FAQ

FAQ: Your most common questions about the PiBurn finally answered!

• Should I buy the classic PiBurn or the PiBurn Grip?

  There are two styles of laser rotaries: Chuck and Roller styles.

  PiBurn Grip is a chuck-style rotary. PiBurn 4.0 is a roller. Here are the pros and cons of each.

  If you decide you need BOTH systems, you can build something called PiBurn Omni – an innovative multi-purpose rotary that has both Chuck and Roller systems! To build the Omni you must first purchase the PiBurn 4 roller and then the Grip addon Kit.

  Which one do I need?

  • I want to run simple straight tumblers that do not have a handle -> PiBurn 4.0
  • I want to run large batches of tumblers that are all the same -> PiBurn 4.0
  • I am starting out and am new to laser engraving with rotaries -> PiBurn 4.0
  • I want to ease into it, but still, have the opportunity to expand my repertoire later -> PiBurn 4.0
  • I want to be able to engrave odd-shaped items like pens, rings, and dog bowls -> PiBurn Grip
  • I am an advanced user and need the precision of a chuck for scoring -> PiBurn Grip
  • I want to do full wraps, and mugs with large handles and can’t tolerate any slipping at all -> PiBurn Grip
  • I want both, the ease and speed of a roller and the power and precision of a chuck -> PiBurn Omni
  • I want to be able to swap quickly between a roller system and a chuck system -> PiBurn Omni
  • I just want the very best and don’t mind paying a little extra for some functionality I will need in the future -> PiBurn Omni

  If I buy the PiBurn 4.0 now, can I add the Grip later?

  YES! In fact, this is a very popular path for people who are starting out with rotary work.

  Need more help to choose the right one? Read this.

• Are these the magnetic feet I ordered?

  We get this question very frequently.  Before sending a support request please make yourself familiar with following illustration:

  

  • If you choose magnetic feet during purchasing, your feet will be Pre-installed on your PiBurn. They are not included separately.
  • If your PiBurn has 3 feet, they are magnetic!
  • If your PiBurn feet have cork pads on the bottom – you have magnetic feet! Magnets are inside the feet.
  • If your feet can be rotated – they are magnetic feet!
  • If your PiBurn has only 2 feet (one in front and on the bottom) then you have simple non-magnetic feet. In this case if you ordered magnetic feet but got regular, please contact us and we’ll make it right!
• Why do PiBurns wired for some laser brands like Thunder cost more than others?

  PiBurns and PiBurn Grips wired for Thunder laser cost more to produce than most other brands.

  There are three reasons for this.

  1. Thunder Lasers use a more expensive motor called a hybrid servo motor that comes with its own driver. The motor on the PiBurn wired for Thunder is significantly more expensive than the simple stepper motors used by most other brands.
  2. The Servo motor cover is a custom-made aluminum covering that is cut just to protect the wiring on the Thunder servo motors. This is an additional part that needs to be manufactured, powder coated, and installed.
  3. The plug on Thunder lasers is proprietary to Thunder and is more expensive to source and wire.

  These three reasons significantly increase the cost of materials and labor to build the rotaries.

  Some of the cost is passed on the customer.

  But it’s so expensive!

  We understand. We are working very hard on bringing down the costs associated with the Thunder laser rotaries. The premium has decreased in the past 12 months. We think that in the future, we will be able to reduce the premium further, but it will unlikely ever be zero.

• Which laser brands are compatible with PiBurn and PiBurn Grip?

  We are always adding to our list of compatible brands.

  Plug and Play Compatible:

  Boss Laser, OMTech, Aeon Laser, Thunder Laser (+$100), Laguna, Koenig, Monport, TTP Sunray

  Compatible, but need to know the pinout for the plug and motor type:

  Most Fiber Lasers (add the Fiber mount),  Generic Chinese E-Bay lasers, Rabbit Laser, UV Lasers and CO2 Galvo Lasers

  Soon to be Compatible:

  XTool, Diode lasers

  Not Compatible:

  Universal, Trotec, Epilog

• Do you ship Internationally?

  Yes, we ship all over the world, BUT

  Import duties, customs, and all other charges imposed by your destination country are your responsibility.

