This question may require a photo later, but for now I’ll ask the question. I was laser engraving a logo on a black Yeti tumbler the other day and I had the settings perfect, then the customer wanted a white Yeti tumbler. I know that there are different settings for different cups and colors. I had the settings for the for the black and I had to “guess” what settings might best work on white. I was able to get to where had a very thin layer of powder coating left on the tumbler. I was able to remove it with some alcohol, but I realize the most other (cheap) tumblers that won’t work because it will remove all the powder coating as well. What settings do you suggest to get that final thin coat of PC off the tumbler, a higher power setting or a raising the frequency…or any other suggetions? Thanks!
It’s always nice to know what kind of laser we are dealing with. Doesn’t appear to be the one in your profile?
Fiber are pulse lasers. I believe the frequency determines the pulses/mm while q-pulse determines how long the energy is released from the fiber. Longer q-pulse longer duration of pulse, releasing more energy from the fiber.
There is usually a wide range of values that remove the material, there is a vary narrow range where it takes less power and does the best job. It’s worth the time to dial it in. That’s the reason for sacrificial mugs
I usually use higher frequency short pulses for a type of sweeping action or clean up. It’s bee so long since I’ve done a mug on the fiber… did a couple of dollar store mugs and moved on to other things.
Hope this helps, but I think you’ll have to dial it in.
Don’t worry about a little bit of solvent on the lower priced tumblers. I have had bountiful success with the Amazon tumblers. The Yeti tumblers do have a thicker skin which takes more power and slower movement to get the same results.
A little solvent on a rag wiped over the coating will not hurt. Heavy scrubbing and rubbing until the solvent dries and gets sticky WILL cause some damage. Of course, wash with warm water and rinse thoroughly when done.
+1 to @jkwilborn for a sacrificial mug. Make your tests on small patches so the sacrificial material is useful for more than one go.
