Tumbler or Yeti cup laser engraving usually requires a powerful CO2 laser machine or an infrared laser with rotary attachment. A rotary attachment or a rotary chuck is a must to hold and rotate the cylindrical object in an appropriate position so that the laser beam works well.

Usually, the rotary laser engraving machine is available at a price range of USD $600 to $3500. The price varies depending on the laser power and additional features.

If you are starting a laser crafting business, having expertise in engraving cylindrical objects is a must. Such engravings can give you more than 120% profit margin.

In this article, we aim to provide you with an in-depth guide on tumbler engraving along with suggestions for the top laser machines.

Best laser engravers for tumblers & Yeti cups

These are the best rotary laser engravers for tumblers & Yeti cups:

xTool P2 (55W co2) – Best of all
Xtool D1 Pro – 20W & 40W (Best in DIY)
Gweike Cloud Pro (2022’s fastest laser cutter)
LaserPecker 2 & 4- 60W
OMTech 50W (Expensive but awesome)
Attomstack X20 Pro (A good alternative to Xtool D1)

Here is a quick comparison of the tumbler engravers:

	xTool P2	xTool D1 Pro	Gweike Cloud Pro	LaserPecker 4
Laser Power	55W CO2	20W/40W diode	50W CO2	10W diode + 2W infrared
Rotary Attachment	Included	Available (Need to buy)	Included	Included
Ability to engrave stainless steel	Unable	Unable	Unable	Available
Maximum engraving speed	600 mm/s	400 mm/s	500 mm/s	2000 mm/s
Portability	Tabletop	Tabletop	Tabletop	Portable
Enclosure	Fully enclosed	Open-frame	Fully enclosed	Portable and enclosed

How did we test laser engravers?

We have primarily selected 17 different types of laser engravers and performed a multi-layer assessment for 37 hours. Our technical evaluation team has scored every engraver independently regardless of what others say.

We focused on the engraving quality, efficiency of the rotary, types of laser, power of the laser, sturdiness of the machine, ability to work on different materials, engraving speed, upgradeability, brand value, and a lot more other qualitative issues.

We have experienced that Xtool D1 pro is a suitable option for budget-friendly users who prefer both economy and the accuracy of the works. We liked the compatibility of LaserPecker 2 and its faster speed along with great precision. OMTech is our top choice due to its engraving quality and build quality.

The xTool P2 is a remarkable innovation of the last decade as it features a fully canopied 55 W co2 laser along with rotary attachments, air assist, water chiller, curved engraving feature, and a lot more artificial intelligence integration with 600 mm/s engraving speed. It engraves at a precision of 0.01 & 1000 DPI which makes it an awesome choice for tumbler engraving.

in 2023, xTool released the very first enclosed diode laser engraver (40W S1) having the capacity to be operated with both 40W diode + 2W IR laser which actively competes with the low-budget CO2 lasers as well as acts as an upgraded version of its older D1 pro. Alternatively, you can also try having an S1 if the P2 seems an expensive option. Both the P2 and S1 are compatible with the RA2 pro rotary extension which has been widely accepted by tumbler engraving enthusiasts.

Xtool D1 Pro is a professional laser engraver with the ability to work with tough materials. Regardless of the engraving speed and other qualitative issues, we found the superior tumbler engraving quality and this is why the engraver is the top choice. Besides, Laserpecker is comparable to a smaller engraver but excellent ability to engraver tumblers. The laser picker is compact, and budget-friendly but not as premium as the Glowforge.

Gweike Cloud Pro is a pure Glowforge killer which comes at a high of price of what Glowforge is asking for its Pro model. Gweike features 3 linear rails along with an industrial-grade laser tube & internal cooling chamber. It offers to pass through along with a slightly larger work area than the Glowforge Pro. In our opinion, Gewike is the fastest laser cutter of 2022 having a cutting speed of 600 mm/s (15% higher than the Gllowforge Pro).

OMTech is comparably a large engraving machine that works on all types of material. The engraving quality was amazing except for the manual lifting feature. Atomstack can be considered the most suitable alternative to the Xtool which will surely blow your mind.

xTool P2 – Best of all

The xTool P2 55W CO2 laser cutter is a high-quality and affordable machine that delivers excellent performance in cutting and engraving on various materials, including wood, acrylic, leather, and more. This laser engraving machine has a large work area, curved engraving capability, and batch processing that allows users to tackle complex and large projects efficiently.

Moreover, the built-in water cooling and air assist ensure optimal performance and longevity of the machine, while the safety features, including fire detection and auto shutdown, make it a safe option for any workspace. The xTool P2 also has two 16 MP cameras that provide accurate and precise engraving on uneven surfaces.

Check detailed specification and price of xTool P2

Why the xTool P2 is the best laser engraver for tumblers, cups, and mugs?

The xTool P2 is the best laser engraver for tumblers, cups, and mugs for several reasons. First, the machine is powerful enough to engrave stainless steel & other materials of tumblers & cups.

Second, the built-in water cooling and air assist ensure optimal performance and longevity of the machine. The integration of two 16 MP cameras for closer and wide-angle shots is another game-changer for precision and accuracy in laser engraving. Compared to other laser engravers in the market, the xTool P2 offers advanced safety features such as fire detection, fire fighting equipment integration, and auto shutdown, making it a reliable and safe option for any workspace.

