How are these oddly shaped cups made?

Have you ever been strolling through the supermarket aisles and been drawn to a stainless steel cup that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie? Perhaps it has a spiraling, twisting body, a diamond-cut top that glints in the light, or a contoured, undulating shape that appears to be melting. These cup designs are not your average drinkware—they’re bold, striking, and sometimes even downright bizarre.

But have you ever wondered how these cups are actually made? Are they hammered into shape, one by one, like some ancient blacksmithing ritual?

So, what’s the secret?

A key technology behind these unusual shapes is what’s called partial stamping.

Partial stamping is a specialized metalworking process that focuses on plastically working specific areas of a material (usually sheet metal like stainless steel). Rather than pressing or forming the entire surface, this method uses a customized die to apply controlled pressure to the targeted area, causing the metal to plastically deform and take on a new shape only in that selected spot.

Here’s how it works: When pressure applied through the die exceeds the metal’s yield strength, the material in that area permanently reshapes to match the die. The rest of the surface remains unchanged. This allows complex design elements, such as raised patterns, embossed logos, flared edges, or geometric textures, to be added with high precision.

Partial stamping is typically performed using a press, which transmits force through a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic system. The die itself consists of two parts: an upper die, mounted on the moving part of the press; and a lower die, fixed to a base. A sheet of metal is placed between these two parts, and when the press is activated, the upper die closes onto the lower die, pressing into the selected area.

By adjusting the mold design, pressure intensity, and duration, manufacturers can achieve a variety of localized effects. For example, if we want to add a raised logo to the side of a cup, we simply design a mold with the exact same shape as the logo and press only that area, leaving the rest of the cup smooth and unaffected.

This is how these creative and unusual cup designs come to life—detail by detail.

How is localized embossing performed on cups and bottles?

Localized stamping focuses on shaping specific areas of the cup and bottle surface without altering the entire surface. By pressing the mold into the targeted location, the material undergoes plastic deformation, forming the desired localized pattern or structure. When applied to drinkware, precise processing of specific areas is crucial. Here are some common uses and effects:

Brand Logos
Localized stamping allows you to add raised or recessed brand logos and text to precise locations, such as the side of a cup or the top of a lid. The mold is designed to perfectly match the shape of the logo, and only the relevant area is stamped. If the mold is concave, the logo will be raised; if the mold is convex, the logo will be recessed. This method creates a distinct texture difference between the logo and the surrounding surface, making the brand identity more visually distinct and providing increased durability and wear resistance.

Localized Patterns and Decorations
This technique is also used to emboss decorative patterns in limited areas of a cup or bottle. For example, a custom floral or geometric pattern could be embossed in the center of the bottle, while the rest of the surface remains smooth. These raised or recessed patterns add a tactile quality, elevating the look and feel of the product and adding a richer, more refined quality.

Functional Structure
Beyond aesthetics, partial stamping can also create functional features in specific locations. For example, a slightly raised area on the bottom can improve stability, while a non-slip texture (such as a continuous raised ridge) can be embossed in the grip area to increase traction. While these embossed areas primarily serve a functional purpose, they can also modify the surface appearance of the cup, adding a structured texture that combines practicality and design.

In all of these applications, partial stamping focuses on targeted areas, creating raised or recessed textures that meet both design and functional needs without affecting the overall shape of the cup or bottle.

When is partial stamping the right choice?
Partial stamping excels when customization, quality, and functionality are crucial—especially with the growing popularity of personalized drinkware.

Personalized Bottles
With the growing demand for personalized bulk bottled products, partial stamping technology offers a highly efficient way to add unique designs, ロゴ, or text directly to the surface of the bottle. Whether for corporate gifts with company logos or special occasion keepsakes, this technology helps brands express their individuality and enhance the value of their personalized bulk glasses and mugs.

High-End Brands
For brands that prioritize image and craftsmanship, spot stamping can enhance their products with refined details like embossed logos or intricate patterns, highlighting their quality and sophistication. These subtle yet impactful elements make high-end drinkware stand out and appeal to consumers who value both style and substance.

Functional Smart Bottles
Beyond decorative design, spot stamping can enhance functionality by reinforcing key areas, such as reinforcing the base of a thermos for increased stability or adding a textured, non-slip finish to the handle. This precise shaping enhances practicality without compromising the overall design, making it an ideal versatile drinkware for everyday use.

So, the next time you see those unusually shaped cups or bottles—whether personalized bottles with sleek embossed logos, custom-made mugs for special events, or personalized glasses with eye-catching textures—know that there’s a lot of magic going on behind the scenes. Spot stamping may sound technical, but it’s actually the secret to transforming ordinary sheet metal into unique, practical, and seriously cool drinkware. This is how creativity meets precision, helping brands bring personalized designs to life, making every sip feel special. Who knew a little local pressure could make such a lasting impression?