[vc_row][vc_column][menu menu=”237″ style=”horizontal” align=”center”][title divider=”line-through” title_font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” title_google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:500%20bold%20regular%3A500%3Anormal” subtitle_google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:300%20light%20regular%3A300%3Anormal” use_custom_fonts_title=”true” use_custom_fonts_subtitle=”true” title=”The Story” subtitle=”How it all began” title_responsive_font_size=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoieHN0b3JlX3Jlc3BvbnNpdmVfc2l6ZSIsImRhdGEiOnsidW5pdHMiOiJweCJ9fQ==” title_responsive_line_height=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoieHN0b3JlX3Jlc3BvbnNpdmVfc2l6ZSIsImRhdGEiOnsidW5pdHMiOiJweCJ9fQ==” subtitle_responsive_font_size=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoieHN0b3JlX3Jlc3BvbnNpdmVfc2l6ZSIsImRhdGEiOnsidW5pdHMiOiJweCJ9fQ==” subtitle_responsive_line_height=”eyJwYXJhbV90eXBlIjoieHN0b3JlX3Jlc3BvbnNpdmVfc2l6ZSIsImRhdGEiOnsidW5pdHMiOiJweCJ9fQ==”][mpc_icon_column preset=”mpc_preset_50″ layout=”style_4″ alignment=”left” background_color=”#888888″ padding_divider=”true” padding_css=”padding-top:40px;padding-right:40px;padding-bottom:40px;padding-left:10px;” title_font_preset=”mpc_preset_20″ title_font_color=”#f7f7f7″ title_font_size=”20″ title_font_transform=”uppercase” title_font_align=”left” title=”the WHY” content_font_preset=”mpc_preset_44″ content_font_color=”#ffffff” content_font_size=”16″ content_font_line_height=”1.5″ content_font_align=”left” hover_background_color=”#f7f7f7″ hover_title_color=”#555555″ hover_content_color=”#888888″ mpc_icon__transition=”fade” mpc_icon__icon=”eti eti_question_alt2″ mpc_icon__icon_color=”#df5461″ mpc_icon__icon_size=”36″ mpc_icon__background_color=”#ffffff” mpc_icon__border_css=”border-width:2px;border-color:#df5461;border-style:solid;border-radius:60px;” mpc_icon__padding_css=”padding:20px;” mpc_icon__margin_divider=”true” mpc_icon__margin_css=”margin-bottom:-10px;margin-left:0px;” mpc_icon__hover_icon=”eti eti_question_alt” mpc_icon__hover_icon_color=”#f3f3f3″ mpc_icon__hover_background_color=”#df5461″ mpc_icon__hover_border_css=”border-width:2px;border-color:#df5461;border-style:solid;border-radius:60px;” mpc_icon__mpc_tooltip__border_divider=”true” mpc_icon__mpc_tooltip__padding_divider=”true” mpc_divider__width=”10″ mpc_divider__align=”left” mpc_divider__lines_color=”#e0e0e0″ mpc_divider__lines_weight=”2″]
Len is the founder of LensDigital. This is his story and history of the PiBurn:
Since I got my first laser machine, I always wanted to engrave tumblers, so I knew I needed a rotary attachment. But I soon discovered that my options were very limited.
The devices available were either super expensive, some selling close to $1K and lacked features that could justify the price, or, on the other extreme, cheap and poorly made. Those that were less expensive, had absolutely no indication of how they would work with my laser machine or how I would connect and configure them. There were zero instructions and zero communication with the manufacturer.
Frustrated, I set out to design a better rotary attachment that can engrave anything I throw at it and will not break the bank. After much testing, tinkering, and trial and error, I finally came up with a functional design that’s simple to operate, very durable, can be adapted to a wide range of objects, and is compatible with most laser engravers.[/mpc_icon_column][mpc_icon_column preset=”mpc_preset_50″ layout=”style_4″ alignment=”left” background_color=”#f3f3f3″ padding_divider=”true” padding_css=”padding-top:40px;padding-right:40px;padding-bottom:40px;padding-left:10px;” title_font_preset=”mpc_preset_20″ title_font_color=”#333333″ title_font_size=”20″ title_font_transform=”uppercase” title_font_align=”left” title=”the IDEA” content_font_preset=”mpc_preset_44″ content_font_color=”#333333″ content_font_size=”16″ content_font_line_height=”1.5″ content_font_align=”left” hover_background_color=”#888888″ hover_title_color=”#f3f3f3″ hover_content_color=”#f3f3f3″ mpc_icon__transition=”fade” mpc_icon__icon=”etl etl-lightbulb” mpc_icon__icon_color=”#df5461″ mpc_icon__icon_size=”36″ mpc_icon__background_color=”#ffffff” mpc_icon__border_css=”border-width:2px;border-color:#df5461;border-style:solid;border-radius:60px;” mpc_icon__padding_css=”padding:20px;” mpc_icon__margin_divider=”true” mpc_icon__margin_css=”margin-bottom:-10px;margin-left:0px;” mpc_icon__hover_icon=”eti eti_lightbulb” mpc_icon__hover_icon_color=”#f3f3f3″ mpc_icon__hover_background_color=”#df5461″ mpc_icon__hover_border_css=”border-width:2px;border-color:#df5461;border-style:solid;border-radius:60px;” mpc_icon__mpc_tooltip__border_divider=”true” mpc_icon__mpc_tooltip__padding_divider=”true” mpc_divider__width=”10″ mpc_divider__align=”left” mpc_divider__lines_color=”#e0e0e0″ mpc_divider__lines_weight=”2″]
At the time we started working on a rotary idea in 2018, few designs were available. Most interesting was an Open Source Rotation Engraving Adapter described in detail by Bart on buildlog.net on April 20th, 2011.
