Fiber Laser - Revision history

Zapf at 16:33, 20 September 2026

2026-09-20T16:33:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:33, 20 September 2026
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	# Start the engraving job.		# Start the engraving job.

	[[File:RotaryEngraving.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Rotary engraving ~~during~~ the ~~September 2026 session.~~]]		[[File:RotaryEngraving.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Rotary engraving in progress; remember to keep the door closed!]]

	[[File:RotaryFinished.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|~~Tumbler with~~ rotary ~~test engraving~~.]]		[[File:RotaryFinished.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Completed engraving using the rotary chuck.]]

	=== Best Practices ===		=== Best Practices ===

Zapf: moving a photo

2026-09-20T16:31:38Z

moving a photo

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:31, 20 September 2026
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	# Open LightBurn.		# Open LightBurn.
	# Go to '''Laser Tools → Rotary Setup''' (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+R), or click the rotary icon in the Modes Toolbar.		# Go to '''Laser Tools → Rotary Setup''' (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+R), or click the rotary icon in the Modes Toolbar.[[File:RotarySetup.jpg\|600px\|center\|none\|LightBurn Rotary Setup from the September 2026 session, with Y Axis selected. Split, overlap, and diameter values shown are session examples.]]
	# In the Rotary Setup window:		# In the Rotary Setup window:
	## '''Rotary Type:''' Select '''Chuck''' (for our chuck-style rotary).		## '''Rotary Type:''' Select '''Chuck''' (for our chuck-style rotary).
	## '''Enable Rotary:''' Check the box to enable rotary mode.		## '''Enable Rotary:''' Check the box to enable rotary mode.
	## '''Rotary Axis:''' Set to '''Y Axis''' in LightBurn. The rotary and object lie left-to-right along the bed's X direction; this is separate from LightBurn's rotary-axis selection.		## '''Rotary Axis:''' Set to '''Y Axis''' in LightBurn. The rotary and object lie left-to-right along the bed's X direction; this is separate from LightBurn's rotary-axis selection.

	~~==== Setting Steps Per Rotation ====~~

	~~[[File:RotarySetup.jpg\|600px\|center\|none\|LightBurn Rotary Setup from the September 2026 session, with Y Axis selected. Split, overlap, and diameter values shown are session examples.]]~~

	The '''Steps Per Rotation''' value tells LightBurn how many motor steps are required for one full rotation of the chuck.		The '''Steps Per Rotation''' value tells LightBurn how many motor steps are required for one full rotation of the chuck.

Zapf: removing stuff

2026-09-20T16:29:49Z

removing stuff

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:29, 20 September 2026
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	=== Creating Your Design ===		=== Creating Your Design ===

	~~[[File:RotaryDesign.jpg\|600px\|center\|none\|Makerspace logo laid out in LightBurn.]]~~

	# Create your design in LightBurn as you normally would.		# Create your design in LightBurn as you normally would.
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	<gallery>		<gallery>
	FiberLaser_Rotary_Makerspace_Logo.jpg\|Makerspace logo engraved on the tumbler.		FiberLaser_Rotary_Makerspace_Logo.jpg\|Makerspace logo engraved on the tumbler.\|link=File:FiberLaser_Rotary_Makerspace_Logo.jpg
	</gallery>		</gallery>

Zapf: Add rotary session photos and full-wrap example; clarify Y Axis setup and design dimensions

2026-09-20T16:26:24Z

Add rotary session photos and full-wrap example; clarify Y Axis setup and design dimensions

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:26, 20 September 2026
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	## '''Rotary Type:''' Select '''Chuck''' (for our chuck-style rotary).		## '''Rotary Type:''' Select '''Chuck''' (for our chuck-style rotary).
	## '''Enable Rotary:''' Check the box to enable rotary mode.		## '''Enable Rotary:''' Check the box to enable rotary mode.
	## '''Rotary Axis:''' Set to '''X Axis''' ~~(the~~ object ~~extends~~ along the X axis).		## '''Rotary Axis:''' Set to '''Y Axis''' in LightBurn. The rotary and object lie left-to-right along the bed's X direction; this is separate from LightBurn's rotary-axis selection.

