Why don't blue etched/engraved tumblers etch properly?
For anyone that has ever etched a blue tumbler (some other colors too, but blue is the worst) you quickly realize something isn’t right. Unfortunately that realization comes with a ruined tumbler cup. The first time I did it was truly disappointing so I went down a long path of figuring out how to never do that again!
The reason blue tumblers don't etch right boil down to the following differences.
- Blue powder coating pigment adheres more strongly to the metal.
- Blue powder coating pigment is more likely to melt.
- Blue, on the color spectrum, is more likely to reflect the laser light.
Why to blue laser etched tumblers not etch as well?
There are a few reasons why blue laser etched tumblers may not etch as well as other colors.
1. Blue powder coating is more difficult to remove than other colors. This is because the blue pigment is more tightly bonded to the metal. As a result, the laser needs to be more powerful and slower to remove the coating completely.
2. Blue powder coating is more likely to melt than other colors. This can cause the coating to redeposit itself on the metal, making it difficult to get a clean etch.
3. Blue powder coating is more likely to reflect the laser light. This can make it difficult for the laser to penetrate the coating and reach the metal underneath.
A BIG part of the conversation to think about with the blue tumblers is “redepositing.” Redepositing happens when the powder coat is melted, but not removed. The natural thought is to cook it more, but that too is an error. The residue will burn causing discoloration. See picture below.
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Tips for etching/engraving blue tumblers or cups.
Here are some tips for etching blue laser etched tumblers:
- Use a more powerful laser. A laser with at least 50 watts of power is recommended.
- Use a slower speed. A speed of 100-200mm/s is a good starting point. This is obviously dependent on your laser.
- Use multiple passes. You may need to do 2-3 passes to completely remove the coating.
- Focus the laser carefully. The laser needs to be focused as tightly as possible to get a clean etch. Some people say to over-focus making the laser closer to the cup than normal. I have not needed to do this.
- Clean the tumbler thoroughly after etching. Use a mild soap and water to remove any residue from the coating. For blue cups I use Blu Powder Coating Residue Remover and an Oh My Clean Magic Eraser Sponge.
With a little patience and care, you can get great results etching blue laser etched tumblers.
Are Stanley cups/tumblers Powder Coated?
I kind of felt like I needed to answer this question, because at one point, I didn’t know what the process was either.
Yes, Stanley cups are powder coated. Powder coating is a dry finishing process that is more durable and environmentally friendly than traditional liquid painting. The powder is applied electrostatically and then cured in an oven to create a hard, protective finish.
Powder coating has several advantages for Stanley cups:
- Durability: Powder coating is very durable and resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading. This is important for Stanley cups, which are often used in harsh environments.
- Environmentally friendly: Powder coating is a dry finishing process, so there is no solvent or VOC emissions. This is better for the environment than traditional liquid painting, which can release harmful chemicals into the air.
- Appearance: Powder coating can create a variety of finishes, including matte, glossy, and textured. This allows Stanley cups to be customized to match a variety of styles and preferences.
In addition to the benefits listed above, powder coating also helps to insulate Stanley cups. This means that your drinks will stay hot or cold longer.
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Have a great one!
Royce
Hill Country CNC & Woodworking is an affiliate marketing business, but it is one with ethics and morals. We only promote the items that we use in our daily business. Let’s help each other! I will give you my experience (and discounts sometimes) and you can help me grow.
That makes sense… blue laser on blue but the other issues are wild. Know your materials I guess is the key.