Cricut comes with various tools, and the Cricut engraving tool is one of them. An engraving tool is also called an engraving tip, so don’t get confused between the two. Cricut added the engraving tool to its lineup recently to expand the capability of the Cricut maker machine. What is an engraving tool? The engraving tool or tip is combined with a sharp metal point designed to pressure the permanently carved texts and images. The tool applies to soft metals, leather, paper, plastics, acrylic, etc.
This blog particularly explores the engraving tool, such as how you can use it, which machines are compatible with it, and many more.
As we know that Cricut offers a lineup of tools, and an engraving tip or tool is a part of that lineup. You can use this tool with numerous materials up to 11″ wide. It helps in providing pressure to the carved texts or images.
The Cricut engraving tool works with the Cricut maker machine. This is the only machine that best use the tool system and can apply considerable pressure to engrave the materials. one should note that the engraving tool doesn’t work with the explorer machines or Cricut joy.
The engraving tool is an addition to Cricut’s adaptive tool system and uses the QuickSwap Housing system, which helps change the Cricut maker tool tips by pushing a button. Apart from the engraving tool, single and double scoring wheels, debossing tip, perforation blade, and wavy blade, all tools use QuickSwap housing. Hence, you need to purchase only one housing with several tips. So, you need to pair your engraving tool with QuickSwap housing and then insert it into the “B” carrier of the Cricut maker to use it.
There are lots of materials the engraving tool can engrave. Here is a wrapped-up list of the materials compatible with the engraving tip.
Here is a detailed list of the compatible materials:
Aluminum sheets
Copper
Acrylic ⅛”
Faux leather
Foil poster board
Metallic leather
Shimmer paper
Garment leather
Plastics
Wood
Glasses
Glitter cardstocks
Anodized aluminum
Metallic poster board
Transparency
Here is an example of how you can make an engraved bracelet. You also can follow the same steps for engraving.
Write anything you want on your bracelet. Then, move your image to the prepare screen so it comes to the center of your blank. In my example, I centered it 1″ vertically and 4″ horizontally, giving the right place to it.
Now, place the blank on the Cricut mat the same as you created the design. Put your blank slightly higher on the mat as the Cricut cuts a little higher. Then, cover the edges of your blank with tape and fix it on the mat. Once you are done, put your Cricut mat in the machine and select Aluminium as the material. Then, insert the engraving tool into your machine and press the C button to cut.
Once you engrave your bracelet, handle it carefully as it can be hot or sharp with the small metals coming out. Hence to clean it, use a cloth or a lint roller to eliminate the tiny metal fragments formed during the engraving process.
After successfully engraving the bracelet, cover the engraved text with black paint. You just need to rub it with black paint or ink and then wipe it off. It darkens the engraving and makes it more appealing.
Once you have engraved the design, you must have a bending tool to shape your bracelet. Hence, with the necessary accessories, you can engrave anything you want.
That was all about using the Cricut engraving tool. You can use this tool only with a Cricut maker. The Cricut maker machine provides you with the flexibility to use several materials. This machine can easily cut vinyl, paper, and fabric. Also, it’s easy to use with the touch screen interface. With the right use of an engraving tool, you can prepare amazing things.
You must note that the engraving tool should not be used on paper or cardstock, as the tool may damage the material. However, the engraving tip is not compatible with all materials. Also, it’s not recommended to work on fabric and leather.
Yes, there is a long list of materials you can engrave. Apart from stainless steel and Aluminium, it can be used on wood and many soft metals. To work with metals, your metal has to fit into your Cricut maker, which means the metals should not be very thick as they have to fit on a mat and engraving tool.
The engraving tool helps you inscribe texts or quotes and draw decorative embellishments. Furthermore, it works with Cricut aluminum sheets and anodized Aluminium for effective results.
The Cricut maker engraving tool works with soft metals, plastics, acrylic, and leather. However, the engraving tool doesn’t engrave deeply or fill any voids.
Visit: Cricut.com/setup
Source: https://learn-cricut.com/how-to-use-cricut-engraving-tool-with-cricut-maker/