Rotary engravers use a rotating cutter and move on three axes. They are controlled by a pantograph or computer software and are best for small items like name tags and jewelry. They work well with plastics and soft metals, but can also be used on other materials. They are smaller than laser engravers and are popular with hobbyists.
There are many types of engraving techniques and machines suitable for different materials, preferences and purposes. A rotary engraver is a mechanical engraver that includes a powered spindle and a cutting tool that rotates with the spindle. To control a rotary engraver, a pantograph or computer software is usually employed. These engravers are typically smaller than other engraving machines, around desktop size, but can also be full size. They are primarily meant for name tags, name tags, small jewelry and awards.
The main feature of a rotary engraver is that it uses a cutter that rotates from a mechanized spindle. This engraving machine moves on three levels of axes: the Z axis is depth, the X axis is horizontal, and the Y axis is vertical. Different cutting bits are used to make different cuts, such as using a cone cutter to make a V-shaped cut or a parallel cutter for a straight line. This type of cutter is best used on plastics and soft metals, but other materials can also be used.
The control mechanism for a rotary engraver is usually a pantograph or a computer program. A pantograph is a mechanism that uses two pens. When moving, from the engraver operator, the pen connected to the rotary engraver will also move. This is normally used for text engraving. The operator will trace the shape of a master letter and the engraver will copy the letter into the material.
Computer software is easier for an amateur to use and can produce photorealistic results. All the user has to do is load the program and open an image or text file in the engraver’s program. Then the user instructs the engraver to duplicate the document and he will trace the same design into the material.
A rotary engraver is normally smaller than other engravers, such as a laser engraver; they are popular with hobbyists and work best with smaller objects. Most rotary engraving machines are able to fit on a desk or bench top. While smaller, full-size models are usually available for those who enjoy the rotary engraving method and need to engrave larger materials.
Small, easy-to-engrave items are most commonly used with a rotary engraving machine. Desk accessories such as a small award or name tag, lighter or jewelry are commonly used with these engravers. Larger models will be able to make larger marks and engrave in large, flat pieces of material.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
