How to Install a Rotary Attachment on OMTech Pronto Laser Machine

Integrating a rotary attachment into your laser engraver significantly expands your creative capabilities, enabling precise engraving on cylindrical objects such as tumblers, bottles, and mugs. A rotary attachment takes your CO2 laser engraver to the next level, allowing you to expand your arsenal of engraveable goods. Whether you’re customizing items for a side business or a hobby, rotary attachments are a necessary upgrade if you’re looking to up your engraving game. 

We’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on setting up and operating a rotary attachment with your OMTech Pronto laser machine, ensuring you can tackle these projects with confidence and precision. Let’s get started! 

Understanding the Rotary Attachment

A rotary attachment is an accessory designed to work with laser engravers, allowing for the engraving of cylindrical or round objects. By rotating the object during the engraving process, the laser can maintain consistent focus and engraving quality around the entire circumference. OMTech offers various types of laser engravger rotary attachments, including chuck-style, 4-wheel, and roller-style, each catering to different object shapes and sizes.

Step-by-step Guide to Install a Rotary Attachment on OMTech Pronto Laser Machine

Step 1: Preparing Your Workspace

Before beginning the setup, it's essential to prepare your workspace to accommodate the rotary attachment:

1. Power Down the Engraver: Ensure the OMTech Pronto laser engraver is completely turned off and unplugged from the power source to prevent any accidental activations during setup.
   

2. Clear the Workbed: Remove any existing fixtures, materials, or debris from the engraving bed to provide ample space for the rotary attachment.
   

3. Adjust the Workbed Height: Lower the workbed to its minimum position to accommodate the height of the rotary attachment and the object to be engraved. Some laser engravers require you to take out the honeycomb bed to accommodate the rotary, but luckily, you won’t have to do so with the Pronto.

Step 2: Installing the Rotary Attachment

With the workspace prepared, proceed to install the rotary attachment:

1. Position the Rotary Device: Place the rotary attachment onto the engraving bed, aligning it parallel to the Y-axis of the machine. Ensure it sits securely without any wobble.
   

2. Connect the Attachment: Locate the Y-axis motor connector at the rear of the engraver. Disconnect the existing Y-axis motor cable and connect the rotary attachment's cable to this port, ensuring a firm and secure connection.

Step 3: Measure Your Material 

Measuring the circumference of your object allows you to have more accurate renderings in Lightburn, our preferred laser engraver software. Having accurate measurements in the program will help you engrave the design or image onto the actual piece! 

• Using a ruler or a tape measure, take down the circumference of your object. We’ll be using a tumbler. 

Step 4: Preparing the Object for Engraving

Proper preparation of the object ensures optimal engraving results:

1. Secure the Object: Place the cylindrical item onto the rotary attachment, ensuring it is balanced and securely held to prevent slipping during rotation. If you’re using a jaw chuck, make sure the tumbler sits on the outside teeth.

2. Adjust Supports: Modify the rotary attachment's supports or rollers to accommodate the object's length and diameter, ensuring stable rotation. For jaw chucks, rotate the chuck key so the cup is secured. 

3. Ensure the Object Is Level: Using a level, make sure that the object is perfectly flat.

4. Test Rotation: Manually rotate the object to verify smooth movement without any obstruction or imbalance.

Step 5: Focusing the Laser

Accurate focusing is vital for precise engraving:

1. Set Focal Distance: Adjust the laser head to the correct focal distance from the object's surface, using the focus tool or autofocus provided with your engraver.
   

2. Verify Alignment: Ensure the laser beam is perpendicular to the object's surface to maintain consistent engraving depth and quality.

Step 6: Configuring the Software Settings

Proper software configuration is crucial for accurate engraving:

1. Launch the Control Software: Power on the laser engraver and open your preferred laser control software, such as LightBurn or RDWorks.
   

2. Access Rotary Setup: Navigate to the rotary setup section within the software and select the rotary type you are using.
   

3. Input Parameters: Enter the necessary parameters:
   

• Steps per Rotation: This value depends on your rotary attachment's specifications. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or perform a test to determine the exact number.
  

• Object Diameter: Measure and input the diameter of the item you're engraving.
  

• Roller Diameter: Input the diameter of the rotary rollers if required.
  

4. Enable Rotary Mode: Activate the rotary mode in the software to ensure the engraver recognizes and correctly operates the attachment. In the bottom right corner, you should see a green box that says, “Enabled Mode(s): Rotary.” This means you’re ready for engraving!

Step 7: Conducting Test Engravings

Performing test engravings helps fine-tune settings:

1. Select Test Material: Use a material similar to your final object for testing.
   

2. Run Test Patterns: Engrave simple patterns or text to evaluate the settings.
   

3. Adjust Settings: Based on the test results, adjust speed, power, and other parameters to achieve the desired engraving quality.

Step 8: Executing the Final Engraving

With all settings optimized, proceed to the final engraving:

1. Load the Design: Import your design into the control software, positioning it appropriately to match the object's dimensions.
   

2. Start Engraving: Initiate the engraving process, monitoring it closely to address any issues promptly.
   

3. Post-Processing: After engraving, clean the object to remove any debris or residue, revealing the final design.
   

Safety Considerations

Maintaining safety during the engraving process is paramount:

• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to disperse any fumes generated during engraving.
  

• Protective Gear: Wear appropriate safety equipment, such as safety glasses, to protect against laser exposure.
  

• Material Awareness: Be mindful of the materials you're engraving, as some may release hazardous fumes when lasered. Always verify the safety of the material beforehand.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Addressing common issues ensures smooth operation:

• Inconsistent Engraving: Check for secure attachment of the object and consistent rotation.
  

• Software Recognition Problems: Ensure all connections are secure and the rotary mode is enabled in the software.
  

• Object Slippage: Adjust the tension or supports on the rotary attachment to prevent movement during engraving.

Expanding Your Engraving Capabilities with OMTech

Integrating a rotary attachment with your laser engraver opens up a world of possibilities, allowing for the customization of a wide range of cylindrical objects. Most of OMTech's CO₂ laser machines are compatible with rotary attachments, enabling users to diversify their product offerings and cater to a broader clientele. Explore the OMTech website today and browse our selection of laser engravers and accessories to elevate your engraving!