How to make an inscription on metal at home - Metals and their processing

Do-it-yourself engraving

Engraving equipment

Engraving technology

Metal engraving

Engraving on metal at home - video master class

Engraving makes things unique and unique. Such items, decorated with drawings, can serve as excellent gifts, and a personal inscription will remind you of a special event - a birthday or anniversary.

Engraving on jewelry is especially popular. Rings, pendants, bracelets with inscriptions or subtle patterns are usually used as gifts for memorable dates. Inscriptions are also often made on wedding rings. Another area where engraving has become widespread is modding (changing the appearance of computers).

In this area, engraving is used to depict patterns and inscriptions on the covers of laptops and system units.

Engraving is the transfer of an inscription or design onto a surface and various materials - metal, plastic, glass. Various methods are used for engraving; it is applied with a laser, a graver, or an engraver. There are engraving workshops, but you can try engraving yourself.

Engraving equipment

In principle, engraving can be done with any sharp object, for example, a nail. But the result is unlikely to please, and it will take a lot of time. A more convenient special tool is an engraver (or Dremel). It is produced by different manufacturers, and can work from the mains or autonomously. If you choose an engraver, then you should take a closer look at models with a bracket - they allow you to hang the tool and thus relieve your hands.

Also, for engraving, drills for different surfaces are needed. These tools differ in shape and material, as they are used for different types of work. Diamond drills are recognized as the most durable; they last a long time and reliably. There are many types of drills, but to begin with, you can purchase two tools: for glass and for metal.

Engraving technology

Transferring an inscription or drawing to the surface. You can use a pencil or marker for this; this is an option for drawing a pattern yourself. And those who use ready-made drawings can transfer them to the surface using carbon paper.
Applying an inscription or design to a surface using an engraver or other tool.
Here it is worth saying that when engraving large sizes, it is important to work with the tool in the same direction for greater accuracy of work. It is also necessary to provide good lighting so that your eyes do not get tired.
Applying a layer of colorless varnish or a thin layer of molten wax to the finished image.

Metal engraving

Metal engraving allows you to create beautiful products - paintings, panels, jewelry, etc. applying an image to a sheet of metal mechanically can be done using different tools - using a cutter, laser, gravel, etc. Let's take a closer look at manual engraving on a metal surface.

In this example, metal engraving work is performed in the reverse manner - when the design is depicted with light lines and strokes on a dark background. Before you begin, you need to prepare everything you need:

Brass sheet 0.6-1 mm thick
Engraver with bur for metal
Degreasing agent
Sodium sulfate crystals
Tracing paper
Clear varnish

Engraving on metal at home - video master class

Evaluate the manufacturing method:

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What equipment is used for engraving on metal?

The ability to paint on metal appeared many years ago. The decorative processing method involves removing the surface layer of the material along a pre-prepared contour using various devices. Engraving on metal is done using automated equipment and special tools.

Main types of metal engraving

Metal engraving, as a separate direction in metalworking, appeared several hundred years ago. Metal products were decorated with beautiful carvings and recesses. Their price increased depending on the metal used and the complexity of the decorative processing.

Initially, drawings on metal were made by hand. The manual processing method is still known. However, with the development of technology and equipment, new ways of applying patterns to metal parts and workpieces have emerged.

Color engraving

Metal engraving can be done using different colors. For this, a special glass-graph is used. When the drawing is completed, the master applies a layer of colorless varnish to the treated surface. It increases the durability of the design.

Color engraving on metal is best done with oil-based paints. Before applying them, you need to clean the surface with sandpaper. To achieve the blackening effect, it is not necessary to use industrial equipment. To do this, you can prepare a coloring composition:

In a metal container, mix one part potassium carbonate and two parts sulfur.
Place the mixture on low heat and stir constantly.
When the mixture turns black, turn off the fire. Pour the cooled mixture into a mortar and grind with a pestle.

To perform the blackening procedure, you need to mix the resulting composition with water. Proportions are calculated based on 9 parts water to 1 part substance. Pour the resulting solution into a deep container. Immerse the product for blackening into it. Heat the container over low heat until the product acquires the desired shade.

