Engraving Tools, Endmills & Cutters
Spring Loaded Engraving Tools
Vacuum Chucks for Workholding

Frequently Asked Questions - Spring Loaded Engraving Tools

Standard Spring Loaded Engraving Tool in Action   Engrave Uneven, Curved & Flat Surfaces. Reduce Engraving Cycle Times up to 84%.

What are the main differences between the "STANDARD" and "MINI" Spring Loaded Engraving Tools?   Which diameter Spring Loaded Engraving Tool should I use?   What are the recommended Speeds and Feeds?   How much travel does a Spring Loaded Engraving Tool have?   What size letters can I engrave using a Spring Loaded Engraving Tool?   What do I set my Z at?   Why do I rapid into the part, instead of feeding slowly like a rigid toolholder?   How do I control the engraving depth?   How deep will the engraving be?   How do I get a deeper engraving?   When do I need a Depth Control Nosepiece?   Quick Ordering Checklist - Do I have everything needed to get started? <<< click here >>>.

• The Standard Spring Loaded Engraving Tools are used for higher volume production engraving.  They have larger diameter shafts and can be run at higher RPM than the Mini Spring Loaded Tools (see below recommended RPM).
• The Mini Spring Loaded Tools have lower recommended RPM and are typically used on smaller CNC machines.
• The Mini Spring Loaded Engraving Tools hold only 3/16" diameter engraving tool bits.
• The Standard Spring Loaded Engraving Tools have an integrated 3/16" collet that holds 3/16" engraving tool bits.  You can purchase other collets (1/4", 1/8", 4mm & 6mm) which can hold these diameter tool bits in the Standard Spring Loaded Engraving Toolholders.

• Spring Loaded Engraving Tools are available in 5 different diameter shafts.  This variety of sizes allows you to use a Spring Loaded Engraving Tool in virtually any cnc machine.
• We typically suggest that you use the largest diameter Spring Loaded Tool your cnc machine can accommodate.
• It is important you consider each tools maximum RPM speeds, tool dimensions and other specifications when selecting a Spring Loaded Tool to be used on your cnc machine and your specific application.
• Maximum RPM speeds are below.
• Please note the size engraving tool bits that each Spring Loaded Engraving Tool can hold below.

Standard Spring Loaded Engraving Tools for high volume production engraving	3/4" Diameter  10,000 Maximum RPM 1,000 - 10,000 RPM recommended speed range. Integrated collet provided with the kit holds 3/16" diameter engraving tools. Additional size 4 mm, 6 mm, 1/8", 3/32" & 1/4" collets can be purchased to hold other diameter tool bits.		20 mm Diameter 10,000 Maximum RPM 1,000 - 10,000 RPM recommended speed range. Integrated collet provided with the kit holds 3/16" diameter engraving tools. Additional size 4 mm, 6 mm, 1/8", 3/32" & 1/4" collets can be purchased to hold other diameter tool bits.
Mini Spring Loaded Engraving Tools for smaller cnc machines	1/2" Diameter 7,500 Maximum RPM 1,000 - 7,500 RPM recommended speed range. Holds only 3/16" diameter engraving tools.	3/8" Diameter 6,000 Maximum RPM 1,000 - 6,000 RPM recommended speed range. Holds only 3/16" diameter engraving tools.		1/4" Diameter 3,000 Maximum RPM 1,000 - 3,000 RPM recommended speed range. Holds only 3/16" diameter engraving tools.

3.  What are the recommended speeds and feeds when using a Spring Loaded Tool?

• View Speeds and Feeds here.

• 0.40".

• Generally .085" and larger. (Smaller letters may be engraved with technical assistance from 2L.)

• Set the Z0 plane at the top surface of the workpiece.
• Set the plunge depth to Z-0.025" for normal engraving on relatively flat workpieces.
• Set the plunge depth deeper if the workpiece tolerances are greater.
   

• Feeding slowly into the workpiece will cause the toolbit to drill down into the material. This may cause the tip of the toolbit to break prematurely. We recommend plunging at a feedrate of 200ipm or more.
• Plunging the tool rapidly into the workpiece instead of feeding slow reduces the overall cycle time of the engraving job and increases the life of the engraving toolbit.
• View speeds and feeds here.
   

• By adjusting the spindle speed and feedrate (speeds and feeds).  The faster the feedrate, the less deep the tool will engrave. The slower the feedrate, the deeper the engraving.
• Spring Loaded Engraving Tool Feedrates are approximately 3 - 5x faster than using a rigid tool.
• View speeds and feeds here.
   

• When engraving aluminum with a standard toolbit and a light spring, approximately 0.005" - 0.010" per pass.
• Steel, stainless steel, and harder materials - approximately 0.003" - 0.005" per pass using a Tough Tip Engraving Tool.
• Greater depths per pass can also be obtained with stronger springs.
• The engraving obtained depends greatly on the toolbit used. 2L produces toolbits for different materials and for both shallow and deeper engraving.
  • View most popular engraving tools here.
  • View all engraving tools here.
     
  
  

• Make a second pass (remember: engraving with a Spring Loaded Engraving Tool is much faster than with a rigid toolholder, so making multiple passes is still faster than using a rigid tool).
• Slow down the feedrate. Slower feedrates give the tool more time to cut and produces deeper engraving. (Or increase the spindle speed if the machine is capable - this has the same effect and won't alter the cycle time.)
• Use a sharper toolbit (Special toolbits are available for digging deeper in steels and aluminums).
  • View most popular tools here.
  • View all engraving tools here.
  
  
• Use a stronger tension spring (stronger springs wear tools more quickly). Depths of up to 0.025" per pass can be obtained in steel but with a reduced tool-life.
  • View Springs here.
  
  

• Typically only when engraving very soft materials, such as plastics, or if you require very precise engraving depths.
• The nosepiece is adjustable in 0.001" increments.
• View depth control nosepiece systems here.

12.  View Quick Ordering Checklist - to ensure you have everything needed to get started engraving.