Articles

One of the most common questions we get is:    “I bought a PiBurn rotary for my [Brand A] laser — will it work with my [Brand B] laser?”    Or sometimes: “Can I just get an adapter to make it work with a different machine?”   The answer is: it depends — both on the PiBurn model you have and the type of laser machine you're using.   Understanding Motor Types   We currently use three types of motors:   1. Two-Phase Stepper Motors   The most common and cross-compatible type. Many laser brands use these motors, including:   Boss Laser LS-1420 Aeon OneLaser OMTech Generic Chinese CO2 lasers Galvo lasers (fiber, CO2 galvo, UV)   While connectors may differ, the motor type remains the same, allowing us to typically provide an adapter for easy cross-compatibility.   Tip: While these are similar in appearance to 3-phase motors, they will have a minimum of 4 pins on the plug and will have a model name that starts with "57CM"   2. Three-Phase Stepper Motors   Less common but used by:   Boss Laser (models above LS-1420) Laguna Certain AP Laser models   If your PiBurn rotary and new laser both have 3-phase motors, we can usually offer an adapter. However, a rotary with a 2-phase motor cannot be used on a 3-phase laser without replacing the motor.    Tip: 3-Phase Motor might look just like a 2-Phase motor and even have the same type of plug (usually 4 or 3-pin) ! Look for a sticker on the motor that has a model number. If it starts with "573S".    Note: Motor replacement isn't possible on all PiBurn models (see below).   3. Hybrid Servo Motors (Closed-Loop Steppers)   Exclusive to Thunder Laser machines. These motors have built-in drivers, offering precision and higher cost but no compatibility with other laser types.   A PiBurn rotary originally designed for 2-phase motors (e.g., OMTech) cannot be adapted for Thunder lasers without motor replacement, and only certain PiBurn models allow this.   Can Your PiBurn Motor Be Swapped?   Motor Swapping Supported (and what's involved):   PiBurn V3, V4, and V (Roller Type): Replace the original motor Guide belt through pulley system (particularly PiBurn V) Adjust belt tension PiBurn Grip 2 (Chuck Type): Partial disassembly New motor installation and wiring   Motor Swapping Not Supported:   Original PiBurn Grip 1: Not designed for motor replacement   Wait, what about Piburn OMNI?   OMNI is a combination of Roller and Grip, so in Original OMNI, you'll be able to replace the motor on the roller side but not on the Grip side.   Motors, Adapters, and Cables   So, I have a compatible motor, will I need an adapter? Probably not, unless your laser port has a different number of pins, a different type of socket, or is wired differently.   You can conveniently purchase compatible replacement motors directly from our website: lensdigital.com.   We also offer a variety of cable adapters and extension cables to assist in adapting your PiBurn to different laser brands and setups.   Quick Compatibility Guide   Your PiBurn Has... Your New Laser Has... What You Need 2-Phase Motor 2-Phase Motor Adapter (or most likely it will work without one) 2-Phase Motor 3-Phase Motor Motor swap (if supported) 2-Phase Motor Closed-Loop Motor (Thunder) Motor swap (if supported) 3-Phase Motor 3-Phase Motor Adapter (or most likely it will work without one) Other combinations Incompatible motor Usually not possible   Still Not Sure?   Contact us with your current PiBurn model and the laser you want to use. We're here to help you ensure your rotary attachment setup is optimized and functional across your equipment!  

Plan Your Laser Business with Our Laser Engraver Profit and ROI Calculator Are you considering a large investment in a laser engraver? Some cost over $20,000, but people are saying they pay off! Will it work for you? Before you take the plunge, planning your business and understanding your potential returns is key. Our Laser Engraver ROI Calculator is a free interactive tool designed to help you determine whether a laser investment is the right move for YOU. We have two ROI calculators: One for the PiBurn Rotary (If you already have a laser) and one for a laser (If you are considering getting one) How the Laser Profit and ROI Calculator Works The Laser Engraver ROI Calculator simplifies your investment decision with an easy-to-use interface. Here’s what it does: Collects Essential Data: The calculator starts by gathering vital information such as the cost of your laser engraver, operating expenses, and how much time you are planning on running the machine. 2. Add Projects. Then you add projects that you will be doing for customers, give your best estimates. You can add up to five different projects with customizable details on material costs and final sale price. 3. Calculates Profits and ROI:It computes both monthly and annual profits by factoring in material costs, labor, setup, and production time. Then, it determines your ROI period by calculating how many months it will take to pay off your machine. With this data, you can easily gauge the financial viability of your laser engraver purchase, and estimate how many items you'll need to sell to hit your monthly goals. As you know, adding a rotary can be a profitable idea for your laser business. We also built this handy Rotary ROI calculator to help you plan.

