New in the business and want to know some important facts about the laser industry? Already have knowledge about laser engraving and marking machines but the term ‘laser rotary attachment’ is something new to explore? If yes, then you are at the right place.
Introduction
Doing a business means that you always have to be prepared for a new problem every now and then. From dealing with the management issues to sending out the right products to customers, it’s your responsibility to ensure everything is perfect and as per the standards.
But, do you realize that it’s now time to bring some change into your production procedures? Make the manufacturing more seamless and effortless so that customers can always find a new reason to stick to your brand? How about engraving texts, pictures or the likes on your round bottles? Don’t be confused, it’s possible now- thanks to the laser rotary attachment.
The rotary attachment refers to a device that is used with the laser cutter to engrave or mark the rounded products. Since you are well aware of the fact that laser can only work on straight surfaces, it cannot engrave the bottom and along with side of the objects. So, meet this requirement of different businesses, laser machine manufacturers have come up with this new thing that can revolve the product as the laser throws a beam for engraving.
Right Time to Use the Laser Rotary Attachment
If you want the rotary attachment to work as per your requirements, make sure that the product (be it wine/champagne glasses, rolling pins, pint glasses, water bottles etc.) is symmetrical in vertical direction while curvature should be tolerable. This way, it would be easy for the attachment to engrave properly.
The consequences of not meeting this requirement can be adverse- if the product is not round, the problems may range from skewing the engraving to falling off the attachment. For instance, a heavy handle can shift the center of mass as the product moves, thereby making engraving inappropriate when compared with the standard. Also, don’t forget to pay attention to the material type being used.
Important Notes
Apart from making the products symmetrical along one axis, don’t overlook their alignment along other axes because they are also important for proper engraving. Remove any curvature of the product and make sure that the laser is focused at a certain point.
Another important thing is to make sure that this laser rotary attachment is installed and set up by an expert staff member so that it can fit the place properly.
Using the Rotary Laser Attachment
Once the attachment is installed, it’s time to use it. Start by attaching the object in the component in such a way that one edge is placed against the plastic nub. Don’t bother- it can either be the top or bottom of the object (generally the wider side is preferred for the purpose).
Now from the other side, lower or raise the side until the desired area becomes in level for engraving. For this, you can either use the dongle/focusing key or a level to make sure that it is at the right height. Rotate the object at 90 degrees and start engraving the text, images or whatever you want to. Check the laser machine settings dialog and make sure that all the settings are loaded as you used to do normally.
The Process
The process of using a laser rotary attachment comprises of 4 steps:
- Insert the rotary attachment into the engraving machine: Start by putting the machine table at the lowest position, switch it off and insert the rotary laser attachment carefully. Now use the clamps to fix the attachment on the vacuum table or ferromagnetic engraving table followed by connecting the component to the connecting table from inside of the machine. Once done, start the homing process by switching on the laser machine. The rotary attachment will also start rotating automatically at 0 degree.
- Prepare the graphics: Now, it’s time to set up the rest of the things. Prepare the graphics- either text, images or whatever- through a graphics program and forward the final design to the rotary attachment for printing. Proceed to the Print Dialog and set the position where you want the engraving to be done. As soon as you specify the position, the attachment will rotate the graphic automatically by 90 degree. Now, check the settings of rotary attachment and specify the graphic’s height as well as the work-piece’s diameter. This will enable the software to determine the circumference of the item to adapt the size automatically.
- Positing the work-piece: Clamp the item into the laser attachment and use the springs to fix it properly. Be sure that the work-piece is either no clamped loosely or tightly so that the object can be engraved quickly. To engrave cups and glasses with handles, be sure to place them in such a way that the handles do not rotate while engraving. For this, start with the rotary motion in the Y axis to the top, then clamp the object to bring the handle above the laser slightly. This way, there is no need to worry about colliding with the laser head.
Here, you have to remember a few things:
- Cones can be replaced with chucks or rolls, whichever fits according to the weight, diameter and size of the cylindrical object.
- The size of work-pieces to be engraved depend upon the laser machine. You can work with various sizes at a time. Just know what your business needs and you will have the answer.
Types of Rotary Laser Attachment
- 4-Wheel Rim-Drive Rotary Laser Attachment
Also referred to as roller-type rotary attachment, it is the perfect chuck component that you can ask for. It has proved to be a worthwhile addition for engraving cylindrical items like flashlights, mugs, bottles and wine flutes. The best of all, it is easily adjustable to the object’s size.
- Friction Rotary Attachment
This type of laser rotary attachment is used to spin round objects for perfect engraving. It can deal with any type of round product be it a wine glasses, mugs or even small glass containers. Sometimes, they need assistance from a chuck rotary.
- Pipe Rotary Attachment
A pipe laser rotary attachment is compatible with almost every laser system to process rods, pipes and various cylindrical objects. It works on a high resolution servo motor, which leads to an accurate and smooth cutting performance.
The Chuck Rotating setup used a lathe chuck to secure the cylindrical objects in place. Its tailstock is responsible to push the object against the other side where the pipe keeps rotating in the center while cutting. The best thing about pipe rotary attachment is the ability to adjust the rotary chuck where it accommodates pipes of up to 6-inch diameter.
- Co2 Rotary Attachment
Having the ability to fit into any laser engraver, CO2 rotary laser attachment is adjustable to any length while its moveable rollers are capable of accommodating offset and tapered objects. Their heavy-duty motor makes it easily to work on various rolling surfaces.
- Fiber Rotary Attachment
This type of laser rotary attachment can perform 3600 rotation marking of outer and inner rings while its high quality driver and stepper motor ensures smooth and perfect marking, without any leakage. All the items are beautiful and precision CNC machined. Its rotary elastic mounting, better unloading efficiency and rotary elastic mounting is what makes this rotary attachment a worthy investment.
Tips and Tricks
- After you have setup the laser rotary attachment, it’s recommended to give it a test run (at high speed, 0% power) to check if the object rotates properly or not.
- You shouldn’t use soap on the object because it may cause it to slip off the attachment. While using glass, don’t touch the engraved area until you clean it properly.
- Rest assured, there will be no damage from laser beams to the container (particularly a wine bottle) but, if it already contains any liquid, remove and clean it before placing in the machine.
- Last but not the least, don’t set workspace height as per the circumference of the object; rather, consider the width of the image.
Uses of Rotary Attachment
Laser rotary attachments are designed to work with laser engravers to work on cups, bottles, tumblers and vases of different diameters and sizes. When attached, the axis movement of the machine is replaced by these attachments (in the Y direction). Even, with special roll attachments, it’s easy to process items with small or large openings that have custom configurations.
Wrapping Up
Laser rotary attachment has become an essence of time for businesses that deal in cylindrical products. From wine bottles, mugs to small glass containers, companies rely upon them for engraving. But, you have to pay attention while making a selection because not all can reap the desired results. You have to analyze your business requirements first.