Stainless Steel Engraving - other metals and ​plastics too!

This is likely your toughest stainless steel engraving challenge - stainless steel valve tags. Here's how we equip you to engrave these types of ​metal items:

1. Rugged, small-footprint ​desktop engraver
2. T-slot bed and clamps to grasp ​assorted shapes
3. Carbide cutters, precisely shaped and coated ​for metal
4. Software to control the spindle rpm and ​feed rate

Lettering shown: 0.180" toolpath height yields 0.200" ​overall height

Click for a ​closer look.

For the ultimate in clarity when lettering stainless steel, choose one of our basic single-line fonts; use just a few words and a ​simple layout.

Most grades of stainless steel are too hard for engraving and their surfaces can turn brown over time. Our tags are made of 0.025"-thick premium stainless steel #316, yielding the cleanest letter groove. For hostile environments having high temperatures and caustic materials, or even less hostile conditions, we always use stainless ​steel #316.

For more about our special cutters for stainless steel engravers, read on at the bottom of ​the page.

Scribing is something like scratching, but at a controlled depth using a non-spinning, diamond-tipped tool. It creates the most detail for marking stainless steel, e.g., a metal award plaque with "line art" images – for ​approximately $30.

Burnishing has no depth; it's merely a surface effect, created by a blunt spinning tool that scuffs the surface to produce a lustrous letter. Burnishing is ideal for softer metals, e.g., aluminum serial number plates – for ​approximately $35.

Lettering minimum recommended height: 0.125" (use only capital letters ​for legibility)

Learn more about cutting patterns and cutter ​care below.

We manufacture our own engraving plastic, supply sheets, custom-cut blanks, lamp bezels and OSHA sign blanks. Scott Machine is a one-stop shop for all of your signage and identification projects, with all the materials you’ll ever need! Beyond just our stainless steel engravers, check out our full line of plastic engraving machines and Scott Engraving Plastics

And how’s this for balancing ​your budget?
Various blank legend plates: about ​$1.00 ea.

Our custom software helps you lay out tags and signs in minutes. Responsible for signage and identification in a large facility? Create your own template library, then enter fresh text – individually or from a data file – into your templates for a consistent signage program. Once layouts are complete, set up the stainless steel engraving machine for optimal spindle rpm, feed rates and two-pass engraving at two different depths for crisp, ​clean-edged lettering.

Call us…we’ll answer in person by the fourth ring. Then tell us about your signage and I.D. program, especially the number of items you plan to make each month. Generally, monthly volume determines the correct stainless steel rotary engraving machine for you. Whether your volume is a handful, or thousands, you can also ask for a quote for ​finished parts.

Seek samples…it's much easier to be confident of your purchase when you can hang actual samples on a valve or attach one to a machine. If your materials are unique, send us a sample, which we will gladly engrave and return to you with our own unique brand ​of service.

Mulling over sign engraving machines or building a budget, ask for our help, at 607-865-6511, 8:30am-5:00pm ​ET, weekdays.

This is our smallest high-production machine…and what a package! The 5,000-20,000 rpm spindle hums along for lettering and for profiling custom shapes in plastic. With a workplace footprint of 12” by 9” x 1.6", see where this stainless steel rotary engraver fits in our lineup ​of all
Scott Engraving Machines

Engraving machine and 1-year ​warranty: $8,100
Professional 3-D engraving ​software: included

Detailed specs appear at the bottom of ​this page.

Engraving metal is simple when you secure unusual objects up to 12” x 9” with these multi-function clamps and t-head screws from Scott Machine, known for our American ​manufacturing prowess.

Do you need to engrave an object with an unusual shape? Just send us a photo and if our standard clamps won't do the job, we'll propose a custom fixture. Because we're a manufacturer of engraving machines, from quality entry level engravers to versatile high-end worhorses, our skills become your skills. When working with our clients to solve novel engraving problems, we ​learn too!

Here's an idea to free up your non-stainless steel operations. Adhesive-free, vacuum-free and clamp-free, these 1/8"-thick mats are tacky on both sides. Place one on the bed of your engraver, press the engraving sign blank on top, then profile cut for perfect results. No residue left behind, easy cleaning with water and a ​lint-free cloth.

12" x 9" long-life ​multi-mat: $155

When you're making an investment in engraving equipment, staff training and materials, work directly with a manufacturer who will protect that investment. For over 55 years, Scott Machine has done it gladly, providing consistent colors of engraveable plastics, replacement cutters, spare parts and technical knowledge that keep you on the cutting edge of metal engraving and all kinds of quality ​sign making.

And we still answer in person by the 4th ring: 607-865-6511, 8:30am-5:00pm ​ET, weekdays.