Product customization and branding is a major means of growing brand awareness and fostering customer loyalty. By offering custom-tailored products, businesses can create a unique consumer experience that encourages repeat purchases and long-term engagement. To optimize customization processes for drinkware manufacturers, CMS Laser has introduced an automated, laser-powered tumbler marking and engraving machine.
Tumbler Laser Engraving Machine
This one-stop solution is designed specifically for the branding and customization of tumblers and cylindrical products. Inside this expansive, purpose-built workcell, these key technologies converge: lasers, optics, and robotics with integrated machine vision.
The Tumbler Laser Engraving Machine employs a CO2 laser to ablate paint on the surface of a tumbler based on preset parameters, creating a permanent pattern. CO2 laser marking is a non-contact method for removing coating without damaging the metal surface of the tumbler. Employing the thermal impact of high-energy light, this technique conserves resources and promotes sustainability in industrial marking operations.
The result – whether it’s a centered company logo, valuable product data, or a custom design encircling the tumbler – is exceptional in quality, contrast, and uniformity.
Intuitive Programming, Smooth Integration
The synchronization of these advanced technologies is achieved through a fully integrated distributed control system, coordinated by CMS Laser’s proprietary software. The CMS Process Engine, a Windows-based HMI, orchestrates the control system and provides a simple operator interface for selecting and running jobs. It also provides a password-protected, fully featured machine programming interface.
Artwork setup is performed using CMS LaserGraf5, which sets the graphics position and assigns laser parameters. Source artwork is generated in familiar third-party tools like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape, which produce Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) files. Once the SVG is created, the CMS software handles the details.
For initial system setup, our team pre-programs several tumblers you manufacture to ensure accurate robot grip and seamless graphics alignment. We will train your personnel to set up additional tumbler variations. The Tumbler Laser Engraving Machine handles tumblers up to 120 mm in diameter. If this standard size is too small, CMS’s in-house engineering staff can design a machine to your exact specifications.
During processing, the tumbler lineup can be entered manually or via a barcode scanner for ease of data entry. Each tumbler is placed in a multi-size puck and moved into and out of the workcell via a conveyor. Inside, the robotic arm handles the rest, transporting the tumbler to and from the marking station, as well as rotating it for precise positioning using the smart vision system.
Integrating two laser marking stations that function concurrently, the system perfectly complements high-volume production environments. The entire process of running two tumblers through the system and getting them on the other side perfectly marked takes about 2 minutes, depending on the complexity and size of the graphics.
If your production line is fully automated, the Tumbler Laser Engraving Machine can be seamlessly adapted to operate unattended as a lights-out system.
Robotic Automation
Robotic automation accelerates industrial processes, helping increase efficiency, improve quality and consistency, and reduce labor costs. At CMS Laser, we leverage proven, advanced technologies from renowned suppliers. In this use case, the Tumbler Laser Engraving Machine integrates a FANUC 4-axis SCARA pick-and-place robot with a 6 kg payload capacity. This robot ensures high-speed transport and precise placement as it works in-sync with the integrated smart machine vision camera for accurate alignment of the marking area. The convergence of these technologies guarantees uniform, repeatable results for the final product.
Safety-First Engineering
The Tumbler Laser Engraving Machine features a fully enclosed, interlocked workcell for laser processing. The system is rated Class I according to CDRH laser safety standards, meaning no hazardous radiation escapes the enclosure during operation. Personnel need no protective gear and can safely observe the process through laser-safe windows. Should the procedure require an immediate halt, emergency stop buttons are located within reach of the main operating points.
The workcell’s fume extraction system effectively filters out vaporized particles released during the marking process. Whether ablating acrylic paint, enamel paint, powder coating, or epoxy, the particles are trapped by the filter. This prevents their buildup on the equipment and release into the air, ensuring cleaner operations and minimized maintenance. Aside from the fume extractor filters, minimal consumables are required for the system’s operation. This leads to low maintenance costs and increased production uptime.
Customized Solution for Customization
Like all CMS Laser products, the Tumbler Laser Engraving Machine is custom-tailored to accommodate every client’s unique production process. We take pride in finding non-standard solutions and providing refined laser equipment configured to your specific requirements. We design solutions that integrate a variety of laser types, including CO2, fiber, green, UV, and ultra-short pulse lasers. Our expert engineers meticulously configure your laser system for optimal performance in your industrial environment.
We welcome you to visit our applications lab for a consultation or sample testing. You will leave with a thorough understanding of our capabilities and a clear vision of how advanced laser technologies can improve your manufacturing operations.
CMS Laser, a Laser Photonics company, is a trusted provider of turnkey industrial laser systems for marking, drilling, welding, scribing, stripping, and cutting. Since 1983, we proudly serve clients globally across diverse industries, not limited to pharmaceutical, medical, food and beverage, transportation, PCB, and semiconductor. At our core, we are committed to meeting your needs through innovative laser automation.
To learn more about our solutions and discuss how we can enhance your manufacturing processes, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. If you are on social media, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest photo and video content!
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