One of the most common questions we receive from makers and engravers is:   What’s the difference between a chuck laser rotary and a roller laser rotary attachment—and which one should you choose for your CO2 laser engraving machine?   So, which laser rotary should you get?   This is a critical question when selecting the best laser rotary solution for your engraving projects. Whether you’re working on tumblers, mugs, or other cylindrical items, understanding the subtle differences between these laser rotary attachments can help you achieve flawless results. Many professionals actually keep both types on hand to maximize versatility for engraving a wide range of objects.     What Is a Laser Rotary Attachment?   A laser rotary attachment is a specialized accessory for your CO2 laser machine. It rotates cylindrical objects—such as drinkware, tumblers, and even unconventional items like baseball bats—so the laser can engrave them line by line. Unlike flat-surface engraving, which uses two-axis movement, a laser rotary spins the object to enable precision engraving on curved surfaces. Both chuck and roller laser rotary attachments are designed to secure your object inside the laser, connecting to a dedicated rotary port or the Y-axis controller.         The Chuck Laser Rotary Attachment     The chuck laser rotary attachment (also known as the jaw chuck) uses a robust metal clamping system, similar to what you’d see on a drill, to firmly hold your cup or mug as it rotates. This attachment allows for versatile positioning of the jaws—either on the inside or outside of the object—to leave ample engraving space.   Benefits of the Chuck Laser Rotary:   Heavy-Duty Handling: Capable of managing heavier objects, especially when paired with a back support system. Precision Techniques: Ideal for advanced engraving techniques such as crosshatching and scoring, where the rotary moves back and forth. Versatility on Small Items: Works well with smaller objects, like pens, ensuring a secure hold. Reliable Stability: Prevents walking or slipping even when dealing with heavy handles. Flexible Clamping: Can grip objects from both the inside and outside, and even handle non-cylindrical items that a roller attachment might struggle with. High-Speed Framing: Allows for higher framing speeds since the object remains firmly in place.   Drawbacks of the Chuck Laser Rotary:   Tool Requirement: Needs an Allen wrench (chuck key) to adjust the jaws. Bulkiness: Its size may reduce clearance, particularly in smaller laser machines. Adjustment Hassles: Often requires multiple adjustments for uneven objects due to fixed jaw angles. Risk with Delicate Materials: The powerful jaws can damage fragile glass if over-tightened. Higher Cost: The specialized chuck jaw can be expensive, adding to the overall cost. Diameter Settings: Requires manual adjustments for different cup diameters, potentially slowing down your workflow.   UPDATE: Our innovative PiBurn Grip2 has been designed to eliminate many of these drawbacks, providing a more efficient and user-friendly chuck laser rotary attachment for your CO2 laser machine.     The Roller Laser Rotary Attachment     The roller laser rotary attachment operates on friction, using a motorized wheel to rotate the object. This attachment is highly popular for engraving tumblers, mugs, and wine glasses because of its simplicity and ease of use. However, achieving the right friction is essential—especially when engraving objects with unbalanced weight distribution, such as mugs with heavy handles.   High-quality roller laser rotary systems, like our PiBurn V series, include an adjustable metal clamp to increase friction, ensuring that even challenging objects rotate perfectly during the engraving process.   Benefits of the Roller Laser Rotary:   Versatile Engraving: Perfect for a variety of drinkware—including cups, mugs, wine glasses, and tumblers with handles (when equipped with a clamp). Gentle on Materials: Minimizes the risk of damaging your delicate drinkware. User-Friendly: Fewer moving parts make it an excellent choice for beginners. Adjustable Setup: Premium models offer adjustable height settings, keeping your object level with the laser even on tapered surfaces. Consistent Performance: Once calibrated, you won’t need to change diameter settings for each new object. Compact Design: Its low-profile build allows you to work with larger objects, even on smaller laser machines. Quick Swaps: Efficiently swap objects to boost productivity in high-volume laser rotary engraving projects.   Drawbacks of the Roller Laser Rotary:   Speed Limitations: Relying on friction means you need to slow down during framing and acceleration to prevent slippage. Heavy Object Challenges: Extremely heavy or complex items can be tricky to manage. Seam Issues: Minor slips can result in seams on full-wrap designs. One-Way Rotation: The roller attachment typically rotates in one direction, making certain techniques like crosshatching unfeasible. Potential for Walking: Objects may shift horizontally, causing skewed designs. However, advanced models like the PiBurn include adjustable stoppers to counteract this issue.     