Matthew (mirage335) Hines
As a generic multi-tool CNC platform, almost anything is possible, and the design is scalable to unlimited dimensions. However, one unique benefit is the ability to correct deficiencies in one fabrication process with another. This machine could switch between CNC milling the build platform, FDM extruding a base object, flattening layers by milling, coloring by inkjet, and laser trimming, all in one job.
Complete PCB fabrication at high-resolution (<6 mils) is also a high priority, backed by photolithography production work ( http://wiki.hacdc.org/index.php/Category:Photolithography_PCB_Fab ) . Personal VLSI foundry (microchip/ASIC and optoelectronic prototyping/manufacturing) capabilities are also likely, based on projection lithography and inkjet tools.
Platform design complete, awaiting construction. Additionally, a compatible platform is under construction atop HacDC's 8'*4' optical table.
Fully open-source, GPLv3 license preferred.
Please also check out (and consider voting for) fellow HacDC member Julia Longtin's successful aluminum-casting-for-everyone project. Not all metal objects can be cheaply CNC milled (eg. turbine blades), and her project brings such rocket science to casual hobbyists. Should either of us win, HacDC capabilities and R&D will progress much more quickly.
dechemist
Dhananjay
FabLab München
However, stresses depend upon what is being milled, and the milling bit diameter. The milling function is primarily expected to be used primarily for high-precision trimming (small bits), table smoothing (easily milled MDF), and leveling 3D printed layers. Other functions on the machine, especially photolithography exposure and processing, make precision a priority.