Engravings are one of the most popular CNC applications — whether nameplates, lettering, logos, or elaborate decorations. With the right tools and settings, you can achieve razor-sharp results.
Engraving Techniques Overview
V-Carving
The premier CNC engraving technique. A V-shaped cutter creates text and patterns with variable depth — wide areas go deeper, narrow areas stay shallow.
Advantages:
- Elegant, classic appearance
- Scalable — same cutter for different sizes
- Ideal for text and filigree patterns
Typical tools:
- V-groove cutter 30, 60, or 90 degrees
- Sharper angle = finer details, but deeper cuts
- Wider angle = more robust, shallower engraving
Line Engraving
A small cutter or engraving tool traces contours — similar to a pen.
Advantages:
- Consistent line width
- Good for technical markings
- Fast for simple patterns
Typical tools:
- Small end mill (0.5–2 mm)
- Engraving stylus
Relief Engraving (3D Engraving)
A three-dimensional relief is carved out of a flat surface.
Advantages:
- Impressive 3D effects
- Artistic design possible
Typical tools:
- Ball nose cutter for surface finish
- Flat end mill for roughing
Engraving Tools
V-Groove Cutters
| Angle | Properties | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 30 degrees | Very fine, deep engraving | Small text, details |
| 60 degrees | Good compromise | Universal, signs |
| 90 degrees | Robust, shallow engraving | Large letters, soft materials |
| 120 degrees | Very shallow | Subtle markings, wide text |
Engraving Styli
Single-flute tools with a defined tip. Ideal for fine lines in metal and plastic.
Mini End Mills
Small end mills (0.5–2 mm) for consistent line widths and pocket engravings.
Material-Specific Tips
Engraving Wood
- Preparation: Sand the surface, remove dust
- Tool: 60-degree V-groove cutter, well-sharpened
- Parameters: High spindle speed (18,000–24,000 RPM), moderate feed rates
- Finish: Oil or varnish after engraving for contrast
- Tip: Apply dark stain to the engraving, then sand — letters stand out
Engraving Plastic
- Two-layer plastic: Ideal — mill away top layer to reveal layer beneath
- Acrylic: High speed, keep moving (risk of melting)
- Parameters: Fast and continuous
- Finish: Polish edges if needed
Engraving Metal
- Aluminum: Well suited, even better with lubrication
- Brass: Excellent for engraving, beautiful contrast
- Stainless steel: Demanding, carbide stylus required
- Parameters: Lower spindle speeds, adapted feed rates
Parameters for Various Materials
| Material | Spindle Speed | Feed Rate | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood | 20,000–24,000 | 2,000–3,000 mm/min | 0.5–2 mm | Sharp tool essential |
| Hardwood | 18,000–22,000 | 1,500–2,500 mm/min | 0.3–1.5 mm | Slower, otherwise burn risk |
| Acrylic | 20,000–24,000 | 2,500–4,000 mm/min | 0.5–2 mm | Do not stop moving! |
| Two-layer plastic | 18,000–22,000 | 2,000–3,000 mm/min | 0.3–0.8 mm | Only break through top layer |
| Aluminum | 15,000–20,000 | 800–1,500 mm/min | 0.1–0.5 mm | With lubrication |
| Brass | 12,000–18,000 | 600–1,200 mm/min | 0.1–0.3 mm | Excellent results |
CNC Software for Engraving
V-Carving Software
- VCarve (Vectric): Best V-carving features on the market
- Estlcam: Affordable, simple, V-carving integrated
- Fusion 360: With 2D engraving function
- F-Engrave: Free, specialized for engraving
Fonts and Designs
- Use vector fonts (not pixel fonts)
- Serif fonts work well for V-carving
- Note minimum size — too small becomes illegible
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Blurry edges | Dull tool, wrong parameters | Replace tool, adjust parameters |
| Uneven depth | Material not flat, Z-zero incorrect | Surface the material, check zero point |
| Tear-out in wood | Against the grain, dull tool | Change direction, use sharp tool |
| Melted edges (plastic) | Too slow, cutter stalls | Increase speed, maintain continuous motion |
| Burn marks (wood) | Too much friction, too slow | Increase feed rate or reduce spindle speed |
Tips for Perfect Results
Prepare the Surface
- Material must be flat — otherwise engraving depth varies
- For wood: surface the material first
- Remove protective film only after engraving
Do Test Engravings
- Always test on scrap material first
- Note down parameters that work
- Try different depths
Post-Processing
- Wood: Fill engraving with stain or paint, sand off excess
- Metal: Fill engraving with paint, polish
- Plastic: Smooth edges with hot air if needed
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Which V-cutter to start with?
A 60-degree V-groove cutter is the best all-rounder. It works for most fonts and materials. You can add 30 or 90 degree cutters later.
How small can I engrave?
With a 30-degree V-cutter, letters from about 3 mm height are possible. For smaller text you need engraving styli and very good machine precision.
Can I engrave photos?
Yes, with grayscale engraving (raster). The image is converted into dots of varying depth. Specialized software like PhotoVCarve makes this possible.
Why are my letters at different depths?
Either the material surface is not flat, or the Z zero point was not set correctly. Solution: surface the material before engraving.
Conclusion: Engraving Is an Art
With the right technique, your engravings become miniature works of art. Start with simple projects and gradually work your way up. The most important things: sharp tools and adapted parameters.
More CNC Applications
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