	==== Setting Steps Per Rotation ====		==== Setting Steps Per Rotation ====

	[[File:RotarySetup.~~png~~\|600px\|center\|none\|LightBurn Rotary Setup ~~window~~]]		[[File:RotarySetup.jpg\|600px\|center\|none\|LightBurn Rotary Setup from the September 2026 session, with Y Axis selected. Split, overlap, and diameter values shown are session examples.]]

	The '''Steps Per Rotation''' value tells LightBurn how many motor steps are required for one full rotation of the chuck.		The '''Steps Per Rotation''' value tells LightBurn how many motor steps are required for one full rotation of the chuck.
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	For chuck-style rotaries, you must enter the diameter of the object you are engraving.		For chuck-style rotaries, you must enter the diameter of the object you are engraving.

	~~[[File~~:RotaryDiameter.jpg~~\|200px\|thumb\|~~Measuring object diameter with calipers]]		<!-- IMAGE-TODO {"id":"fiber-rotary-diameter","filename":"RotaryDiameter.jpg","caption":"Measuring the engraving object with calipers.","description":"Calipers measuring the diameter of the object to be engraved."} -->
			''Photo needed: measuring object diameter with calipers.''
			<!-- /IMAGE-TODO -->

	# Measure the diameter of your object at the widest point using calipers.		# Measure the diameter of your object at the widest point using calipers.
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	=== Creating Your Design ===		=== Creating Your Design ===

	[[File:RotaryDesign.~~png~~\|600px\|center\|none\|~~Designing for rotary engraving~~]]		[[File:RotaryDesign.jpg\|600px\|center\|none\|Makerspace logo laid out in LightBurn.]]

	# Create your design in LightBurn as you normally would.		# Create your design in LightBurn as you normally would.
	# ~~The height of your~~ design ~~corresponds to~~ the length ~~along~~ the ~~object (X axis)~~.		# For this Y Axis rotary setup, design width (X) runs along the length of the cup.
	# ~~The width of your design corresponds to~~ the circumference of the ~~object (rotation around Y axis)~~.		# Design height (Y) wraps around the circumference of the cup.
	# To wrap a design around the full circumference, set ~~the width~~ equal to the circumference (diameter ~~× π~~).		# To wrap a design around the full circumference, set its height equal to the circumference (diameter times pi).
	# Use the preview function to check how the design will appear on the cylindrical surface.		# Use the preview function to check how the design will appear on the cylindrical surface.

	'''~~Tip~~:''' ~~For~~ full~~-wrap designs,~~ the design ~~height should match the object~~'s ~~circumference~~. ~~LightBurn can help calculate this based on~~ the ~~object diameter~~.		[[File:FiberLaser_Rotary_Pattern_Design.jpg\|600px\|center\|none\|Full-wrap Celtic knot design for an 80.3 mm diameter cup. The design height wraps around the cup's approximately 252.27 mm circumference.]]

			'''Session Example:''' The cup diameter was 80.3 mm, giving a circumference of approximately 252.27 mm (9.93 inches). The Celtic knot was sized to this full circumference along the design's Y direction. Its width controls the width of the band along the cup. The screenshot shows the Rotary Marking window during the job; the displayed split and overlap values are session settings, not universal defaults.

	=== Running the Job ===		=== Running the Job ===
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	# Run a test on a scrap piece or a small section first.		# Run a test on a scrap piece or a small section first.
	# Start the engraving job.		# Start the engraving job.

			[[File:RotaryEngraving.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Rotary engraving during the September 2026 session.]]

			[[File:RotaryFinished.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|Tumbler with rotary test engraving.]]

	=== Best Practices ===		=== Best Practices ===
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	* Check that the cable is securely connected.		* Check that the cable is securely connected.
	* Verify that Rotary Mode is enabled in LightBurn.		* Verify that Rotary Mode is enabled in LightBurn.
	* Check that ~~the rotary~~ is ~~selected as the X axis~~.		* Check that Rotary Axis is set to Y Axis in LightBurn.

	'''Engraving is reversed or mirrored'''		'''Engraving is reversed or mirrored'''
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	* Store the rotary attachment in a safe place when not in use.		* Store the rotary attachment in a safe place when not in use.

