Moving wind turbine

Trotec materials TroCraft Eco and TroGlass are ideal for model making. Use the following instructions to build this wind turbine with moving blades from just a few small parts.

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.

Preparation

Required Material

1 Sheet TroCraft Eco 3 mm
1 Sheet TroCraft Eco 1 mm
1/4 Sheet TroGlass Black Satins 3mm
Covering material for the laser bed, such as paper

Laser machines used:

Speedy 360, 80 watts
2" lens
Vacuum table with honeycomb cutting table and acrylic cutting grid

All machines in the Speedy laser engraving series can be used to create this sample.

Tip

Create multiple turbines with different materials to experiment with the finishes

Wind Mill

ZIP

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Step by step

Step 1

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

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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

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	-

Step 5

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

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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

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.

Speedy series
The ideal laser engraver and cutter for personalisation.

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Questions about applications or settings?
We're happy to advise you from A for Air assist to Z for z-offset.