Articles

LensDigital announcement We are delighted to announce that we are now working with FiltraBox to help distribute their filters in the US! We have long loved our FiltraBox Micro as it performed wonderfully through the years of testing the VertiGo with all its prototypes. Now we run it for production! The FiltraBox Micro pairs perfectly we with the VertiGo and, more importantly the makers of FiltraBox, PAT technologies are aligned with our vision of serving the maker community and helping makers succeed!   From FiltraBox: We Refine Air, They Revolutionize Engraving: LensDigital Becomes Filtrabox Distributor We're excited to announce a partnership that brings together two companies dedicated to maker success and continuous innovation. LensDigital has officially signed on as a distributor for Filtrabox by PAT Technology fume extraction systems, creating a powerful synergy between air purification excellence and cutting-edge laser engraving solutions. A Partnership Built on Shared Innovation This partnership makes perfect sense. LensDigital is the maker of the world-famous PiBurn rotary attachments. Now they're revolutionizing the industry again with VertiGo™—the world's first vertical laser engraver designed specifically around a rotary. Just like PAT Technology, LensDigital believes in putting customers above profits, quality above hype, and community above ourselves. We share a creative passion with our customers and take pride in helping them succeed—values that align perfectly with our mission of refining air since 1998. What's Next This partnership represents more than distribution—it's about empowering the maker community with complete solutions from companies that never stop improving. When you purchase Filtrabox systems through LensDigital, you're getting them from people who understand the evolving landscape of laser engraving, from traditional horizontal setups to revolutionary vertical systems. Whether you're using a PiBurn rotary on your existing laser, planning your next steps with the groundbreaking VertiGo vertical system, or running any laser setup, small or large, proper fume extraction isn't optional—it's essential for safe, productive operation. Because clean air and revolutionary engraving technology shouldn't be separate considerations—they should work together seamlessly. Learn more about Filtrabox fume extraction systems through info@lensdigital.com - LensDigital, or contact PAT Technology directly at +1 888-655-8455 or info@pattechnology.com.

Get a POP out of your engravings by inverting the image: Invert Images like a Pro with this simple guide! Engrave on Tumblers with this simple step-by-step guide. Video included. 

Is the World Ready for a Vertical Laser? What’s the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the term laser engraver? Probably a large bulky machine resembling a refrigerator on its side. They are powerful, capable jacks of all trades and have given thousands of families and small businesses a way to make consistent revenues. At the same time, they are huge, difficult to transport, set up and operate. And, if you really think about it, engraving has been stuck in the same horizontal lane much too long. This is especially true for cylindrical engraving like tumblers, mugs, and bottles – or those items that were designed to stand upright not lay flat down. Makers have had to bend, twist, jig, tweak, dial in the rotary, and adjust steps, just to engrave a simple tumbler. Sure, the PiBurn rotaries make the process much easier, but what if it were easier still? What if engraving didn’t have to fight gravity? What if gravity actually helped? And what if the laser and the rotary were ONE DEVICE? VertiGo from LensDigital and OneLaser is the answer to these questions. It is the world’s first vertical laser and the first with a built-in rotary. No more complicated setups. Just place your cup, bottle, urn, or bucket upright, lock it in and let gravity and the laser do the rest. The PiBurn Grip2 powers the whole process with a self-centering jaw designs that eliminates all guess work. Makers spoke out. We Engineered. From hundreds of interviews with high-volume tumbler engravers (including those clearing $100K+ annually), we kept hearing the same pain points: Setting up a rotary takes too long each time. Taking the honeycomb and blades out breaks rhythm. Most lasers can’t handle oversized or weirdly shaped items. They do not fit. They do not want to be laying down. We invented VertiGo to fix all of that. Why It Works: 1. Gravity makes setup easier.VertiGo flips the game by going vertical. Instead of trying to secure something sideways, let the object stand upright naturally. Gravity does the stabilizing, the chuck jaw self-centers the object, and you get perfect alignment every time. Just push the button to engrave perfectly each time. 2. Built for fast, mobile, and high-margin workflows.At markets and events, the real money comes from on-the-spot engraving. It needs to be fast, clean, and portable. VertiGo was made for this. It sets up in minutes, fits on a countertop, and turns curious shoppers into customers in seconds. You do not need a chiller or water cooler as the 38 Watt RF tube is fan-cooled. 3. One machine, endless possibilities.Tumblers make up over 25% of most engravers’ income, but that’s just the start. VertiGo’s innovative design means you can engrave tall bottles, buckets, huge dog bowls, anything that stands up. No hacks or workarounds. Just plop it in, tighten the Grip and engrave. 4. No more fiddling with fixtures.For the first time, the rotary is not an add-on—it’s the heart of the machine. VertiGo combines PiBurn’s industry-leading Grip 2 rotary with OneLaser’s built-in autofocus and firmware tuned for rotary jobs. You get speed, simplicity, and reliability in one unit. 5. Smarter workflows are hereOur goal was to make VertiGo the easiest way to engrave anything that wants to stand upright. Makers who tried it became instant believers. There is only one problem with this machine. Once you engrave a tumbler upright, you’ll never want to fight gravity again. Built Different by Design with a Partnership that Makes Sense. VertiGo is the result of a deep collaboration between LensDigital, creators of the PiBurn, and ONELASER, a U.S.-based laser engineering firm that doesn’t outsource innovation. In fact, they helped design the product in the US. From the first sketch in 2022 to the production-ready prototype in 2025, we’ve made design decisions to improve the user experience for makers, not cut corners, because that’s how you build something truly new and valuable. The VertiGo Verdict Laser engraving is overdue for a new form factor. One that works with gravity, not against it. With VertiGo, gravity becomes your ally. Portability becomes another profit channel. And every tumbler becomes a canvas for your creative outlet, breaking down the barriers of complexity and confusion. You ready to go vertical?  VertiGo ™ — Engrave Upright. Learn more at lensdigital.com/vertigo-laser Back the KickStarter and be the first to engrave upright: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lensdigital/vertigo-the-vertical-laser-engraver

