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Laser cutting moving windmill

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.

Laser cutting moving windmill

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
Laser machines used:

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

Step by step

trotec print settings trocraft 1mm
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
Laser process windmill
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.

Trotec print settings TroCraft 3mm
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 -
print settings troglass 3mm
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
laser cutting acrylic troglass black
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.

Assemble laser cut windmill
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.

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