Which machine for metal engraving?
From jewellery to personalisation products, metal engraving machines cover every need, with precision on any alloy.
Metal engraving is a versatile technique widely used to mark text, logos, images, and dates directly onto various metal surfaces. This technique is durable and resistant unlike labelling or other transfert techniques.
You might wonder, how to engrave metal? It can be performed using either laser or rotary engraving, depending on the desired finish and detail. Ideal for personalising items like jewellery, keyrings, and reusable bottles, or for creating decorative pieces, metal engraving offers endless possibilities for customisation.
Whether you're looking to add a personal touch to a gift or design a unique metal piece for jewellery creation, this technique adapts to any type of metal, ensuring precision and durability.
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What types of metal engraving machines does Gravotech offer?
The M20 X and M20 X Jewel can engrave various objects from jewellery, pens, and small metal plaques. This metal engraving machine is recommended for in-store personalisation. It is also possible to realise fine metal cutting.
The IS400 handles deep engraving on larger products (ex: directional signage, brass plaques) and metal cutting, suitable for workshops or backrooms.
Diamond engraving tools are user-friendly for in-store use, while cutting tools, requiring cleaning, deliver a sharper finish. The choice of tool influences the engraving's precision, depth and overall look.
Small and custom engraving machine for all purposes, from perfume bottle to small industrial signage.
M20 X
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Medium CNC engraving machine for flat and cylinder engraving on metal and plastic.
IS400 – IS400 Volume
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Small and portable engraving machine for jewellery.
M20 X Jewel
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The WeLase™ is the perfect metal laser engraving machine for in-store jewellery personalisation, offering precision and ease of use.
For larger, higher, and heavier items or higher productivity, the LW2 is the ideal metal laser engraving machine, accommodating a wider range of object sizes.
These stations use different laser sources, Fibre, Hybrid, or Green, tailored for metal engraving. It is possible to do thin metal cutting with Fibre lasers, delivering sharp, clean results on various metals.
The LS900 table, with a fibre laser source, is a versatile metal laser engraving machine.
The LS100 and LightSpeed 300 paired with the Metal Marker G allow occasional metal engraving using a CO2 laser, creating high-contrast designs.
These tables offer flexibility for various metal engraving needs, from detailed work to larger-scale projects, making them suitable for both occasional and frequent use.
Which metal engraving machines suits your needs?
| Technology | Machine | Applications | Advantages | Equipment price |
| Mechanical (Rotary) | M20 X / M20 X Jewel |
|
| $$ |
| Mechanical (CNC) | IS400 / IS400 Volume |
|
| $$-$$$ |
ISx000 |
|
| $$$ | |
| Laser station (Fibre / Green / Hybrid) | WeLase™ |
|
| $$ |
LW2 |
|
| $$$ | |
| Laser table (Fibre) | LS900 |
|
| $$$ |
Mechanical or laser: which metal engraving technology is right for your application?
Mechanical metal engraving
Mechanical metal engraving offers a tone-on-tone finish, with the option to add colour for more variety, with Gravolaque or our gilding wax.
It utilises three main techniques:
- Diamond engraving, ideal for fine lines and handwritten fonts, commonly used in stores for its simplicity.
- Rotary diamond engraving, which creates a deeper, smoother, and shinier finish.
- Cutting tools, producing deeper, more authentic metal engravings, typically used in workshops.
Machines like the M20 X and IS400 also enable metal cutting using cutting tools, with available accessories like engraving gel, cutting tables, chip collectors, and rotary devices. Custom jigs ensure precise engraving on different jewellery and objects, enhancing versatility for both in-store and workshop applications.
Laser metal engraving
Laser metal engraving provides either dark or light contrast, depending on the settings used. It is also possible to add colour with gilding wax.
When used on coated metals, it removes the thin paint layer to reveal the metal beneath, similar to rotary engraving.
Cutting is possible with WeLase™ and LW2 stations (30W or 50W), using the wobbling mode for precious and soft metals like brass, copper, stainless steel, gold, and silver, up to 1mm thick.