One of the most common questions we get is:  “I bought a PiBurn rotary for my [Brand A] laser — will it work with my [Brand B] laser?”  Or sometimes: “Can I just get an adapter to make it work with a different machine?” The answer is: it depends — both on the PiBurn model you have and the type of laser machine you're using. Understanding Motor Types We currently use three types of motors: 1. Two-Phase Stepper Motors The most common and cross-compatible type. Many laser brands use these motors, including: Boss Laser LS-1420 Aeon OneLaser OMTech Generic Chinese CO2 lasers Galvo lasers (fiber, CO2 galvo, UV) While connectors may differ, the motor type remains the same, allowing us to typically provide an adapter for easy cross-compatibility. Tip: While these are similar in appearance to 3-phase motors, they will have a minimum of 4 pins on the plug and will have a model name that starts with "57CM" 2. Three-Phase Stepper Motors Less common but used by: Boss Laser (models above LS-1420) Laguna Certain AP Laser models If your PiBurn rotary and new laser both have 3-phase motors, we can usually offer an adapter. However, a rotary with a 2-phase motor cannot be used on a 3-phase laser without replacing the motor.  Tip: 3-Phase Motor might look just like a 2-Phase motor and even have the same type of plug (usually 4 or 3-pin) ! Look for a sticker on the motor that has a model number. If it starts with "573S".  Note: Motor replacement isn't possible on all PiBurn models (see below). 3. Hybrid Servo Motors (Closed-Loop Steppers) Exclusive to Thunder Laser machines. These motors have built-in drivers, offering precision and higher cost but no compatibility with other laser types. A PiBurn rotary originally designed for 2-phase motors (e.g., OMTech) cannot be adapted for Thunder lasers without motor replacement, and only certain PiBurn models allow this. Can Your PiBurn Motor Be Swapped? Motor Swapping Supported (and what's involved): PiBurn V3, V4, and V (Roller Type): Replace the original motor Guide belt through pulley system (particularly PiBurn V) Adjust belt tension PiBurn Grip 2 (Chuck Type): Partial disassembly New motor installation and wiring Motor Swapping Not Supported: Original PiBurn Grip 1: Not designed for motor replacement Wait, what about Piburn OMNI 1? OMNI is a combination of Roller and Grip, so in Original OMNI, you'll be able to replace the motor on the roller side but not on the Grip side. Motors, Adapters, and Cables So, I have a compatible motor, will I need an adapter? Probably not, unless your laser port has a different number of pins, a different type of socket, or is wired differently. We also offer a variety of cable adapters and extension cables to assist in adapting your PiBurn to different laser brands and setups. Quick Compatibility Guide   Your PiBurn Has... Your New Laser Has... What You Need 2-Phase Motor 2-Phase Motor Adapter (or most likely it will work without one) 2-Phase Motor 3-Phase Motor Motor swap (if supported) 2-Phase Motor Closed-Loop Motor (Thunder) Motor swap (if supported) 3-Phase Motor 3-Phase Motor Adapter (or most likely it will work without one) Other combinations Incompatible motor Usually not possible   Still Not Sure? Contact us with your current PiBurn model and the laser you want to use. We're here to help you ensure your rotary attachment setup is optimized and functional across your equipment!  

