How to Use Roller Rotary on Your Machine

How to Use Roller Rotary on Your Machine

Preface

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up and operating the roller rotary attachment, which is compatible with all Thunder Laser models. The configuration shown uses the Thunder Bolt as an example. It covers basic installation and parameter configuration to help you achieve consistent, high-quality results when processing cylindrical objects.


1. Parts Overview

Before use, please ensure that all components are complete and undamaged, and then confirm whether the following settings are correct.

Check Item

PIC

  1. Check that the DIP switch settings are correct.

  1. Check whether the entire rotary is level.

2. Parts Instruction

Before we begin, let's review the functions of each adjustment knob on the rotary attachment.  

Function Intro

Operation Guide

Reference Image

  1. This knob is used to adjust the belt tension.

Turn the knob counterclockwise to tighten the belt and clockwise to loosen it.
Note: This setting is pre-calibrated before delivery. We recommend leaving it unchanged when processing runs normally.

  1. This lever locks and unlocks the entire slider assembly on the rail to adjust the length.


Flip it to the unlocked position to slide the unit freely along the rail for position adjustment.

  1. This adjustment knob controls the vertical height of the right-side module of the rotary attachment.

To level the workpiece (such as a tapered cup), turn the adjustment knob counterclockwise to raise the corresponding module/foot and clockwise to lower it.

Note: Before making any height adjustments, first release the lock on this lever. Secure the lever again once you have finished adjusting the height.

  1. This stop screw adjusts the right-side limit of the rotary support.

When working with longer workpieces, you can reposition this screw along the slot to extend the maximum supported length on the right side.



Note: The maximum extension length is 6mm.

3. Specific steps

3.1. Installation & Wiring

Step Content

Operation Instruction

Reference Image

  1. Install the Rotary Unit.

First, lower the worktable to a safe height. Then, place the rotary attachment on the machine's worktable, aligning it parallel to the X-axis.

If the workpiece to be processed is too large and exceeds the Z-axis travel range, you can remove the honeycomb table and use the tray to complete the processing. Rotary trays are available (optionally) for Bolt and Bolt Plus 24 as of May 2026.
Note: Please place the tray according to the direction indicated by the arrow.

  1. Measure the workpiece diameter.

The minimum workpiece diameter for processing is 40mm. For the Thunder Bolt series:

  • Max diameter with the honeycomb table installed: 66mm
  • Max diameter with the honeycomb table removed and the tray fitted: 130mm

  1. Clamp the workpiece and adjust the roller height.

Clamp the workpiece first, then loosen the adjustment knobs on both sides and adjust the rollers up/down until the workpiece is level and centered.
You can refer to this video for detailed instructions on how to complete the operation.
https://youtu.be/dzrYN8ogF24

  1. Connect the rotary cable.

Plug the rotary cable into the dedicated rotary axis port on the machine. Tighten the connector to ensure a stable connection.


3.2. Software Configuration

This case includes installation and operation instructions for three different software options supported by the system.
Users are not required to install or use all three software programs. Depending on your workflow, operating preferences, licensing conditions, or existing software environment, you may choose the software that best suits your needs.
Please refer only to the sections relevant to the software you intend to use.

Software

Setup Instruction

Reference Image

LaserMaker Settings

  1. Go to the "Rotary" tab.
  2. Check Enable Rotary.
  3. Select "Roller-type Rotary Axis".
  4. Set Cycle Pulse (5000).
  5. Enter the workpiece Diameter (mm).
  6. Click "Save".



RDWorks Settings

  1. Go to the "Output" tab.
  2. Check Enable rotate engrave.
  3. Click "Read" to read the settings.
  4. Enter the workpiece Diameter (mm).
  5. Set Circle pulse (5000).
  6. Click "Write" to save the settings.

LightBurn Settings

  1. Go to the Laser Tools menu → select Rotary Setup.
  2. Click "Read Settings" (bottom-left corner) to retrieve existing parameters from the controller.
  3. In the Rotary Type section:
  • Select "Roller" as the rotary type.
  • Check Enable Rotary to activate the function.
  1. Configure key parameters:
  • Steps per rotation: Enter the motor steps (5000).
  • Object Diameter: Input the actual diameter of the workpiece(mm).
  1. Click "OK" to save the settings.


3.3. Test Run & Operation

The following operation steps will be illustrated using LaserMaker as an example.

Step Content

Operation Instruction

  1. Load a simple design (e.g., a square or text) into software and set the test parameters (e.g., power, speed) based on your material.

  1. Then send the job to the machine.

  1. After completing the above settings, press the AF (Auto Focus) button on the panel first to focus the laser. Once the focus is confirmed, click the "Origin" and "Frame" buttons. Please ensure the material is properly positioned and there is sufficient clearance for processing.

  1. Finally, press the "Start-Pause" button to start the engraving process.


💡 Pro Tip:

To avoid material damage or waste caused by incorrect settings, we recommend a low-power test run before full engraving.

  1. Cover the cup surface with masking tape or paper.
  2. Reduce the laser power to a minimum.
  3. Run the full job to verify the design orientation, size, and rotary axis parameters. Once confirmed, remove the protective layer and proceed with the formal engraving at your normal settings.

Still need help?

For specific technical questions or help requests, please open a Ticket with picture or video, so our Support team can assist you ASAP.

For the information provided in the ticket, please refer to this link：

Help Tech Support Troubleshoot Faster


End.



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