Rotary/10w laser: tapered 16oz beer glasses

Snapmaker 2.0
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I volunteered to make some glasses for an event. It’s quite a few of them but I have a month to make 120.

First up, Chuck wasn’t capable of holding the glass. Measured the inner and outer diameter of the cup and measured the angle to determine the shape of the wedge I needed. I went to tinker cad and build a small enough cylinder to hold in the Chuck, then applied a cone on top of it to generate the wedge. I used a slightly smaller (1mm) difference to let it slide smoothly.

Printed that thing. Worked pretty good! I used large rubber bands to make up the gap and painters tape to keep the laser from damaging it.

Next up was the graphics… tapered glass makes a circle a no go. I followed a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/SV3Zfqnhyag

It’ll walk you through how to use photoshop or a similar program to ‘warp’ the image.

Basic steps were:

Select All

Warp

Take angle * 2 - 2.22

Warp by that percent

scale width 10%

I found scale width do 10% wasn’t enough and stuck with 20%. It’s still not perfect but looks pretty good.

Another thing I did was to use long m4 screws with wing nuts to lift the rotary module up and level the glass to the laser. First time doing that/thanks to the guy who posted that idea.

I’m 1/10th complete :hugs:

Spray is LBT laser spray. Washes off easily.
Settings are 1500mm/min / 65% power /.15 line spacing.

IMG_1085
IMG_10853024×4032 2.95 MB

IMG_1089
IMG_10893024×4032 2.29 MB

IMG_1092
IMG_10924032×3024 1.44 MB

IMG_1095
IMG_10954032×3024 2.59 MB

9 Likes
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Thank you for sharing the step by step!

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I had some issues where I was trying to laser faster than the rotary module supported. @Hauke gave me one solution with a nice chart. Bug: Luban allows faster speeds than the rotary module can accept - #6 by Hauke

@Skreelink gave me a simple math equation: d x 3.14 x 7.5 = Max Speed in mm/min .

Thanks guys!

3 Likes
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Update. I’m about 50% done with the cups. I had to buy some more laser marking spray. I purchased OMtech black spray… it’s supposed to be for metal but it works real nice. :hugs:

And about half the cost of LBT. Clean up was just washing off with soap and water.

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Another update. The omtech spray is cheaper but doesn’t last as long as the LBT spray.

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Now that is slick. Gonna have to try this. Is that laser marking spray better than just chalk paint? I have lasered clear acrylic with DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish Acrylic paint. 8 oz jar for 8.99 at hobby lobby or Home Depot. Non toxic and cleans up with soap and water.

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I dunno. Give it a shot.

| hipcheck
December 2 |

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Now that is slick. Gonna have to try this. Is that laser marking spray better than just chalk paint? I have lasered clear acrylic with DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish Acrylic paint. 8 oz jar for 8.99 at hobby lobby or Home Depot. Non toxic and cleans up with soap and water.

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@Mads0100 do you have the STL for the pint glass adapter? :slight_smile: Thanks!

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I think so. I’m at a lacrosse game. I’ll be home in a bit and send it to you.

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Link to my tinker cad file. I used big rubber bands towards the ‘top’ of the cup to give it a little more bite.

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Hey Mads,

Wanted to let you know that the chalk paint worked with glass, probably not as effective, had to make multiple passes, but it is considerably cheaper for experimenting/prototyping.

Definitely cool idea and your glassware looks great.

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That’s great hipcheck! I’m glad it was helpful. Happy making!