Choosing the Right Laser Rotary for Your Projects   For those who want the best of both worlds, very few laser rotary attachments offer both chuck and roller systems in one unit. The PiBurn Omni, available at Lensdigital.com, is a powerful solution that integrates the advantages of both designs.   Whether you’re engraving tumblers, mugs, or other cylindrical objects, understanding these laser rotary attachments’ unique features is key to optimizing your CO2 laser engraving machine. Use this guide to determine which attachment—chuck or roller—is best suited for your projects, and explore advanced options like the PiBurn series for a seamless engraving experience.   We hope you find this laser rotary guide helpful. Share it with fellow makers who are venturing into laser engraving, and let us know your thoughts on the roller vs. chuck debate in the comments below!   Interested in learning how you can profit from your laser rotary skills? Keep reading for more expert insights on monetizing your laser engraving projects.   Need more help deciding?   Read this next!  

Wondering where to point that powerful beam of yours this year? We've sifted through the latest stats and trends so you don't have to—because let's face it, you've already got your hands full!   Here's what's hot right now in the world of laser engraving, along with some quick stats to guide your hustle and get more bang for your laser buck:   1. Personalized Gifts are Booming Custom engraving is bigger than ever. Etsy saw a 33% spike in searches for personalized laser-engraved items over the past year alone. Tumblers, custom cutting boards, personalized ornaments, and even family-name signs are huge sellers. Open an Etsy store front if you haven't already. Focus on client service and get those reviews to accumulate. Laser rotary attachments, like the popular PiBurn, can help you take advantage of the booming demand for customized tumblers and cylindrical gifts—definitely worth checking out to level up your engraving game!   2. Sustainable Products are Trending 🌿 Eco-conscious consumers are eager for sustainable, unique items. Recent data shows a 40% rise in searches for eco-friendly gifts. Consider engraving items made of bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood. Cute wooden bookmarks, bamboo utensil sets engraved with mom-friendly slogans, or cork coasters with witty messages are perfect eco-friendly products.       3. Weddings are Back—and Bigger Than Ever 💍 After years of scaled-down celebrations, weddings are fully back with big budgets and bigger expectations. Etsy's wedding category alone grew by more than 45% year-over-year. Stand out with laser-engraved wedding favors, personalized bridal party gifts, custom cake toppers, or even engraved wine glasses—another perfect reason to invest in a quality laser rotary like the PiBurn to handle glassware elegantly.   https://www.tiktok.com/@thehopeyoder/video/7425735485626060063   4. Pet Lovers Unite! 🐾 Personalized pet products remain paw-sitively popular. Searches for engraved pet tags jumped by 25% last year alone. Pet memorial plaques and custom-engraved pet treat jars also resonate deeply with pet parents, combining emotional appeal with practical value. Pet bowls are extremely popular and can be engraved with a pets name and pawprints on the PiBurn Grip2.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb3GZn-ti7M       5. Local & Small Business Love is Real ❤️ Consumers are increasingly shopping small because small is beautiful. According to Shopify, 60% now actively seek out and prefer buying from local businesses over large corporations. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are your best friends here—share your behind-the-scenes stories, showcase your engraving process, and highlight your mom-run business to attract customers who genuinely love supporting small businesses. Use that tail-wind to your advantage.       Industry Growth & Direction 📈 The laser engraving market for small businesses is projected to grow significantly—expected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2027. This growth is fueled by increased consumer demand for personalized products and advancements in laser technology, making it easier and faster than ever to produce stunning custom items. There is a large gap left by public companies who do not fill all the personalization needs of customers. Investing in versatile tools like laser rotaries (did we mention the PiBurn yet?) is a smart move to stay ahead and tap into emerging markets like customized drinkware and cylindrical product personalization.   So, laser in on these trending niches, sharpen your marketing, and LASER ON, MOMS!   Happy engraving! 🚀✨       Looking for more stats & trends to take advantage of? See our E-Book on the Top Trends in Personalization for 2025      

