Trotec's range of engraving materials are ideal for a wide range of applications, including model making. Follow our tutorial to create a wind turbine with moving parts. All Trotec materials can be ordered from our engraving supplies webshop.
Create multiple turbines with different materials to experiment with the finishes
Step by Step
Trotec print settings for TroCraft 1mm
Step 1: Design
Import the graphics and adapt it to your requirements. Send the graphic to your laser machine with the following print settings:
Process Mode
Resolution
Cut Line
Vector Job
1000dpi
none
Halftone
Others
Colour
Enhanced Geometries, Inner Geometries first
Laser cutting the TroCraft Eco for model windmill
Step 2: Laser cutting the TroCraft Eco (1mm)
Lay the thin TroCraft Eco onto the honeycomb cutting table in your laser machine and cover the rest of the working surface with paper to create a stronger vacuum. Please note parameters will vary depending on your laser machine and the available laser power.
Colour
Process
Power output %
Speed %
ppi/Hz
Red
CO2 cutting
66
2
1,000
Passes
Air Assist
Z offset
Advanced
1
On
0mm
-
Tip:
Use a small nozzle for a clean cut quality when working with TroCraft Eco.
Trotec print settings for TroCraft 3mm
Step 3: Send the Wind Turbine to the Laser
Send the graphics for the turbine column to your laser machine using the following settings:
Process Mode
Resolution
Cut Line
Standard Job
333dpi
None
Halftone
Others
Colour
Enhanced Geometries
Laser cutting TroCraft for moving windmill
Step 4: Laser cutting and laser engraving TroCraft Eco (3mm)
Lay the 3mm TroCraft Eco onto the honeycomb cutting table in your laser machine and cover the rest of the working area as before. Send the file to the laser using the following settings. Parameters will again vary depending on the laser used and its available power.
Laser parameters: Laser engraving
Colour
Process
Power %
Speed %
ppi/Hz
Black
Engrave CO2
15
50
500
Passes
Air Assist
Z offset
Advanced
1
on
0mm
High Quality
Laser parameters: Laser cutting
Colour
Process
Power %
Speed %
ppi/Hz
Red
CO2 cutting
100
0.8
1,000
Passes
Air Assist
Z-offset
Advanced
1
On
0mm
-
Trotec print settings for TroGlass 3mm
Step 5: Print the Stand to the Laser
Send the graphic for the stand made from TroGlass acrylic with the following settings to your Trotec Laser:
Process Mode
Resolution
Cut Line
Standard Job
500dpi
None
Halftone
Others
Colour
Enhanced Geometries, Inner Geometries first
Laser cutting acrylic: TroGlass black
Step 6: Laser process the TroGlass Black Satins
Change the honeycomb cutting table for your acrylic cutting table and lay the TroGlass material on your laser machine bed.
Laser parameters: Laser engraving
Colour
Process
Power %
Speed %
ppi/Hz
Black
Engrave CO2
20
50
500
Passes
Air Assist
Z offset
Advanced
1
On
0.5mm
High Quality
Laser parameters: Laser scratching
Colour
Process
Power %
Speed %
ppi/Hz
Red
CO2 cutting
50
0.4
5,000
Passes
Air Assist
Z offset
Advanced
1
On
0mm
-
Tip:
Change and use the large nozzle. This is the correct choice for working with TroGlass material.
Assemble the laser cut windmill
Step 7: Assembly
Lay out all four laser processed parts.
First insert the wind turbine pillar into the base, hang the blade component on the nose and fix it with the small circle of TroGlass.
It should only be pressed tight enough for the wind turbine to turn.
Your turbine is now ready.
Inspiration
Modelmaking: Moving windmill
As an alternative to the "Don Quijote" wind turbine, you can also cut a system with modern, three-bladed blades
Change it up and use different coloured TroGlass to make it more colourful.
We recommend that you glue the fastening loop1 made from TroGlass.
