Rotary Attachment 2 (RA2) User Guide

    Article author
    xTool AI Support
    • Updated

    This page describes the parts coming with, the functions of, and how to use Rotary Attachment 2 (RA2).

    Contents

    Unbox and check

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    1: RA2
    2: Connection cable
    3: Support module
    4: Screw M3*8 (spare parts)
    5: Mini level
    6: Hex key 2mm
    7: User manual

     

    If you've purchased the Rotary Attachment 2 Pro kit, you can also find:

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    8: Jaw chuck components
    9: Tail module
    10: Single-step jaw components
    11: Double-step jaw components
    12: Stud components
    13: Screw M4*10
    14: Screw M4*20
    15: Hex key 2.5mm
    16: Tape measure 1.5m

    Note: The connection cable is subject to the kit you've purchased.

    Meet your RA2

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    1: Motor
    2: Device connection port
    3: Adjustable roller
    4: Roller stand
    5: Slot × 3
    6: Fixed roller

    Set the level of RA2

    Before you use RA2, you may need to set its level based on the material to be engraved.

    Level reference

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    Set the level

    Use the changing of the level from C to B as an example.
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    Use components and modules

    To engrave some large, irregular, or ultra-long materials, you may need to use some of the components or modules.

    Scenario reference

    Component/module Apply to
    Support module
    Irregular objects or objects that are too long for RA2
    Jaw chuck components + Double-step jaw components
    Non-rounded bottom objects of diameter 1mm to 100mm
    Single-step jaw components
    Rounded bottom objects of diameter 1mm to 100mm
    Stud components
    Rings
    Tail module + Double-step jaw components/Single-step jaw components
    Spheres of diameter 70mm to 100mm
    Stud components
    Spheres of diameter 25mm to 70mm

    Support module

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    Tips: You can place the support module as required.
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    You can set the height of the support wheels as follows.
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    Jaw chuck components

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    You need to remove the rollers before you install the jaw chuck components.

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    Note: After you remove the roller components and screws, put them away for subsequent use.

    Tips: You can use the chuck key to expand or contract the chuck.

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    Double-step jaw components

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    Alternatively, you can install the jaw components with the steps facing outward.

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    Single-step jaw components

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    Alternatively, you can install the jaw components with the steps facing outward.

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    Tips: To engrave objects with handles, you can fit the baseplate to the other side.

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    Stud components

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    Tail modules

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    You can lock or unlock the tail module as follows.

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    Connect RA2 to your laser engraver

    RA2 supports xTool D1 and other open-structure laser engravers.

    Connect RA2 to xTool D1

    1. Use the risers delivered with xTool D1 to raise it.

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    If you need to raise xTool D1 higher, you can go to xtool.com to purchase more risers.

    2. Connect RA2 to xTool D1.

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    3. Place RA2 in the working area of xTool D1. Ensure that RA2 is parallel to plates of xTool D1.

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    Connect RA2 to other open-structure laser engravers

    Note: The steps in this section are for reference only. The structure and position of the y-axis motor vary according to machine.

    1. Raise the laser engraver to a height that allows the laser module to process your material on RA2.

    2. Unplug the connection cable from the y-axis motor.

    Tips: Generally, an open-structure laser engraver is equipped with two motors, namely the x-axis and y-axis motors. The x-axis motor allows the laser module to move left and right, and the y-axis one allows the laser module to move forward and backward. 

    3. Connect the connection cable to a connector adapter delivered with RA2, and then connect the adapter to the device connection port on RA2. 

    4. Place RA2 in the working area of the laser engraver.

    Use software to operate RA2

    • XCS

    1. Connect xTool D1 to a power supply and turn it on.

    2. Connect xTool D1 and your computer by using the USB cable.

    3. Open XCS and connect xTool D1 to XCS.

    4. Select the Laser cylindrical processing type.

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    5. Select the Roller or Chuck mode according to the components or modules you are using.

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    If you use the jaw chuck components, select Chuck, and enter the perimeter or diameter of the material to be processed.
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    6. Import a project file. For example:
    image__7___1_.png
     
    7. Set the parameters, and click Start.
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    8. Set a starting point for processing.
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    9. Click on Framing to preview the processing area on the material. Make sure the design elements are to be processed on the material.
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    10. Click the upper right button Start.
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    11. Wait for the processing to complete.
     
    • LightBurn
    Note: 1. Ensure that you have purchased, downloaded, and installed LightBurn.
    2. Before using LightBurn to operate RA2, ensure that you have updated the firmware through the XCS software.

    The following uses xTool D1 as an example:

    1. After connecting RA2 to xTool D1, connect xTool D1 to LightBurn.

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    2. Import a design file and modify parameters (size of file, laser speed, and power).

    3. Choose Tools > Rotary Setup.

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    4. Set parameters as shown in the following figures.

    Settings for xTool D1

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    Settings for third-party machines

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    Tips: You can click Test to check the rotary settings. See if the rollers or jaw chuck can turn 360 degrees.

    Note: Currently, the Mirror Output to Rotary setting on Rotary Setup can't automatically take effect. You need to open the Rotary Setup window and click OK every time before you click Start to start engraving, to make the setting take effect.

    5. Click Frame to preview the engraving area. Ensure that the design elements are to be engraved in the expected area.

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    6. Click Start.

     

    • LaserGRBL

    Note: Currently, xTool products do not support LaserGRBL. For detailed instructions, go to lasergrbl.com/usage.

    1. Connect your machine to LaserGRBL. 

    For details, see the user manual of your machine.

    2. Import design files and modify parameters.

    For the roller mode, you can use the default settings.

    For the jaw chuck mode, you need to modify Y-axis travel resolution.

    Choose Grbl > Grbl Configuration, divide 12,800 by the circumference of the object to be engraved, and set Y-axis travel resolution to the value obtained.

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    3. Click the Start icon to start processing.

    After you complete the settings, the icon turns green. 

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