	== ~~Photos and Screenshots to Take~~ ==		== Session Examples ==

	~~Here is a list of photos and screenshots you should take to illustrate this section:~~

	~~{\| class="wikitable"~~		<gallery>
	\|-		FiberLaser_Rotary_Makerspace_Logo.jpg\|Makerspace logo engraved on the tumbler.
	~~! #~~		</gallery>
	~~! Subject~~
	~~! Description~~
	~~! Suggested Filename~~
	\|-
	~~\| 1~~
	~~\| Rotary Attachment~~
	~~\| Full view of the rotary attachment showing the chuck on the left, motor on the right~~
	~~\| RotaryAttachment~~.jpg
	\|-
	\| 2
	~~\| Controller Port~~
	~~\| Close-up of the rotary port~~ on the ~~back of the Wisely controller~~
	~~\| RotaryConnection.jpg~~
	\|-
	~~\| 3~~
	~~\| Chuck Close-up~~
	~~\| Close-up of the chuck jaws holding a~~ tumbler ~~or other object~~
	~~\| RotaryChuck~~.~~jpg~~
	\|-
	~~\| 4~~
	~~\| Measuring Diameter~~
	~~\| Photo of someone using calipers to measure an object's diameter~~
	~~\| RotaryDiameter.jpg~~
	\|-
	~~\| 5~~
	~~\| Rotary Setup Window~~
	~~\| Screenshot of the LightBurn Rotary Setup window with X Axis selected~~
	~~\| RotarySetup.png~~
	\|-
	~~\| 6~~
	~~\| Design Example~~
	~~\| Screenshot of a design in LightBurn showing the width~~/~~height for a full wrap~~
	~~\| RotaryDesign.png~~
	\|-
	~~\| 7~~
	~~\| Rotary in Action~~
	~~\| Photo of the rotary engraving a tumbler with the laser running~~
	~~\| RotaryEngraving.jpg~~
	\|-
	~~\| 8~~
	~~\| Finished Product~~
	~~\| Photo of a completed rotary engraving on a tumbler or bottle~~
	~~\| RotaryFinished.jpg~~
	\|}

	== Troubleshooting ==		== Troubleshooting ==

Zapf at 16:25, 30 August 2026

2026-08-30T16:25:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:25, 30 August 2026
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	# Connect the rotary cable to the port. The connector is keyed – do not force it.		# Connect the rotary cable to the port. The connector is keyed – do not force it.
	# Secure the cable so it does not interfere with the laser head movement.		# Secure the cable so it does not interfere with the laser head movement.
	# Place the rotary attachment on the bed, ~~centered under~~ the ~~laser head~~.		# Place the rotary attachment on the bed, with the chuck on the left side of the bed and the motor on the right. The object will extend along the X axis.

	=== Securing Your Object ===		=== Securing Your Object ===
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	## '''Rotary Type:''' Select '''Chuck''' (for our chuck-style rotary).		## '''Rotary Type:''' Select '''Chuck''' (for our chuck-style rotary).
	## '''Enable Rotary:''' Check the box to enable rotary mode.		## '''Enable Rotary:''' Check the box to enable rotary mode.
	## '''Rotary Axis:''' Set to '''X Axis''' (~~this matches our rotary orientation~~).		## '''Rotary Axis:''' Set to '''X Axis''' (the object extends along the X axis).

	==== Setting Steps Per Rotation ====		==== Setting Steps Per Rotation ====
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	* Enter this value in the '''Steps Per Rotation''' field.		* Enter this value in the '''Steps Per Rotation''' field.
	* Click the '''Test''' button – the chuck should rotate exactly 360 degrees and return to the starting position.		* Click the '''Test''' button – the chuck should rotate exactly 360 degrees and return to the starting position.
	* If it turns too far, reduce the steps per rotation.		** If it turns too far, reduce the steps per rotation.
	* If it doesn't turn far enough, increase it.		** If it doesn't turn far enough, increase it.

	'''Note:''' This value only needs to be set once and should not be changed unless the rotary hardware is modified.		'''Note:''' This value only needs to be set once and should not be changed unless the rotary hardware is modified.
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	=== Scan Angle ===		=== Scan Angle ===

	~~When engraving with~~ the rotary along the X axis, the scan angle ~~must~~ be ~~adjusted~~ to ~~match the rotation direction~~:		With the rotary set up along the X axis (chuck on the left, object pointing right), the scan angle should be set to '''0° or 180°''':

	* '''~~Set the scan~~ angle to ~~90° or 270°~~''' ~~to ensure the~~ laser ~~moves~~ along the Y axis ~~while~~ the object ~~rotates on~~ the X axis.		* '''Scan angle set to 0°''': The laser scans along the X axis (the length of the object), while the rotary rotates the object around the Y axis.
			* '''Scan angle set to 180°''': The laser scans in the opposite direction along the X axis.