Laser engraving

Laser metal engraving is a popular way of applying a design. The equipment used consists of a working part, which is fixed on guide axes. Its design is a set of focusing lenses through which a laser beam passes. When properly focused, the beam is so powerful that it can not only remove part of the material, but also cut metal sheets.

Fiber laser systems are used to work with metal.
To apply designs to non-metallic surfaces, CO2-based laser equipment is used. Laser marking, color engraving on metal.
Ornamental color laser marking of metals. Laser systems have small advantages:

Laser work is carried out with high precision.
The finished drawings look neat.
High speed of work. Productivity increases.
Drawings made using a laser last for many decades and do not wear out over time.
The latest laser equipment is equipped with CNC systems, which simplifies working with them.

Such machines are used for decorative processing of products made from various materials.

Mechanical engraving

Mechanical engraving on metal involves the use of industrial equipment. A sharp cutter is fixed to the working part. There are two types of mechanical equipment on sale:

Manual machines (pantographs).
Computerized machines.

Hand-held equipment is used to design jewelry and heirlooms. However, computerized machines are beginning to replace manual machines.

Mechanical engraving refers to the method of applying designs to metal using diamond-coated cutters. The main disadvantage of mechanical engraving is its low speed and productivity.

Sandblasting

This method is often used when engraving on metal at home. The parts are processed using abrasive material. The principle of sandblasting is that abrasive particles fly out of a feed nozzle at high speed and hit a metal surface. At the same time, its matting occurs.

Sandblasting machines are used to perform decorative processing of glass or natural stone. At the same time, the equipment is used when working with metal surfaces, brick, granite, plastic, and ceramics.

Laser sublimation method

The technology involves making metal engravings using a color printer. Drawing process:

Select an image and print it using a color printer.
Place the image on the item being processed. Under the influence of high temperature, the paint is transferred to the surface being treated.

Laser sublimation is used to work with various materials. Most often, examples of this technology can be seen on mugs, plates, T-shirts and other things.

Steel engraving technology

Engraving involves various processes, equipment and tools. They can be divided into two types - mechanical (machines) and manual (hand and power tools) engraving. Mechanical is divided into two more subgroups:

Defense - This method is used to create large designs.
Hatching is a method of processing the surface of a product. Initially, the contour is applied, and then the metal layer is removed.

Tools and materials

Engraving involves the use of various equipment. You can find specialized metal engraving machines on sale. They are used to decorate jewelry, tokens, bracelets, and pendants. A milling machine with special cutters is suitable for engraving. It is desirable that they have diamond coating on them.

However, it is better to use a laser machine. This is expensive equipment that allows you to quickly create beautiful drawings.

How to choose equipment

When choosing laser equipment for metal engraving, you need to pay attention to a number of factors:

The material from which the guides, bed and working part are made. The structure should not be bent, have cracks or dents.
Check the operation of the laser upon purchase.
Control Panel. It is better to buy a machine equipped with a CNC system.

When choosing gas emitters that work with CO2, you should take into account the material from which the working part of the equipment is made. Chinese models use glass emitters. More expensive machines use lasers made of metal and ceramics.

What can a Cheap Laser Engraver with a Power of 1000 mw do? Parcel from China

Engraving methods at home

If you know the features of the technology and have practice, you can make engraving on metal with your own hands. To apply a design to a metal surface, you only need to use several tools.

Performing engraving on a machine

Using a special device for applying drawings and inscriptions

To obtain a high quality drawing, you must use an engraver. A large number of accessories are included with the equipment. Principle of operation:

A sketch of the future pattern is applied to the working surface. You can use a thin marker for this.
The part is secured in a vice. Processing should be done in one direction.
When the work is completed, the product must be coated with colorless varnish.

In order not to damage the workpiece and tool, you need to choose the right equipment. Engraving on metal using an engraver requires perseverance and accuracy.

Drawing a drawing using a handy set of materials

Engraving can be done using manual tools. Metal surface processing process:

Prepare a container that is larger in size than the workpiece being processed.
A design is scratched onto the part with a needle. The top is coated with colorless varnish.
A positive wire is attached to the product. At the same time, the minus should be placed in a separate glass of water.

