Sun Cutter: Markus Kayser Creates Brilliant Solar-Powered Laser Cutter

This week Markus Kayser wowed us with his amazing <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-solar-powered-sinter-3d-printer-turns-desert-sand-into-glass/">Solar Sinter 3D printer</a>, so we were thrilled to learn that the designer has also created an ingenious sun-powered laser cutter. Dubbed the <a href="http://www.markuskayser.com/work/sun-cutter/">Sun Cutter</a>, the low-tech laser cutter harnesses the solar energy to create intricate industrial designs anywhere the sun shines.

The machine focuses a ball lens to cut pre-programmed shapes in paper, cardboard, and plywood up to 0.4mm thick.

Kayser has also incorporated pre-digital machinery by using a cam system to control the shape of the cut, which is set in motion by a small motor driving a timing belt.

The entire process is powered by solar energy.

Developed as part of the design products masters course at the <a href="http://www.rca.ac.uk/">Royal College of Art</a>, Kayser’s amazing work combines environmental consciousness and progressive design.

According to Kayser, the Sun Cutter creates “a juxtaposition between the machine-made, repetitive and individual, unique object.”

The solar-powered machine harnesses sunlight to power the cams.

Kayser's laser-cut sunglasses are cut from the same pattern, however each pair is unique.

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