			'''Why this matters:''' The object is laid along the X axis, so the scan angle must match this orientation. If the scan angle is set to 90° or 270°, the engraving will be distorted or stretched along the length of the object.

	=== Creating Your Design ===		=== Creating Your Design ===
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	# Create your design in LightBurn as you normally would.		# Create your design in LightBurn as you normally would.
	# The height of your design corresponds to the length along the object.		# The height of your design corresponds to the length along the object (X axis).
	# The width of your design corresponds to the circumference of the object.		# The width of your design corresponds to the circumference of the object (rotation around Y axis).
	# To wrap a design around the full circumference, set the width equal to the circumference (diameter × π).		# To wrap a design around the full circumference, set the width equal to the circumference (diameter × π).
	# Use the preview function to check how the design will appear on the cylindrical surface.		# Use the preview function to check how the design will appear on the cylindrical surface.
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	* Object diameter is incorrect – remeasure and update the value.		* Object diameter is incorrect – remeasure and update the value.
	* Steps per rotation is incorrect – run the Test button and adjust.		* Steps per rotation is incorrect – run the Test button and adjust.
			* Scan angle is set incorrectly – should be 0° or 180°.

	'''Object wobbles during rotation'''		'''Object wobbles during rotation'''
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	Here is a list of photos and screenshots you should take to illustrate this section:		Here is a list of photos and screenshots you should take to illustrate this section:

	\| # \| Subject \| Description \| Suggested Filename \|		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|-~~--\|---------\|-------------\|-------------------\|~~		\|-
	\| 1 \| Rotary Attachment \| Full view of the rotary attachment showing the chuck, motor~~, and cable~~ \| `RotaryAttachment.jpg` \|		! #
	\| 2 \| Controller Port \| Close-up of the rotary port on the back of the Wisely controller \| `RotaryConnection.jpg` \|		! Subject
	\| 3 \| Chuck Close-up \| Close-up of the chuck jaws holding a tumbler or other object \| `RotaryChuck.jpg` \|		! Description
	\| 4 \| Measuring Diameter \| Photo of someone using calipers to measure an object's diameter \| `RotaryDiameter.jpg` \|		! Suggested Filename
	\| 5 \| Rotary Setup Window \| Screenshot of the LightBurn Rotary Setup window with ~~settings filled in~~ \| `RotarySetup.png` \|		\|-
	\| 6 \| Design Example \| Screenshot of a design in LightBurn showing the width/height for a full wrap \| `RotaryDesign.png` \|		\| 1
	\| 7 \| Rotary in Action \| Photo of the rotary engraving a tumbler with the laser running \| `RotaryEngraving.jpg` \|		\| Rotary Attachment
	\| 8 \| Finished Product \| Photo of a completed rotary engraving on a tumbler or bottle \| `RotaryFinished.jpg` \|		\| Full view of the rotary attachment showing the chuck on the left, motor on the right
			\| RotaryAttachment.jpg
			\|-
			\| 2
			\| Controller Port
			\| Close-up of the rotary port on the back of the Wisely controller
			\| RotaryConnection.jpg
			\|-
			\| 3
			\| Chuck Close-up
			\| Close-up of the chuck jaws holding a tumbler or other object
			\| RotaryChuck.jpg
			\|-
			\| 4
			\| Measuring Diameter
			\| Photo of someone using calipers to measure an object's diameter
			\| RotaryDiameter.jpg
			\|-
			\| 5
			\| Rotary Setup Window
			\| Screenshot of the LightBurn Rotary Setup window with X Axis selected
			\| RotarySetup.png
			\|-
			\| 6
			\| Design Example
			\| Screenshot of a design in LightBurn showing the width/height for a full wrap
			\| RotaryDesign.png
			\|-
			\| 7
			\| Rotary in Action
			\| Photo of the rotary engraving a tumbler with the laser running
			\| RotaryEngraving.jpg
			\|-
			\| 8
			\| Finished Product
			\| Photo of a completed rotary engraving on a tumbler or bottle
			\| RotaryFinished.jpg
			\|}