Furthermore, the xTool P2 offers batch processing and curved engraving capabilities, which make it easy and efficient to handle large and complex projects. The machine also has a cutting speed of 600 mm/s and an engraving precision of 0.001, making it a top-of-the-line option for any serious laser engraving enthusiast.

The xTool P2 laser cutter is also equipped with two powerful cameras that provide better focus and monitoring during the engraving process. The placement of a powerful camera near the laser head directly contributes to the laser beam calibration during engraving over an uneven surface, ensuring accurate and consistent engraving depth and quality. Additionally, the machine is compatible with xTool’s most popular rotary attachment, which is known as RA2 Pro, making it possible to engrave cylindrical objects with precision and accuracy.

In conclusion, the xTool P2 is the best laser engraver for tumblers, cups, and mugs due to its advanced safety features, high-quality image capture, precise cuts and engravings, efficient processing of large materials, and compatibility with rotary attachment. It offers superior performance at a lower price point compared to other high-end laser engravers in the market.

What are the key benefits of xTool P2?

The xTool P2’s key benefits include its powerful 55W CO2 laser tube, which delivers fast and efficient cutting and engraving on various materials. It has a large work area, curved engraving capability, and batch processing that allows users to tackle complex and large projects efficiently.

The P2 offers a larger area to fit its rotary roller, such additional space is highly required if you are engraving tumblers like Stanley cups.

Furthermore, the machine is cost-effective, user-friendly, and comes with xTool Creative Space & LightBurn software.

What are the drawbacks of xTool P2?

The xTool P2 is comparably new in the CO2 laser industry, so glass tube replacement services are not yet declared. The slate bed offers too much gap between two slates, limiting smaller jewelry engravings. Additionally, the exterior is made of plastic, which, while it looks great, may not be as durable as metal in the long term.

Try xTool S1 (a better version of older xTool lasers)

xTool S1 is the next-generation diode laser that comes with a fully enclosed 40W diode laser. Interestingly the S1 is the first laser that competes with the CO2 laser machine having the cutting cabability of 18mm wood at a single pass.

See S1’s hand’s on test and laser engraving experiments

You may also try the tool S1 for tumblers because it easily pairs with the RA2 Pro rotary attachments which is the same rotary you get with both of the P2 & D1 pro.

The S1 eliminates the need to wear protective glass because it is Class-1 certified and fully enclosed which has been a negative side of the xTool D1 pro.

Furthermore, the S1 arrives with an additional 2W IR laser which can easily engrave tumblers & stainless steel materials without using a temporary coat. Notably, 2W infrared laser generates a laser beam at 1064 nm wavelength which creates sharper details within less time.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide between the xTool S1 and P2.

	xTool S1 40W	xTool S1 20W	xTool P2 55W
Laser Type	40W diode + 2W IR	20 W diode + 2W IR	55W CO2
Pine Wood	20 mm	15 mm	17 mm
Cherry Wood	18 mm	10 mm	18 mm
Basewood	15 mm	10 mm	16 mm
Walnut Wood	15 mm	10 mm	16 mm
Black Acrylic	15 mm	10 mm	16 mm
Stainless Steel	0.1 mm	0.04 mm	Not competent

Xtool D1 Pro

Xtool D1 Pro is the upgraded version of D1 with almost 100% higher laser power (20W). It comes with a rotary attachment with an engraving speed of up to 24000mm per minute. It can work both as a laser cutter and a laser engraver with proven efficiency to work on different material types such as wood, steel, denim, board, and others. The Xtool D1 pro needs to be assembled which takes roughly 35 minutes for an experienced person.

What Makes Xtool D1 Pro Special Among the Other Laser Engravers?

These are the key highlighting points that helped Xtool D1 Pro to stand out.

Printing speed is roughly 24000mm per minute which is 200% higher than Glowforge
20W laser at a price below $1500 took the crafters’ attention
Xtool User community is much richerer than Omtech which helps any customer to sort out any issues without official tech support
The collection of colors, templates, and fonts is 115% higher than Fluxx engravers
Return on Investment (ROI) is shorter, usually less than a year
Easier focus and flame detection also make it special
It can engrave in color through oxidization

Laser Engraving Works done by Xtool D1 Pro

One thing you should keep in mind is that this is a DIY laser cutter which means that you need to assemble this after it arrives. The assembly instructions are straightforward and easier to follow. We took only 30 minutes to set the engraver completely but for the other customers without prior experience, it may take another 15 minutes extra. Surely the DIY is cheaper but a bit more complex than the others that come already assembled.

Moreover, the xTool D1 pro is also capable of generating color engravings through oxidization that creates different colors without needing the pigments.

Here are a few glimpses from unboxing to laser engraving:

We have found this laser engraver so wonderfully worked with the tumblers.

