Metal engraving is a common practice today. Jewelry enthusiasts, for example, like to have their jewelry personalized with dates, names or other details. In the same way, metal items such as trophies and medals are engraved in order to enhance their appeal. Metal engraving is also used to add company names, logos, QR codes, and other information on metal products.
Metal engraving can be difficult due to its high melting and boiling temperatures. To achieve optimal results, you need to use advanced and special tools.
This article will explore the process of metal engraving, the tools that are best suited for the job and how to select the correct machine. We will explain each aspect in detail and simple terms so that even beginners can easily understand metal engraving.
Types of metal engraving tools
Metal engraving is accomplished through various tools, each of which has a different way of being used, advantages and disadvantages, as well as uses. Let's look at these tools to choose the best one for you.
Metal Laser Engraving Machines
Laser engraving uses powerful, automated machines to engrave metals and other material. materials can now be engraved faster and more easily than ever. Its high precision and fine detail make the engraving exceptional. Other methods of engraving are unable to produce such impressive results.
The laser engraver can laser etch metals by producing powerful laser beams focused on a small spot. As soon as these laser beams hit any material or object that is compatible, the temperature increases abruptly. In a fraction of a second, the temperature reaches boiling point and the material turns into vapors. Sublimation is the process by which the material goes from a solid state to vapor without ever going through a liquid phase.
Lasers remove the surface material when engraving metal. A 3D effect is achieved by creating a cavity. Laser engraving metals can be difficult because it requires a powerful laser that can raise the temperature to boiling or melting point.
Benefits of Laser Machines in Metal Engraving
No Contact Process:
A laser engraving machine's primary advantage is that there is no physical contact. Laser beams prevent the laser engraving machine from touching the material. There is therefore no risk of damage to the object. You can reuse the leftover material.
High Precision and Accuracy:
Laser machines provide incredible precision and accuracy. The machine is capable of achieving an accuracy up to 0.0004 inch or more. You won't see any errors, even if you are doing intricate engraving. The motors are very precise and accurate. You can make dozens and dozens of identical items.
Laser machines have a small laser spot. The Kerf width is so small in many cases that it is almost negligible. The small spot allows for the inclusion of fine details and makes engravings more beautiful.
Fast Laser Machines:
The laser machines are fast. The speed at which they can engrave is 400mm/s, or more, depending on their power and other specifications. It is faster than any other engraving method or machine.
Automated process: Laser engraving is an automated procedure. The machine will do everything by itself once the design has been uploaded. It is therefore a quick and efficient way to engrave. It is perfect for businesses because you can process several objects simultaneously. Overall productivity is increased.
Types of laser machines
Lasers are available in a variety of technologies. Each technology is compatible with different materials and has its own benefits and limitations. For optimal results, you need to select the right laser for metal engraving.
Infrared:
Infrared-laser machines can process many metals including stainless steels, irons, titaniums, aluminums, coppers, golds, silvers, platinums and other metals. These laser machines have a wavelength of 1064nm which is ideal for marking and engraving metals. Metals are able to absorb these laser beams easily and produce amazing results.
Laser Diode:
Laser diodes produce laser beams with a wavelength around 450nm. These machines are ideal for wood, MDF (medium density fiberboard), acrylic, stone and leather. If the laser's optical power is high (around 20-40W), then the machines can also engrave metallic surfaces. The diode laser machines can oxidize different metals, and produce a variety of colors. The colors you get will depend on your power and speed settings. Not all diode-laser machines are capable of metal engraving. You should make sure that the manufacturer has recommended it for metal engraving, and that its power is high.
Fiber laser:
Fiber Lasers are used to process metal. They are powerful and can be used to engrave metal, weld it, clean and cut it. This is due to the fiber optics that are used in these laser machines. Fiber optics cables are doped based on the application, e.g. engraving, cleaning, cutting. These machines have a final wavelength that can range from 780nm to 2200nm. The desired wavelength is obtained through doping.
CNC Metal Engraving Machines
CNC milling machines have become a popular choice for engraving metals. The end mill is a sharp drill bit that comes with these machines. These machines can easily engrave metals and other hard materials. You can use it on soft materials as well. The milling machine makes physical contact with an object, removing the material. The color of the object is not altered by the milling machine because it does not involve any heating or oxidation. The material can be removed with precision and controlled to the desired depth.