Surface metal engraving is faster than rotary, with options for deeper metal engraving. Essential accessories include a pin table for heat diffusion and a mandatory extractor. There are compatible jigs for the WeLase and LW2, including a cup kit to do flat engraving on cylindrical objects.
Why engraving over other techniques?
A durable and elegant personalisation technique
Metal engraving stands out as the best choice for personalisation due to its durability and resistance to scratches.
Unlike printing, thermal transfer, or UV techniques, engraved designs are timeless and won't fade over time.
The in-store marking process offers an interactive experience for customers, enhancing engagement.
Mechanical metal engraving, in particular, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the finished piece, making it a truly noble choice for those seeking both quality and longevity in their personalised items.
What are the main applications of metal engraving?
Jewellery engraving
Metal engraving in jewellery offers a range of finishes, from the classic, authentic look of mechanical engraving to the sleek, modern style achieved with laser technology. It can be realised on all types of metals such as gold, silver and various alloys.
Jewellers can choose from a wide selection of jigs, tailored to different products, to ensure precise engraving, whether using rotary or laser methods.
This versatility allows for both intricate engraving and precise cutting, enabling the creation of unique, personalised pieces that stand out for their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Pet & dog tags engraving
Gravotech meets both practical and aesthetic needs with its comprehensive range of solutions.
Our product range not only includes laser and rotary engraving machines but associated softwares. It also includes personnalisation items such as blank tags and medals made from anodised aluminium, stainless steel, and brass, as well as colouring products to enhance customisation.
Gift engraving
Gravotech's metal engraving machines are ideal for customising a wide range of items, such as knife blades, jewellery, keychains, thermoses, flasks, pocket mirrors, medals, lighters, and pens.
Materials like anodised aluminium, coated metal, stainless steel, and raw aluminium offer high-contrast laser engraving, resulting in either black or white marks depending on the anodisation.
Mechanical engraving on these surfaces produces a linear pattern that reflects light elegantly.
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Elevate the experience
Tailored solutions for global brands
You are a luxury brand or an international brand, and you would like to develop an exclusive in-store customer experience for your clients, on your e-commerce site or during an event?
Gravotech offers tailored solutions that will meet your needs. A dedicated project manager will guide you throughout the collaboration: discussing requirements, running samples on your products, selecting the best-suited personalisation technology, solution deployment, and user training.
| FAQ: The 4 questions most frequently asked of our experts |
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🔽What are the best metal engraving machines?
The answer depends on your production and contrast requirements:
- For retail environments, the M20 X is the go-to mechanical solution for pens, knives, and jewellery due to its small footprint.
- For speed: the WeLase™ available in Fibre, Hybrid, or Green sources offers rapid, high-contrast results.
- For larger items or high-volume productivity: the LW2 station or LS900 Fibre table provides a much larger engraving area and superior output.
🔽Is metal engraving resistant over time?
Yes, metal engraving is a permanent and highly durable solution, when it's deep. Unlike printing or thermal transfer, engraving physically removes or alters the material. On coated metals, it removes the paint layer; on raw metals, it creates deep grooves or the laser beam reacts with the material to create a natural contrast. This ensures that even if the object suffers scratches or impacts, the engraving remains perfectly legible.
🔽Is it possible to cut metal with an engraving machine?
Yes, fine metal cutting is achievable with both technologies (depending on thickness based on machine, tools, accessories…). Mechanical machines use specialised milling tools with lubricant to ensure a smooth, burr-free finish, which is ideal for jewellery and signage cutting. The metal laser engraving machines, WeLase™ and LW2 with a fibre laser source (30W-50W) can cut precious metals up to 1 mm thick. We specifically recommend the wobbling cutting method for laser stations, which uses a circular beam motion to reduce cutting time by up to five times compared to traditional paths.
🔽What is the best solution for metal engraving on jewellery?
The M20 X Jewel is a favorite among jewellers for its rotary device and specialised jigs, allowing for interior and exterior ring engraving with a classic "tone-on-tone" look. However, the WeLase™ Fibre is increasingly popular for its ability to produce sleek, high-contrast markings at high speed. Both technologies handle precious metals like gold and silver; the technology choice depends purely on whether you prefer an artisanal or a modern aesthetic.
