Glowforge is now taking pre-orders for its 3D laser printer.The 3D laser printer isn't really a printer per se, but is more precisely a laser cutter that can cut through materials like plastic and leather. A real 3D printer, by contrast, builds upon material objects.

"The Glowforge turns everyone into a micro-manufacturer. Things are being created exactly for what's needed and when they're needed, domestically, on-the-spot,"saidDan Shapiro, CEO and creator of Glowforge in an interview with The Next Web. "It's just-in-time fabrication as well as creating beautiful things out of lovely materials that are actually going to last."

Glowforge raised $9 million in Series A funding from Foundry Group, True Ventures and a number of other companies earlier this year. The company's goal was to build a cheap, small laser cutter that can offer the quality of professional laser cutters.

The new printer uses subtractive technology to achieve the proper depth and precision. Glowforge was able to use it to create a number of different objects – such as lamp shades and frames for drones – in a matter of minutes. All the printer needs is an uploaded design and for the user to put in the material needed to make the object.

Another big advantage to Glowforge's new printer is the price. Professional laser cutters can cost tens of thousands of dollars, though more affordable models range between $3,000 and $5,000. Gowforge's laser cutter only costs $1,995.

Another interesting thing about the new device is that it can derive designs from software like Adobe's Photoshop or Illustrator — or even a simple drawing. Users don't need complex CAD software to create things with the printer.

The Glowforge printer is at the helm of the maker movement, with the company envisioning products that could be sold on websites like Etsy and eBay.

Users simply have to choose a project and place their material inside the cutter, and the device will produce a 3D scan of the material. Users can then preview and make adjustments to the design on their computer.

The printer opens for pre-order starting Thursday, September 24. Users can pre-order it for another 30 days, after which it will go on sale for $3,995, double the pre-order price.

Via:TheNextWeb