The etching process takes place. After this you need to remove the remaining varnish from the part.

Engraving on a metal object with a drill

Experts know how to engrave metal using a drill. However, this power tool is expensive and it is not advisable to buy it for one-time processing.

When working with a drill, the working part of the power tool removes a layer of metal using special attachments.
The equipment comes complete with the machine. Before you start working with this power tool, you need to test it on unnecessary workpieces. Engraving on the spoon. drill + engraver.

Metal engraving using various equipment

During the development of technologies, equipment and engraving skills, many techniques for decorative metal processing have appeared:

To make a beautiful inscription or drawing, laser systems are used.
A tetrahedral recess can be made with a diamond cutter.
It is more convenient to process voluminous parts with a conventional milling machine.

A small engraver is suitable for a home workshop.

Engraving on wedding rings

Engraving of wedding rings has some features:

To apply an inscription to the surface of the ring, it must be of a certain width.
The softer the metal, the easier it is for the master to work with it.

You can process the side edges of the ring if their width allows it.
Hand engraved wedding rings.

Engraving in production

Metal engraving in production is not much different from the procedure carried out at home. Initially, the working surface is cleaned and degreased. After this, it is tinted with a solution of sulfuric acid. Next, the contour is outlined with a metal needle. The engraver does the bulk of the work. When the main work is completed, the surface is covered with colorless varnish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f566uuTEnRA

Engraving on metal is done in various ways. A variety of equipment and tools are used for this. There is no need to buy expensive equipment to decorate a metal surface.

Source: https://metalloy.ru/obrabotka/gravirovka/na-metalle

Do-it-yourself engraving at home

Engraving on metal always attracts the eye. This trade has fed artisans since ancient times. And today it has not lost its relevance. Craftsmen can turn everyday objects into real works of high art by decorating them with fancy miniatures. Sometimes you can see entire paintings of considerable size, made by engraving artists. And few people know that absolutely anyone can do this business.

Photo 1. Souvenir engraved hunting knife, an ideal gift that can be given to hunters.

Do-it-yourself engraving can become a profitable and interesting business if you really want it.

You can decorate small metal objects using engraving yourself at home. This activity will arouse the respect and envy of friends and acquaintances. In Zlatoust, thousands of craftsmen practice this craft at home. Engraved items are expensive.

A saber costs approximately 300 thousand rubles, a hunting knife costs up to 100 thousand (photo No. 1). Agree, this is good money.

How to make engraving on metal at home with your own hands? For this lesson you need to prepare the simplest equipment that can be found in any house, in any apartment.

Let's start experiments

Decorative patterns using the engraving method are applied to plates, knives, pistols, sabers, medals, cups, and apartment numbers. All patterns and inscriptions are preserved almost forever and do not require expensive and rare consumables or special equipment for execution. The design can be applied to steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and metal alloys. The method does not pollute the environment. It is impossible to wash off or erase the drawing using conventional methods and means.

It is recommended to start by applying simple inscriptions on cutlery. Relatives and friends may appreciate such a gift. You need to prepare for work (photo No. 4).

Photo 2. Engraved wedding rings, the wedding date and the initials of the bride and groom are usually written on them.

Nail polish that my wife doesn't really need.
Toothpick with sharp tips.
You may need an ordinary match.
Salt.
Charger for car battery. It can be successfully replaced by charging from a mobile phone.
Glass or porcelain dishes in the form of a glass, mug or jar.
Nail polish remover.

The work is done in this order:

Take a spoon and cover it with nail polish. The entire surface must be varnished very carefully, otherwise there will be defects in the work.
Using a match or toothpick, a pattern, name, or other image is scratched through the layer of varnish.
Pour 2 tablespoons of salt into a glass glass or jar. Some people add a spoonful of salt and a spoonful of soda.
Water is poured into the vessel, the salt is thoroughly stirred until completely dissolved.
We connect a car or other charger with the positive terminal to the product being processed, and the negative terminal to any metal object that will be placed in a vessel with water. This item could be another spoon, a piece of thick wire, or a metal plate.
The rectifier is connected to the network. Almost immediately, an etching reaction will begin in the glass with darkening of the liquid. It lasts 1-5 minutes. It depends on the magnitude of the current. The product is checked periodically. After reaching the desired etching depth, it is removed from the container.
The varnish is washed off with nail polish remover. The result should look something like this (photo No. 3).

