. Their 'injection welding' concept allows
many polymers to be chosen and the follow-up CNC shape truing by
milling, provides accuracy. It's charming because (a) it is economical
of material compared with regular SRP and (b) as a hybrid
additive/subtractive process you can get the best features of both
worlds, such as wide material selection, close dimension and great
surface finish. I also like (c) the hollow object capability.

I understand other companies are working in similar fields, at least
one of them dispensing photopolymerizable paste rather than hot
polymer, before CNC mill finishing. Frankly, I prefer the hot polymer
idea because the materials are 'real world' and widely available. The
same site shows some tiny extrusion cylinders for micro plastics
dispensing.

This is the kind of technology that could certainly couple a
micro-extruder to a CNC mill and is do-it-yourselfable.

Mark
www.fourth-axis.com