Abstract: A method and apparatus including a system for cylindrical or polar coordinate movement of a material or laser beam whereby the material is engraved with an image upon a rotary table. The rotary table is connected to a translation stage. The movement of the translation stage is coordinated with the rotation of the rotary table and the firing of the laser to effectively allow engraving of a material in a series of concentric circles. The system allows high-speed and high-resolution laser engraving. The system is also simpler and cheaper than conventional X-Y methods and apparatus. The method and apparatus are useful for photographic quality laser engraving.