How to Laser Engrave Stanley Tumblers: Step-by-Step Guide

LaserOMTech Updated On May 12, 2025

Personalized Stanley tumblers are trending, and laser engraving is a fantastic way to turn these popular cups into one-of-a-kind creations. Whether you're making a gift, customizing merchandise for your brand, or adding a personal flair to your drinkware, laser engraving opens the door to endless design opportunities.

This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to successfully engrave a Stanley cup—from choosing your tools and prepping your materials to dialing in your laser settings and finishing your project with polish.

What You'll Need to Get Started

Before you begin, gather the following essentials:

A CO₂ laser engraver
A rotary attachment (for rotating cylindrical items like cups)
A stainless steel Stanley tumbler
Optional masking tape or laser-safe masking film
A ventilation system or exhaust fan
A ruler or digital calipers
Your design, saved as a compatible file (vector preferred)

Pro Tip:
Double-check that your tumbler is made of stainless steel and doesn't have a coating or paint that could interfere with laser performance.

Prepping Your Stanley Cup

Preparation is key to getting crisp, professional engraving results:

Clean the Surface:
Wipe the cup with isopropyl alcohol to remove dust, grease, or fingerprints. A clean surface ensures consistent engraving.

Measure the Design Area:
Use a ruler or caliper to measure the available space. Since Stanley cups have a curved surface, you’ll want accurate width and height measurements.

Install the Rotary Tool:
Set up your rotary attachment according to your engraver’s manual. The tumbler should rest securely between the rollers or chucks and rotate smoothly.

Level the Cup:
Make sure the section you're engraving is level with the laser beam. You may need to adjust the rotary height. If your cup has a handle, remove it carefully to ensure even rotation and engraving access.

Choosing a Design That Works

For curved surfaces like Stanley cups, bold, simple graphics give the best results:

Use thick, legible fonts
Stick with vector graphics for logos and illustrations
Avoid detailed shading or intricate linework that might distort on curves

Quick Tip:
Print your design on paper, wrap it around the cup, and preview how it will fit. This can help prevent layout issues.

Setting Up Your Design in Software

Once your design is ready:

Import Your File:
Open your laser software (e.g., LightBurn) and load your design file.

Resize the Artwork:
Adjust the scale so the design fits within your measured engraving area.

Position the Design:
Align it horizontally to match the cup's rotation. Most software with rotary support includes alignment features.

Mirror If Necessary:
Depending on how your rotary is configured, you might need to flip the design horizontally to ensure correct orientation during engraving.

Suggested Laser Settings for Stainless Steel

Every machine is different, but these are good starting points for CO₂ lasers on stainless tumblers:

Speed: 200–300 mm/s
Power: 50%–80% (adjust for your specific machine and material)
DPI/LPI: 300–500 for fine detail

Always test your settings on a spare cup or a hidden spot before committing to the final piece.

Optional: Masking the Surface

Masking can help produce cleaner edges and reduce smoke marks:

Apply masking tape or laser masking film to the engraving area
Let the laser burn through it during the job
Remove the masking after engraving is finished

Running the Engraving Job

Double-Check Alignment:
Ensure the tumbler rotates freely and is perfectly centered.

Focus the Laser:
Manually or automatically focus the beam precisely on the surface of the cup.

Frame the Design:
Use your software’s framing feature to preview the placement and boundaries of the engraving.

Start the Engraving:
Begin the job and monitor it closely. Pause immediately if you notice wobbling, slipping, or misalignment.

Post-Engraving Cleanup

Once the engraving is complete:

Remove any masking residue
Wipe the engraved area with a soft cloth and gentle cleaner
For stainless steel, a light polish can help restore shine
If discoloration occurs, a magic eraser or stainless polish may help

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Design looks distorted?
Recalibrate the rotary settings for diameter and circumference.

Engraving too faint?
Increase power or reduce speed slightly.

Cup slipping during engraving?
Tighten the rotary rollers or chucks for a more secure grip.

Final Thoughts

Laser engraving Stanley cups is both fun and rewarding. With a bit of preparation, the right materials, and some trial and error, you can produce high-quality, custom drinkware perfect for gifts, resale, or personal use.

Whether you're crafting custom designs for your business or learning the ropes of laser engraving as a hobby, mastering the rotary setup and settings for stainless steel cups is a skill that will serve you across many projects.

Ready to Get Started?

OMTech’s CO₂ laser machines are rotary-ready and built for creative projects like custom tumblers. With precise controls and powerful engraving features, OMTech helps makers, small business owners, and hobbyists bring their ideas to life.

Explore OMTech laser engravers today and take your customization skills to the next level!