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Installing a rotary device on your CO2 laser machine allows you to engrave cylindrical objects such as glasses, bottles, tubes, and more. While the process may seem complex at first, it becomes straightforward once you understand the key steps. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up and connecting a rotary device to your machine, ensuring optimal alignment and software configuration.
Preparing the laser machine
Begin by lowering the work table of your CO2 laser machine. This will create enough vertical clearance to place the rotary device securely. If your machine has a slatted or blade-type table, you may need to remove the blades to create a flat surface.
Carefully place the rotary device onto the machine’s work table, ensuring that it is positioned parallel to the horizontal plane of the machine. Proper alignment at this stage is essential to prevent uneven rotation or misaligned engravings.
Securing the workpiece
Once the rotary device is in place, measure the diameter of your workpiece. Insert the object into the rotary device and secure it firmly to avoid any movement during the engraving process. Make sure the workpiece is centered and balanced.
Next, manually move the laser head to align it precisely above the center of the workpiece. This ensures that the engraving will be applied symmetrically. Adjust the laser head to the correct focal distance using the focus tool or manually setting the distance according to your machine’s specifications.
Connecting the rotary device
To enable rotary functionality, you need to physically connect the rotary device to the laser machine. Locate the Y-axis motor connector, which is typically found on the right-hand side of the machine near the toothed belt. Disconnect the standard Y-axis motor cable and plug in the rotary device in its place.
Software configuration in RDWorks
Once the rotary device is connected, launch RDWorks, the control software for many CO2 laser machines. Begin by opening your design file or creating a new one. Then, go to the “User” tab and open the “Auxiliary” settings panel.
Click the “Read” button to retrieve the current settings from the laser controller. In the “Rotating” section, set “Enable Rotating” to “Yes”. Next, enter 10,000 as the value for “Circle Pulse”—this value determines how many motor steps are needed for a full 360-degree rotation. Then input the diameter of your workpiece in the “Diameter” field.
Click “Write” to save the new settings to the laser controller.
Final steps and test engraving
After completing the software configuration, load your control program onto the laser machine. Begin the engraving process and carefully monitor the first few rotations to ensure the workpiece rotates smoothly and the image aligns correctly.
Once the job is complete, measure the resulting image to verify that the proportions and alignment meet your expectations. If necessary, fine-tune the settings in RDWorks and re-run the job.
Conclusion
Installing and configuring a rotary device on your CO2 laser machine expands its capabilities and opens up new creative possibilities. By carefully setting up the hardware and adjusting the software settings, you can achieve precise and professional results on cylindrical items. Whether you’re working with glassware, wooden cylinders, or metal tubes, a properly installed rotary device ensures high-quality, consistent engravings.
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