Engrave

An engrave operation follows a path with the tool centre exactly on the line, at a single shallow depth. There's no offset, no clearing strategy, and no multi-pass schedule — engrave is the simplest spindle operation, intended for marking, line work, and shallow detail.

How it differs from on-line contour

A contour with Cut Side set to On Line also runs the tool centre along the path, but supports the full contour feature set: tabs, multi-pass depth, contour offset, and shoulder clearing for variable-width tools. Engrave drops all of that for a single-pass, fixed-depth cut.

If you need shallow line work, engrave is simpler. If you need multi-pass depth, tabs, or any contour-style behaviour along a line, use a contour with On Line cut side instead.

Settings

Engrave has no operation-specific settings. Cut depth, feed rate, plunge rate, and spindle speed all come from the assigned tool preset.

Tool requirement

Any rotary cutter — flat endmills and V-bits are the typical pick for line engraving. Laser tools won't appear in the selector (use a Laser Engrave operation for laser line marking).

When to use

• Text and lettering once converted to vector paths
• Fine detail, score lines, or guide marks
• Serial numbers, labels, or part identification
• Decorative line work on the surface of a workpiece