Rotary Laser Cutter - Revision history

Gfc at 00:12, 4 March 2026

2026-03-04T00:12:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:12, 4 March 2026
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	<gallery class="center">		<gallery class="center">

	File:Umd_logo.jpg		File:Umd_logo.jpg
	File:Dog.jpg		File:Dog.jpg
	File:Paw_print.jpg		File:Paw_print.jpg
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	== How the rotary fixture works ==		== How the rotary fixture works ==

	The rotary fixture is installed in the VLS 6.60 laser after removing the engraving bed. When properly installed and connected the rotary fixture changes all X-axis movement into rotary motion around the cylindrical work piece.		The rotary fixture is installed in the VLS 6.60 laser after removing the engraving bed. When properly installed and connected, the rotary fixture changes all X-axis movement into rotary motion around the cylindrical work piece.

	Using the rotary fixture correctly is not a simple process, the steps described here are for illustration purposes only. Incorrect use of the rotary fixture can casie damage to the laser cutter or may leave the laser in a state where it is unusable by other makers. Always ask for assistance from a manager when using the rotary fixture.		Using the rotary fixture correctly is not a simple process, the steps described here are for illustration purposes only. Incorrect use of the rotary fixture can casie damage to the laser cutter or may leave the laser in a state where it is unusable by other makers. Always ask for assistance from a manager when using the rotary fixture.

			The large size and shape of the rotary fixture makes it easy to inadvertently run the laser head into the fixture. To mitigate this risk, we have several procedures that must be followed.

	and ~~after resetting~~ the ~~Control Panel software The cutter works by using~~ the ~~holder at the top right~~ of the laser ~~cutter under~~ the ~~black print bed~~ as ~~a placement for the attachment~~ and ~~center line for~~ the glass~~. After placing your glass in~~ the ~~clamps,~~ the ~~cutter needs to have a level piece of glass~~. If ~~a glass is~~ tapered ~~down~~ the ~~side (caves in rather than being straight up and down) then it must be tilted upwards~~ to ~~offset~~ the ~~angle~~ of the ~~glass~~. ~~The laser cutter works by projecting a laser through~~ the ~~side of~~ the machine ~~into a mirror inside the~~ laser ~~head. This laser is then run through a lens~~ to ~~be focused onto one point. The laser will only work at this one point~~ and ~~if there is no material there then nothing will cut. If the material is too close or far away, the~~ laser ~~will not hit the material at the focused point~~ and ~~nothing will cut~~.		Only use raster engraving.

			Use a program other than Adobe Illustrator to process items on the rotary fixture.

			Use manual focus. Verify adequate clearance between the laser head and the fixture.

			Avoid engraving the entire height of the glass or other object. The laser head will move past the engraving area as if rasers back and forth. If you attempt to engrave the full height of a glass it is more likely that you will run the laser head into the fixture.

			Use glassware that is as cylindrical as possible. If the glassware has tapered sides, tilt the laser fixture to reduce the effect of the taper.

			Always test the engrave with the machine top open (which disables laser) to verify the correct positioning of your engraving and ensure adequate clearance between laser and rotary fixture.

	[[File:ULS-rotary1.jpg \| 600px \| center\| thumbnail \| Learn more [https://www.artisanmodelmakers.co.uk/blog/how-does-co2-laser-cutting-work/ here]]]		[[File:ULS-rotary1.jpg \| 600px \| center\| thumbnail \| Learn more [https://www.artisanmodelmakers.co.uk/blog/how-does-co2-laser-cutting-work/ here]]]

Gfc at 23:58, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T23:58:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:58, 3 March 2026
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	File:Umd_logo.jpg		File:Umd_logo.jpg
	~~File:Unc_logo.jpg~~
	File:Dog.jpg		File:Dog.jpg
	File:Paw_print.jpg		File:Paw_print.jpg

