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Are you fascinated by intricate markings on different materials? If you want to create beautiful designs and have them engraved on wood, plastics or then computer numerical control (CNC) engraving could be just the thing for you. CNC engraving has revolutionized the mark making industry. Like many other emerging technologies, CNC engravers have improved and have become more readily available. These machines have now made it possible to transfer even the most intricate designs to different types of materials with higher precision for a quality product. In this guide, we explore what CNC engraving is, its benefits and how you can get started.
What is CNC Engraving?
To engrave something is to carve out a design onto the surface of the object. Traditionally, this art form was done by hand using a set of engraving tools that were specific for the type of material being engraved. Traditional engraving, though fulfilling, is laborious and requires a great deal of skill to achieve complex designs. There is also a great risk of damaging materials which results in waste.
CNC machines have changed the engraving landscape. These machines are capable of engraving different types of materials. They transfer even the most complex designs onto the materials with great accuracy. CNC engraving is often used for decoration as well as for personalization e.g. in adding information such as serial numbers or abbreviations.
These machines typically consist of a rotating tool or spindle that is mounted on a milling machine or CNC router. The high-speed spindle can rotate to speeds of over 12,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). This high speed is necessary as the spindle is used to cut or engrave very tiny details. Engraving at a lower RPM will result in inefficiency.
Choosing a CNC Engraver
As technology has continued to improve, CNC engravers have become more readily available. The technology has become more affordable and more compact. Many carving enthusiasts now boast of owning a CNC engraver in their workshops. Whether you’re purchasing a machine for business or as a hobbyist, you should consider the following factors when making your selection.
- Structure of the machine
Pay close attention to the structure of the machine. You will want to go with a machine that has a rigid and sturdy structure. Snapmaker’s 3-in-1 3D printer with CNC carving module features a sturdy metal frame. This reduces noise from vibration during the operation of the machine. You will get better quality results.
- Software
With CNC carving, you will make your design first in the software of your choice and then feed this to the machine for engraving. It is therefore important to consider the software that the machine uses. Snapmaker’s engraver 3D printer is supported by their free software, Luban. This free CAD software allows you to create your designs without the need for additional software. With a lot of support available from Snapmaker for free, getting started with Luban is easy.
- Control system
Check the control system. How do you communicate with the CNC engraver? How can you achieve the ideal settings for the best results? Snapmaker’s CNC engraver is easy to control. The touchscreen on the 3-in-1 3D printer allows you to choose your settings. The software is user friendly ensuring that even beginners can hit the ground running.
- Speed
There are two aspects of speed to consider when choosing a CNC machine. The first is the spindle speed. A higher spindle rotation speed is ideal for higher efficiency. A good CNC engraver should have a spindle speed of 12,000 RPMs and higher.
The second aspect of speed to consider is the feed speed. This is the rate at which the spindle will travel during a single revolution. It is simply the speed at which the cutter is fed. A good CNC engraver should have a feed rate of above 150mm/s. Any machine that cannot achieve this speed should be considered a toy.
- Materials
It is important to consider the materials that you will be working with when choosing a CNC engraver. Not all engravers are able to work with a wide range of materials. If you will mostly be working with metals for example, you should search for a CNC engraver for metal. If you will be working with a wide variety of materials, you should search for a machine that is compatible with different materials. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications before making your purchase to make sure that it meets your needs.
- Support and parts
Even the sturdiest machines break down eventually. You will most likely need to purchase parts to replace worn or damaged parts. It is therefore important to purchase your machine from a brand that offers great aftersales support. Check to see whether parts are available and how long it would take to ship them to your location. Check reviews to find out about their aftersales services and the experiences of other customers.
- Budget
You will of course want to purchase a machine that you can afford. It is good to have a budget range in which to work. You should make a compromise between price and quality. Don’t go for the cheapest machine you come across, as it may not meet your needs. You should instead go for a reasonably priced machine that meets your specifications.
Get Started with Snapmaker
Whether you’re an experienced engraver or are just getting started with CNC engraving, Snapmaker’s 3-in-1 3D printer is a great option for you. The machine will not only provide you with great results in CNC engraving and cutting but will also allow you to explore other methods of production including 3D printing and laser engraving and cutting. You can take your production to a whole new level with different tools and options available to you. Snapmaker’s 3-in-1 3D printer offers you the opportunity to break down the limits on your work.
Visit the Snapmaker online store to learn more about the 3-in-1 3D printer and place your order.