Rotary engraving is a reliable and effective engraving technique used to create easily readable and highly durable markings. Nameplates and tags that feature rotary engraving will last for decades, and withstand abrasion, severe weather, corrosion, and other wear-and-tear. But how does rotary engraving work, and what applications is it commonly used for? In this article, our experts will explain our industry-leading process and how it can help your project.
How does rotary engraving work?
Rotary engraving uses a rotating cutting tool housed in a motorized spindle (an “engraving drill”) to create a groove in a substrate. The drill hollows out letters, graphics, or symbols on the material at a depth of 0.003”-0.007”.
The drill uses computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, which provides an exact machining toolpath that achieves extreme precision and repeatability.
What are the benefits of rotary engraving?
Rotary engraving is one of the most reliable and cost-effective engraving solutions on the market. Specific advantages include:
- Durability: Tags and plates that are rotary engraved are long-lasting and remain legible for decades, even in harsh outdoor and industrial environments.
- Flexibility: Rotary engraving can support variable printing and a wide variety of texts, shapes, and logos.
- Repeatability: Rotary engraving is precise and exactly repeatable, making it a good solution for tags or nameplates you may need to order more of.
- Readability: Engravings can be filled with paint for greater color contrast.
- Efficiency: Using rotary engraving, Etched can produce tags, nameplates, panels, and more at a high rate of speed and cost-efficiency compared to other engraving solutions.
What substrates support rotary engraving?
Etched can rotary engrave tags and nameplates of nearly any substrate, including stainless steel, aluminum, anodized aluminum, and plastic.
Etched rotary engraving solutions
There are a number of industrial applications of rotary engraving, including:
Industrial tags, nameplates, and data plates
We manufacture high-quality custom tags, nameplates, and data plates customized to your exact specifications. Use rotary engraving to add essential branding or operational information and ensure compliance with stringent industry regulations.
Compliance and safety plates
Especially relevant for the hearth and home industry, compliance and safety plates can ensure that your products adhere to ANSI safety guidelines and OSHA regulations. Rotary engraving can reliably communicate home appliances’ CSA, ETL, and UL certifications.
Control panels
Communicate vital operating instructions on your worksite via legible rotary engraved text or graphics. Etched control panels can improve productivity and reduce risk.
Want to learn more?
If you have questions about rotary engraving or whether it is the right choice for your project, our experts would love to talk with you. Contact us today!
