Internet-famous Bamboo Tube

19/08/2024

In the previous lesson, we successfully DIYed a bottle opener through analyzing the work and laser modeling, while learning how to use the 【Rotate】 and 【Horizontal/Vertical Mirror】 drawing tools in LaserMaker. Today, the Laser Pro will continue to share with you the beginner-level course on “LaserMaker Laser Creation”: the method to create the internet-famous bamboo tube.

Section One: Analyzing the Work

Using a ruler, we measured the diameter of the bamboo tube to be 80mm, its height to be 90mm, and its thickness to be 8mm. Based on the circumference formula of a circle, “Πd”, we determined that the processable range of the bamboo tube is a rectangle with a length of 251.2mm and a width of 90mm. Therefore, when drawing the design, we must not exceed this processing range.

Ⅱ. Materials List

Number
Name
Quantity
1
Bamboo Tube
1
2
Straight Rule
1
3
Rotating Axis
1

Ⅲ. Laser Modeling

(1) In the upper 【Function Area】, click on 【File】, then click on 【Open】. Double-click to open the image that needs to be engraved, as shown in the figure below:

(2) Select the image “Guangzhou”, left-click 【Contour Extraction】 in the graphic, and delete the image and any extra graphics, leaving only the contour, as shown in the figure below:

(3) Click the 【Font】 tool from the 【Drawing Toolbar】 on the left side, enter “Guangzhou”, set the font and font size to “Chinese Regular Script” and “Initial”, respectively. Left-click to select the “Bold” option, and drag the font to the top of the graphic, as shown in the figure below:

(4) Select the font, left-click the yellow layer in the 【Layer Palette】 at the lower left corner to set the “Font” to the yellow layer, as shown in the figure below:

(5) Double-click the yellow layer in the 【Processing Panel】 at the lower right corner, and set the material, thickness, and process for this layer to basswood, 8mm, and shallow engraving, respectively. For the black layer, set the material, thickness, and process to basswood, 8mm, and outlining, as shown in the figure below:

(6) In the upper 【Function Area】, click on 【File】, then click on 【Options】. In the page, select “Rotating Axis”, click “Enable Rotating Axis”, and change the “Diameter” to 80mm. As shown in the figure below:

(7) Click the “Start” button in the 【Processing Panel】 at the lower right corner to upload the file to the device, as shown in the figure below:

Ⅵ. Laser Processing

· Introduction to the Rotating Axis

The bamboo tube being processed in this session is a circular object. Normal processing methods cannot be used to process circular objects effectively because standard laser machines can only process on a flat surface. The size of the laser spot will vary greatly with the curvature of the circular object, resulting in significant differences in processing effects in different areas.

As shown in the above figure, we can see that the laser spot at point A is very fine, while the spot at point B is very coarse. As the laser moves from point A to point B, the spot continuously becomes thicker, resulting in significant changes in the processing effect that are too large for normal processing.

The rotating axis solves this exact problem. Its working principle involves clamping the circular object onto the rotating axis while disabling the Y-axis movement function. The rotating axis then rotates the circular object, effectively transforming the object itself into a plane (relative to the X-axis). This ensures consistent processing effects across the entire surface of the circular object, allowing for smooth and accurate laser processing.

· Instructions for Using the Rotating Axis

1.Twist the selected hole position and clamp the bamboo tube onto the rotating axis, as shown in the figure below:

2.Connect the rotating axis power cord to the recess in the Y-axis rail on the right side of the equipment, as shown in the figure below:

3.Click the Z-axis directional keys on the control panel to lower the processing platform, move the laser head above the bamboo tube, and focus using the focusing scale, as shown in the figure below:

Ⅴ. Works Showcase

Ⅵ. Summary

Looking back at the process of completing this project, we have learned the usage of the 【Contour Extraction】 drawing tool in the LaserMaker software, as well as how to effectively utilize the rotating axis.