Gfc at 23:57, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T23:57:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:57, 3 March 2026
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	Examples of engraved glassware:		Examples of engraved glassware:

	[[File:Umd_logo.jpg ~~\| 400px \| center \| thumbnail ]]~~		<gallery class="center">

			File:Umd_logo.jpg
	File:Unc_logo.jpg		File:Unc_logo.jpg
	File:Dog.jpg		File:Dog.jpg
	File:Paw_print.jpg		File:Paw_print.jpg
			</gallery>

			== How the rotary fixture works ==

			The rotary fixture is installed in the VLS 6.60 laser after removing the engraving bed. When properly installed and connected the rotary fixture changes all X-axis movement into rotary motion around the cylindrical work piece.

			Using the rotary fixture correctly is not a simple process, the steps described here are for illustration purposes only. Incorrect use of the rotary fixture can casie damage to the laser cutter or may leave the laser in a state where it is unusable by other makers. Always ask for assistance from a manager when using the rotary fixture.


	~~== How~~ the ~~rotary works ==~~		and after resetting the Control Panel software The cutter works by using the holder at the top right of the laser cutter under the black print bed as a placement for the attachment and center line for the glass. After placing your glass in the clamps, the cutter needs to have a level piece of glass. If a glass is tapered down the side (caves in rather than being straight up and down) then it must be tilted upwards to offset the angle of the glass. The laser cutter works by projecting a laser through the side of the machine into a mirror inside the laser head. This laser is then run through a lens to be focused onto one point. The laser will only work at this one point and if there is no material there then nothing will cut. If the material is too close or far away, the laser will not hit the material at the focused point and nothing will cut.
	The cutter works by using the holder at the top right of the laser cutter under the black print bed as a placement for the attachment and center line for the glass. After placing your glass in the clamps, the cutter needs to have a level piece of glass. If a glass is tapered down the side (caves in rather than being straight up and down) then it must be tilted upwards to offset the angle of the glass. The laser cutter works by projecting a laser through the side of the machine into a mirror inside the laser head. This laser is then run through a lens to be focused onto one point. The laser will only work at this one point and if there is no material there then nothing will cut. If the material is too close or far away, the laser will not hit the material at the focused point and nothing will cut.

	[[File:ULS-rotary1.jpg \| 600px \| center\| thumbnail \| Learn more [https://www.artisanmodelmakers.co.uk/blog/how-does-co2-laser-cutting-work/ here]]]		[[File:ULS-rotary1.jpg \| 600px \| center\| thumbnail \| Learn more [https://www.artisanmodelmakers.co.uk/blog/how-does-co2-laser-cutting-work/ here]]]

Gfc at 23:42, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T23:42:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:42, 3 March 2026
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	The rotary fixture is an attachment to the [[ULS VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]] that allows you to engrave on cylindrical objects.		The rotary fixture is an attachment to the [[ULS VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]] that allows you to engrave on cylindrical objects.

	Examples of engraved ~~glasses can be found~~ [[~~Engraved Glasses~~ \| ~~here~~]].		The rotary fixture is commonly used to engrave on glassware and can also be used to engrave on insulated travel mugs such as Stanley branded stainless steel mugs,

			Examples of engraved glassware:

			[[File:Umd_logo.jpg \| 400px \| center \| thumbnail ]]
			File:Unc_logo.jpg
			File:Dog.jpg
			File:Paw_print.jpg