Positive Sides of Xtool D1 Pro

It’s cheaper than the others
Xtool’s operating software is easy to operate
0.01 mm motion precision ensures better engraving accuracy
Rotary attachment makes tumbler engraving easier
The system automatically detects flame which is a safeguard
Focusing is much easier than in the earlier versions
Higher speed ensures faster ROI and better customer support
Wifi connectivity adds more value
The diversity of colors, elements, and fonts gives you a greater working scope
You have the freedom to raise the engraver by an additional 16 inches which allows for working with bigger material
Also efficient in working with Pinewood
Includes limit switches that ensure better safety and working flexibility (Limit switches were not available in their earlier version D1)
Becomes less smoky
Can cut a three-quarter inch or 19 mm thickness of wood
Supports offline operation with SD card

Negative Sides of Xtool D1 Pro

It’s a DIY machine that requires prior experience
Does not come with an Enclosure (xTool S1 is the only enclosed diode laser as of today)
Engraving without an enclosure can make the work area dirty
New software Creative Space is a bit cranky and you might need to buy Lightburn for better programmability
Rotary roller attachment can be challenging for new users

How D1 Pro Differs from Earlier Version (D1)

D1 Pro includes limit switches that were not available in D1
The flame detector was not available in D1 but in D1 pro
Engraving Speed is 200% faster than the D1
D1 Pro’s laser head includes an easy thickness controller which was not available in regular D1
D1 Pro is less smoky than the D1
D1 pro works in Creative Space software but the D1 is operated in Laser Box

Update: Xtool brought a 40W version of its D1 pro

The Xtool D1 Pro 40W laser engraver is a powerful and efficient tool for engraving and cutting a wide range of materials, including wood, plastic, leather, and metal. With a high power output of 40W, it is capable of producing deep and precise cuts and engravings at a faster rate than lower-powered models.

The company made a common 40W laser module which is supported by both open frame and canopied laser such as the xTooL S1.

One of the key features of the Xtool D1 Pro 40W is its large engraving area, which measures 400 x 430mm. This provides ample space for engraving and cutting larger items, making it ideal for both professional and personal use. Additionally, it features a red dot positioning system, which ensures accuracy and precision in your work.

The Xtool D1 Pro 40W also comes with a user-friendly software interface that allows you to easily design and edit your projects. It is compatible with a wide range of file formats, including BMP, JPG, PNG, and SVG, making it easy to import and work with your existing designs.

Compared to the Xtool D1 Pro 20W, the main difference is the power output. While the 20W model is still capable of producing high-quality engravings and cuts, the 40W model offers faster and more efficient results, particularly when working with thicker or harder materials. Additionally, the larger engraving area of the 40W model provides more flexibility in the types of projects that can be tackled.

Gweike Cloud Pro 50w Co2

Gweike Cloud Pro is a 50W CO2 laser cutter & engraver, that became available in the year 2022. The laser cutter has successfully created market hype to gather the necessary attention of laser enthusiasts and crafters. Experts are even comparing the Gweike Cloud Pro with the Glowforge Pro as the best budget alternative.

Key Takeaways

Gweike Cloud Pro is a 50-watt CO2 laser cutter which means that the user can cut and engrave almost every material except aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and copper.
This laser engraver is 3.4 times faster than Xtool D1 Pro.
Offers a precession rate of up to 0.0001 inches which concludes the power of tiny spot marking ability.
So far, Gweike Cloud Pro is the fastest laser engraver of 2022 compared to Glowforge. The engraving speed is 600 mm/second which seems to be an industrial-grade performance.
It also features 3 3-axis linear guide rails for better maneuvering of the laser head.
Supports more than 400 materials and also recognizes them like what Glowforge used to do.
This is a desktop laser cutter and is accessible through USB & Wifi; however, no smartphone app is there to control it.
Gweike Cloud Pro can be controlled through Lightburn which was a big limitation for Glowforge users. (learn more on how to enhance your lightburn canvas)
There is a 5-megapixel HD camera to oversee the laser engraving performance but, the Glowforge had one extra camera for spot marking.
The in-built camera can directly read the handmade design and convert it into an engravable file without any manual edits. This was missing when we tested OMTech laser cutters earlier.
Gweike laser engraver can print at a resolution of up to 1000 DPI at full power. This is great when someone needs high-contrast engraving output. However, there might be edge burns to soft materials.
The Pro model comes with double rotary attachments which enables the laser head to work on uneven materials such as tumblers & Yeti mugs.
There would be 18 months of warranty along with 30 days no reason refund facility which takes the laser cutter into the biggest appealing position in the market.
The noise would be as maximum as 70 decibels. (20% lower than the OMTech laser cutters)
Gweike is FDA certified and hereby comes with HEPA filter & duct fan. This laser engraver is fully enclosed so the risk of toxic fumes is lesser than the open version of Xtool D1 Pro & AtomStack S20 Pro.
There is a built-in cooler that helps the laser beam reduce heat substantially without air assistance.
Gweike also allows pass-through which helps the user to feed extra material for larger engraving.
The work area of Gweike Cloud Pro is 20.08 inches by 11.8 inches which is slightly smaller than the Glowforge but the pass-through removes the bed limitation by a smaller extent.
Lastly, the bottom drawer helps to clean the cutting & engraving dust quite easily which was missing in the Glowforge.

Negative Sides

Doesn’t have any mobile app
There has been limited information on whether their desktop applications run smoothly on Mac / Linux.
Smaller customer forum
Doesn’t allow any batch processing
Doesn’t have a smartphone application to control or oversee the laser engraving activities.
You cannot perform laser annealing with such CO2 laser.

Gweike Vs OMTech Polar

If compared, the Polar and Gweike Cloud Pro stay in a tie position with a win-win result. However, Gweike lacks consumer market experience compared to OMTech which has been selling small laser engravers for a long period.

