This article describes the complete process of using xTool Rotary Attachment 3 (hereinafter referred to as RA3) for cylindrical workpieces on xTool P2/P2S.
For more information about RA3, refer to xTool Rotary Attachment 3 User Guide.
Preparations
- Turn on xTool P2/P2S, and use the USB cable included in the P2/P2S package to connect it to your computer.

- Download and install the xTool software.

- Open the software and select ā+ New Projectā.

- Select the icon on the left of the menu button (ā¦).

- Select "+ Add Device".

- In the āConnect deviceā interface, under the āUSBā tab, select the P2/P2S device connected to your computer.

- Once the connection is successful, the device status will show "Ready".

- According to the processing scenario, select the mode "Chuck ā Use rotary attachment" or "Roller ā Use rotary attachment".

RA3 auto mode
The following uses the jaw chuck mode of RA3 as an example to illustrate the operation method in auto mode.
- Refer to Install RA3 onto xTool P2/P2S to install RA3 in jaw chuck mode onto xTool P2/P2S.

- When the mode on the right side of the software interface is "Chuck ā Use rotary attachment" or "Roller ā Use rotary attachment", the software will automatically recognize the RA3. Here, we select the mode "Chuck ā Use rotary attachment".

- From the dropdown menu under āMaterialā, select āRA3 Auto Modeā.

- Close the lid of xTool P2/P2S.
RA3 central axis calibration (before first use and after use for a long time)
RA3 central axis calibration is used to ensure that the design is accurately aligned with the workpiece during processing.
- Select the menu button (ā¦) next to the device name and then select āDevice settingsā.

- Select "Accessory Information" and then select "Calibrate".

- Select "Next".

- Check whether there are jaws, the jaw chuck, or a workpiece on RA3 placed in xTool P2/P2S (oversized workpieces may collide with the laser module). If present, remove them before performing the central axis calibration.
- Select "Start calibration".

- After calibration is complete, the software will automatically go to the āCalibration resultā page. Select āGot itā.

ā ļøIf the laser module hits a large workpiece, press the emergency stop button located at the back-right of xTool P3. After removing the workpiece, release the emergency stop button and perform the central axis calibration again.

Select the material
- Select "Unknown material".

- Select "Search Materials".

- Enter keywords to search, for example, ātumblerā.

- Under the āMetalā tab, select the tumbler style and then select āApplyā.

Modeling
Standard modeling
- From the dropdown menu under āMaterialā, select āRA3 Auto Modeā.

- Select the modeling button.

- Follow the instructions in the pop-up window: place the material, ensure the handle is oriented correctly, and then select āQuick modelingā.

š”You can also choose to remove the tumbler handle and place the tumbler back onto the jaw chuck components. In the software interface, check āHandle removedā, and then select āQuick modelingā. In quick modeling mode, the system only detects the starting point.
- After modeling is complete, the system will prompt āMeasurement completeā¦ā. The white area indicates the workable area, while the gray area indicates the non-workable area. Add processing elements (patterns or text) within the white area.

- Select āPreviewā at the bottom-right corner of the software interface to see how the processing elements will appear on the workpiece. You can use the left mouse button to click and drag the workpiece to speed up the preview display.

Standard modeling (for non-official materials)
- If you are not using official materials, select āStandard modelingā at the bottom-right corner of the āQuick modeling (Official materials only)ā pop-up window.

- After modeling is complete, the system will prompt āMeasurement completeā¦ā. The white area indicates the workable area, while the gray area indicates the non-workable area. Add processing elements (patterns or text) within the white area.

- Select āPreviewā at the bottom-right corner of the software interface to see how the processing elements will appear on the workpiece. You can use the left mouse button to click and drag the workpiece to speed up the preview display.

Set processing parameters
Set the power, speed, pass, lines per cm, engraving mode, and other parameters in the panel on the right side of the software interface.

Start processing
- Check whether the workpiece is securely positioned.
- Select āProcessā to go to the "Check before processing" page. Then select "Start".
- Press the button on xTool P2/P2S to start processing.

š”After selecting āProcessā, select āStartā in the āCheck befor processingā pop-up window. If the power value is too low (for example, 1%), selecting āProcessā may trigger a warning. Increasing the power will prevent this warning from appearing.
Differences in roller mode
When RA3 is assembled in roller mode, the following differences apply.
- Select āRoller ā Use rotary attachmentā on the āSelect processing modeā pop-up window.

- From the dropdown menu under āMaterialā, select āRA3 Auto Modeā.

- Select the modeling button on the right (make sure the lid of xTool P2/P2S is open).

- Select "Move" on the āStart modelingā pop-up window.

š”If the red dot is not at the highest point of the workpieceās central axis, enter a value (for example, 5) in āDistance(mm)ā and use the Up/Down/Left/Right buttons for fine adjustment.

- Once the red dot is at the highest point, check āConfirm red dot at highest pointā.

- Select "Next". The laser module will automatically measure the diameter and height of the cylinder.

Differences in manual mode
When using manual mode as the processing mode, the following differences apply (using jaw chuck mode as an example).
- From the dropdown menu under āMaterialā, select āRA3 Manual Modeā.

- After measuring the diameter or circumference of the workpiece with a caliper or tape measure, enter the measured value into the software interface.

- Click the precision measurement icon below the diameter/circumference value.

- Select "Move" on the "Aimed-measure" pop-up window.

š”If the red dot is not at the highest point of the workpieceās central axis, enter a value (for example, 5) in āDistance(mm)ā and use the Up/Down/Left/Right buttons for fine adjustment.
- Once the red dot is at the highest point, select āMeasureā. The system will automatically fill the measured distance into the distance field.

More information about key components of RA3
Functions
|

| Raising the jaw chuck components allows processing of larger workpieces. |

| Suitable for processing slender, easily rolling workpieces (for example, pens and chopsticks); non-slip surface with adjustable roller spacing. |

| Secures the roller components, ensuring the workpiece remains accurately positioned during processing. |

| Secures the workpiece. |

| Ensures the workpiece surface is level to prevent engraving tilt. |

| Measures workpiece circumference or diameter for parameter setup and clamp adjustment. |
Use and maintenance recommendations
|

| Depending on the size and shape of the workpiece, you can choose to use only the cylindrical jaws or both the T-shaped and cylindrical jaws. After clamping the workpiece, ensure it is securely held. When replacing the jaw chuck, always power off the machine and make sure the jaw chuck is properly fastened to prevent the workpiece from loosening or falling during processing. |

| During installation, keep the rollers parallel to the workpiece contact surface and regularly clean the roller surfaces to prevent dust from affecting clamping force. |

| After height adjustment, ensure all screws are tightened to prevent movement during processing. |

| Recalibrate the level after changing workpieces or moving RA3. |

| Ensure correct connector orientation when plugging or unplugging to avoid damaging the pins. It is recommended to regularly check whether the cables are loose or worn, and replace them if necessary. |
Common issues and solutions
|
Check whether the jaw chuck or rollers are properly installed and adjust the clamping force as needed. |
Check whether the roller transmission module and the holder for roller components are secure, and clean any debris from the roller surfaces. |
Recalibrate using the mini level to ensure the workpiece surface is level. |
Check if the connector of the connection cable is loose and replace the connection cable if necessary. |
Related links
xTool P2 User Guide
xTool P2S User Guide
xTool Rotary Attachment 3 User Guide