25-011 - Coral Reef Sea Life | 2-Tone Laser Engraving Tumbler Wrap

Suggested Laser Engraving Settings

The following settings have worked well for me using an xTool M1 Ultra with the 20W laser module. Treat them as starting points only, since tumbler coatings can vary by manufacturer, color, and production batch.

Machine: xTool M1 Ultra
Laser Module: 20W Diode Laser
Bitmap Mode: Jarvis
Speed: 80 mm/s
Passes: 1
Lines per Centimeter: 120

Standard Powder-Coated Tumblers

Starting Power: 80%

This setting has worked well for removing standard powder coating and exposing the stainless steel beneath.

Colored or Iridescent Tumblers

Starting Power: 30%

Colored and iridescent finishes may have thinner or more heat-sensitive decorative layers. Using too much power may burn through the color and expose more of the underlying surface than intended.

Start with lower power and increase gradually only when necessary.

Always Measure and Test First

Before engraving a finalized product:

• Measure the actual circumference and engravable height of the tumbler.
• Resize the design for the specific tumbler being used.
• Confirm the orientation, placement, and seam location.
• Make sure the tumbler is level and properly focused.
• Run a small test engraving whenever possible.
• Test again when changing tumbler brands, colors, coatings, or suppliers.

Laser results can vary based on coating thickness, tumbler color, material, focus, rotary calibration, laser condition, and manufacturing differences. Even tumblers from the same supplier may engrave differently between batches.

Rotary and Roller Setup

This design rasters well using an xTool RA2 or a similar roller-style rotary attachment.

Adjust the rotary height so the engraving surface is level and properly focused. Tumblers can slowly drift sideways while rotating, so when the setup allows, place one end of the tumbler lightly against the rotary edge or side guide. This gentle contact can help keep the tumbler from wandering on the rollers.

Do not press the tumbler tightly against the edge. It should rotate freely without slipping, dragging, or binding.

Before engraving, rotate the tumbler through a complete cycle to confirm that it remains level and moves smoothly.

After Engraving

Clean the tumbler after engraving to remove smoke residue and loose coating material. Use a cleaning method that is appropriate for the specific finish. I use water and dish soap.

Suggested Tumbler Sources

White Tumblers:
https://amzn.to/4bytGyH

Black Tumblers:
https://amzn.to/4w3pFe6

Black-to-Iridescent Tumblers:
https://amzn.to/3Re9Bab

These are affiliate links. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Digital listings include the design file only. Tumblers, laser equipment, rotary attachments, and finished engraved products are not included unless specifically stated in the listing.