Optimal Marking Depth

Character Engraving and Optimal Marking Depth

The engraving depth of a character is influenced by three main factors:

• Engraving angle

• Character size

• Force

For metal marking applications, the standard engraving angle is 45 degrees. This angle provides a balance between durability and clarity in most industrial environments.

To ensure a clear, readable mark:

• The depth of the actual mark should utilize approximately 25% to 30% of the total engraving depth.

• This ratio ensures that the mark is deep enough to be durable, while shallow enough to maintain sharp character definition.

Important Considerations:

• Excessive engraving depth can lead to distortion, making the character appear blurred or unreadable.

• Character size must be considered when selecting engraving depth. Larger characters can accommodate deeper engraving, while smaller characters require shallower marks to maintain clarity.

• The goal is to create a balanced mark—deep enough to be permanent, but not so deep that it sacrifices legibility.

Refer to the chart below for recommended marking depths based on common character sizes and standard engraving angles.