OK. Things have gone badly for me.
I have a round logo to engrave on a cup. I have the rotary set up correctly as it has worked in the past without issue.
After running the program successfully I decided to see if OFFSET fill would cut the time down from just FILL. I have three laser cuts set up with the same parameters and ONLY changed the fill method.
When I set my origin and have user origin set up, I make sure I have the logo (only) selected and review via the window to ensure all is well.
The logo is round. When I “square frame” the logo onto the cup, it seems to show if framed in the correct position. However, when I frame in the round test, the framing goes all over the place, up and down the side and round. It also loses its position after framing with the round…but does not lose it position when framing in the square frame.
When I try to engrave, it takes the “path” of the round framing and is just totally screwed up.
What is happening? Using Lightburn 2.0.03
Anyone have any ideas?
First, it is highly advised NOT to use Offset Fill with a rotary. Even with a chuck rotary offset causes the rotary to move back and forth more than it’s designed to. On a roller you will almost certainly lose position due to the cup slipping. This “Shouldn’t” happen with a chuck, but why risk it. Normal fill is the way to work when using a rotary.
Offset fill will give different results to your engraving, and it is really only for certain use cases, not general usage.
As far as the differences in framing, I’m not sure what’ going on there.
It might provide insight if you provided a screenshot(no phone pics please) of your entire Lightburn screen with your selection made, just before sending.
OK. After much work for the last three hours, I decided to totally start a new file with a new copy of the logo and it now seems to run correctly. I only tested it so no final run, but it looks good. Have to stop now…football!
Thanks and I let you know if I need help come Monday.
BTW, I research the Lightburn manual for offset fill, and it doesn’t say anything about not using it on a rotary. Might be a note to add about that in the manual. Thanks
It explains how offset fill works… As an operator/creator sometimes you have to read between the lines.
You should always run it through preview. On inspection, you’ll see it’s likely not what you want.
We all have to learn how this stuff works, you’ll get the hang of it.
Glad you have it fixed…
Not needing to debate the issue, but the reason I tried the offset fill was: first, it didn’t say anything about any kind of problem using in a rotary mode…but I guess if you can read the invisible lines between it might say that…I for one don’t have that ability. Second, when you run the window review, it shows it working fine AND shows significant time savings from 1:12:23 down to 13:00. With a time savings like that, would be a fool not to try and see if it would work as indicated.
Next week I am going to practice reading skills and see if I can find the lines between the lines.
Thanks
In the simplistic view, the Y table and a rotary are used instead. The preview can only tell you where the head is going and when it lases.
Did you try slowing down the preview for a more detailed view of the spot/rotary position.
Generally offset fill follows the curves of the object, much like a spiral. This can cause issues with trying to apply some of the rotary options to a spiral fill.
All Lightburn can do is emulate the machine, so I suspect that’s what you see.
They want this to work, so you’re feedback is needed.
The only thing I can come up with is that after trying the offset fill and then changing back to just “fill”, something didn’t ??reset??. Once I went to a new window and reloaded the same file with only the settings for “fill”, everything worked as before, ie. correctly. Might be something didn’t get ??released" in the settings.
At least it is working now.
Thanks
What version of Lightburn are you running? I run Linux and the 2.0 versions are supposedly a new re-write, so a bug is possible, under any situation.
Windows 11 with Lightburn 2.0.03
You’ll have to hang in there and wait for one of the Lightburn people to help you out. I don’t have the software to check it for you.
Along with the 3 types of people that can count, those that can and those that can’t.
It’s difficult for a vendor to envision every possible thing a user could do with their software and put it in the manual.
If you understand how offset fill works, you’d never use it on a rotary IMHO.
Funny. Something a customer points out with a manual and the answer is the customer needs to understand more. I guess the manual is just for those who need a place to spend their free time.
Thanks for all the ??feedback?? .
Nothing beats experience. My marine mechanic said once they couldn’t possibly put everything in a manual to properly maintain the powertrain. That’s why we are here sharing info and trying to help.
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