How Deep Is Reverse Engraving?

Typical Depths

• The depth for reverse engraving almost always falls between 0.010 and 0.020 of an inch. Reverse engraving does not usually try to create a textured three-dimensional image, like some engraving applications, so it does not have to be very deep to produce an image. Typically, 0.010 of an inch is the depth most of the time. The depth increases when producing larger letters or characters. Letters up to one-quarter inch tall usually are no more than 0.015 of an inch deep. When letters are larger than one-quarter inch, the engraving depth reaches 0.020 of an inch.

Material Thickness

• While it may seem somewhat counterintuitive, the thickness of the material does not usually impact the depth of reverse engraving. The bottom layer that gets engraved is usually a consistent thickness of about 0.010 of an inch, regardless of the overall thickness of the material. Thicker reverse engravings have a thicker transparent layer, which does not impact how deep the engraving must be. If the bottom layer of the material does increase in thickness, it would change the reverse engraving height, but this does not occur in most reverse-engraving applications.

Character Height

• The height of characters and letters being reverse-engraved does impact the depth of the reverse-engraving process. Letters under one-quarter inch in height are engraved in a range from 0.010 to 0.015 of an inch deep. Letters over one-quarter inch in height are engraved between 0.015 and 0.020 of an inch deep. The reason behind this has to do with how colors are created in reverse engraving. Paint is poured into the indentations created by each engraving. With larger letters, it is more difficult to keep the paint in place until it dries. The deeper engraving depth prevents the paint in the larger letters from leaking out before it dries.

Overall Rule

• The usual depth of reverse engraving is fairly consistent, since the backing layer of the two-ply material is usually a consistent thickness. However, this depth is not necessarily required for reverse engraving. There are two overall criteria for reverse engraving for the depth needed: The engraving must be deep enough to go through the bottom layer, but it cannot penetrate the top layer. When it doubt, the thickness of the bottom layer is a reasonable estimate of the depth needed for reverse engraving.