  Plan Your Laser Business with Our Laser Engraver Profit and ROI Calculator   Are you considering a large investment in a laser engraver? Some cost over $20,000, but people are saying they pay off! Will it work for you? Before you take the plunge, planning your business and understanding your potential returns is key. Our Laser Engraver ROI Calculator is a free interactive tool designed to help you determine whether a laser investment is the right move for YOU.   We have two ROI calculators: One for the PiBurn Rotary (If you already have a laser) and one for a laser (If you are considering getting one)   How the Laser Profit and ROI Calculator Works   The Laser Engraver ROI Calculator simplifies your investment decision with an easy-to-use interface. Here’s what it does:   Collects Essential Data:   The calculator starts by gathering vital information such as the cost of your laser engraver, operating expenses, and how much time you are planning on running the machine.       2. Add Projects. Then you add projects that you will be doing for customers, give your best estimates. You can add up to five different projects with customizable details on material costs and final sale price.     3. Calculates Profits and ROI:It computes both monthly and annual profits by factoring in material costs, labor, setup, and production time. Then, it determines your ROI period by calculating how many months it will take to pay off your machine. With this data, you can easily gauge the financial viability of your laser engraver purchase, and estimate how many items you'll need to sell to hit your monthly goals.         As you know, adding a rotary can be a profitable idea for your laser business. We also built this handy Rotary ROI calculator to help you plan.    