The Yeti Chick: How Engraved Tumblers Bought an $83,000 Tesla Cybertruck A year ago, nobody knew about the Yeti Chick. And now she runs the largest Yeti Marketplace on Facebook and is the engraver most people turn to for the best customized Yeti products in the world. AND she purchased a little battery-powered something just from her tumbler earnings this past December. How did she do that in just one year?! Alexandra, aka The Yeti Chick, has built a thriving business out of customizing full-wrap Yeti tumblers and exceptional customer service. What's incredible is that she did this in just one year. She is married to Stan (that's me!) from LensDigital and often helps us beta-test brand our new PiBurn products. We have three beautiful boys and live in New Jersey. She’s the driving force behind the boutique customization business mycup.io and leads a Facebook community (www.facebook.com/groups/bstmarket/) of 90,000 members. But her story goes far beyond the numbers—this mom of three boys once worked in the corporate world as an actuary at MetLife and Pacific Life before deciding to focus on family and her creative energy. Now she’s turning her passion for the art of laser engraving into a profitable enterprise, all while sharing her knowledge with fellow makers. How did she start this business? By the Numbers: $18 Profit Per Tumbler Add up to Cybertruck in Eight Months of Hustle When you do the math, it’s pretty mind-blowing. Alexandra charges, on average, $18 of profit per full-wrap engraved tumbler. It took roughly 4,611 of these tumblers to reach the $83,000 needed for her brand-new Tesla Cybertruck (83,000 ÷ 18 ≈ 4,611). She did this over eight months in 2024, including the Holiday Season, which was big for her. That’s a lot of Yetis - around 575 full wraps each month, or 20 per day. It's a huge testament to her dedication, hustle, and customer service. Took two more months for taxes ;) Sometimes she engraves larger, more unique items like the Yeti Beverage Bucket. She often charges double the price of retail for those unique items. While these items are very profitable, they do not command the same volume and demand as the standard 20, 30oz tumblers. Also, a bucket is tricky to get right. A full wrap that does not meet perfect at the ends will not go out to customer. Instead it will be either auctioned off at a discount or given away to a friend, or husband who could really use one (hint hint). This incredible full-wrap Yeti Bucket is only possible on the PiBurn Grip2 with the double extender jaws. It takes almost two hours to run at 300mm/sec. But it's worth it. This item will sell for about double price of retail: From Actuary to Engraver Extraordinaire Before she was The Yeti Chick, Alexandra spent her days crunching numbers in the insurance industry. She worked as an actuary at MetLife and Pacific Life, a role that demanded precision and analytical thinking. Though the corporate career was stable and lucrative, it left little room for family time and creative freedom. Ultimately, she decided to pivot to a lifestyle that allowed her to be more present for her three boys—and she hasn’t looked back since. How to Approach Customer Service. When I asked her about her order flow and how she thinks about customer service, this is what she shared: The PiBurn Grip2 Advantage A major part of Alexandra’s success lies in the tools she uses—specifically, the PiBurn Grip2 rotary attachment. LensDigital has relied on Alexandra to Beta-test the Grip 2 and provide feedback on possible improvements. The rotary proved reliable and its user-friendly design lets her engrave tumblers quickly and consistently. If you’ve followed our PiBurner of the Week blog series, you’ll know the PiBurn has been essential for many entrepreneurs looking to scale their custom engraving operations. Building a Supportive Community Alexandra doesn’t keep her methods to herself. She actively shares tips, tricks, and tutorials with other makers in the community. Whether it’s a first-time engraver wondering if expensive tumblers are worth the risk, or a seasoned pro looking to streamline their process, Alexandra offers guidance with an open heart. It’s this generosity that helps her community thrive—and it’s one reason she’s so admired in the laser engraving community. She even welcomes other engravers to share in her HUGE market - the demand for tumblers is too great for any one engraver to handle. So, other makers and engravers are welcome to participate through her online marketplace - EverCrafter.shop. A Lifestyle of Family, Creativity, and Freedom One of the biggest draws to this business model for Alexandra is time. She gets to spend more of it with her three boys—something her former corporate career didn’t allow as much. Now, she can create, earn an income, and be a present mom all at once. The Tesla Cybertruck purchase is just icing on the cake—proof that a passionate side hustle can become a life-changing venture. What’s Next for The Yeti Chick? With the Cybertruck acquired, Alexandra’s looking ahead to even bigger possibilities. But for now, she is taking our youngest on a road trip down to Disney World! (Also fully financed by her engraved cups!) Check out her shop at mycup.io and on Etsy. If you need help getting started or have any questions on the PiBurn and the tricks she has learned, reach out to her at mycupengraving@gmail.com, or find her on the PiBurn Labs group on Facebook.

