Laser Engraving Tumblers

Welcome to this laser engraving job aid on powder-coated tumblers! This instructable has been designed to guide participants through the steps required to produce a high-quality laser-engraved design on a powder-coated tumbler. By following the detailed instructions provided, learners can expect to create a personalized and visually appealing design on their tumblers.

This instructable aims to provide a comprehensive guide to laser engraving on powder-coated tumblers while emphasizing the importance of taking appropriate safety precautions. The instructions have been written in a clear and concise manner to ensure that participants can easily follow along and understand the steps required to achieve their desired outcome.

This job aid is ideal for anyone interested in laser engraving on powder-coated tumblers and is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced individuals looking to improve their skills. By the end of this instructable, learners will have a strong understanding of the laser engraving process and the necessary safety precautions required to successfully complete this project.

DISCLAIMER: Laser engraving powder-coated tumblers can be a potentially hazardous process and should only be performed by trained professionals. The laser can cause the powder coating to release harmful fumes, and improper ventilation can lead to respiratory issues. Additionally, the laser can cause burns and eye damage if proper safety equipment is not worn. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that safety precautions, including proper ventilation and personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and gloves, be taken when performing this process. Individuals who are not qualified or experienced in laser engraving and powder coating should not attempt this procedure.

Supplies

List of Materials:

• 120W Industrial Air Purifier with 4 Layer Air Filter and 106CFM Intake Fume Extractor for Laser Engraver (Brand: Goplus; Price: $209.99 on Amazon https://us.amazon.com/OMTech-Industrial-Purifier-Extractor-Soldering/dp/B0B6P5SDKM)
• Piburn Laser Rotary Attachment 4.0 (Piburn V4.0) from Lens Digital (Price: $895 on Lens Digital website. https://www.lensdigital.com/home/project/piburn/)
• MF1624-55 - 55W CO2 Laser Engraver Cutting Machine with 16” x 24” Working Area (Brand: OMTECH; Price: $2,299.99 on Omtech. https://omtechlaser.com/collections/mid-range-co2-laser-engravers/products/55w-co2-laser-engraver-cutter-usb-6b46-us)
• Lightburn Software Download for CO2 Laser Engraver Cutter (Version: 0.9.24; Price: $40 one-time fee on Lightburn website. https://lightburnsoftware.com/)

These materials have been chosen to ensure learners have access to the necessary equipment and software to complete the laser engraving project on powder-coated tumblers. The 120W industrial air purifier with a four-layer air filter and 106CFM intake fume extractor has been chosen to ensure that participants can safely complete the laser engraving process without being exposed to any harmful fumes.

The Piburn Laser Rotary Attachment 4.0 has been selected as it is a reliable and high-quality rotary attachment that will allow learners to easily engrave curved surfaces. The MF1624-55 CO2 laser engraver cutting machine with a 16” x 24” working area has been chosen as it is a versatile and robust machine that can handle a wide range of materials.

Finally, the Lightburn software download for CO2 laser engraver cutter has been chosen as it is a user-friendly software that allows learners to easily create designs and control the laser engraving process.

Step 1: Designing the Image Using LightBurn

1. Open the LightBurn software and create a new project.
2. Import or create the image you want to engrave onto the powder-coated tumbler.
3. Adjust the image as necessary using the LightBurn software tools to get it to the desired size and position for the tumbler.
4. Set the engraving speed and power settings according to the laser engraver's manufacturer's guidelines and the material of the powder-coated tumbler. I use 220-speed 22 power at a .045 interval for my machine.
5. Preview the design on the software to ensure that everything is in the desired position and proportion, and make any necessary adjustments before sending the design to the laser engraver.

Step 2: Putting the Project in the Rotary Attachment and Leveling the Project

1. Attach the Piburn Laser Rotary Attachment 4.0 to the laser engraver, following the manufacturer's instructions. For my machine, it is as simple as unplugging the Y-axis and plugging in the rotary attachment.
2. Secure the powder-coated tumbler onto the rotary attachment using the included adjustable rollers or other securing mechanism.
3. Use a level to ensure that the tumbler is level on the rotary attachment.
4. Double-check the level and adjust as necessary to ensure that the laser engraving is straight and aligned with the design.

Step 3: Centering the Laser and Ensuring the Correct Focal Length Is Set

1. Turn on the laser engraver and the air purifier/fume extractor.
2. Use the jog controls in the LightBurn software to center the laser head over the powder-coated tumbler.
3. Set the focus of the laser engraver to the correct focal length for the material being used on the powder-coated tumbler.
4. Use the focus tool included with the laser engraver to set the correct distance between the laser head and the surface of the powder-coated tumbler.
5. Double-check the focal length and adjust if necessary to ensure that the laser is focused correctly for the powder-coated tumbler material.

Step 4: Start the Laser Engraver and Engrave

1. Double-check that all safety precautions are in place and the laser engraver is correctly set up.
2. Begin the laser engraving process by selecting "start" or "engrave" on the laser engraver or in the LightBurn software.
3. Monitor the laser engraving process to ensure that the design is being engraved correctly and that the engraving speed and power are appropriate for the material of the powder-coated tumbler.
4. Once the engraving is complete, turn off the laser engraver and the air purifier/fume extractor.
5. Remove the powder-coated tumbler from the rotary attachment and inspect the engraving for any inconsistencies or errors.

Step 5: Wash the Tumbler With Hot Water and Dish Soap

1. Fill a sink or basin with hot water and add dish soap.
2. Place the engraved powder-coated tumbler in the sink or basin and use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge to gently wash the tumbler, making sure to remove any residual debris or residue from the engraving process.
3. Rinse the tumbler with clean water to remove any remaining soap and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.
4. Inspect the tumbler for any remaining residue or debris before using or delivering the finished product.

Step 6: Make an Awesome TikTok to Show Off Your Skills

1. Once you have completed the laser engraving process and washed and dried the powder-coated tumbler, consider creating a TikTok video to showcase your skills and the finished product.
2. Use creative and engaging techniques to capture the engraved design's beauty and intricacy and highlight the precision and accuracy of your laser engraving skills.
3. Incorporate popular hashtags and trends related to laser engraving, powder-coated tumblers, and other relevant topics to maximize the reach of your TikTok video.
4. Share your TikTok video on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to gain more visibility and potentially attract new customers or clients.
5. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you have successfully completed a beautiful and unique engraved powder-coated tumbler and showcased your skills to the world!