How to Use the Mini Rotary Module with the A4

Watch the Setup Video

Follow the video to see how to install the Mini Rotary Module, connect it to your A4, set the focus, and prepare for rotary engraving.

Use the Artilume Mini Rotary Module with your Artilume A4 to engrave cylindrical objects. Follow the steps below to set up the rotary module, configure your engraving software, and start engraving.

What You'll Need

• Artilume A4 Laser Engraver
• Artilume Mini Rotary Module
• A compatible cylindrical object
• A caliper or other tool to measure the object's diameter
• LightBurn or LaserGRBL

Important: Turn off the A4 before connecting or disconnecting any cables.

Set Up the Mini Rotary Module

Install the Riser Columns

Install the four height-increasing columns on the A4 before placing the Mini Rotary Module.

Connect the Rotary Module

Place the Mini Rotary Module in the center of the A4's work area with the Artilume logo facing the right side.

Disconnect the A4's Y-axis cable and connect Cable B as shown in the setup instructions. Connect the other end of Cable B to the rotary module, then connect the power and data cables.

Make sure all connections are secure before turning on the A4.

Place and Focus Your Material

Measure the diameter of the cylindrical object and place it horizontally on the rotary rollers.

Make sure the object is stable and can rotate freely.

Position the laser head over the highest point of the engraving surface and adjust the focus using the A4 focusing tool.

Remove the focusing tool before engraving.

LightBurn Settings

Configure Rotary Setup

Open Rotary Setup in LightBurn.

Turn on Enable Rotary, then set:

Rotary Type: Roller
Rotary Axis: Y Axis
mm per rotation: 40.00 mm
Roller Diameter: 12.700 mm

Save the settings and import your design.

Position and Frame Your Design

Position the design on the engraving area, then use Frame to check the position before starting the job.

LaserGRBL Settings

Calculate the $101 Value

When using LaserGRBL, calculate the Y-axis steps-per-mm value using:

4250 ÷ Object Diameter (mm) = $101 Value

For example, if the object diameter is 45.1 mm:

4250 ÷ 45.1 ≈ 94.2

Enter the $101 Value

Open the LaserGRBL Console and enter:

$101=94.2

Replace 94.2 with the value calculated for your object, then press Enter.

Note: $101 controls the A4's Y-axis steps per mm. Use the actual diameter of your cylindrical object when calculating the value.

Start Rotary Engraving

Check Your Setup

Before starting, make sure:

• The Mini Rotary Module is securely installed.
• The cylindrical object is stable and can rotate freely.
• The laser is correctly focused.
• The rotary settings are correct.
• The engraving area is correctly positioned.

Start the Engraving Job

Start the engraving job from LightBurn or LaserGRBL.

The Mini Rotary Module will rotate the cylindrical object while the laser engraves the design around its surface.

Safety: Never leave the machine unattended while it is operating.

Restore the A4 After Using LaserGRBL

Reset the Y-Axis Setting

After completing rotary engraving with LaserGRBL, open the LaserGRBL Console and enter:

$101=80

Then press Enter.

Important: Always restore $101=80 after rotary engraving. Leaving the modified value in place may affect normal flat-surface engraving.

Tips for Better Rotary Engraving

Measure the Diameter Accurately

The object diameter is required for the LaserGRBL calculation. Measure the engraving area as accurately as possible.

Keep the Object Stable

Make sure the cylindrical object stays securely on the rollers during engraving.

Focus on the Highest Point

For curved surfaces, focus the laser on the highest point of the engraving area.

Frame Before Engraving

Use the Frame function to verify the engraving position before starting the job.

Test Your Settings

For a new material, test your engraving settings on a similar piece before engraving the final object.