Market Survey- Laser Cut Wish List

[bclemens]

Greetings, all.

I am considering investing in a laser cutting outfit as a business venture. As an avid paper modeler, I see the potential to provide laser-cut accessories for paper models. I'd like to do some market research here to see what kind of potential might be in this...

What kind of things would you like to see available as laser-cut sheets that are not readily available now? Ship railings? Ladders? Tank tracks? Other generic things? Any input you can give would be most welcome!

Cheers!
Bruce

[logicman]

Disks!

Blank disks in various standard diameters & thicknesses, for laminating.

Maybe some standard spoke arrangements: 4,6,8,12 spokes?

Great for trains, cars, tanks, about everything really.

[bclemens]

Excellent! Yes, disks would be very handy and could be provided in assorted sizes and thickness. The spoke arrangements could extend out a ways and be easily trimmed and matched with laser-cut rims of various diameters to make wheels of assorted sizes- good idea, thanks!!

[Stev0]

Pretty much anything thin and difficult to cut by hand or requires repetitive cuts.

What about formers? Nothing like a perfectly shaped former. =)

[bclemens]

Hmmm...indeed. Then I'd have to buy all the popular models in order to design the formers Sounds good to me!

[cdavenport]

With a good scanner and file conversion software, you could scan the original and transfer files to the laser cutter.

BTW, all perfectly legal since you are selling accessories.

I can think of one use right off the bat...bulkheads for Digital Navy products. They may even be willing to work out a deal with you.

[Art Decko]

How finely can a laser cutter cut cardstock?

[bclemens]

The table-top models I'm looking at are spec'd to cut a 1/1000th inch kerf.

[dansls1]

I have yet to build any models using laser cut formers, although I have a couple in my stacks and they look like they will save some cutting time and blade usage.

I would think that tank tracks and ship railings would be the biggest sellers. That's based on most often seen requests for help and complaints about tedious builds.

Personally, the biggest accessory I want is clear canopies. I know there are DIY methods around, but it just doesn't excite me to even try. I know that strays from your request and capabilites with a laser cutter - but figured I'd throw my 2 cents in anyway

[shoki2000]

I have no problem providing you with formers for GreMir kits, just specify the format they should be in

[keith]

To go with the circles. I'd like to see some precision made card cogs of various sizes.

Just a thought, Hexagons and squares - for those table top gamers.

Whats the maximum thickness you can cut without it catching fire?
You could do some modular card parts like the old linka system for railways?

[SCEtoAux]

Ratlines for ship models would be useful.

[Stev0]

Originally Posted by bclemens

Hmmm...indeed. Then I'd have to buy all the popular models in order to design the formers Sounds good to me!

Originally Posted by shoki2000

I have no problem providing you with formers for GreMir kits, just specify the format they should be in

Also another idea would be to give someone a free set of lasers to whomever ships you a purchased model. They buy it online and have it shipped to your address and then you have the model for reference. You build a set of laser parts and ship it and the model to the customer.

A great way to get actual models to get the parts for free. Who would not want to have a set of free laser parts. No costs out of pocket beyond your design set and it's going to cost you anyhow to get a set of lasers created.

[David H]

Can you really just copy someone else's artwork for profit?

Surely it would be polite to get the agreement of kit's publisher as Michael has given above?

I would like to see hatch covers (waffle pattern) blocks and dead eyes for rigging. As I understand it you can control the depth of cutting too?

D

[bclemens]

Excellent ideas one and all! This is very encouraging. Michael, I think this kind of collaboration between fine model designers and a laser cutting operation could be a win-win-win (designer, customer, and me). Thanks.

David H, obviously working off of a designer's direct designs could only be done with permission such as Michael offered above- and I wouldn't have access to them otherwise. But there is no copyright infringement if someone works from the dimensions of a published kit to create an after-market accessory or enhancement. This would be the same as an automotive parts company making a bolt-on replacement carburetor...And I don't see why any kit designer would have a problem with a third-party creating enhancements that might cause someone to be more likely to buy his model. In any case, providing laser cut formers for a model for profit would not be providing an alternative to buying that model. Capitalizing on the popularity of someone else's creation is simply, well, Capitalism

Bruce