One of the most common questions we receive from makers and engravers is: What’s the difference between a chuck laser rotary and a roller laser rotary attachment—and which one should you choose for your CO2 laser engraving machine? So, which laser rotary should you get? This is a critical question when selecting the best laser rotary solution for your engraving projects. Whether you’re working on tumblers, mugs, or other cylindrical items, understanding the subtle differences between these laser rotary attachments can help you achieve flawless results. Many professionals actually keep both types on hand to maximize versatility for engraving a wide range of objects. What Is a Laser Rotary Attachment? A laser rotary attachment is a specialized accessory for your CO2 laser machine. It rotates cylindrical objects—such as drinkware, tumblers, and even unconventional items like baseball bats—so the laser can engrave them line by line. Unlike flat-surface engraving, which uses two-axis movement, a laser rotary spins the object to enable precision engraving on curved surfaces. Both chuck and roller laser rotary attachments are designed to secure your object inside the laser, connecting to a dedicated rotary port or the Y-axis controller. The Chuck Laser Rotary Attachment The chuck laser rotary attachment (also known as the jaw chuck) uses a robust metal clamping system, similar to what you’d see on a drill, to firmly hold your cup or mug as it rotates. This attachment allows for versatile positioning of the jaws—either on the inside or outside of the object—to leave ample engraving space. Benefits of the Chuck Laser Rotary: Heavy-Duty Handling: Capable of managing heavier objects, especially when paired with a back support system. Precision Techniques: Ideal for advanced engraving techniques such as crosshatching and scoring, where the rotary moves back and forth. Versatility on Small Items: Works well with smaller objects, like pens, ensuring a secure hold. Reliable Stability: Prevents walking or slipping even when dealing with heavy handles. Flexible Clamping: Can grip objects from both the inside and outside, and even handle non-cylindrical items that a roller attachment might struggle with. High-Speed Framing: Allows for higher framing speeds since the object remains firmly in place. Drawbacks of the Chuck Laser Rotary: Tool Requirement: Needs an Allen wrench (chuck key) to adjust the jaws. Bulkiness: Its size may reduce clearance, particularly in smaller laser machines. Adjustment Hassles: Often requires multiple adjustments for uneven objects due to fixed jaw angles. Risk with Delicate Materials: The powerful jaws can damage fragile glass if over-tightened. Higher Cost: The specialized chuck jaw can be expensive, adding to the overall cost. Diameter Settings: Requires manual adjustments for different cup diameters, potentially slowing down your workflow. UPDATE: Our innovative PiBurn Grip2 has been designed to eliminate many of these drawbacks, providing a more efficient and user-friendly chuck laser rotary attachment for your CO2 laser machine.   The Roller Laser Rotary Attachment The roller laser rotary attachment operates on friction, using a motorized wheel to rotate the object. This attachment is highly popular for engraving tumblers, mugs, and wine glasses because of its simplicity and ease of use. However, achieving the right friction is essential—especially when engraving objects with unbalanced weight distribution, such as mugs with heavy handles. High-quality roller laser rotary systems, like our PiBurn V series, include an adjustable metal clamp to increase friction, ensuring that even challenging objects rotate perfectly during the engraving process. Benefits of the Roller Laser Rotary: Versatile Engraving: Perfect for a variety of drinkware—including cups, mugs, wine glasses, and tumblers with handles (when equipped with a clamp). Gentle on Materials: Minimizes the risk of damaging your delicate drinkware. User-Friendly: Fewer moving parts make it an excellent choice for beginners. Adjustable Setup: Premium models offer adjustable height settings, keeping your object level with the laser even on tapered surfaces. Consistent Performance: Once calibrated, you won’t need to change diameter settings for each new object. Compact Design: Its low-profile build allows you to work with larger objects, even on smaller laser machines. Quick Swaps: Efficiently swap objects to boost productivity in high-volume laser rotary engraving projects. Drawbacks of the Roller Laser Rotary: Speed Limitations: Relying on friction means you need to slow down during framing and acceleration to prevent slippage. Heavy Object Challenges: Extremely heavy or complex items can be tricky to manage. Seam Issues: Minor slips can result in seams on full-wrap designs. One-Way Rotation: The roller attachment typically rotates in one direction, making certain techniques like crosshatching unfeasible. Potential for Walking: Objects may shift horizontally, causing skewed designs. However, advanced models like the PiBurn include adjustable stoppers to counteract this issue. Choosing the Right Laser Rotary for Your Projects For those who want the best of both worlds, very few laser rotary attachments offer both chuck and roller systems in one unit. The PiBurn Omni, available at Lensdigital.com, is a powerful solution that integrates the advantages of both designs. Whether you’re engraving tumblers, mugs, or other cylindrical objects, understanding these laser rotary attachments’ unique features is key to optimizing your CO2 laser engraving machine. Use this guide to determine which attachment—chuck or roller—is best suited for your projects, and explore advanced options like the PiBurn series for a seamless engraving experience. We hope you find this laser rotary guide helpful. Share it with fellow makers who are venturing into laser engraving, and let us know your thoughts on the roller vs. chuck debate in the comments below! Interested in learning how you can profit from your laser rotary skills? Keep reading for more expert insights on monetizing your laser engraving projects. Need more help deciding? Read this next!  

We have published our 2025 report on the personalization industry! Access the FREE E-Book (Or breeze through the highlights above, use your left and right keys to navigate) Q1 2025 finds the laser engraving industry on an exciting growth path, with personalization firmly entrenched in consumer culture and technology making customized production more efficient than ever. For U.S. small businesses, this is a prime time to ride the wave of demand for custom engraved products. By focusing on the top trends – such as the explosion in personalized drinkware and home goods, and the push for sustainable, meaningful purchases – entrepreneurs can align their offerings with what customers want most. The data shows a healthy market with rising revenues and plenty of room for newcomers and specialists. In review, the highest-performing product categories (like tumblers, gifts, and décor) should be central to your inventory, complemented by seasonal and niche items that can set you apart. Implementing the best strategies discussed – from multi-channel sales and savvy digital marketing to workflow optimizations – will position your business to capture more orders and scale up profitably. Remember that customers are willing to pay for quality and uniqueness, so delivering excellent customized products with a personal touch is a recipe for success. The competitive analysis reveals that even in the face of big-name competitors, small businesses are carving out significant market share by being creative, customer-centric, and agile. The laser engraving industry in 2025 is a level playing field in many respects – with modest investment and ingenuity, a one-person operation can compete nationally through online marketplaces and succeed by fulfilling the ever-growing variety of personalization requests consumers have. In summary, armed with these Q1 2025 insights, a small business owner in laser engraving should feel confident in planning the year ahead. The market indicators are positive consumer enthusiasm is high, and by focusing on trend-driven products and strategic business practices, you can aim to make 2025 a year of substantial growth for your laser engraving venture. Stay innovative, stay attuned to your customers, and your business can etch out its own place in this flourishing industry. Enjoy the 2025 report and share it with anyone who can benefit from jumping on these trends! READ THE FULL E-BOOK -LensDigital