It utilized 2020 aluminum extrusions combined with 3D printed parts, a set of rollers, and a stepper motor.
I liked the idea of using extrusions and 3D printed parts but wanted to take it to the next level. Bart’s design relied on loosening up multiple machine screws, adjusting the position of sections, and retightening screws again. This was a slow and tedious process so instead, I implemented a design based on v-slot locomotion that’s used in some 3D printers.
It utilizes a set of 3 or 4 wheels gliding over aluminum extrusion with v-grooves. Two wheels on one side and 3rd one on the opposite provide a win-win combination of easy-to-adjust parts and rigidity.
In addition, I’ve decided that my rotary must have a front clamp and end stops to prevent engraving objects from moving forward or back while rotating, a.k.a. “walking”. Another design choice was to place the stepper motor in line with the engraving object thus eliminating the need to mirror or rotate image for engraving. What you see in the laser program is what you get in the engraving!
At the time this was the first and only rotary that used a v-slot system and had integrated clamp and stoppers.
The first-ever 3D design of PiBurn Rotary was made in May 2018, and this is what it looked like:
And speaking of the name, it’s not a big mystery. The number Pi is a mathematical constant defined as the ratio of a circle circumference to its diameter. And since a rotary is meant for engraving on cylindrical objects, I decided to name my rotary PiBurn.
After almost a year of refining, testing, and building numerous prototypes a KickStarter campaign was launched in February 2019. While the goal was not reached, but we have seen a real demand for a rotary like this so we just began making and selling it on our website. And we never stopped!
We constantly keep tweaking and refining PiBurn. Every year we release newly redesigned versions, and usually every few months a new feature is added.[/mpc_icon_column][mpc_icon_column preset=”mpc_preset_50″ layout=”style_4″ alignment=”left” background_color=”#888888″ padding_divider=”true” padding_css=”padding-top:40px;padding-right:40px;padding-bottom:40px;padding-left:10px;” title_font_preset=”mpc_preset_20″ title_font_color=”#f7f7f7″ title_font_size=”20″ title_font_transform=”uppercase” title_font_align=”left” title=”the Design” content_font_preset=”mpc_preset_44″ content_font_color=”#ffffff” content_font_size=”16″ content_font_line_height=”1.5″ content_font_align=”left” hover_background_color=”#f7f7f7″ hover_title_color=”#555555″ hover_content_color=”#888888″ mpc_icon__transition=”fade” mpc_icon__icon=”etl etl-gears” mpc_icon__icon_color=”#df5461″ mpc_icon__icon_size=”36″ mpc_icon__background_color=”#ffffff” mpc_icon__border_css=”border-width:2px;border-color:#df5461;border-style:solid;border-radius:60px;” mpc_icon__padding_css=”padding:20px;” mpc_icon__margin_divider=”true” mpc_icon__margin_css=”margin-bottom:-10px;margin-left:0px;” mpc_icon__hover_icon=”eti eti_cogs” mpc_icon__hover_icon_color=”#f3f3f3″ mpc_icon__hover_background_color=”#df5461″ mpc_icon__hover_border_css=”border-width:2px;border-color:#df5461;border-style:solid;border-radius:60px;” mpc_icon__mpc_tooltip__border_divider=”true” mpc_icon__mpc_tooltip__padding_divider=”true” mpc_divider__width=”10″ mpc_divider__align=”left” mpc_divider__lines_color=”#e0e0e0″ mpc_divider__lines_weight=”2″]
Designed from scratch by us at LensDigital, PiBurn utilizes a V-slot rail system, something that’s frequently found on 3D printers. V-rollers allow for effortless movement on both horizontal and vertical axes, allowing the rotary to fit a huge variety of objects. Wine glasses, tumblers, baseball bats, mugs, bottles, and much more can be securely installed on the rollers.
The integrated head clamp holds hollow objects in place, preventing slippage of heavier items. The clamp can be rotated out of the way if needed, to accommodate bottles, for example.
Our stepper motor is one of the most expensive and critical parts of the rotary attachment and we spent a lot of time testing various motors from several manufacturers. What we found was that the cheaper ones, while providing sufficient torque, may overheat to dangerous levels. For our final design, we use industrial, extra-low heat steppers produced by Leadshine (a leader in motors for laser machines).
