Laser cutting

3-D printers are an exciting technology, but another hot new tool may have just as significant of an impact in real-world projects.
Laser cutters were invented almost 50 years ago, but only became part of the home workshop in the past few years. It is a technology that uses a laser to cut materials, and is typically used for industrial manufacturing applications. Laser cutting works by directing the output of a high-power laser, by computer, at the material to be cut.
If makers want to experiment with creative ideas that need to be produced with engineering-grade plastics, wood, leather, metal, or even food, laser cutters are often the only appropriate tool.

objects 05-06' surface studies by daniel widrig (laser cut paper)

http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/downloading-designs-generatorx-20.html#13894745301981&action=collapse_widget&id=8860336

SLICE / CHAIR PLYWOOD, Mathias Bengtsson

http://www.bengtssondesign.com/

algorithmic pattern laser cut into metal from ouno design.

http://blog.ounodesign.com/

 

Last year, I had an experience with the laser cutting at our university. Two times I've turned to this technique if the first time I did it successfully, then the second time was a failed. For the first project, I used a piece of wood and i  I burnt out a map of places where I was doing the project. The second project I used thick paper, but even that did not help because my drawing was too small and complex, so it all crumbled.