Dear makers! Here is a question we get a lot: With all the options on your website, which rotary should I get?

At LensDigital, we understand the importance of choosing the right equipment to ensure the success of your laser engraving business.

That’s why we offer different laser rotaries designed to cater to a variety of customer needs. In this post, we’ll compare two of our popular products – the PiBurn 4.0 and the PiBurn Grip – as well as introduce you to our innovative multi-purpose rotary, the PiBurn Omni.

Types of Laser Rotaries

There are two styles of laser rotaries: Chuck and Roller styles. The PiBurn Grip is a chuck-style rotary, while the PiBurn 4.0 is a roller. The PiBurn Omni is Both!

Roller rotaries rely on friction to spin your object. To increase the friction between your cup and the motorized wheel, the PiBurn V4 uses an innovative clamp. It works great for most items and is very easy to operate.

Chuck rotaries do not rely on friction, rather they firmly grasp the object with chuck jaws. The PiBurn Grip is a brand-new chuck rotary designed and built just for laser engravers. Want more info on Chuck vs Roller? Read this.

What do they look like and how much do they cost?

PiBurn: The Classic Roller – Starts at $849.

This is a great rotary that uses motorized wheels and a clamp to rotate your objects so that your laser can engrave on it.

PiBurn Grip: The Chuck-style rotary made for laser engraving – Starts at $1,095

This rotary has a chuck system with interchangeable jaws. It is a bit more complex to use than the PiBurn but it is extremely precise and versatile. You can swap out the jaws to accommodate many items.

PiBurn Omni: Best of both worlds – Starts at $1,445

This rotary has BOTH roller wheels and the chuck jaw systems AND they both come with their own dedicated motors so you always have a back-up. Customers love the versatility this rotary gives them.

Pros and Cons of Each Style

• PiBurn 4.0 (Roller Style):
  • PRO: Ideal for simple straight tumblers, large batches of identical tumblers, and beginners in laser engraving with rotaries. The PiBurn 4.0 is easy to use and allows for future expansion. You can add the Grip Addon later, giving you the OMNI.
  • CON: Since the PiBurn 4 relies on friction, it may slip with items that have a very heavy handle. You cannot frame with high speeds. You cannot use the “scoring method” to engrave.
• PiBurn Grip (Chuck Style):
  • PRO: Perfect for engraving odd-shaped items like pens, rings, and dog bowls, the PiBurn Grip offers advanced users precision and no-slip engraving for full wraps and large-handled mugs. You can “score” engrave on items. There are many different types of removable jaws to fit any object.
  • CON: More of a learning curve to master. A complex system with interchangeable jaws and moving parts. Adjustments may take more time than the PiBurn 4.
• PiBurn OMNI (Both chuck and roller)
  • PRO: You have the ability to use BOTH roller and chuck systems. You have two motors, so like having two separate rotaries your business has a backup.
  • CON: The Omni is fairly heavy and bulky for smaller laser machines.

Introducing the PiBurn Omni

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, the PiBurn Omni is an innovative multi-purpose rotary combining Chuck and Roller systems. The Omni consists of the PiBurn 4.0 roller and then the Grip addon Kit.

Who Should Choose which rotary?

• PiBurn 4.0: Ideal for those starting out, running simple tumblers or large batches, and wanting to ease into rotary work with the option to expand later.
• PiBurn Grip: Recommended for advanced users who need the precision of a chuck for scoring and engraving odd-shaped items.
• PiBurn Omni: Best for those who want the ease and speed of a roller, the power and precision of a chuck, and the ability to quickly swap between the two systems.

Upgrading Your PiBurn 4.0 If you purchase the PiBurn 4.0 and later decide to add the Grip functionality, you can do so! This is a popular option for those starting out with rotary work and looking to expand their capabilities in the future.

So how do I upgrade my PiBurn 4?

Ah, glad you asked! You can upgrade The PiBurn 4 to the Omni by purchasing this Grip Addon Kit.

At LensDigital, we’re committed to helping you make the right choice for your laser engraving business.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, our range of rotary options ensures you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs. Consider the PiBurn 4.0, PiBurn Grip, or PiBurn Omni to help take your engraving projects to new heights.

Happy PiBurning!