It seems that OMTEch Polar is heavier than the Gweike Cloud Pro with the exactly same dimensions of 38.2″ x 22.2″ x 9.2″. Both the laser engravers feature a 5 MP in-built camera with auto-calibration. The camera focus and the ability to detect hand-made drawings are pretty similar and effective at both laser engravers.

Here’s a quick comparison of Gweike and Polar laser cutters. Both are suitable for tumbler engraving but the comparison would surely help you to decide one easily.

	OMTech Polar	Gweike Cloud Pro
Size	38.2″22.3″9.2″	38.2″ x 22.2″ x 9.2″
Weight	104 lb.	25 kg (55 lbs)
Work Bed	20.1″ *11.8″	20.08” by 11.8”
Camera	5 MP	one (in-built)
Rotary	Included	Included
Work Bed	Honeycomb	Honeycomb
Pull-out Drawer	Not Available	Available
Water Chiller	Availabe	Available
Laser Power	50 W CO2	50 W CO2
Speed	500 mm/s	600 mm/s
Lightburn	Supported	Supported
Precision	0.001 inch	0.001 inch

Another difference is noticed which is the availability of the Pullout drawer. The pull-out drawer is indeed very effective in pulling out the dust created by the laser engraver. However, for the Polar, the honeycomb bed is still removable and the need for a pullout drawer is a pretty minor issue unless you are not cleaning the dust for a longer time.

On the other side, Gweike offers slightly higher engraving speed, which helps it stay ahead of OMTech Polar. However, the Polar is still very competitive if compared with the laser engravers at the price range of $2000 to $2800.

LaserPecker 2 – The best budget option

LaserPecker 2 is another amazing budget-friendly laser engraver suitable for tumblers. It has a rotary module with the ability to work in wood, alloy, and leather. with a precision rate of 0.05 mm, this engraver can work at a speed of 36000 mm per minute.

Learn more on Laserpecker lasers (In-depth comparison)

What’s Different in LaserPecker 2

These are the key differentiating factors that made LaserPecker 2 to be of our top 5 laser engravers for tumblers.

It offers a 60W laser at an even lower price than the Xtool D1 Pro. Also, a 60W laser makes the engravings more lively
The printing speed is higher than the other similar engravers at the same price range. It engraves up to 36ooo mm per minute
Laserpecker also features a dual-galvanometer to make the engraving process faster. A dual galvanometer allows the beam to work continuously without any pause
Easily convertible to Slab Mode & Trolly Mode it helps in extending the engraving length
No installation is needed. Suitable for owners who love plug-and-play
Lastly, it delivers a resolution of up to 2K in laser engraving

These are some works on LaserPecker 2

Other Positive Sides of LaserPecker 2

It’s small and comes within budget for the occasional users
A plastic hood protects laser beams and other dangers that serve as an enclosure
LaserPecker’s software is easy to use
LaserPecker 2 is so compact and works with a variety of materials such as bamboo, glass, allow, leather, wood, and plastic.
Also works on a battery that can run the machine up to 200 minutes but, you need to pay extra for the battery
Can handle difficult shapes with its auxiliary extender
Supports Bluetooth connectivity

Negative sides

It’s a diode laser so the efficiency level would not be equal to the CO2 lasers. Learn more about diode laser here.
Not sturdy as the Xtool D1 Pro
Not suitable for professional users/business owners who handle plenty of delivery
The work area is smaller than Xtool D1 Pro which limits the engraving of larger materials
No flame detector or any air filter attached
No camera attached for edge detection
The work area is not suitable for large tumblers, but it works great with smaller alloy mugs.

What does Laser Enthusiast say about LaserPecker 2?

We have surveyed to understand how the users feel after using LaserPecker 2! The survey outcome was so positive except for a few negative issues that we already identified in the earlier section.

One of the users from Brownsville (USA) has mentioned that this laser engraver works well in tumblers and other mugs. But, the software lags sometimes. We have enquired about the issue to LaserPecker and they affirmed with the latest update that the issue has been solved already.

How LaserPecker 2 differs from other LaserPecker laser engravers

LaserPecker 2 is an upgrade to LaserPecker 1. The Laserpecker 1 was so simple with no protective plastic outside. The earlier version had a precession of 0.15 mm which is lower than what the LaserPecker 2 offers.

Moreover, there are two premium add-ons to LaserPecker 2 which add more value but at a higher cost. For instance:

At a higher price, you can add a magnet protective shield to Version 2.
The manufacturer also offers a storage box as an add-on optional item at a premium price.

So far, LaserPecker’s laser engraving portfolio is not as big as others but its recent performance makes us hopeful about LaserPecker’s future growth.

Update (2024): Laserpecker 4 is already available

The LaserPecker 4 is the latest model of the LaserPecker family of laser engravers. It is a powerful, portable, and affordable engraving machine that allows users to create detailed designs on a variety of materials. The LaserPecker 4 was recently released on Kickstarter, and it has already garnered significant attention from the maker community.

The LaserPecker 4 is a significant upgrade from its predecessors. It comes with a larger engraving area (up to 12“x8“), a faster engraving speed (up to 500mm/s), and more precise engraving accuracy (up to 0.1mm). It also supports a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, leather, glass, rubber, and metal. Additionally, the LaserPecker 4 has an intuitive user interface, making it easy to use for both beginners and experienced makers.

With its powerful hardware and intuitive software, the LaserPecker 4 is a great choice for anyone looking to create detailed designs quickly and easily. It is an ideal engraving machine for both hobbyists and professionals alike.