    What is the bottle effect?   When using a laser engraver, one common issue you might encounter with a roller rotary is the "bottle effect."   This occurs when you place a bottle with a narrow neck and wide body onto the rotary.   If you position the narrow neck on the roller wheels, the engraving on the wider body may come out stretched. This happens because the laser doesn't account for the difference in the distance traveled by the narrow and wide parts.   How do you fix the bottle effect?   To fix this, simply turn the bottle around and place the wider body on the roller wheels. You can also use the Mega Clamp to help increase the friction if you need to do a full wrap and can't have any slipping.     The setup pictured will eliminate the bottle effect and reduce any slipping to a minimum. Make sure to use the stoppers on your PiBurn!   What else can you do?   It's important to note that the bottle effect only impacts roller rotaries. With chuck rotaries, the neck diameter isn't a concern—only the diameter of the body matters, making them a better choice for objects with varying diameters.     If you are setting up the same bottle on the Grip or Grip 2, you only need to measure the diameter of the body, not the neck. There will be no bottle effect on the Grip or any other chuck rotary.   How about something crazy like this Jug?     Still, no bottle effect on the Grip2. Just measure the wide body diameter and you're good to go.    

  Announcing The Maker’s Chest and LensDigital Partnership   We are thrilled to share some exciting news with our maker community! The Maker’s Chest has officially partnered with LensDigital—makers of the renowned PiBurn Laser Rotary. This collaboration marks a significant step toward our shared vision of empowering makers, hobbyists, and professionals to push the boundaries of what’s possible in laser engraving and cutting.   About The Maker's Chest:   The Maker's Chest is your trusted partner in the world of laser engraving. They specialize in offering top-tier laser cutters, engravers, and accessories designed to empower hobbyists, small businesses, and professionals alike. Whether you're exploring a creative passion or building a thriving business, they are here to provide the tools, knowledge, and support to help you succeed.   Their mission is to inspire makers with high-quality products, expert guidance, and unparalleled customer service. From cutting-edge laser technology to essential accessories, The Maker's Chest is your destination for everything laser engraving.   Let’s create something extraordinary together!   Explore their products here: https://themakerschest.com/   Why This Partnership Matters   Both The Maker’s Chest and LensDigital are inspired by the belief in creativity and cutting-edge engineering. By joining forces, we’re combining our expertise to bring you a curated lineup of best-in-class laser engravers and rotary tools. From hobby enthusiasts exploring new techniques to seasoned professionals looking to enhance productivity, our partnership aims to deliver reliable and precision-engineered solutions that help elevate your work to the next level.   What You Can Expect   Our alliance with Makers Chest means their customers will gain access to:   Top-Tier Rotary Attachments: Transform the way you work with laser engravers by adding new capabilities and unlocking more intricate, complex designs. Precision-Engineered Accessories: Every product we bring to market is thoroughly tested for compatibility, accuracy, durability, and ease of use, ensuring that you can count on them for long-term performance. Increased Creative Flexibility: From cylindrical objects to irregularly shaped materials, our combined product lineup empowers makers to take on a wider variety of projects with confidence.   About LensDigital   LensDigital has earned its reputation as a trusted name in the maker world. Known for their PiBurn series of laser rotary tools, we've consistently delivered on their promise of quality, reliability, community, and innovation. Our commitment to customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our core values, helping makers succeed.        