We started with hobby-oriented PiBurn V1 and V2 made of out less expensive laser cut acrylic and 3D printed parts, eventually moving to a more tough industrial-oriented PiBurn V3 that had almost all parts replaced by an aerospace-grade aluminum giving it an unprecedented toughness, rigidity, and precision.
Our CNC machined drive wheels provide flawless rotation minimizing “walking” and “jumping” movements during engraving.
The distinctly unique clamp is strong and has an adjustable pressure for challenging objects like heavy glass beer mugs, but it can also be easily removed when engraving bottles and growlers.
We were first on the market to offer magnetic adjustable feet, never seen before on a rotary. These work great with straight and sloped metal bottom surfaces of the lasers, provided a strong hold, preventing any movement.
The final design is so flexible and versatile it can support almost any size object, from large 30 oz. tumblers to thin champagne flutes. And the quality of components means the rotary can take a beating and serve you well on your biggest orders.
But the innovation continues. As amazing as the PiBurn is at handling most items, our customers pushed us to ever greater challenges. They now wanted to run huge dog bowls, odd-shaped glasses, and even rings and drumsticks. They also wanted to perform the ultimate holy grail of engraving on tumblers: the Full Wrap.
For this, a new way of engraving needed to be invented and in the summer of 2022, LensDigital introduced the world to PiBurn Grip – a revolutionary take on the Chuck rotary!
This rotary eliminates all slipping, no matter the handle size and material. It can be used with Fiber, UV lasers and of course CO2 lasers. It has already changed the game for 1,000+ makers who swear by this rotary and never let their Yeti’s or Stanley touch anything else.
Ant the story continues….[/mpc_icon_column][mpc_icon_column preset=”mpc_preset_50″ layout=”style_4″ alignment=”left” background_color=”#f3f3f3″ padding_divider=”true” padding_css=”padding-top:40px;padding-right:40px;padding-bottom:40px;padding-left:10px;” title_font_preset=”mpc_preset_20″ title_font_color=”#333333″ title_font_size=”20″ title_font_transform=”uppercase” title_font_align=”left” title=”Machine Compatibility” content_font_preset=”mpc_preset_44″ content_font_color=”#333333″ content_font_size=”16″ content_font_line_height=”1.5″ content_font_align=”left” hover_background_color=”#888888″ hover_title_color=”#f3f3f3″ hover_content_color=”#f3f3f3″ mpc_icon__transition=”fade” mpc_icon__icon=”eti eti_puzzle” mpc_icon__icon_color=”#df5461″ mpc_icon__icon_size=”36″ mpc_icon__background_color=”#ffffff” mpc_icon__border_css=”border-width:2px;border-color:#df5461;border-style:solid;border-radius:60px;” mpc_icon__padding_css=”padding:20px;” mpc_icon__margin_divider=”true” mpc_icon__margin_css=”margin-bottom:-10px;margin-left:0px;” mpc_icon__hover_icon=”eti eti_puzzle_alt” mpc_icon__hover_icon_color=”#f3f3f3″ mpc_icon__hover_background_color=”#df5461″ mpc_icon__hover_border_css=”border-width:2px;border-color:#df5461;border-style:solid;border-radius:60px;” mpc_icon__mpc_tooltip__border_divider=”true” mpc_icon__mpc_tooltip__padding_divider=”true” mpc_divider__width=”10″ mpc_divider__align=”left” mpc_divider__lines_color=”#e0e0e0″ mpc_divider__lines_weight=”2″]
Probably the most common question we hear is “Will PiBurn work with my laser machine?
There’s not a single rotary attachment on the market that can guarantee you that it will work any laser engraver out there. Most Laser machine manufacturers will offer an attachment that works ONLY with their machine. The goal of PiBurn is to be compatible with as many machines as possible.
While we could not possibly have access to every single laser engraver in the world we can say with confidence that it will work with most Ruida controller-based machines. PiBurn has been tested with All Boss Laser machines as well as so-called “50 Watt Chinese Laser” array of machines. It currently works with Orion, Koenig, Laguna, OMTech, and recently Aeon Laser machines.
For everyone else, we are willing to work with you on identifying and customizing PiBurn rotary attachment to work with your laser engraver.
Available space inside your laser machine is something to keep in mind. If PiBurn cannot physically fit, it will obviously not work for you. Please make sure you have enough clearance between the bottom of your bed and the focal point of your laser. You will need about 4 inches plus the diameter of your desired object like a cup or tumbler.
Most important is that you need to know what kind of stepper motor is supported by your stepper driver, so we can ship you the correct one. It’s either a 2-phase or a 3-phase stepper. Boss Lasers for example use 3-phase steppers, and cheaper Chinese lasers use 2-phase. Please visit this guide that will help you to identify which motor your machine has.
A manual and user configuration guide will be provided as well. It will explain everything you need to know and how to set up PiBurn with your laser (i.e. things like circle pulses, diameter, etc.) as well as a guide with useful settings for various engraving materials.
Still have questions? Don’t worry, we’re here to support you and see you succeed. Reach out to us at [email protected]
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