If you are engraving a shiny cup, an infrared laser such as Laserpecker will surely be the right choice.

Laserpecker 4 Vs Laserpecker 2

Here’s a short comparison between Laserpecker 4 and Laserpecker 2:

Both devices have a simple and elegant design. Laserpecker 4 is more ergonomic and has a sleek, modern look, while Laserpecker 2 has a more traditional design.
Laserpecker 4 is slightly larger than Laserpecker 2, measuring 10×4.5×4.5 inches, compared to Laserpecker 2’s 8×4.5×4.5 inches.
Laserpecker 4 has a larger engraving area of 12×8 inches, compared to Laserpecker 2’s 8×8 inches.
Laserpecker 4 is faster, with a maximum engraving speed of 500mm/second, compared to Laserpecker 2’s 300mm/second.
Laserpecker 4 has more functionality, with the ability to engrave on various materials, including leather, wood, plastic, and metal. Laserpecker 2 is limited to engraving on wood and plastic.

LaserPecker 4 vs xTool F1

Primarily, Laserpecker 4 and the xTool F1 are almost similar options. The main difference is that the F1 is faster than the LaserPecker 4.

But, both can engrave coated and stainless steel easily because both the engravers have an infrared laser that can engrave bare metal.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

	xTool F1	LaserPecker 4
Laser	2W IR Laser + 10W Blue Laser	2W IR Laser + 10W Blue Laser
Engraving size	100*100mm with side extension	100*100mm with side extension
Engraving Speed	4000 mm/s	2000 mm/s
Rotary	Available (does not support 360 degree rotation)	Available (360 degree Rotating)
Precision	0.002 mm	0.003 mm
Resolution	HD 4K	HD 4K

OMTech 50W Laser Engraver

OMTech is a 50W CO2 laser engraver with a rotary axis. It’s a long, compact, and sturdy laser-cutting machine with the flexibility to engrave any Yeti mugs or cylinder-shaped materials. This laser machine is suitable for continuous usage and small engraving businesses.

What’s amazing in OMTech?

These are the factors that make OMTech superior among the others

Arrives pre-built, No assembly required
The noise level is as low as 50 decibel
The engraving table is more stable than the others
Precision accuracy is 0.01 mm which is great and even better than the Xtool
There would be a manual lift to adjust machine height while working with taller elements
The powerful exhaust passes the air away
The air filter is attached but the cartridges are quite expensive
Working material passes through both ways, this is amazing, especially for longer boards
Warranty is often provided for 2 years (check before you purchase)
Comes with LIGHTBURN which is a great software for laser engraving and works with large amounts of styling, fonts, and colors.
12 x 20 inches of the large working bed allows ultimate freedom of working with anything
Rotary axis included for engraving cylinder-shaped materials
The cutting speed is 600 mm per second which means that you can cut 23 inches of nonmetallic materials in a second
Engraving quality is superior (see the picture below)

Negative Issues

It won’t work with K40 Whisperer and Inkscape
Bed lifting is manual but it’s not a big issue
CO2 engraving isn’t good for metal engraving, in that case, you need to look for a fiber laser which is a bit expensive
You may need to buy a more powerful smoke extractor for better performance
Does not come with 4 wheel rotary axis but with a barrel roll rotary
OMTech lasers require cleaning of its CO2 laser tube. follow our laser tube cleaning guide to achieve the maximum perfection.

Differences with other OMTech Laser Engravers

OMTech is a professional laser cutter manufacturer. Their product lineup includes plenty of different laser engravers. Here’s how this 50W engraver differs from other OMTech products:

There are also 60W, 80W, and 100W CO2 laser engravers. The work area gets bigger with the incremental power of the machine. For example, the 100W machine would offer you 20×28 inches of work bed which is almost double that of this one.
The 80W laser engravers have auto lifts which help you automatically level the machine for height adjustment.
Not all machine includes Lightburn software, better to check carefully before making a purchase

Atomstack X20 Pro

Atomstack X20 pro is another amazing laser engraver able to work on metal Yeti mugs. It produces a 20W laser with its 130W semiconductor laser technology. It supports roughly 40 types of material and can engrave o.o5 mm thick stainless steel board.

Positive Points

20W laser module allows different laser engraving practices
The air assist kit allows better cooling and faster work
Solid build quality
Works great in Lightburn
Also, support mobile apps for further assistance
Limit switches help to work more smoothly
The focus bracket is very good for setting laser focus for better accuracy
Works both as an engraver and laser cutter
a better alternative to Xtool D1

Negative Points

Not enclosed
Fewer safety options
It’s a diode laser which is less efficient than CO2
Image resolution was not as good as the MTech
You need to order rotary attachments separately

The difference with Other Atomstack Engravers

Only X20 Pro comes with Air Assist technology. Also, X20 pro offers higher laser power. The X7 pro had a laser dot of 0.06x.06 mm, which was significantly lighter than the X20 Pro’s laser dot of 0.08×0.1 mm.

Another popular laser engraver from Attomstack is – X7 pro.

Both are excellent models that feature a compact design and intuitive user interface that make them easy to use. However, there are some key differences between the two models. The Attomstack s20 Pro has a larger print area than the s7 Pro, allowing it to engrave larger objects. It also has a higher engraving speed, allowing it to finish jobs faster. The s20 Pro also has a more powerful laser, which can engrave deeper and provide higher-quality results.

