How to work out split size for rotary laser engraving

To calculate the split size for rotary laser engraving (e.g., for cylindrical objects), you’ll need to determine how the design is divided based on the circumference of the object. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Measure the Object’s Dimensions

• Diameter (D): Measure the diameter of the object.

• Circumference (C): Calculate the circumference using the formula:

2. Determine the Design Length

• Decide the total length of the design that will wrap around the cylinder.

• For a full-wrap design, the length equals the circumference of the object.

3. Divide the Design into Sections

• If the design exceeds the engraving area of your laser machine, divide it into sections that fit within the machine’s maximum engraving width.

Example: If the circumference is 200 mm and the machine’s maximum engraving width is 100 mm, split the design into two equal parts of 100 mm each.

4. Overlap Adjustment

• Include a slight overlap (e.g., 1–2 mm) between the sections to ensure seamless alignment during engraving.

5. Adjust Rotary Attachment Settings

• Input the object diameter into your rotary attachment settings.

• Ensure the rotary attachment rotates the object accurately based on the split size.

6. Engrave Section by Section

• Position the object so the first section aligns with the laser focus area.

• After engraving the first section, rotate the object to the next position using the rotary attachment and continue until the design is complete.

If you’re using a design software like LightBurn, it may include features to split the design automatically based on the object’s size and machine limits.

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