Photo 3. Personalized engraved spoons and, interestingly, engraving can be done on various metal objects in a simple home environment.

In this way you can process any metal objects at home. If you make an inscription with varnish, it will be convex on the etched background. For better quality work, it is recommended to purchase a special tool - an engraver.

It can operate from the electrical network and from built-in batteries. The kit usually comes with drills of different shapes. They can work on glass, plastics and other materials. Engraved wedding rings are an excellent gift for newlyweds (photo No. 2).

But you can do this yourself only when you are completely confident in the result of the work.

Glass engraving

Photo 4. For home engraving you will need regular salt, nail polish, nail polish cleaner and a glass of water.

Do-it-yourself engraving on the glass surface is done chemically and mechanically. The mechanical method involves the use of a nozzle that is driven by an electric motor. Procedure:

Using a dark marker, the drawing is transferred to the glass.
A damp sponge is applied to the image on the glass. This must be done carefully so as not to smudge the drawing.
When working, you must use safety glasses.
After completing the drawing, it is washed and examined for gaps. If necessary, missed places are processed again.

Engraving with a drill

The principle of do-it-yourself engraving can be seen in the dentist's office. The special tip is held in the hand in the same way as a regular pen when writing. The pattern can be applied to any object: a ring, a mirror, a motorcycle, a sign, etc. You can engrave a portrait or any other image.

We must not forget that the color of engraving on glass, ceramics, stone, porcelain is always white. But it can be carefully coated with silver, gold and any other waterproof paint. The effect can exceed all expectations.

Drawings and patterns can be applied to wood coated with a layer of paint, to plastic, silver, plastic.

Manual work requires patience and certain skills that develop over time. The skill is honed over the years.

Incisive engraving

Photo 5. Master's kit is a set of tools and materials that is always at hand for a professional engraver.

There is a type of hand engraving, which is usually called incisor engraving. It is performed using special cutters - gravers (photo No. 5). There can be different numbers of gravers. Some allow you to make the finest lines, others allow you to make several parallel cuts at the same time. Experienced engravers use this tool.

Stichels need to be able to be sharpened correctly and brought to working condition. Beginner engravers may not be able to do this. Do-it-yourself engraving, especially on metal, is an ancient art. Cold steel, and then firearms, decorated in this way are considered especially valuable and of high quality.

Absolutely anyone can try engraving on small objects like cutlery and knives at home.

Source: https://moyakovka.ru/process/gravirovka-svoimi-rukami-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html

Make an engraving inscription on a metal plate

Applying a pattern to various objects by removing a substance from its surface has been known to mankind for many millennia.

With the advent of new materials, the need arose to develop working methods that allow engraving on objects that are much harder than wood and stone. New technologies make it possible to fully automate the engraving process when applying a design to a metal surface, but for a home craftsman, the most suitable option is to master the manual method of applying a design.

Do-it-yourself metal engraving is possible at home, if you have the tools and a suitable room to perform this type of work.

What is needed for engraving

For manual engraving at home, you will need the following tools and materials:

Stichel.
Metal blank.
A vice or similar device for holding a workpiece stationary.

The blank for applying the pattern can be used from any metal, but for beginning craftsmen it is better to use aluminum or copper.

The graver is a rod up to 120 mm long. One end of this tool is cut at an angle and sharpened, the other is installed in a handle made of wood or plastic.

The graver can be of different shapes and also differ in the width of the working surface. If you do not have this tool, you can make it yourself if you have materials suitable for this purpose.

Making your own gravel

To make a gravel, it is necessary to use tool steel. The metal used in springs and ball bearings is excellent for this purpose. To make a cutting surface, you can use old files and needle files, as well as various cutters that need to be cut into thin strips.

