Depth of Engraving: 0.1-3 mm

The effects of engraving at depths of 0.1 to 3 millimeters were tested, and the impact on the surface texture of the material, the degree of detail, and the suitability of the scene were analyzed.The program covers both CNC and hand carving, and helps users to choose the best parameters to suit their needs, improving the efficiency of the process and the quality of the finished product.

Why would the depth of the carving affect the final product?

Many people new to carving may think that depth is nothing more than "carving deeper or shallower," but in fact a difference of 0.5 mm can make a huge difference.For example, if you carve a seal too shallowly, the ink will smudge, and if you carve it too deeply, the edges may break off. In a wood carving, a 3 mm depth gives a sense of three-dimensionality, but a 0.1 mm depth is better for delicate patterns.Today we'll use some real-world data to help you decide on the right depth for your needs.

The differences in processing at different depths.

0.1-0.5 millimeters: the favorite of detail freaks.

This range of depth is suitable for fine work such as metal plaques or acrylic surface textures.In actual tests, the smallest characters were 0.1 mm, with no blurring or overlapping of strokes. But the tips wore down easily when used on wood or other soft materials.A depth of 0.5 millimeters is enough to retain sharp edges on hard wood, but the tool must be a sharp one with an angle of less than 30 degrees, or else it will leave burrs.

1-2 mm: the "golden zone" for everyday use.

For practical items like key rings and name tags, 1 millimeter depth is enough to ensure that the design is clear while not weakening the material.Tests have shown that a depth of 2 mm is ideal, but softwood can peel. Therefore, it is recommended that the wood be basswood or black walnut.

3mm is the dividing line between industrial and artistic.

3 mm deep engraving is often seen in mold processing or large decorative pieces. In actual tests, using a tungsten steel knife to engrave 3 mm deep into aluminum plate, the outlines are sharp but the time required is doubled.If it is hand-carved, this depth requires multiple passes of the knife, and newbies are liable to shake and cut crooked. It is recommended that they use a clamping device.

Three key points to consider before going deep.

The hardness of the material sets the upper limit.

Cutting 3mm into brass? You'll wear out your tools so fast you'll start questioning your life choices! For hard materials, it's suggested that you keep the depth of cut to 1mm or less.

The angle of the blade and speed of the lathe must match.

When the depth of the cut exceeds 2 mm, the stability of a 15 ° V-shaped blade is actually superior to that of a flat blade.In terms of speed, deep carving requires a slower speed, otherwise the wood is easily burned.

The final choice is determined by the intended use.

The relief on objects that must be repeatedly touched (such as door handles) should not exceed 1.5 mm, otherwise the edge will irritate the hand.If you just want to look at your work, you can be bolder and carve deeper, but remember to leave enough material for sanding.

A case of a real rollover.

The last time I tried it, I was carving a 2mm depth into a piece of sandalwood, but the wood was too hard and the tool snapped.Later they changed to a two-layer carving of 1.2 mm, and the results were even finer.Another friend engraved a logo 0.3 mm deep on a piece of acrylic, and because he didn't remove the protective film first, the depth of the engraving was off by 0.05 mm. It was a close call, and the piece almost had to be reworked.

Finally, don't blindly go for the deepest values, but first test the gradations using the scraps.After all, every machine and every blade is different, and the key is to find the "sweet spot" that works best for you.