  Please be aware that we do ship to Canada, Australia, most European countries and most countries in Asia, you are completely and solely responsible for the duties and fees imposed by your country on the shipment. Once the package leaves the US, the package is completely your responsibility. Please do the research upfront, as we will not be able to refund any charges imposed by your customs.

  But it’s so expensive!

  We know. In some cases, these fees really add up to change the whole value for you and your business. We understand, but currently cannot do anything to help lower the expense.

• What Plug Types are available?

  All Plugs Matter!

  When ordering a PiBurn or the PiBurn Grip you may be asked to choose the plug wiring unless you are ordering for a known laser brand.

  All plugs provided with the PiBurn are “aviator type,” as seen on the image below.

  The socket (on the left) is found on your laser machine. The plug (on the right) is what comes with PiBurn.

  

  f we are unfamiliar with your laser brand, we may need your help in choosing the correct wiring option.

  Here’s an explanation of the currently offered plug configurations that come Plug-n-Play compatible:

  • Boss (and Koenig):
    A 4 PIN aviation-style plug will work with all Boss CO2 Laser machines. So if you have one of these laser cutters, you are all set!
  • OM Tech
    PiBurns are compatible with OM Tech machines, just choose that brand during checkout for their standard wiring.
  • Thunder:
    For Thunder lasers, we will wire a 7 pin Plug and include a Thunder-compatible hybrid servo motor with a protective wire housing. Some older machines (2015 and prior) may use a 5-pin plug. Please check the plug connection before ordering. Note: Thunder PiBurns are more expensive to make and come at a premium.
  • Aeon:
    For Aeon lasers such as Mira or Nova we will wire a 6 PIN Aviation Style Plug for you. They will work out of the box, no worries!
  • Generic Chinese:
    This type of plug was tested with no-name 50W Blue and White Chinese laser from eBay. There’s no guarantee that your machine will be wired the same, but it’s a pretty good bet.
  • Custom:
    We will wire plug for you if you can provide a wiring schematic or send a note with your order about how your socket is wired (each connector is labeled 1 thru 4). If you do not have documentation with wiring diagram, it’s pretty easy to find out how your Y axis plug is wired into stepper driver (i.e. which wire goes to what terminal). For 3-phase driver, you’ll need to find out which wire goes to “V”, “U” and “W” marked terminals on Stepper Driver. For 2-phase, trace it to “A+”, “A-“, “B+”, “B-” terminals.

  

  Plug Pinouts:

  

  

  

  ou can also request a wire without plug attached.

  • If you wish to solder wires yourself, choose this option. Will will include a 4 pin plug  but it will not be soldered to the motor wires.  You will need to know how to solder and have soldering iron for this option, however soldering these plugs is very easy even for a beginner.
    Here’s Wire Color designation:
    • 2-Phase:
      • A+  BLACK
      • A- GREEN
      • B+ RED
      • B- WHITE
    • 3-Phase:
      • W: BLACK
      • U: GREEN
      • V: WHITE
• What kind of motor do I need?

  PiBurn uses Stepper Motors in Nema 23 sizes. These come in 2 phase and 3 phase types. Please don’t confuse these with electrical phases in your home, it has nothing to do with your home power or voltages.

  It’s very important to know type your laser machine can use. This should be same type of stepper motor as one that drives your Y gantry.

  Laser Manufacturer

  If you own a Boss Laser machine, look at your machine model.  All laser models LS-16xx and above use 3-phase motor. Anything below that (like LS-1420) is 2-phase.

  For Aeon Nova Lasers always choose 2-phase motor!

  Best part is that we KNOW what kind of motor is needed for many machine models. During ordering you will be asked to put your Laser Machine make and model. Even if you choose wrong type of motor we’ll know which one you need and will ship you correct type!

  Existing Motor Size

  

  Now if you have different laser, easiest way to tell if by looking at your Y axis motor.

