Edited: August 21, 2024
Note: Engraving Tip is compatible with Cricut Maker machines only and requires a QuickSwap Housing.
Here's everything you need to know about Engraving Tip. For FAQ and other information, use the links below.
- Engraving Tip FAQ
- Materials to use with Engraving Tip
- How to switch out Engraving Tip
- Preparing mats, materials, and machine for Engraving Tip
- Other things to know before using Engraving Tip
Engraving Tip FAQ
What is the Engraving Tip?
Engraving Tip is just one of the ever-expanding suite of tools for Cricut Maker. Use Engraving Tip to carve unique and permanent designs on a variety of materials.
Can I use Engraving Tip with Cricut Explore family of machines?
No. Cricut Engraving Tip is compatible with Cricut Maker only. It requires the power and the drive mechanism that is built into the Cricut Maker Adaptive Tool System.
How do I tell my machine to use the Engraving Tip?
Based on the Operation you select for your image in Design Space, your machine knows which tool is required, and Design Space will prompt you to load it into your machine at the right time. Learn how to select an Operation.
How do I position my design so that it engraves where I want it to?
When you are finished creating your design in Design Space, select Make It. On the next screen, the project preview screen, select and drag your design to the location on the mat where you would like it to engrave. Place your material on the actual mat in the corresponding location. If using the Cricut Design Space mobile app on an iOS device, you can use the SnapMat feature to more accurately position your design.
Important: When loaded in the machine, there is a gap of up to 3mm between the mat and mat guides on either side. As a result, the location of the engraving design in Design Space will not align perfectly with your blank on the mat. This is especially noticeable when engraving on the edge of an object or when engraving on small objects. We recommend keeping all art more than 5mm from all edges of your object. We do not recommend engraving on objects smaller than 1 in (2.5 cm) in any direction.
Which materials can I use with Engraving Tip?
To see which materials work best with Engraving Tip, view this list.
How do I change an Engraving Tip?
The QuickSwap Housing makes changing tips as easy as pushing a button. When Cricut Maker prompts you to insert Engraving Tip, push and hold the button at the top of the housing to snap on the desired tip. Then release the button, insert the tool into Clamp B, and you’re ready to cut. View simple instructions.
Do I need a separate housing for Scoring Wheels, Engraving Tip, Wavy Blade, Perforation Blade, and Debossing Tip?
No. The same QuickSwap Housing may be use for all these tools.
What do the numbers on the tips refer to?
The etched numbers can help you identify which QuickSwap tool tip you are using.
- Scoring Wheel: 01
- Double Scoring Wheel: 02
- Perforation Blade: 11
- Debossing Tip: 21
- Wavy Blade: 31
- Engraving Tip: 41
Can I create custom settings in Design Space for Engraving Tip?
No. Currently custom material settings cannot be created.
Is Fast Mode available when using Engraving Tip?
No. Currently Fast Mode is not available for use with Engraving Tip.
Does Engraving Tip need to be calibrated?
No. Engraving Tip does not need to be calibrated.
Which mat should I use when working with Engraving Tip?
Use the appropriate mat for your material.
Is engraving functionality available with Design Space mobile apps, like on my phone or tablet?
Yes, you can use it on Design Space mobile apps.
Can I use the housing from my Rotary Blade for my Engraving tip?
No, the housings are not interchangeable. However, Perforation Blade, Wavy Blade, Engraving Tip, Debossing Tip, Single Scoring Wheel, and Double Scoring Wheel tools all use QuickSwap Housing.
How long will my project take when using Engraving Tip?
Project times will vary depending on the intricacy and size of the engraved design. Material settings for engraving do not contain multiple passes but will take longer if the design is intricate.
My Engraving Tip lifts and spins for several seconds periodically during engraving. Did something go wrong?
No. This helps mitigate wear on the tool.
How do I remove engraving dust and debris left in my machine?
Use compressed air or a soft cloth to remove debris created by the engraving process. Always dust toward the outside of the machine rather than into/through the machine.
Why are some materials greyed out?
Greyed out materials are not compatible. We've done a lot of testing to set you up for success with Engraving Tip, and materials that have been qualified for use will be selectable under the Compatible tab on the materials screen. To select your material, select Browse All Materials, then select a material from the Compatible tab.