	== How the rotary works ==		== How the rotary works ==

Gfc: /* How the rotary works */

2026-03-03T23:26:18Z

How the rotary works

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:26, 3 March 2026
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	The cutter works by using the holder at the top right of the laser cutter under the black print bed as a placement for the attachment and center line for the glass. After placing your glass in the clamps, the cutter needs to have a level piece of glass. If a glass is tapered down the side (caves in rather than being straight up and down) then it must be tilted upwards to offset the angle of the glass. The laser cutter works by projecting a laser through the side of the machine into a mirror inside the laser head. This laser is then run through a lens to be focused onto one point. The laser will only work at this one point and if there is no material there then nothing will cut. If the material is too close or far away, the laser will not hit the material at the focused point and nothing will cut.		The cutter works by using the holder at the top right of the laser cutter under the black print bed as a placement for the attachment and center line for the glass. After placing your glass in the clamps, the cutter needs to have a level piece of glass. If a glass is tapered down the side (caves in rather than being straight up and down) then it must be tilted upwards to offset the angle of the glass. The laser cutter works by projecting a laser through the side of the machine into a mirror inside the laser head. This laser is then run through a lens to be focused onto one point. The laser will only work at this one point and if there is no material there then nothing will cut. If the material is too close or far away, the laser will not hit the material at the focused point and nothing will cut.

	[[File:~~Laser~~-~~beam1~~.jpg \| ~~300px~~ \| center\| thumbnail \| Learn more [https://www.artisanmodelmakers.co.uk/blog/how-does-co2-laser-cutting-work/ here]]]		[[File:ULS-rotary1.jpg \| 600px \| center\| thumbnail \| Learn more [https://www.artisanmodelmakers.co.uk/blog/how-does-co2-laser-cutting-work/ here]]]

	After calibrating and making sure the top of the glass is level, the next step is just to print! The control program takes care of everything else as long as you set it to rotary mode and put in the thickness and diameter the printing program will show you how much space you have to work with.		After calibrating and making sure the top of the glass is level, the next step is just to print! The control program takes care of everything else as long as you set it to rotary mode and put in the thickness and diameter the printing program will show you how much space you have to work with.

Gfc at 23:04, 3 March 2026

2026-03-03T23:04:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:04, 3 March 2026
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	The rotary ~~laser cutter~~ is an attachment to the [[ULS VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]] that allows you to ~~change the mode of the cutter to Rotary mode. The attachment allows you to insert a glass into the holder and~~ engrave a glass almost the same as if you were using the laser cutter normally. Make sure whenever you are cutting glasses that you have extras because this is a very finicky process and normally needs test glasses.		The rotary fixture is an attachment to the [[ULS VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]] that allows you to engrave on cylindrical objects.

	Examples of engraved glasses can be found [[Engraved Glasses \| here]].		Examples of engraved glasses can be found [[Engraved Glasses \| here]].

Mharrit1 at 02:35, 25 December 2019

2019-12-25T02:35:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:35, 25 December 2019
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	== How the rotary works ==		== How the rotary works ==
	The cutter works by using the holder as a placement for the attachment and center line for the glass. After placing your glass in the clamps, the cutter needs to have a level piece of glass. If a glass is tapered down the side (caves in rather than being straight up and down) then it must be tilted upwards to offset the angle of the glass. The laser cutter works by projecting a laser through the side of the machine into a mirror inside the laser head. This laser is then run through a lens to be focused onto one point. The laser will only work at this one point and if there is no material there then nothing will cut. If the material is too close or far away, the laser will not hit the material at the focused point and nothing will cut.		The cutter works by using the holder at the top right of the laser cutter under the black print bed as a placement for the attachment and center line for the glass. After placing your glass in the clamps, the cutter needs to have a level piece of glass. If a glass is tapered down the side (caves in rather than being straight up and down) then it must be tilted upwards to offset the angle of the glass. The laser cutter works by projecting a laser through the side of the machine into a mirror inside the laser head. This laser is then run through a lens to be focused onto one point. The laser will only work at this one point and if there is no material there then nothing will cut. If the material is too close or far away, the laser will not hit the material at the focused point and nothing will cut.