The Attomstack s7 Pro is smaller and more lightweight than the s20 Pro, making it easier to transport and store. It also has a longer warranty, providing more protection for your investment. Additionally, the s7 Pro is more affordable than the s20 Pro, making it a great option for those on a budget.

Why tumbler engraving is in Surge?

Every day people use tumblers and prefer to have a customized one. Similarly, gifting a customized coffee mug or a Yeti cup seems to be a trendy choice mainly because the user uses this every day and the customization brings more value than the cost incurred.

Laser businesses are also influencing the market by offering unique designs since new customization would help the laser business grow at a minimal cost.

What are the Challenges in Tumbler engraving?

Laser engraving in wood, steel, and acrylic is easy with any CO2 engravers but, engraving a tumbler would require a rotary attachment to keep the cup properly aligned. Furthermore, A tumbler or a Yeti mug is made of stainless steel which reflects the laser beam and disrupts the engraving works.

If your tumbler has a coat outside then it is ready to put into the engravers but, if it is plain stainless steel then you need to paint or coat the cup with tempera paint or laser marking spray before engraving.

You can always remove the temporary paint after the job is done.

However, A temporary coating is not necessary if you engrave your tumblers using a fiber laser or portable laser engravers like xTool F1 & LaserPecker 4 because both the fiber laser and Infra-red lasers are capable of generating laser beams at a wavelength of 1064 nm. We use temporary coating while engraving with diode lasers because the diode laser beam gets reflected from the stainless steel.

Does all lasers engrave metal?

Metal engraving would require any laser machine that can deliver a laser beam at 1064 nm wavelength. This means, that any diode laser or a CO2 laser cannot engrave the bare metal items because the diode laser produces lasers at 400 to 1000 nm wavelength and the CO2 lasers make a laser beam of 10600 nm wavelength.

This is the main reason people engrave a coated tumbler.

Ideally, when you are engraving a coated tumbler, you are not engraving the tumbler. You are technically engraving the upper layer of temporary paint.

To summarize, engraving a stainless steel tumbler would require a fiber laser or an infrared since both can produce laser at 1064 nm wavelength.

In this article, we would assume that you will engrave the coated tumblers. However, you may have a look at our metal engraving guide to learn more about the 1064 nm wavelength laser machine.

Steps of Tumbler Engraving

These are steps you need to follow while engraving a stainless steel tumbler. We will make it short but easier to understand.

Step 1 – Clean it

The first thing you need to do is to clean the tumbler properly so that there is no dust or other particles. Check if the tumbler has any plastic or other coated paint. Otherwise, you need to color to spray it with temporary laser-protecting paint. However, you can remove that after the engraving is done.

Step 2 – Measure

Measuring the tumbler perfectly is critically important as the engraving cannot be restored if you measure it incorrectly. Make sure to count all the corners and sides and instruct the cutter accordingly.

Step 3 – Adjust Settings

Then you need to adjust the engraver’s settings as per the design that you have made. The laser power and the speed is always variable depending on the thickness and the complexities of the design. However, you can prefer to choose the default settings always.

Steps-of-Tumbler-Laser-Engraving-1024x576-1

Step 4 – Place On Rotary

Place the tumbler on the rotary roller and adjust the height of the laser engraver accordingly. You should also adjust the focus lever so that the precision stays at maximum level. then click start.

Step 5 – Wait & Post Process

After the laser engraving is completed, you should wait a while and take the tumbler back. If there is temporary paint, you can now remove that. Bingo!

Can you color engrave tumblers & Ramblers?

Fiber lasers are a type of laser that is used for a variety of applications, including engraving. Fiber lasers are beneficial for creating color engravings on tumblers because they can generate different colored beams through oxidization (a technique to change the metal surface color with a temperature variation).

The fiber laser can precisely etch and engrave different shapes and designs onto the tumbler surface. The color of the engraving can then be matched to the customer’s exact specifications. Fiber lasers are also highly energy efficient and can create detailed and intricate designs in a short amount of time. This makes them ideal for creating custom designs and engravings on tumblers.

Why CO2 lasers cannot engrave in color?

CO2 laser engravers are designed to work with a single laser wavelength of 10.6 microns, which is in the infrared spectrum. This means that they cannot generate the wavelengths of light needed to produce color engravings.

For instance, green light has a wavelength of around 500 nanometers, while red light has a wavelength of around 700 nanometers. Since the CO2 laser engraver only emits infrared light, it cannot create any color engravings.

Fiber lasers are advantageous over CO2 lasers because they require less maintenance, are more efficient, and have higher beam quality. Fiber lasers require less maintenance because they do not require mirrors, gas supply, and water cooling, like a CO2 laser.

They are more efficient because they convert electrical energy into light more efficiently, resulting in higher power output. Additionally, fiber lasers produce a narrower beam, which gives them a higher beam quality than CO2 lasers. This higher beam quality allows them to cut faster, more accurately, and with less heat-affected zone.

Common Mistakes during Tumbler laser engraving with rotary

These are common mistakes people often make while engraving tumblers with a laser engraver.