The ideal material for making an engraving pen is P18 steel. From old circles for circular saws you can make a large number of blanks for the production of gravers at home. Next, the working part of the workpiece is sharpened at an angle that will make it possible to make a notch of a certain width on the metal surface.

The handle of the gravel is made of hardwood, and should be of such a width that the master can comfortably hold the tool in his hand. The recommended length of this part of the gravel is usually 50 mm.

A mushroom-shaped handle is the most suitable for making this tool, but you can experiment and make several different options, and in the process choose the most suitable option.

Preparation of the workpiece

First of all, you should select a blank on which the drawing will be displayed. The selected product must be free of rust and chips. To prepare the surface you will need:

Sandpaper P400.
GOI paste No. 1 or No. 2

First, the workpiece is polished using sandpaper. Then final polishing is carried out using GOI paste.

To avoid damage to the surface, when carrying out polishing work with GOI paste, it is recommended to use this product only No. 1 or No. 2.

You should also do the following before finishing polishing with this product:

Prepare a flannel cloth and moisten it with white spirit
Pour GOI paste onto a dampened cloth.
Wipe the unwanted area of metal with a cloth to remove large pieces that could scratch the surface.

After such preparation, the workpiece is polished using uniform circular movements. After completing the polishing activities, the metal object must be rinsed in kerosene and dried at room temperature.

The process of engraving on metal

If you are engraving a metal surface for the first time, then before you start applying the main design, it is recommended to practice on an unnecessary piece of metal.

The ideal option for such training is to use a copper plate. A piece of copper should be securely fixed to a wooden board using self-tapping screws with wide heads. When the workpiece is secured, the board is laid on the table, additional lighting is turned on if necessary, the cutting tool is clamped in the right hand, and an even notch is made on the metal surface.

To prevent the hand from slipping when making a straight line, on the surface of the metal plate the thumbs of the left and right hands should be connected and touch the plate where the drawing is made.

The index finger of the right hand, at this time, rests on the tool’s cutter and completely controls the process of drawing lines. It is recommended to first make several straight parallel stripes on the workpiece.

When the smooth areas look good, you can move on to making semicircular lines.

When your hand is already a little full, you can begin to engrave the design on the workpiece. To carry out this work, the metal object must also be securely fixed. For this purpose, a device similar to the self-tapping locking mechanism described above should be made.

To engrave simple figures, initials and other simple images, you can begin immediately after securing the metal object. If you need to make a complex drawing, it is recommended to first transfer the image to the workpiece.

Transferring a complex image to metal

The original method of transferring an image to a metal base is carried out in the following sequence:

Varnish is applied to the surface of the metal being processed.
Using a soft graphite pencil, an image is drawn on a polyester film that will be engraved on the workpiece.
The drawing is covered with tape, pressed over the entire area to the film and carefully removed from it. In this case, the image drawn earlier will remain on the sticky surface of the tape.
When the varnish dries, the tape is attached to the metal surface, smoothed with a roller or other soft object, and then removed.

After correctly performing the described steps, a pattern will remain on the product, which can be used for engraving.

Other engraving methods

In addition to the manual engraving method at home, the following methods can be used to change the relief of a metal surface:

Chemical engraving is a method that can be easily done at home, even with regular table salt and a phone charger.
Using a drill is a great method for home use. The principle of metal removal by this method is similar to manual engraving, but instead of a sercie, a drill or similar device with a rotating thin drill is used.
Laser engraving is the most advanced way of applying a design to a metal surface, but equipment for this type of work will be too expensive. The use of this engraving method is justified only when the hobby of drawing designs on metal becomes a profession and brings in a constant income.

Conclusion

How to make engraving on metal and which method to master to perform this type of work, everyone must decide for themselves. To begin with, it is recommended to purchase a professional tool for manual work. After working with hand tools for some time, you can move on to mastering the equipment, which will significantly speed up the engraving process.

It is recommended to purchase metal engraving tools only in specialized stores. When making your own gravers, you should pay attention to the cutting surface of the tool, which must be perfectly sharpened.

A gravel that is not sharp enough and has knocked down corners will not allow you to remove the metal correctly. When working with the tool, you must also be careful, otherwise you can seriously injure yourself.