	[[File:Laser-beam1.jpg \| 300px \| center\| thumbnail \| Learn more [https://www.artisanmodelmakers.co.uk/blog/how-does-co2-laser-cutting-work/ here]]]		[[File:Laser-beam1.jpg \| 300px \| center\| thumbnail \| Learn more [https://www.artisanmodelmakers.co.uk/blog/how-does-co2-laser-cutting-work/ here]]]

Mharrit1 at 02:32, 25 December 2019

2019-12-25T02:32:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:32, 25 December 2019
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	The rotary laser cutter is an attachment to the [[ULS VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]] that allows you to change the mode of the cutter to Rotary mode. The attachment allows you to insert a glass into the holder and engrave a glass almost the same as if you were using the laser cutter normally. Make sure whenever you are cutting glasses that you have extras because this is a very finicky process and normally ~~need~~ test glasses.		The rotary laser cutter is an attachment to the [[ULS VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]] that allows you to change the mode of the cutter to Rotary mode. The attachment allows you to insert a glass into the holder and engrave a glass almost the same as if you were using the laser cutter normally. Make sure whenever you are cutting glasses that you have extras because this is a very finicky process and normally needs test glasses.

	Examples of engraved glasses can be found [[Engraved Glasses \| here]].		Examples of engraved glasses can be found [[Engraved Glasses \| here]].

Mharrit1 at 15:39, 23 December 2019

2019-12-23T15:39:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:39, 23 December 2019
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	The rotary laser cutter is an attachment to the [[ULS VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]] that allows you to change the mode of the cutter to Rotary mode. The attachment allows you to insert a glass into the holder and engrave a glass almost the same as if you were using the laser cutter normally.		The rotary laser cutter is an attachment to the [[ULS VLS 6.60 Laser Cutter]] that allows you to change the mode of the cutter to Rotary mode. The attachment allows you to insert a glass into the holder and engrave a glass almost the same as if you were using the laser cutter normally. Make sure whenever you are cutting glasses that you have extras because this is a very finicky process and normally need test glasses.

	Examples of engraved glasses can be found [[Engraved Glasses \| here]].		Examples of engraved glasses can be found [[Engraved Glasses \| here]].
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	== General Process ==		== General Process ==
			#Measure the diameter and thickness of your glass
			#Use the diameter to get the circumference by doing Pi Diameter and that is how much room you have around the sides.
			#*Find the max height you want to use by using a ruler.
			#Find what images you want and create them in Adobe Illustrator (Help [[#Using the laser cutter in Adobe Illustrator \| Here]])
			#*Make sure the size of everything is correct
			#*Make sure all images are image traced and all colors are correct
			#*Make sure the images are rotate the correct direction
			#*Make sure any multiple images are spaced properly.
			#Print to the UCP BUT clicking the final print button, click properties and printer settings to change the settings
			#*Make sure you change: Fixture Type, Material Thickness, Diameter
			#Move the image to where you want to to be printed
			#*Use this [[#Aligning the Picture in UCP \| section]] for more detail
			#Test the laser to make sure the height is correct and won't hit anything
			#*Do this by leaving the laser lid open and running the print, this will run through the motions but not with the laser on
			#*If needed re-calibrate the laser and make any changes necessary
			#Ensure you have the air assist and air filter on then run your print!

	== Using the laser cutter in Adobe Illustrator ==		== Using the laser cutter in Adobe Illustrator ==
	'''Fix this stuff later and add pictures '''		'''Fix this stuff later and add pictures '''
			'''Key Note''': For using any image that you have found online, for it to print you must click the image and click image trace in order to turn it into a vector that the computer can read to cut. This has multiple options that you can test what they do like black and white, silhouette, high quality photo...

