Paul Ward is toying with the idea of making music rolls using a laser
beam.  I know nothing about the technology crucial to the success of
such a project, but at a guess would think that the function of the
laser beam is to burn holes in the blank cardboard.

If that is the case how is the burn to be limited to the desired spot
instead of spreading like a forest fire?   Both roll and machine could
be engulfed by the ensuing flames, to say nothing of the building in
which they are housed and the hapless machine operator.

John Farrell
http://homepages.tesco.net/~stridepiano/

 [ If combustion turned out to be a problem, the area around the
 [ cutting head could be bathed in carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas.
 [ These gasses are quite inexpensive and are not consumed by the
 [ process.  -- Jody