[djcaswel]

I have to move out of laser engraving for health reasons. Ideally, it is an opportunity to expand into CNC rotary engraving. I don’t know what the state of the art is as far as machines go. Are there CNC mills that can also manage engraving plastic name badges and such? Failing that, does anyone have a handle on the latest advances in rotary engraving set ups?

[Jim Dawson]

Are there CNC mills that can also manage engraving plastic name badges and such?

The short answer is yes. The marketing guys have tried to blur the line between CNC routers and CNC milling machines. They are completely different machines, most of the CNC ''milling machines'' you see on EBay are in fact CNC routers.

Most of the inexpensive table top routers would make a decent engraver. Available from about $400 and up.

Inexpensive mills typically don't have the spindle speed to run small engraving bits. But a high speed spindle could be adapted in most cases, I have a small 35,000 RPM air spindle for my mill.

What work area do you need? What is your budget? What are your real needs?

[chhe]

What are your production needs?

- -
Chono

[rcheli]

I have to move out of laser engraving for health reasons. Ideally, it is an opportunity to expand into CNC rotary engraving. I don’t know what the state of the art is as far as machines go. Are there CNC mills that can also manage engraving plastic name badges and such? Failing that, does anyone have a handle on the latest advances in rotary engraving set ups?

Just curios. Was using the laser engraver causing health issues?