	== Troubleshooting ==		== Troubleshooting ==

Zapf at 16:20, 30 August 2026

2026-08-30T16:20:29Z

Show changes

Zapf: /* Lightburn Notes */

2024-11-12T05:39:43Z

Lightburn Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:39, 12 November 2024
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	'''''Lefty loosens, righty tightens'''''		'''''Lefty loosens, righty tightens'''''
	==== Lightburn Notes ====		==== Lightburn Notes ====
	There are some important differences when using Lightburn with a fiber laser, when compared to use it with our CO2 Laser:[[File:FiberLightburn1.png\|~~800px~~\|center\|none\|Lightburn Differences with a Fiber Laser]]		There are some important differences when using Lightburn with a fiber laser, when compared to use it with our CO2 Laser:
			[[File:FiberLightburn1.png\|600px\|center\|none\|Lightburn Differences with a Fiber Laser]]

	'''Origin (1):''' The fiber laser uses universal coordinates. Origin is in the center. Where you place is it where it will be on the plate.		'''Origin (1):''' The fiber laser uses universal coordinates. Origin is in the center. Where you place is it where it will be on the plate.
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	'''Frame (3): '''Essential for checking where the engrave will occur. Engraving can be started from this dialog as well.		'''Frame (3): '''Essential for checking where the engrave will occur. Engraving can be started from this dialog as well.

	'''Device (4):''' Set to “Makerspace MOPA Laser”[[File:LightburnFiber2.png\|~~800px~~\|center\|none\|Cut / engrave settings with a Fiber Laser]]		'''Device (4):''' Set to “Makerspace MOPA Laser”
			[[File:LightburnFiber2.png\|600px\|center\|none\|Cut / engrave settings with a Fiber Laser]]

	'''Frequency:''' How many times per second the laser pulses the material.		'''Frequency:''' How many times per second the laser pulses the material.

Zapf: /* Material Test Generator */

2024-11-12T05:38:30Z

Material Test Generator

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:38, 12 November 2024
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	'''Q-Pulse Width''': How long each pulse lasts		'''Q-Pulse Width''': How long each pulse lasts
	===== Material Test Generator =====		===== Material Test Generator =====
	[[File:LightburnFiber3.png\|~~800px~~\|center\|none\|Material Tests with a Fiber Laser]]		[[File:LightburnFiber3.png\|600px\|center\|none\|Material Tests with a Fiber Laser]]

	<br>		<br>

Zapf: /* Lightburn Notes */

2024-11-12T05:33:06Z

Lightburn Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:33, 12 November 2024
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	'''Frequency:''' How many times per second the laser pulses the material.		'''Frequency:''' How many times per second the laser pulses the material.

	'''Q-Pulse Width''': How long each pulse lasts[[File:LightburnFiber3.png\|800px\|center\|none\|Material Tests with a Fiber Laser]]		'''Q-Pulse Width''': How long each pulse lasts
			===== Material Test Generator =====
			[[File:LightburnFiber3.png\|800px\|center\|none\|Material Tests with a Fiber Laser]]

			<br>

			'''Laser Tools > Material Test'''
			*We can use in the built in test generator for determining correct feeds and speeds for new materials.
			*This can also be used to test different Frequencies and Q-Pulse, essential for adjusting the color of your mark in Stainless Steel and Aluminum

	== Beginner Project ==		== Beginner Project ==

Zapf: /* Lightburn Notes */

2024-11-12T05:30:47Z

Lightburn Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:30, 12 November 2024
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	'''Frequency:''' How many times per second the laser pulses the material.		'''Frequency:''' How many times per second the laser pulses the material.

	'''Q-Pulse Width''': How long each pulse lasts[[File:LightburnFiber3.png\|800px\|center\|~~thumb~~\|Material Tests with a Fiber Laser]]		'''Q-Pulse Width''': How long each pulse lasts[[File:LightburnFiber3.png\|800px\|center\|none\|Material Tests with a Fiber Laser]]

	== Beginner Project ==		== Beginner Project ==