The PiBurn can be wired for any laser. But what if you already have a PiBurn wired for a laser and now are buying another laser? This cross-compatibility chart helps you identify when and if you can use your rotary on multiple machines. *Boss Lasers - Only Smaller machines - 14xx. The larger LS1630 + lasers will not be compatible * Aeon - Will require an adapter *Thunder - Not compatible with other brands  

Wondering where to point that powerful beam of yours this year? We've sifted through the latest stats and trends so you don't have to—because let's face it, you've already got your hands full! Here's what's hot right now in the world of laser engraving, along with some quick stats to guide your hustle and get more bang for your laser buck: 1. Personalized Gifts are Booming — Custom engraving is bigger than ever. Etsy saw a 33% spike in searches for personalized laser-engraved items over the past year alone. Tumblers, custom cutting boards, personalized ornaments, and even family-name signs are huge sellers. Open an Etsy storefront if you haven't already. Focus on client service and get those reviews to accumulate. Laser rotary attachments, like the popular PiBurn, can help you take advantage of the booming demand for customized tumblers and cylindrical gifts—definitely worth checking out to level up your engraving game! 2. Sustainable Products are Trending 🌿 — Eco-conscious consumers are eager for sustainable, unique items. Recent data shows a 40% rise in searches for eco-friendly gifts. Consider engraving items made of bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood. Cute wooden bookmarks, bamboo utensil sets engraved with mom-friendly slogans, or cork coasters with witty messages are perfect eco-friendly products. 3. Weddings are Back—and Bigger Than Ever 💍 — After years of scaled-down celebrations, weddings are fully back with big budgets and bigger expectations. Etsy's wedding category alone grew by more than 45% year-over-year. Stand out with laser-engraved wedding favors, personalized bridal party gifts, custom cake toppers, or even engraved wine glasses—another perfect reason to invest in a quality laser rotary like the PiBurn to handle glassware elegantly. 🎥 Watch on TikTok: @thehopeyoder 4. Pet Lovers Unite! 🐾 — Personalized pet products remain paw-sitively popular. Searches for engraved pet tags jumped by 25% last year alone. Pet memorial plaques and custom-engraved pet treat jars also resonate deeply with pet parents, combining emotional appeal with practical value. Pet bowls are extremely popular and can be engraved with a pet’s name and pawprints on the PiBurn Grip2. 5. Local & Small Business Love is Real ❤️ — Consumers are increasingly shopping small because small is beautiful. According to Shopify, 60% now actively seek out and prefer buying from local businesses over large corporations. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are your best friends here—share your behind-the-scenes stories, showcase your engraving process, and highlight your mom-run business to attract customers who genuinely love supporting small businesses. Use that tailwind to your advantage. Industry Growth & Direction 📈 — The laser engraving market for small businesses is projected to grow significantly—expected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2027. This growth is fueled by increased consumer demand for personalized products and advancements in laser technology, making it easier and faster than ever to produce stunning custom items. There is a large gap left by public companies who do not fill all the personalization needs of customers. Investing in versatile tools like laser rotaries (did we mention the PiBurn yet?) is a smart move to stay ahead and tap into emerging markets like customized drinkware and cylindrical product personalization. So, laser in on these trending niches, sharpen your marketing, and LASER ON, MOMS! Happy engraving! 🚀✨ Looking for more stats & trends to take advantage of? See our E-Book on the Top Trends in Personalization for 2025