How to Engrave on Vinyl
Vinyl engraving has a wide variety of applications. Used often in professional sign making, engraved vinyl projects can create a unique and appealing advertising display for your business or retail location. Other applications for vinyl engraving include home and office decor, as well as a variety of craft projects suitable for indoor and outdoor display.
Instructions
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Select a machine for vinyl engraving. The speed of an engraving machine is directly related to its wattage. Machines with higher wattage will give faster cutting speeds. For vinyl engraving, a wattage of 25 to 30 is sufficient to the job. The engraving machine should have a CO2 laser tube and be approved by the manufacturer for vinyl engraving. The engraving machine should also have an air-assist feature. This feature is designed to help exhaust the fumes produced when engraving vinyl materials.
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Set up the engraving machine. Attach the machine to your computer. This will allow you to send images to the machine through graphic software programs. All vinyl-engraving machines should have an outside vent. Fumes from engraving on vinyl can cause irritation or illness. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for venting and exhausting before using the machine.
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Select your artwork or graphic. The graphic that you choose will depend on the specific project you are completing. The CO2 laser of you machine will be able to duplicate most graphics without error. If your machine is compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw or Auto CAD, these software programs will helpful produce original graphics. You may also choose to scan existing artwork or graphics into your computer software program.
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Place the vinyl on the cutting table. If your engraver does not have a built-in cutting surface, lay the material out on clean, flat work surface. Be sure it is lined up beneath the laser, directly over the area where you want the graphic to appear.
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Send the image to be engraved to the machine. Your manufacturer's instructions will tell you how to do this using your specific model of machine and software program. Once the machine receives the graphic, it will project it onto the cutting surface.
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Focus the laser. Your machine will most likely have an auto-focus feature. Using this feature can help ensure that the focus is correct before you begin the engraving process. The machine may also be focused manually by visually inspecting the area.
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Select the print option on the engraving machine. Once the laser has been activated, remain clear of the engraving machine. The laser will engrave the vinyl, using focused light rays. While these rays are designed to be focused on the cutting surface, reaching under the laser to adjust the material or correct the position of the vinyl can cause serious harm.
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Tips & Warnings
Never use an engraver that is not approved for vinyl to engrave this type of material.
Never look directly into the laser when it is in use.
