CNC Machine for Artsy Types: Learning to Engrave and Cut

A lot of artists can benefit from CNC machining services since these companies work even the smallest details of every design that is brought to them. If you are a CNC enthusiast or you are just simply curious to try your hand using this technology to explore your creative side, you will probably use it to engrave and cut the material you want to work with. This might come as a shock, but there are quite a number of hobbies where customizes create their own pieces using CNC machines and CNC tooling: amateur jewelers, gun customizers, car customizers, sculptors, the list goes on. What they all have in common is that they follow certain principles to get their pieces done and functioning in proper fashion. Here are some of the basics you should follow if you wish to embrace CNC to create something unique:

Do Some Research About Tooling?

As you choose your material do some research on the side about the right tool to work on it. If you wish to engrave text or a simple design on a light material, you will probably need to use small cutting tools to get the best results and a clean finish. If you are creating a larger pattern on a sturdier material, you will need cutting tools with a wide range of motion to get the job done. While results will be achieved quicker than using crafty methods, the choice of tooling still follows the basic principles of classic handmade work.

Make Sure to Program the Right Spindle Speed

Engraving needs to get some weight behind it to get the expected results. Crafters spend years and quite a few tests by trial and error to get their measuring just right. With CNC machines you don’t need the years of training, but having the right information about the shank tools makes all the difference between a botched job and good looking results. When engraving complex patterns always make sure to use low powered spindles and medium cutting speeds on the miles. You’ll only need to go to higher settings if you are working with strong materials like iron.

Take a moment to Measure the Length of your Cutting Tool

The carving blades that go equipped on spindles need to step up the game as they face tougher materials. Polymers and acrylics plates usually require 2mm blades in their basic form. A leveled speed of 18,000 revolutions per minute will create the desired pattern in very little time. As the materials increase their thickness and density, you will need larger blades and more RPM on the spindles of the cnc machining services.

Be Mindful of Broken Tools

As you begin the engraving process, watch out for broken blades. If the sculpting gets interrupted frequently, there may be a couple of reasons for this. The first one is that your tools do not have the required quality to get the work done as you need it. The second reason could be due to an issue with the settings being handled by the CNC machine. Make sure to check your numbers as well as the rails and the estate of the material you are working with.

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