Materials to use with Engraving Tip
We've rigorously tested a wide range of materials for use with Cricut Maker + Engraving Tip.
When sending a mat to your machine that includes an Engrave Operation, you'll notice some material settings are not enabled. Only materials that have been qualified for use will be selectable. To view and select materials from the Compatible tab, select Browse All Materials (Windows/Mac) or All Materials (iOS/Android).
What if I don't see the material I want to use?
If you don't see the material you're looking for, test some of the existing settings on a scrap or the back of your material to find the one that works best.
Recommended materials for Engraving Tip
The following materials have been tested and work wonderfully with Engraving Tip. We'll continue to add more to this list.
Important: When loaded in the machine, there is a gap of up to 3mm between the mat and mat guides on either side. As a result, the location of the engraving design in Design Space will not align perfectly with your blank on the mat. This is especially noticeable when engraving on the edge of an object or when engraving on small objects. We recommend keeping all art more than 5mm from all edges of your object. We do not recommend engraving on objects smaller than 1 in (2.5 cm) in any direction.
Note: Engraving Tool is not intended for use with glass at this time.
|
Art Board |
| Foil Kraft Board - Holographic |
| Foil Poster Board |
| Kraft Board |
| Metallic Poster Board |
| Cardstock |
| Glitter Cardstock |
| Fabric |
| Faux Leather (Paper Thin) |
| Foil & Metal |
| Aluminum Sheets |
| Anodized Aluminum |
| Brass |
| Bronze |
| Metal - 40 gauge thin copper |
| Stainless Steel |
|
Leather |
| Genuine Leather |
| Metallic Leather |
| Thin Garment Leather - 2-3 oz. (0.8-1.3 mm) |
| Tooling Leather - 2-3 oz. (0.8 mm) |
| Tooling Leather - 4-5 oz. (1.6 mm) |
| Tooling Leather - 6-7 oz. (2.4 mm) |
| Paper |
| Calibration Paper |
| Heavy Watercolor Paper - 140 lbs (300 gsm) |
| Shimmer Paper |
| Sparkle Paper |
| Vellum |
| Other |
| Vinyl Record |
| Plastic |
| Acetate |
| Acrylic, Thick (2 mm) |
| Acrylic, Thin (1 mm) |
| Foil Acetate |
| Transparency |
How to switch out Engraving Tip
When you need to swap your tip, follow these simple instructions.
Preparing mats, materials, and machine for engraving
- Place your material in the upper left corner of the mat. To ensure your material doesn't move during engraving, tape material down on all sides.
- Do not use tape over engraving area.
- Position material on mat so that the tape doesn't pass under rubber rollers near the mat guides. Use the project preview screen in Design Space and move your design to the corresponding position.
- When working with thicker materials, always move the white star wheels on the roller bar all the way to the right. This gives clearance for thicker materials and ensures you won't end up with track marks on your final project. Additionally, make sure the material is never wider than 11 in (28 cm).
- When using stiff materials, use your hands to gently support the machine mat during the loading and engraving process.
Other things to know before using Engraving Tip
- Engraving Tip is compatible with Cricut Maker only and requires a QuickSwap Housing.
- As you load the tool into the machine, do not press the button on top of the housing. Doing so may cause the tip to release.
- Engraving tip is sharp! Use caution when handling.
- To mitigate wear, the tool will lift and rotate for several seconds periodically during engraving. This is normal.
- Use caution when handling materials after engraving. The process can leave burrs and small fragments on metal surfaces and other materials.
- Do not run your hands or fingers over the engraved surface
- To remove burrs and small fragments, use a lint roller or piece of tape over the engraved area
- To smooth rough edges, use a polishing cloth or finishing grit sand paper (360-600 grit) to gently sand them down.
- Test the back of the material first to make sure it doesn’t scratch the material
- To remove any remnant dust or debris from your machine, use compressed air or a soft cloth. Always dust toward the outside of the machine rather than into/through the machine.
- Before working with tooling leather, use a damp sponge to soften the fibers for the best engraved results.