Rotary Engraving 101: Getting started, the rotary customer, and machine considerations

To get started in rotary engraving, I recommend retailers develop the know-how to make basic things such as name tags, trophy plates, etc. Also, make sure that you know how to engrave on all the basic materials – metals, plastic, wood, glass, etc. As time goes on, make sure to become completely versed in your engraving machine.

The rotary engraving customer is someone who is looking to mark on glass, stone, and other hard surfaces as well as engrave into plastics, wax, and any softer materials. Having a rotary engraver also serves the jewelry customers; creating cutouts or deep engraving into metals is a top factor for jewelry customers.

Buyers of any new kind of equipment often ask how long it takes to learn to use a rotary engraving machine. Given the vast spectrum of variables, it’s an impossible question to answer. Depending on the size and capabilities of the particular machine, it can take an hour or a couple of days to be fully versed in the machine and software. Most suppliers offer training with the purchase of equipment. If it’s critical to your business to be up and running as soon as possible, this is definitely something you want to ask about during the purchasing process.

-Elisha Kaufman, U-Marq