  All motors sizes less than Nema 23 are 2 phase. Nema 23 motor’s front is 2.3″x2.3″ (or 57mm x 57mm). So if yours is smaller you have 2-phase motor. Otherwise continue identification process…

  Check for any labels on the motor that might tell it’s model number. Then search online to see if you can find out motor specs and how many phases it is.  No luck? Let’s take a look at

  Number of wires on connector

  Trace cable that’s coming of your Y axis motor to the plug. Check plug or socket (you might have to look from inside of the machine) to see how many wires it has.  3-phase stepper motor usually have 3 wires, sometimes 6.  2-phase will have 4 wires.  Still can’t tell?

  Check Stepper Driver

  

  Each stepper motor in your laser is connected to it’s own stepper driver. It should look something like on the picture above.

  There are 2 ways to tell if it’s 2-phase driver or 3-phase. If you can clearly see model number, search online and read it’s description.

  Alternatively take a look at “High Voltage” terminal block. If it has marking “U V W”, it’s a 3 phase driver and you’ll need 3-phase motor.

  If it has markings like “A+ A- B+ B-“, it’s a 2-phase driver and you’ll need 2 phase motor!

• Dimensions: Will the PiBurn Fit in my laser?

  

  

  The PiBurn V4 currently comes in three sizes lengthwise.  Standard is 564 mm (22.3 in), including motor, Short is 496 mm (19.5 in), including motor,  Mini is 397 (15.7 in), including motor. PiBurn Grip is 22mm (0.87 in) longer than V4.
  Great thing about PiBurn is that it can be easily cut to the required size because it’s base is made out of an aluminum extrusion beam that can be easily cut with any saw.

  If you ordering for Boss Laser, the following lengths will be selected for you :

  • For LS1416 Mini
  • For LS1420 Short
  • For LS1620 and above, Standard

  In most cases, you need to worry about height clearance from the bottom of the PiBurn rail to the top of the cup you are going to engrave.  And then, add focal distance from your laser nozzle to the top of the cup. For example, if you are engraving a 20 oz Polar Camel tumbler, you will need about 5.72″ inches from the bottom of your laser to the top of the cup plus another 8mm (in this case, it’s the distance from the Aeon Mira nozzle to object for 2″ lens) so you will need to have at least 6.1 inches clearance.  Many laser machines allow you to remove the honeycomb as well as blades/slats so you can place PiBurn on the laser floor/tray. This will give you maximum clearance.

  Feet Consideration

  Standard feet will provide maximum headroom, however if you opted for magnetic feet, that will add about 20.5 mm of height to the PiBurn. However magnetic feet can be completely folded up allowing you to have same clearance as standard feet! Drawing above shows PiBurn with Magnetic Feet.

• I have multiple lasers. Will the PiBurn work with all of them?

  Maybe!

  If you have several lasers that are compatible with the PiBurn, you may be able to use your rotary on all of them and swap from one machine to the next.

  This is true if all your machines are compatible AND if they all have the same motor type (all 2-phase or all 3-phase). A 2-phase motor is not going to be compatible with a 3-phase or a servo (Thunder) motor. So the motor type on your PiBurn must match the motor type on your laser rotary axis.

  If you have Aeon, Boss, Fiber lasers, OM Tech, and several other brands you may be in luck of having a swappable PiBurn.

  NOTE: You may need an adapter to be able to swap between machines that have the same motor phase but a different plug. For instance, if you have a PiBurn wired for an Aeon laser and want to use it on a Fiber laser you may purchase an adapter here.

  We also sell Galvo laser bed mounts that secure your PiBurn or Grip to any Fiber Laser, UV Laser or CO2 Galvo laser bed.

  

• Do I need to change my steps per rotation (pulses per rotation)?

  Not usually but in some cases, maybe!

  Once you get your PiBurn dialed in as per the manual on page 18, you will no longer need to change your steps for the same objects and even if you change the objects.

  NOTE: You may need to change steps if you are engraving an object with a narrow neck that is placed on the motorized wheels. Otherwise, your image will be stretched. 

  For the PiBurn grip, the situation is similar, you need to set your steps once but you will need to change the object diameter each time you engrave a new object.

  SECOND NOTE: You need to set your object diameter for any chuck rotary, not just the Grip, and do not forget to toggle the “Chuck” button in your settings.