Laser Cut Coffee Sleeve

Most coffee sleeves are designed to keep the hot beverage from burning our fingers. This coffee sleeve does that and also provides some insulation to maintain the heat of the beverage.

1. laser cutter/etcher
2. wood glue
3. polyurethane spray
4. 1/8 inch Baltic Birch plywood

A heat test was done to examine the heat retaining ability of the laser cut coffee sleeve. Two 16 ounce cups, one with the laser cut sleeve, and one with a typical paper sleeve were filled with hot water. The temperature of the water was measured at intervals over an hour. Temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Time Wood Paper
2. 0 min 170.4 170.4
3. 5 min 160.3 159.4
4. 15 min 147.0 145.4
5. 30 min 130.8 128.3
6. 45 min 118.6 116.4
7. 60 min 109.8 107.2

While minimal, the wood sleeve lost an average of about 1.01 degrees vs 1.05 for the paper. I still think the wooden sleeve looks cooler (warmer?) than the paper sleeve. This sleeve also fits 12 ounce cups.

Use the laser to cut out the pieces. Glue the sleeve to the base. Putting a cup in the sleeve while gluing the sleeve in place will help positioning it. Put a rubber band around the base to keep the glued section tightly together. Try not to glue the cup to the sleeve. If some glue sticks to the cup, gently release it by using a small flat screwdriver to a small section away at a time. The upper support ring will need to be glued on as well. When the glue dries, spray the sleeve with the polyurethane to provide some moisture protection.