Hand Metal Engraving Tool
Gravers are simple hand tools that can be used for engraving metals. They are similar to the chisels used in woodworking, but are made specifically for engraving metals. Metal carving tools are available, as well as special metal engraving chisels and engraving knives. These tools all have a sharp knife and a wood handle. To strike the backs of graver tools, a special type of hammer known as a chasing-hammer is used. This is an old-fashioned method for engraving metals and shaping them. It takes time and expertise to do simple engravings. Jewelers use hand metal engraving tools to make jewelry. Even today, jewelers still prefer using these tools for engraving and shaping jewelry.
Electric Metal Engraving Tool
The electric metal engraving tools look like small handheld devices. This is similar to 3D or handheld drilling. They are also known as engraving pens, rotary engravers and handheld engraving tools.
How do I choose a metal engraving tool?
You should consider several factors before purchasing metal engraving tools. This will allow you to choose the best tool for your needs.
Metal Engraving Machines: How to Use Them
You need to determine the purpose of the tool before you can choose it.
If you are looking to engrave logos, images, intricate patterns, graphics of high quality, or similar items, then a Laser Engraving Machine is the best option. It can be done with extreme precision and accuracy. Other tools can't produce the same results. A laser machine can change the color of an engraved area. If you want to add colors, only a laser engraving machine is suitable.
Hand tools are also useful for jewelry engraving and shaping. The user is responsible for accuracy and precision. Laser engraving machines can be used to engrave jewelry.
Expertise
Metal engraving tools are complex and require a certain level of expertise. You can use a CNC milling or laser engraving machine if you're a beginner and don't have the skills necessary to operate hand/electrical tools. After reading guides and watching tutorials, beginners can easily use these automated machines. The design is all that's needed for these machines. Both hand engraving tools and electric engravers need expertise. These machines are not for everyone. Depending on your experience, you can select the best metal engraving tool.
Metals Compatible
Metal engraving tools are compatible with each other. Some engraving tools, for example, are not compatible with precious metals. You can check the metals compatible to see what you are able to do.
Speed up
Productivity is determined by the speed of metal engraving tools. Laser machines are fastest because they can engrave with incredible speed. These machines are capable of handling any graphics or designs, no matter how complex. CNC milling machines can also be fast and do complex jobs quickly. If you use hand or electric tools to engrave graphics or designs, it takes longer. Laser engraving machines and CNC machines are best for businesses.
Accuracy
Accuracy is a key factor in metal engraving. The quality of engraving is determined by the motor movement, the laser/blade control, and the fine details. You should choose a CNC milling or laser engraving machine if accuracy is your main concern. There is no guarantee that hand tools or electric tools will be accurate and precise because this depends on the operator.
Safety Features
Check the safety features and whether the machine is safe for users. Check the safety features of any laser machine you intend to buy. The machine should be equipped with a fire alarm system, tip-over protection, and an emergency switch. In the same way, CNC machines have a variety of safety features. Consider them when choosing a machine.
Budget
When buying metal engraving tools, budget is the most significant factor. Hand tools are the cheapest metal engraving tool. These tools are available for between $10 and $50. The next in line are the electric engraving tools. These tools cost between $10 and $100. Laser engraving and cutting machines are also available. Diode lasers and infrared are the least expensive, followed by CO2 lasers. The most expensive lasers are fiber lasers. However, they are perfect for metal engraving. CNC milling machines can be very expensive due to the CNC automation. These machines are suitable for large businesses and advanced.
Best Metal Engraving Tool for Beginners
The Gweike G2 is an incredible laser marking machine for beginners as well as professionals to choose from. It makes your laser engraving faster and easier.
The 20w fiber laser source can meet your various engraving needs, and the super-fast engraving speed of 15000mm/s can increase your productivity.
It is affordable and easy to learn and operate.
FAQ
What is the best metal engraving tool?
Laser machines are the best for metal engraving because they provide high accuracy, amazing speed and outstanding results. Laser machines are easy to use by beginners and can engrave with the highest precision. No prior knowledge or expertise is required. This is a simple, fast, and effective way to get the job done.
How do you metal engrave?
You can use a laser machine by simply uploading the desired design into the software, and then adjusting the settings. Place the material on the work area and begin the engraving process. It will take care of everything. Laser beams will create permanent marks by engraving or oxidizing the metal. The laser beams will reproduce the design with high-quality graphics and fine details on the metal.