Laser Engraving Perfectly Round Logos on Cylindrical Objects

Engraving round logos on tumblers, water bottles, or other cylindrical objects often requires the use of rotary attachments for laser engravers. However, even with these specialized tools, achieving perfectly symmetrical engravings can be challenging. 

Many craftspeople find that their circular designs come out looking asymmetrical or stretched despite their best efforts. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks you can employ to ensure your round logo engravings are flawlessly symmetrical every time. Let’s get started! 

Understanding the Challenge

Before diving into the solution, it's important to understand why round logos can become distorted when engraved on curved surfaces. The curvature of cylindrical objects creates an optical illusion that can make circular designs appear elongated or squashed, depending on the viewing angle. This effect is exacerbated when the design is large relative to the cylinder's circumference.

The Traditional Approach and Its Limitations

Typically, engravers use rotary attachments to rotate the cylindrical object while the laser remains stationary. While this method works well for many applications, it doesn't always result in perfectly symmetrical round logos, especially when dealing with larger designs or smaller-diameter objects.

The Flattening Technique 

One way to overcome this challenge involves “flattening” the circular design before engraving, which counteracts the distortion caused by the cylinder’s curvature. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to implement this technique: 

Prepare Your Design

Start with your circular logo in your preferred design software. Ensure that the logo is perfectly round and sized appropriately for your cylindrical object.

Calculate the Circumference

Measure the circumference of your cylindrical object precisely. This measurement is crucial for the next steps.

Create a Rectangle

In your design software, create a rectangle with the following dimensions:

• Width: Equal to the circumference of your cylindrical object
• Height: Slightly taller than your circular logo

Change the Width of the Logo

Highlight the logo and change the Width of the design in the upper left hand corner of Lightburn. We’ll be adjusting the width by 109%. Play around with the percentage, but we tend to adjust the width by 9-10% to get the desired effect. 

Place the Logo Inside the Rectangle

Position your circular logo in the center of this rectangle. The logo should touch the top and bottom edges of the rectangle. Rotate the logo by 90% to reflect the orientation of your tumbler. 

Engrave

Load your cylindrical object onto your rotary attachment and engrave the distorted logo using your laser engraver.

The Result

When you engrave this distorted version of your logo onto the cylindrical surface, the curvature of the object will counteract the intentional distortion you applied. The result is a perfectly symmetrical, round logo engraving that maintains its shape regardless of the viewing angle.

Fine-Tuning for Optimal Results

While this technique provides excellent results, you may need to make minor adjustments based on your specific equipment and materials. Consider the following tips:

• Test Runs: Always perform test engravings on scrap material before committing to your final product. This allows you to fine-tune your distortion and engraving settings.
• Material Considerations: Different materials may require slight variations in the distortion ratio. Keep notes on what works best for each type of cylindrical object you commonly engrave.
• Size Matters: The effectiveness of this technique can vary based on the size of your logo relative to the cylinder's circumference. For very small logos or large-diameter objects, traditional rotary engraving methods may suffice.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarize yourself with the distortion and transformation tools in your design software. The more comfortable you are with these tools, the easier it will be to apply this technique efficiently.

Expand Your Engraving Possibilities with Rotaries

While this flattening technique is invaluable for achieving symmetrical round logos, it's important to note that a quality rotary attachment is still essential for engraving cylindrical objects. Rotary axis attachments for laser engravers offer precise control and consistent results when working with a variety of cylindrical items, from small pens to large vases.

These attachments allow for smooth, even rotation of your workpiece, ensuring uniform engraving depth and clarity across the entire surface. They're particularly useful for engraving intricate designs, text, or patterns that wrap around the entire circumference of an object.

For those looking to expand their engraving capabilities to include a wide range of cylindrical items, getting a high-quality rotary attachment is worth the investment. OMTech offers a selection of rotary attachments designed to work seamlessly with their CO2 laser engraving machines. These rotary attachments are engineered for precision and ease of use, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced engravers.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of engraving perfectly symmetrical round logos on cylindrical objects is a valuable skill for any laser engraving professional or enthusiast. By employing the flattening technique described in this article, you can overcome the common challenges associated with curved surface engravings and produce consistently impressive results.

To elevate your engraving capabilities and tackle a wider range of cylindrical projects with confidence, explore OMTech's line of CO2 laser engraving machines and compatible rotary attachments. With the right tools and techniques at your disposal, you'll be well-equipped to take on even the most challenging cylindrical engraving projects with professional-grade results.