Ever had a tough time getting that perfect design on your tumbler? You're not alone. Many folks struggle with it, but there's an easier way—use a high quality roller rotary.   Higher quality roller rotary systems can help you get those designs just right. They spin the tumbler as the laser machines engraves, making sure every part of the tumbler gets engraved evenly.   In this blog post, we'll show you how to set up and use a roller rotary system for tumblers. We’ll also tackle common problems. Ready to learn more?   Key Takeaways   Roller rotary engraving helps you get even designs on tumblers by rolling them as they engrave. Adjust the roller diameter and set steps per rotation to make sure your tumbler fits snugly and engraves accurately. Use the right laser power and speed to avoid poor quality engravings and errors. Testing on simple straight and cheap tumblers. Using painters tape at 10% power helps find the perfect settings. Position your tumbler evenly before starting, and always frame to check the engraving area. Different tumbler sizes can change how designs look. Adjust rollers and steps per rotation for each size.   Preparing Your Tumbler for Engraving   First, you need to get your tumbler ready for engraving. This means adjusting the roller and setting the steps per rotation... it’s easier than it sounds!   Adjusting the Roller Diameter   Adjusting the roller diameter is key. This step ensures your tumbler sits snugly on the engraver. Measure the circumference of your tumbler first. Use this number to set the correct roller size.   It helps avoid wobbles and keeps your engraving clean.   Never underestimate a good fit! A stable tumbler means sharp designs every time.   Check if rollers are adjusted for different sizes too. Not all tumblers are equal in width and shape. So, tweak as needed to match each one perfectly... less guesswork, more precision!   Setting Steps per Rotation   Get the steps per rotation right for a good engraving. First, find your tumbler's circumference. Measure it with a tape measure or calipers. Then check your roller's diameter. PiBurn wheels are 63mm. Now run the 100mm test to dial in your steps. You can use this alignment tumbler to make things really easy. Make sure to check the manual for suggested starting steps.   Set these values in your laser software next. Each machine might differ, so check the manual. This ensures smooth and accurate engraving on any tumbler size. If you get everything right here, you'll avoid many common errors later!   Selecting the Right Laser for Tumbler Engraving   Choosing the right laser for your tumbler is key. Consider power and speed to get the best results.   Considerations for Power and Speed   Different tumblers need different laser settings. The power of the laser affects how deep it cuts. Higher power burns deeper but can also damage your tumbler. Aim for a balance to get good results.   Speed is just as important! A slower speed gives the laser more time to cut, which means deeper engraving. But too slow and you risk overheating... and no one wants a melted tumbler! Test small areas first to find what works best.   Too much power can ruin your design, while the right speed brings it to life.   Step-by-Step Guide to Engraving a Tumbler   4. Step-by-Step Guide to Engraving a Tumbler: Get ready to learn how to position your tumbler, and start the engraving process, with some simple steps—let's make this fun!   Positioning the Tumbler   First, place the tumbler on the roller rotary device. Align it so that it sits evenly. Check for any tilting or wobbling. Use the right clamps to hold it steady. Make sure the tumbler's circumference is centered.   Next, adjust the rollers so they fit snugly against the tumbler. Turn on your laser engraver at low speed first to see if it's stable... no one wants a rolling mess! That’s about it—time to move on and start engraving!   Running the Engraving Process   With the tumbler in position, start the engraving process. Make sure your laser settings are right for your tumbler's material. Use a test run on a scrap piece to check these settings.   Click “Start” on your machine’s software and watch it engrave. Keep an eye on it to ensure it's running smoothly. The rotary roller will spin the tumbler as the laser etches your design all around.   Troubleshooting Common Issues   5. Troubleshooting Common Issues: Sometimes, the tumbler might not fit right or the design looks off… read on to solve these common problems!   Proportion Issues with Different Tumbler Sizes   Different tumbler sizes can mess up engraving proportions. The size of the tumbler’s circumference affects how your design wraps around it. Bigger tumblers need adjustments in the roller diameter to keep the design looking right.   Smaller tumblers might make text look squished or stretched. Adjusting steps per rotation helps a lot with this issue. Always test on a blank before starting on your final piece.   Conclusion   So, that's how you engrave a tumbler using a roller rotary! It's not too hard, right? Just set your tools and follow the steps. If things go wrong, check for common issues. Happy engraving!   FAQs   1. What does it mean to engrave a tumbler with a roller rotary?   Engraving a tumbler with a roller rotary means using a special machine that rotates the tumbler while engraving its surface. This ensures even and precise designs around the entire circumference.   2. How do I measure the circumference of my tumbler for engraving?   To measure the circumference, use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around your tumbler at its widest point. This measurement helps in setting up your roller rotary engraver correctly.   3. Can any type of tumbler be engraved using this method?   Most tumblers can be engraved as long as they fit within the size limits of your roller rotary engraver and have an even surface along their circumference.   4. Is it hard to learn how to use a roller rotary engraver for tumblers?   Not really! With some practice, you can get the hang of it quickly. Start by following simple steps from guides or tutorials, and soon you'll be creating amazing designs on your tumblers' surfaces.  

