The Art of Laser Rotary Engraving: Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Image credit: 307 Cups

Tumblers are HOT right now! This is why you should look into getting a laser rotary for your laser engraver if you haven’t already. Laser rotary engraving opens up a world of possibilities for customizing cylindrical objects like tumblers, bottles, and glassware. We have a great blog series on how makers just like you make a niche for themselves, while making a living from selling tumblers on Etsy and the like. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve exceptional results and sell professional looking drinkware into all sorts of new markets.

This guide will walk you through the basics of laser rotary engraving, provide tips and tricks, and include a step-by-step tutorial on getting started with LightBurn (a great laser software), focusing on engraving a tumbler.

Getting Started with Laser Rotary Engraving

Tools You Need:

  1. Laser Engraving Machine: You need a laser! Ensure your laser engraving machine is compatible with rotary attachments, ask the sales rep or their support if in doubt. Here are some of our partners – check out their machines, they are all compatible with the PiBurn rotary. Boss, Aeon, OMtech, Thunder Laser Canada, Laguna Tools. PRO TIP. Get a CO2 machine to be able to engrave on the vast majority of tumblers. This is by far the most versatile laser variety for your rotary laser engraivng. It works by lasering the powder coating right off! Get a Fiber machine for stainless steel tumblers and a UV marking machine for glass.
  2. Laser Rotary Attachment: PiBurn Grip or Roller are excellent choices for holding cylindrical objects securely and rotating them while your laser engraves. Find out which one is right for you. 
  3. Software: LightBurn is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. It is compatible with all the machines listed above. Beware of machines that are not compatible with LightBurn! Usually not a great sign.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Laser Rotary Attachment

1. Initial Assembly and Unboxing of the PiBurn Laser Rotary

Your PiBurn comes with a nifty “Thank you” card that has a link to the manual. Read it! The Manual is your friend.

  • PiBurn Grip: Unbox the Grip and mount the Grip head on the bracket (see the included instructions card). This is EASY and takes less than one minute. Make sure not to lose any of the jaws and tools included in the box.
  • PiBurn V4: No assembly is required. If your machine has a dedicated rotary port, plug it in. If not, disconnect the Y-axis motor and connect the rotary attachment in its place.

2. Things to keep in mind for setup

  • Object Diameter: For the Grip: You will need to measure the diameter of your engraving object (e.g., tumbler). For PiBurn V4 – use 62mm for the diameter of the wheels. Remember for chuck rotaries like the Grip, the diameter of the object needs to be entered each time.
  • Steps Per Rotation: You will have to determine the steps per rotation for your specific machine. Common values are listed in the PiBurn manual. For unlisted machines, check the stepper driver settings.

3. Configuring LightBurn Software for Your Laser Rotary Attachment

  • Open LightBurn and start a new project. Go to Rotary Setup (Ctrl+Shift+R).
  • Change Rotary Type to “Chuck” for the Grip or “Roller” for the PiBurn V4.
  • Enable the rotary attachment. You will come back to these settings later after we dial in the rotary and get the diameter of the object.

Engraving a Tumbler: A Quick Tutorial

1. Prepare Your Tumbler

  • Measure and note the diameter of the tumbler if you ae using the Grip.
  • Clean the tumbler surface to prep for engraving. Be sure that your tumbler has a powder coat, stainless steel tumblers should not be engraved on a CO2 laser, but rather on a Fiber laser.

2. Set Up Your PiBurn Rotary Attachment

  • Place the PiBurn on the laser bed. If using magnetic feet, ensure they are secure.
  • Grip: Insert the tumbler into the grip jaws. Make sure its snug and not slipping. You might want to use the included lever tools for leverage. Adjust the height and tilt for even alignment.
  • PiBurn: Secure the tumbler with the clamp, ensuring it is centered and level. Use the back stopper to prevent any walking during the engrave.
  • Make sure your rotary is aligned to the gantry of the laser, otherwise your images will look skewed.

3. Finish Configuring your LightBurn file for Laser Rotary Engraving

  • In rotary settings, insert the diameter of your object that you noted earlier.
  • Draw a 100mm line (or 4 inches) in LightBurn. This will be used for the 100mm test.
  • Set the power to a low setting (1-10%) and speed to 20mm/s to avoid burning the test line.
  • Position the laser head over the starting point on the tumbler.

4. Perform the 100mm Test (Video)

  • Use LightBurn’s Frame function to check the alignment. The laser should trace the 100mm line without firing.
  • Adjust the object diameter or steps per rotation if the laser doesn’t match the line length.
  • You can also purchase an alignment tumbler to make your life easier.

Tips and Tricks for Beginners in Laser Rotary Engraving

  1. Safety First: Always wear protective eyewear and never leave the laser unattended while operating.
  2. Rotate Slow: Ensure the rotary attachment moves slowly when framing, especially for the PiBurn, to prevent the object from slipping or flying off.
  3. Center Alignment: Align your rotary to the gantry of your laser engraver. Use the markings on the PiBurn  of get a PiCAT calibration tumbler. Use the included FREE bubble level to ensure your object is perfectly horizontal. Be careful! Misalignment can lead to distorted engravings.
  4. Adjust Idle Speed: Lower the idle and acceleration speed in LightBurn to prevent sudden movements that can dislodge the object.
  5. Use Test Runs: Always perform test runs on similar, less valuable objects to fine-tune your settings before engraving the final piece.  PRO TIP: Use painters tape and fire a test run at 10% power over the tape!
  6. Regular Maintenance: Keep your PiBurn clean, especially the O-rings, to maintain good traction and accurate engravings. The Grip might need some lubrication around the shaft after several months of heavy use. The PiBurn might need aligning to the wheels and tightening the belt. See this video on PiBurn maintenance. (NOT NEEDED ON PIBURN 5!)
  7. Image coming out stretched? Read this to solve the issue.

 

Mastering the art of laser rotary engraving requires patience and practice. By following this guide and using the PiBurn rotary attachment with LightBurn software, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning customized cylindrical objects and selling them on Etsy or in your local markets. Remember, the key is in the details – from precise measurements to careful alignment, and lots of patience, every step contributes to your ultimate success. If you get stuck, lean on our community to get help right away.

Stick with it and happy engraving!