	Using the rotary mode is only slightly different in adobe illustrator. The few key things that you must remember (will explain later) are:		Using the rotary mode is only slightly different in adobe illustrator. The few key things that you must remember (will explain later) are:
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	Sometimes, you might want to print two images, directly across from each other on the glass. This is fairly simple as well. In Adobe, you can right click and select show rulers. After setting the sizes of the images as you want you can start positioning them (Recommend doing it up and down before rotating them as you can do that in the end). You can double click along the ruler on the top at a certain mark, say 4 inches. Then take the first image you want and align the center of it with the line created with the ruler. Now you need to figure out the exact opposite point on the glass. This is just Circumference/2 or (DiameterPi)/2 or (RadiusPi)/2. So lets say our radius was 3 inches, the circumference would be 9.42 inches. You would want the center of the images to be exactly 4.71 inches apart. So now create another line using the ruler at the first line plus the calculated value. Here it's 4 inches + 4.71 inches so make another mark ~8.7 inches. Now align the center of the second image to the line and at the same height of the first image. These are now distanced properly but still need to be rotated by selecting both images (use select box on both or just shift click both) and right click -> translate -> rotate -> desired amount (normally 270 degrees). Now you can print it to the UCP with the correct settings and start laser cutting.		Sometimes, you might want to print two images, directly across from each other on the glass. This is fairly simple as well. In Adobe, you can right click and select show rulers. After setting the sizes of the images as you want you can start positioning them (Recommend doing it up and down before rotating them as you can do that in the end). You can double click along the ruler on the top at a certain mark, say 4 inches. Then take the first image you want and align the center of it with the line created with the ruler. Now you need to figure out the exact opposite point on the glass. This is just Circumference/2 or (DiameterPi)/2 or (RadiusPi)/2. So lets say our radius was 3 inches, the circumference would be 9.42 inches. You would want the center of the images to be exactly 4.71 inches apart. So now create another line using the ruler at the first line plus the calculated value. Here it's 4 inches + 4.71 inches so make another mark ~8.7 inches. Now align the center of the second image to the line and at the same height of the first image. These are now distanced properly but still need to be rotated by selecting both images (use select box on both or just shift click both) and right click -> translate -> rotate -> desired amount (normally 270 degrees). Now you can print it to the UCP with the correct settings and start laser cutting.

			=== Aligning the Picture in UCP ===
			The laser cutter doesn't know how tall your glass is so you must align it to where you want the laser to cut. All prints are aligned to the center line of the UCP and not allowed to move vertically but you need to move it horizontally to where you want it to print. The easiest way to do this is to have the top of the laser open (The open lid causes the red light to come on showing where the laser is pointing), and align it with the laser. Use the move laser box in the UCP on the right side to move it where you want the top of your print will be. After doing that click the move icon and touch the top box of your image. The highlighted box is the box it will use to align to the spot of the print head when you click the Move to Pointer.

	== Complications with the Rotary ==		== Complications with the Rotary ==

Mharrit1 at 14:46, 23 December 2019

2019-12-23T14:46:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 23 December 2019
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	'''3. Calibrating the rotary'''		'''3. Calibrating the rotary'''
	You normally want the laser head around .75 inches away from the glass. Calibrating the rotary means going into the settings of UCP on the tabs on the top. Then		You normally want the laser head around .75 inches away from the glass. Calibrating the rotary means going into the settings of UCP on the tabs on the top. Then go the the Rotary Calibration. This works by setting a zero point at some height or X-Y point for their respective axis. You need to move the height to some point and then click OK and it will reset the axis. The Z calibration is all you will need for calibrating the rotary. The base Z is 1.850 inches or 47 mm. Once you set a new Z as the base, that height is now set as the 1.850 in/47 mm mark. To move the head .1 inches closer to the glass you would need to set the new Z height at 1.750. The height that the head moves is New Height - Base (1.850 in or 47 mm). Anything over 1.850 in as the new Z axis is moving the head farther away from the glass and anything less than 1.850 is moving it closer.

			'''WARNING ''': When calibrating the rotary test where the laser will move by running your print with the head open. This allows you to see how the laser head will move without actually using the laser. This is important to know if you went too far and the head will hit either the rotary attachment or the glass.

	== Types of Usable Glass ==		== Types of Usable Glass ==