What is Diamond Engraving and How Does it Work?

Diamond engraving refers to the process by which a diamond-tipped tool is used to engrave a metal object. Since diamond is the hardest and material most resistant to abrasion, expert engravers use it to provide brilliantly reflective lines. Also, the point of the engraver requires minimum to no upkeep and last for many years.

The most current application of this form of engraving is called diamond burnishing, which can be used in all hand or computer-operating tools that use rotating spindles.

Diamond burnishing removes the surface coating of the material and polishes the indent and includes glass, aluminum and acrylics to the list of potential materials for engraving this gives diamond engraving a good standing in the promotional products industry as one of the best engraving methods (Along with Laser engraving).

The width of the engraved line varies depending on the tool that you use.

Light pressure is important to successful diamond engraving. When using engraving tools, you must remember that you are only taking off the surface of the material. If you use too much force, you will compromise the integrity and risk breakage.

A featherweight, spring-loaded cutter knob is ideal when using machine-operated engravers, and if you are engraving by hand, stencils could be used to not only ensure the right amount of pressure, but to keep the lines straight.

There are a few variations on diamond engraving tools that allow for materials like plastics and fiberglass to be engraved. For instance, a smaller, rounded tool with a .003″ could be used to engrave pens that were once impossible.

Here, unique side cuts in the diamond cut fine lines into the coating without chipping or damaging the pen.

For materials with extra then and fine surfaces, tools are made that would change the angle of the incision, thereby creating engravings that are more shallow but still very clear.

Gold is an element that is very soft and requires a 140 or 150 degree angle. A sharper angle would cut to deep and leave the lines jagged and broken.

Innovations in the field of diamond engraving are being made even today and its history dates back well over two-thousand years. Engraving was the first use that people found for diamonds and even now we are finding utilities for its strength.