Here, we will show you how to make your very own, personalised 'fidget spinner' using your Trotec laser machine. Browse our engraving materials to discover some great colours and textures for YOUR version of this trendy little DIY project.
(We used the wood materials from our webshop, but you're free to use any material you desire!)
Machine Used:
Speedy 360, 80w
1.5" lens
To create this sample, you can use any laser machine from the Speedy series.
Additional Information:
We recommend the use of the Aluminium Cutting Grid table. It will minimise beam reflections.
Using the 1.5" lens makes it possible to obtain a more detailed etching than that of a 2" lens.
Step by Step
Step 1: Import / Create the Design Templates
First, you'll need to import our design template into your usual graphics program and adapt it to suit your requirements. Feel free to get creative and change it up a bit if you'd like.
Remember: Our sample was created with a material thickness of 3mm. Please ensure that you adjust the size of your diameters depending on the size of the ball bearings you use.
Print Settings:
Process Mode
Resolution
Cut Line
Standard
500dpi
Any
Halftone
Others
Colour
Optimised Geometries, Inner Geometries First
Step 2: Laser Process
Place the wooden sheets inside your laser machine and proceed to cover the rest of the working area with spare material to ensure you are getting the strongest extraction power possible. Then, you can begin the laser process.
Laser Parameters:
Colour
Process
Power (%)
Speed (%)
ppi/Hz
Black
Engraving CO2
70
50
500
Red
Cutting CO2
100
1
1000
Passes
Air Assist
Z-Offset
Advanced
1
ON
+6
High Quality
1
ON
-
-
Tips:
We used JobControl's standard laser parameters optimised for speed for this project.
To ensure the plates you're using are solid and durable, we recommend adhering the Cherry wood.
Try decreasing the cutting diameter by 1mm to make inserting the bearing into the wood plate easier.
Step 3: Post-Processing
Give the wooden pieces a light wipe-down with a damp cloth. We suggest leaving the pieces in the machine for this step to avoid smudging the wood and making a mess of your working area.
Inspirations
Why don't you try using different materials for your fidget spinner? You can create something amazing if you put your mind to it! Try using acrylic, or maybe mix some materials together - the sky is your only limit! Browse our engraving materials and find your signature colour.
