Thread: Lazer printer on pens

I have been thinking about doing something similar. The problem is getting a machine that will rotate the cylindrical object so that the surface is perpendicular to the beam. All the "engravers" I have seen only seem to be designed for flat surfaces. Perhaps there are others but I haven't found them yet. But I'm going to keep watching this thread.

As an addendum, the secret may be in the software that will allow for printing a flat image onto a curved surface.

Hi Old Hilly. I am still making enquires and will let you know how I go. It’s a work in progress

There’s a thread about this stuff on the IAP forum. I think people are buying a Nege engraver, and there are 2 different rotary jigs available, one is made by an Aussie guy.
I will see if I can find that old thread.

I just did a search for Neje engravers on the IAP , 3 pages of threads came up, plenty of info on there.
Bob Benson is the Aussie guy that makes a rotary jig for them
Try emailing him here,
[email protected]

IAP? In the words of the Prophet, Please explain?

There is also an article in the December edition of "Silicon Chip" magazine which sparked my interest but they are using small lasers to remove etch resist from DIY printed circuit boards which are, of course, flat.
Perhaps Altronics and Jaycar will start carrying them.

Originally Posted by Old Hilly

IAP? In the words of the Prophet, Please explain?

International Association of Penturners | The International Association of Penturners

I have a CO2 laser that has been used for engraving pens.

You really need a rotary axis to do any more than tiny engraving, as the pen diameter is so small.

There are two basic styles of rotary axis. Chuck style and Roller style.

Chuck style is much better suited to pens.



EDIT: OK so I watched a video of what I think is the laser that you are referring to. A bit different to my 80w CO2 laser.

That rotary is just a variation of the Chuck Style I was referring to. Using a rubber band to supply the rotary motion.

Thanks DJ, I did a Googoggle search and first cab off the rank was the International Association of Prosecutors. They must be popular, they were top of the list. Must be a USA thing.

Well, at least I know how they rotate their pens as they print onto them, I just wonder how long the rubber band will last? It's certainly a simple system, pretty sneaky really.

Hi Today I found a firm on the Gold Coast that will engrave pens. Very professional and reasonable. I can get 70 engraved at $3.80 each. They engrave the pen fully assembled. Their machine cost over $40.000.00. If anyone wants their wed site let me know

I purchased an Emblaser 2 laser engraver a couple of years back and for the proverbial giggles, I tried engraving a pen. No rotary axis on my laser engraver and the trial turned out better than I expected.

In saying that, I am meaning in regard to little or no discernible barrel distortion on the engraving with just laying the pen flat on the bed. The engraving itself could have had a heap of tweaks as it was on a piece of hairy oak which meant the engraving was partially lost in the 'busyness' of the grain, for want of a better word, and I could have done it darker, etc.

Will see if I can track down the pen to post a pic.

Originally Posted by Old Hilly

IAP? In the words of the Prophet, Please explain?

when did Pauline Hanson become a Prophet?