  When it comes to laser engraving, the choice of materials is crucial not only for achieving the best results but also for ensuring your safety! One of the most dangerous materials to avoid in laser cutting and engraving is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Here's why you should never use PVC, along with other materials to be cautious of, and some safer alternatives for your laser projects.   Why PVC is Dangerous for Laser Cutting   Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a popular plastic found in many everyday items such as pipes, vinyl flooring, and signage. However, it's a material you must avoid when working with lasers. When PVC is exposed to the heat of a laser, it releases chlorine gas. Chlorine is not only extremely harmful to your health if inhaled but also highly corrosive. This corrosive gas can severely damage your laser machine, particularly its metal components and optics, leading to costly repairs or replacements.   Here are some of the main reasons to avoid using PVC:   Toxicity: The release of chlorine gas can cause severe respiratory issues and long-term health effects if inhaled. Corrosion: Chlorine gas will corrode your machine’s parts, especially the lens and mirror components, reducing their lifespan. We are not kidding this can completely destroy your machine! Environmental Damage: The gases released during the process are harmful to the environment and can be difficult to contain without specialized equipment.   Other Materials to Avoid   PVC isn’t the only material you need to be cautious about. Here are a few other materials you should avoid when laser engraving or cutting:   ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)ABS is another plastic commonly found in toys and household items. When laser-engraved or cut, it emits cyanide gas, which is highly toxic and can irritate the skin and lungs. It also tends to melt, producing messy results. PolycarbonatePolycarbonate sheets are often used for windows and electronic cases. While it doesn’t release highly toxic fumes, polycarbonate doesn’t cut well with lasers and typically produces charred, uneven edges. It's also prone to catching fire. FiberglassFiberglass consists of a plastic matrix reinforced with glass fibers, making it problematic for laser cutting. The material can emit toxic fumes, and is not recommended for laser engraving. Coated Carbon FiberRaw carbon fiber (without a coating) can be safely engraved, but when it’s coated with epoxy or other resins, it becomes a problem. These coatings can release hazardous fumes and damage the equipment.   Safer Alternatives   To keep your laser projects safe and effective, stick to materials that are known to work well with laser engravers:   Wood: Most types of wood are safe and popular for laser engraving, though you should avoid pressure-treated wood due to the chemicals used in its production. Acrylic: Acrylic is a versatile material that cuts cleanly and produces great results without emitting harmful gases. Leather (Vegetable Tanned): Natural leather can be laser-engraved, but avoid synthetic leathers, as they often contain PVC. Glass: While it cannot be cut with a laser, glass can be engraved with stunning results. Coated Tumblers: Stainless Steel Tumblers are coated with paint that is safe to etch away as your CO2 laser burns the paint off off revealing the stainless steel underneath. So grab a PiBurn and get spinning!   Conclusion   While lasers offer amazing precision and flexibility in creating designs, not all materials are laser-friendly. PVC is a standout example of a material to avoid due to the harmful chlorine gas it releases. For the sake of your health, the environment, and your laser machine, always double-check the composition of the material you're working with and steer clear of anything containing PVC or other hazardous substances. By opting for safer alternatives like wood, acrylic, or untreated leather, you’ll get better results without the risks.   Stay safe, and happy lasering!