Common-mistakes-in-tumbler-laser-engraving

Not cleaning the tumbler before engraving: Tumblers should be cleaned of any dirt or debris, as this can cause the laser not properly to etch the design into the tumbler. For example, an article by Printful mentions how they had a customer engraving a tumbler with dirt and dust on it, resulting in a distorted image.
Not centering the tumbler correctly: The tumbler should be centered correctly on the rotary attachment so that the design is centered on the tumbler and the design is not distorted. If the tumbler is not centered properly, it can cause the design to be off–center or distorted.
Not using the correct settings: Depending on the material of the tumbler, different settings need to be used for the laser engraver to get the best results. For example, a blog post by Printful mentions that customers use the same settings for all materials, resulting in poor-quality engraving.
Not using the correct file format: The file format for the design should be in a vector format such as .svg or .eps. This ensures that the design is crisp and clear when it is engraved. If a raster file format such as .jpg or .png is used, it can cause the design to be distorted or pixelated.

Laser Cutting Safety

Working with a laser can be extremely dangerous. Follow these best practices determined by the University of Washington.

Never leave the laser cutter un-attended
Never place any flammable objects near the laser cutters
Have fire extinguishers nearby
Never modify or disable any safety system of the laser cutter
Try to operate with an enclosure. If your laser cutter does not have an enclosure then buy one for it
Always wear safety glasses while operating
Never look directly into the laser beam
Never remove the material unless it is cooled
Always use approved materials and buy them from an authorized store
Keep the exhaust system working while working with a laser cutter
Use HEPA air filter to reduce any risk of VOCs

Laser Engraver Buying Guide

Below is a list of vital points you should notice before buying a laser engraver. We made the list based on the experience & experts’ knowledge. Some features may not be relevant to your need but most features are vital.

Power Source & Consumption

Laser engravers do require power either from direct electricity or from batteries. Usually, batteries can support small diode laser engravers but the CO2 and Fiber lasers require a good amount of electricity to operate.

From our experience, we can say that a large laser engraver normally consumes approximately 50 kWh per month.

Type of Laser

Normally, there are three types of laser engravers specialized for different works. Fiber lasers are heavier and can cut heavy metal and obviously, those are the most expensive.

The CO2 lasers are heavily efficient for laser engraving in any material except stainless steel because the stainless steel refelts the laser beam in the opposite direction. This is why a temporary paint coating is used to engrave stainless steel tumblers while working with a CO2 laser.

The diode lasers are the smallest laser engravers and most small users take the help of these for engraving on vinyl, ply, and wood.

You may buy a laser that offers both diode and infrared laser (such as the xTool F1). Such laser will allow you to engrave stainless steel and other metal without needing any temporary coat.

Material Compatibility

You should not just blindly buy a laser engraver without assessing its need. Due to the variety and working type, different materials may require different types of laser engravers.

To be on the safe side, you can go for a CO2 laser engraver like Glowforge and have the freedom to engrave just anything except heavy metal.

We always suggest you check the material compatibility for each option you have.

Material Recognition

Another important thing you should notice is the ability of a laser engraver to recognize the material. For instance, If you use a Glowforge laser engraver and buy glowforge material to engrave on, the engraver quickly recognizes the type of material by scanning its Barcode and adjusting the settings automatically. Such features reduce the risk of material wastage and enhance the engraving quality to an additional level.

However, an engraver cannot recognize the material without any Barcode, which makes you dependent on materials from a particular company, which might cost you more.

So, what should you do?

If you are a professional and able to modify the settings of the engraver from your experience then the materials from anywhere would serve the purpose. Otherwise, you have to go with a brand that offers a lot more variety of material with recognition features.

Air Assist Kit

An air assist kit helps in clearing the debris, smoke and other heat white laser engraving is in progress. Normally, good CO2 laser engravers come with an air assist kit but the budget-friendly engravers do not accompany any.

The air assist kit is very helpful for clean engraving work and you buy one if this is not with the engraver by default.

Rotary Kit

A rotary kit helps to make the round or oval-shaped material steady. Without a rotary kit, you cannot engrave over a tumbler or other round-shaped material. If you intend to engrave over different kinds of material for business purposes, a rotary kit is a must.

You should always look for the upgradability options of a laser engraver. For instance, if you own an Xtool M1 and think about upgrading with a Rotary Kit, then this is not possible at all. Because the Xtool M1 is a closed-loop engraver mainly suitable for small material and batch processing.

However, Engravers like Xtool D1 & Snapmaker are always free to work with a rotary kit.

Convertibility

If you need both laser cutting & laser engraving then you need two machines. One as a cutting plotter and the other for engraving. However, an engraver offers a combination of a CNC cutter and a laser engraver. We have already written about the Snapmaker in our earlier publications but here’s why you should not buy a convertible engraver.

This is time-consuming.
Reduce the machine life for numerous kit-changing numbers.
Not sure if it works as the professional CNC cutter does.

Assembly

Not all laser engravers come pre-assembled. For some, you need to go for a small assembly process which might be challenging for new users. Follow these steps if you are going to assemble a laser engraver:

Read the manual carefully
Do not force any module rather try for the best fit
Always wear hand gloves
Do not connect to the power before it is fully assembled
Avoid having kids or Pet nearby while you are setting up a new laser engraver

Batch Processing Ability

Laser Engravers like Xtool M1 can allow batch processing, which means that you can set commands for multiple jobs and wait until the whole process is not done. Normally, small businesses and crafters need a batch-processing feature that helps them with quick delivery.

