Metal Engraving: Five Steps to Clear Engraving

If your engravings on metal are always fuzzy, here are five practical steps to help you improve the quality of your work, from choosing the proper tools to using the correct techniques.It provides a simple way to produce professional-looking text and designs, and is suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.

Why is your metal engraving always so unclear?

Many people who carve metal will encounter the problem of blurred lines and imprecise carving.The problem is usually in the details of the operation: the wrong tool is used, the pressure isn't controlled, or the area isn't cleaned properly.Today we will break down five crucial steps to help you get to the root of this problem.

The first step is to choose the right tool.

Don't overlook the type of engraving machine.

If you use a power carver, don't use some cheap little household machine to carve hard metal.The speed and stability of an industrial-grade engraver directly affect the depth of the engraving, especially when working with materials like stainless steel and titanium. For such materials, it's best to use a dedicated metal engraving head.

The material of the blade is very important.

Hand-carved knives are recommended with tungsten steel or diamond heads. The average carbon steel knife becomes blunt after two cuts, and repeated rubbing can cause the surface to become rough.Remember to sharpen your knife regularly.

Don't take shortcuts.

Speed and depth.

When carving with an electric engraving tool, do not use the high-speed mode the entire time.It is recommended that you first try a small test piece. For hard metals (such as stainless steel), use a slow speed and medium pressure. For soft metals (such as aluminum), you can increase the speed, but the depth of the cut should not exceed 0.3mm.

Temperature control is important.

If you are carving for more than 10 consecutive minutes, be sure to let the machine rest. High temperatures cause oxidation on the metal surface, which leads to blurred edges on the carving.You can help the cooling process by using a small fan or by dipping a cloth in cold water and wiping the facets.

Steady hands are the key.

When carving by hand, do not suspend your wrist in mid-air. Find a point to rest your hand on the table, and grip the chisel with your index and middle fingers. Use your wrist to apply force, just as you would when writing with a brush.When cutting straight lines, he tapes a guide line to the paper, and for curved lines he first marks a series of points and then connects them.

Don't skimp on cleaning.

Don't be in a hurry to call it finished when you've finished carving. Use a soft brush to sweep away the metal dust, then use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe the carving.If there is still oil or oxidation, it can be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner for three minutes. The result will be a bright, mirror-like finish.

Post-processing tricks.

If you want the letters to stand out more, try one of these two techniques: use black nail polish, fill in the letters, and wipe off the excess, letting the polish remain in the grooves; or use fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand along the grooves, creating a reflective effect.Be sure to apply another coat of rust inhibitor when you're done.