Try This: Laser Engraving Stainless-Steel Ice Cubes
Provide customized metal ice cubes to elevate any event.
No one wants a watered-down beverage, so elevate a party or event with these customized metal ice cubes. These fun and practical novelty items are great for bars and restaurants, distilleries, and more. Using a metal-marking agent or fiber laser marking system makes laser engraving stainless-steel ice cubes a breeze – read on to learn how we did it.
Materials needed:
- Stainless-steel ice cubes
- A metal-marking agent, such as Enduramark, CerMark, or LaserBond
Note: If you have a fiber laser system, there is no need for a metal marking agent. You are able to directly mark upon the metal.
- Laser system
We used a Fusion Pro 48 120w:
Engraving: speed 30%; power 100%; 300 DPI; Stucki engraving
Step One: Setup
Spray the cubes with an even coat of your metal-marking compound over the desired engraving area. Let dry for at least five minutes. If you have a fiber laser system, you can skip this step. Download the graphics and import it into your graphics software. Modify as necessary.
(All images courtesy Epilog)
Step Two: Prepare artwork
With the Fusion Pro’s live camera, we are able to move the artwork into place within the Epilog Dashboard. If you don’t have a Fusion Pro, ensure the graphic is placed where you want it. You may draw an outline around the graphics and send the outlines to the laser, then turn on the red dot pointer at your machine’s control panel. Keep the lid to the laser open while you run the test and watch the red dot pointer trace the outline. Back in your graphics software, adjust the graphic as necessary to fit the blocks.
Step Three: Send the job to the laser
Send the job to the laser with the correct parameters for your machine wattage. You can find recommended material settings in your machine’s manual. When using a metal-marking compound, start with low speed and high power settings.
Where can you sell laser engraved stainless-steel ice cubes?
- Food and beverage stores
- Online stores
- Specialty gift shops
- Restaurants and bars
- Distilleries