There is a disadvantage if you choose to go with batch processing. For an extra level of security, laser engravers with batch processing won’t allow you to open the lid till the entire job is finished. So, it is always better to recheck the patterns and wait till it is done.

Camera & Image Capturing

This is one of the crucial points of buying a good laser engraver. What would you do if a customer gave you a handmade design and asked you to engrave over the material?

For the normal laser engravers, you may need to capture the image and import it to the software, and make a design for that. However, premium engravers such as Glowforge ease the entire process.

Glowforge Plus allows you to place the drawing in front of the camera, it takes 30 seconds to capture and import the image automatically. Their artificial recognition system automatically drops the background of the drawing and does the engraving exactly the same as the handmade picture.

Community

If you buy a laser engraver from an established well-reputed brand, it might cost you extra but the community it has is huge.

During the laser engraving process, you will encounter a lot of small technical issues and you cannot afford to wait for an answer from the support team.

Community helps to interact with each other and one solves others’ problems. Also, you will get to have access to different inventions and designs which ultimately helps in better customer satisfaction.

What are the common problems of laser engravers?

These are the commonly faced problems of a laser engraver so far. Check out our last article on laser cutter troubleshooting issues.

The problems are so common but some of them are very tricky to troubleshoot. The top most commonly faced problem of laser engravers is that the laser often does not emit light. Sometimes the laser lining is not aligned with the design which creates a mess while work is in progress. Overall, the laser heat deviation & lighting issues are concerned with the laser light & focal length which need expert hands to solve.

Another common problem is the font and the engraving depth do not go according to design. Such an issue becomes serious if you work on sensitive material & tough to replace. Similarly, automatic reset, carving error, and focal length deviation have always caused panic for laser cutter users which we have described with constructive loss of troubleshooting guide.

If you see the design is not getting engraved perfectly, the first thing you need to check is the air pressure in the air-assist kit. We experienced similar issue earlier where the coatings either gets overburned or do not bury well due to improper air supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of frequently asked questions you may find useful.

What designs can be laser engraved on a tumbler/rambler?

Laser engraving on a tumbler or rambler can be a great way to personalize or brand the product. You can engrave a wide range of designs, depending on the material and the capabilities of the laser engraving machine. Some popular design ideas for engraving on tumblers/ramblers include logos, monogram, names & quotes, artwork etc.

What types of tumblers/Mugs can be laser engraved?

Laser engraving can be performed on various types of tumblers and mugs, depending on the material they are made of. The most common materials suitable for laser engraving include stainless steel, anodized aluminum, glass and ceramic.

Is Tumbler & Stainless Cups laser engraving permanent?

Yes, laser engraving on stainless steel tumblers and cups is permanent. The process involves using a laser to create a design on the surface by removing a small amount of material or changing the surface’s properties. This results in a mark that is resistant to fading, peeling, or wearing away.

Laser engraving on stainless steel produces a dark, contrasting mark that is highly visible and long-lasting. It is an ideal method for personalizing or branding stainless steel tumblers and cups because the engraved design does not wear off with normal use, washing, or exposure to heat and liquids.
However, it’s important to take care when cleaning an engraved stainless steel tumbler or cup. Although the engraving is permanent, abrasive cleaning methods or harsh chemicals could potentially cause damage to the surface or the engraving over time. It’s best to clean engraved stainless steel items using gentle methods and mild detergents to preserve the design and maintain the overall quality of the tumbler or cup.

Is Yeti Cup or Tumbler laser engraving dishwasher safe?

Yes, laser-engraved Yeti cups or tumblers are typically dishwasher safe. Yeti tumblers are made of high-quality stainless steel, and the laser engraving process creates a permanent and durable mark on the surface. This means the engraving should not be affected by the dishwasher’s water, heat, or detergents.
However, it is essential to consider the specific care instructions provided by Yeti for their products. Although many Yeti products are dishwasher safe, the company may recommend hand-washing for certain items or finishes to preserve their appearance and longevity. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the proper care of your engraved Yeti cup or tumbler.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that dishwasher-safe lids and accessories may vary depending on the specific Yeti product. Be sure to check the care instructions for each component of your Yeti tumbler or cup before placing it in the dishwasher.

How do I care for my laser-engraved Mugs & Cups?

To maintain the appearance and quality of your laser-engraved mugs and cups, follow these care guidelines:

Hand-washing: Although many engraved mugs and cups are dishwasher safe, hand-washing is generally the best method to preserve the engraving and the overall finish of the item. Use warm water, mild detergent, and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the surface gently.

Avoid abrasive cleaners: Refrain from using abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool, or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch or damage the surface of the mug or cup, potentially affecting the engraving.
Dry thoroughly: After washing, dry your mugs and cups thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots and maintain their appearance.

Store properly: Store your engraved mugs and cups in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which could cause damage over time.

Inspect regularly: Regularly inspect your engraved mugs and cups for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent further deterioration.

Follow manufacturer’s guidelines: Always adhere to the care instructions provided by the mug or cup manufacturer. Some materials or finishes may require specific care to ensure their longevity and maintain the quality of the engraving.

Wrapping Up

We believe the top picks of laser engravers are useful for you and the other details. You should always focus on buying the most suitable laser engraver regardless of what others offer. Laser engraving on a tumbler is super easy, but consider buying a multi-function laser engraver to escalate your business one step ahead with innovative ideas.

Good Luck!

Table of Contents