A roller rotary uses a pair of motorized wheels or rollers to spin cylindrical objects like tumblers, mugs, glasses, and bottles. The object rests on the rollers and rotates as the laser engraves it.

✅ Pros of Roller Rotaries:

• Simple to Use – Easy setup and minimal adjustments required.
  
  

• Versatile Fit – Can accommodate a wide variety of diameters and shapes.
  
  

• Ideal for Long Objects – Great for engraving simple logo designs on items like tumblers and water bottles.
  
  

• Delicate on your Items – Many use rubber or silicone rollers to avoid scratching your item.
  
  

❌ Cons of Roller Rotaries:

• Slippage Can Occur – Especially with oddly shaped or lightweight items. Not ideal for full-wraps
  
  

• Less Precision – Not ideal for very small or intricate jobs requiring perfect alignment. Cannot  cross-hatch
  
  

• Limited to Certain Cylindrical Objects – Doesn’t work well with irregular shapes or objects with handles (like mugs). With a clamp you can accomplish items with handles but be ware of slipping. Very tricky to do large items like dog bowls, but possible!

A chuck rotary uses a mechanical jaw system (similar to a lathe) to grip the item and rotate it during engraving. It holds the object by its inner or outer diameter, allowing for more secure control.

✅ Pros of Chuck Rotaries:

• Superior Precision – Perfect for high-detail, high-accuracy engraving.
  
  

• Secure Grip – No slippage, making it ideal for small or heavy items. Good for full-wraps.
  
  

• Supports Small, Large, and Irregular Shapes – Can hold objects like rings, spheres, or handled mugs. Great for dog bowls.
  
  

❌ Cons of Chuck Rotaries:

• More Complex Setup – Requires more calibration and adjustments. Need to set the diameter of your object each time. Need to decide which jaws to use.
  
  

• Longer Learning Curve – Not as beginner-friendly. Need to master jaws.
  
  

• Speed  – Slower to swap items than a roller, making large production runs a bit more time-consuming