If such a nuisance has already occurred, then the wound should be disinfected and bandaged.

By taking precautions and using high-quality tools, you can create real handmade masterpieces at home, which can be used not only for personal purposes, but can be sold at special online auctions for the sale of handmade items.

(15,00 out of 5)

Source: https://varimtutru.com/sdelat-gravirovochnuyu-nadpis-na-metallicheskoy-plastine/

Instructions - how to engrave on metal correctly

In this material I want to tell you about engraving on metal. The stages of engraving on metal are almost no different from those on plexiglass, but there are still some nuances.

Tips before engraving

First, clear your work area and choose a surface that is large enough to wrap the workpiece without any problems. When engraving metal, you don't need directional light—just regular lighting will suffice.
The second most important thing is comfort . Sit so that your hand can freely reach the top of the workpiece. Also lay the workpiece and check it for deflection. It may happen that at the most important moment the metal will bend and the cutter will lead in the wrong direction, ruining the whole job.
Wipe the surface well, remove all dust and get rid of grease.
Fasten it well . If you have a tripod, great, great. But there are cases when the Dremel lies without fixation, therefore there are two options: either engrave with one eye and look at the tool with the other, or simply tie it to the table with something. For example, I hold the Dremel on my knee - it’s most convenient for me.

So let's get started with the process.

First, we select a design and print one on self-adhesive paper, and the second on plain paper. I'll tell you why the second one later.

Printed design for engraving

On top of everything else, I also had to trace all the lines additionally, from which I learned a useful trick. Next we will figure out the location of the drawing, and after that we will glue it. It is advisable to glue starting from the corner and continuing diagonally. No blistering of the paper directly on the drawing is allowed.

To begin, take a cone-shaped nozzle. The photo shows how it has become frayed during use, but the tip itself is still capable of producing a straight line.

Cone-shaped nozzle on a flexible shaft

We sit down to work, cross ourselves three times and begin. While working, do not get distracted, get irritated or overthink . The most optimal movement of the nozzle will be if you position it at a degree and move it towards a more acute angle. In the figure below, it needs to be moved to the lower right corner.

The process of engraving on metal.

Here are some intermediate photos of the work.

The last photo shows how the paper has come off. I usually remove it under hot water, but this time there wasn't a drop of liquid in the garage, so I was impatient and just tore it off. Anyone who can be more careful should experiment with this matter. You can, for example, paint over all this, getting an original effect. As a result, we have a good, but unfinished picture, which itself looks lonely against a black background.

The first version of engraving on metal

But now we take that same unused drawing and outline on it with a pencil the places where we will “fill in”. After this, we take a spherical nozzle and begin to fill. The result is this:

Engraving on metal with filling

Metal Engraving Tips

If you need to engrave a long line, start at the bottom and move the Dremel away from you. Somehow the line turns out very smooth. As I say: “With soul.”
When you first start engraving, take a pen and draw the main lines directly on the drawing, excluding unnecessary ones.
Very often, paper gets under the cutter and gets chewed, after which the cutter can go in the wrong direction purely mechanically. To avoid this, you should start the line a little further and end a little earlier. Then, during the final revision, you will adjust it.
If it happens that the entire section is very difficult, then simply put dots on the lines and connect them at the end.
During pouring, do not randomly scrape off the paint. If the fill line is very large, then you should not fill it progressively. It is best to go from start to finish without stopping the cutter in a separate area.
Again - don't make very small details. The consequence may be peeling of the paint.

Source: http://mozgochiny.ru/modding-pc/instruktsiya-kak-pravilno-gravirovat-po-metallu/

How to make engraving at home

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It makes no sense to talk about applying inscriptions on metal using special paints or varnishes. By the way, this is also one of the methods of engraving on metals. But how long will such drawings, symbols, and icons last on the sample? They will be washed off quite quickly with any of the solvents, although due to banal abrasion their service life will be short. There are more efficient metal engraving technologies, which we will talk about.

But are they all suitable for independent performance, and even at home? When you just read about them, everything is clear and easy. But practical implementation is another matter.