The possibilities for using the rotary functionality of a laser cutter are endless. Project examples include customization (tumblers, cups, phone cases, laptop covers, etc.); inventory management and asset tagging; laser cut assemblies (boxes, bird houses, display stands, etc.); and crafts and creations (shadow boxes, artwork, ornaments, fabrics, etc.)
In our recent webinar, Amtek Company Support Specialist Jake Shortt demonstrates how to utilize the rotary fixture on a Universal Laser System to engrave designs on cylindrical objects like water bottles. He uses a Universal Laser System VLS 3.60DT desktop laser cutter, which has a 24 x 12 x 4 inch envelope and 50 watt C02 laser.
Throughout this webinar, Jake has been careful to walk you through the following tips and tricks as you embark on your own projects.
Installing the Rotary Tool on Desktop
This is a simple process for both desktop models and platform models. In this video Jake shows how to:
- Lower the engraving table.
- Install the rotary fixture support bracket over the mounting holes.
- Place the rotary fixture so the front edges line up with the 14” mark and tighten the thumbscrews.
Designing for Universal Lasers
When designing projects for Universal Laser Systems, use the RGB color format. The colors you use in your design will affect the processes used in those areas. A vector cut is a high-powered pass along a line intended to cut through the material. A vector engrave is a lighter pass along a line intended to leave a thin engraving line, but not pass through the material. A raster is when the laser makes multiple passes over the surface of the material to leave a design, like an inkjet printer printing a bitmap.
Designing a Logo for Use with Rotary
The design process for the rotary follows similar pathways to the standard design process on Universal Lasers. When planning to use the rotary, keep in mind the orientation of your part in relation to the direction of the rotary fixture. The design should be oriented 90 degrees clockwise from the standard view so that the top of the logo is the top of the rotary fixture. Your X-axis will run along the length of the part. Your Y-axis will become the circumference.
Designing a “Wrap” with Rotary
Keep in mind the Y-axis correlates to the circumference of the part and we can crate a design that fits around the entire circumference this way. You need to be especially accurate when designing a wrap otherwise you’ll either overlap too far or leave a gap behind so sometimes we intentionally leave a gap to make the design look smoother.
What will you create with your laser cutter? Tell us in the comments section below!
