Lasering lathe-turned round surfaces

[Ed Davidson]

Been spending a lot of time recently learning how to use this new laser set-up. Very challenging process to get a design properly aligned and engraved onto a cylindrical object. But I think the process is pretty well nailed down now. These two throw-tops are made from hard maple and measure about 2.7" across, dyed with Chroma Craft wood dye. The laser I'm using is a Ortur 5w output diode with a Ortur rotary attachment, costing about $520 for the complete set-up. The software used is called LightBurn...$60 for a forever license. In about one month, it's already paid for itself.

 

[Doug Rasmussen]

Very cool Ed.

I wonder if you could tip one end of the rotary attachment up at an angle to also mark the yellow part.

 

[Ed Davidson]

I wonder if you could tip one end of the rotary attachment up at an angle to also mark the yellow part.

Diameter (mm per rotation) of the piece is a critical measurement to ensure the design goes all the way around without overlapping or coming up short. So it would take 2 or 3 passes, each with a different set of measurements, to accomplish that.

 

[Doug Rasmussen]

Diameter (mm per rotation) of the piece is a critical measurement to ensure the design goes all the way around without overlapping or coming up short. So it would take 2 or 3 passes, each with a different set of measurements, to accomplish that.

Hmmm...okay, I've worked with rotary axis setups with a chuck type axis, but never a roller type. Thinking about it a bit I can see the problems.

 

[Bill Blasic]

If you know the circumference of the area to be burned it shouldn't be too hard to figure out the length of the design.

 

[Ed Davidson]

If you know the circumference of the area to be burned it shouldn't be too hard to figure out the length of the design.

There are hundreds of how-to videos on Lightburn software, and dozens that are specific to the various rotary tools available for laser cylindrical engraving. This is one of the best I've seen. It covers in detail what inputs are needed to manage the artwork transfer process:

 

[Doug Rasmussen]

Ed, thinking a bit more about your laser work there may be a not-too-complicated way to laser all over your work. You can use the free version of Fusion 360 software which is a powerful tool, but free to hobbyists and business startups.

Fusion requires your parts to be modeled in CAD, that's simplistic with parts like yours though. Fusion would output the Gcode to operate your machine. Whether you could use your existing machine is the question, there are relatively inexpensive, small engraving machines in the $300 range or even hack a 3D printer to use your laser head on it.

 

[Ed Davidson]

Ed, thinking a bit more about your laser work there may be a not-too-complicated way to laser all over your work...

I'm pretty happy with the results so far...just taking it one step at a time.

 

[Bill Blasic]

Ed I have 3 lasers - A 40 watt tube laser and two lasers similar to yours. One with a 5 watt and one with a 9 watt diode lasers (this one also doubles as a CNC router dependant on how it is setup). I bought a Cohesion3D LaserBoard with Lightburn software, Official LightBurn Camera and a Cohesion3D Rotary. I run them all with Lightburn software, truly the greatest software available. Will be checking out your rotary.