Oct 30, 20233 min read

Thick Brass Plate Cutting with MAGIC™-E4

Updated: Nov 12

Hello, everyone!

We’re going to show you another tutorial on how to cut and engrave various designs with our MAGIC™ machines!

In this blog, we’ll show you how to create a thick, brass nameplate with our engraver, MAGIC™-E4.

First, let me introduce to you our MAGIC™-E4 machine.

What is MAGIC™-E4?

MAGIC™-E4 is a multipurpose flatbed engraving machine, designed to cut and engrave any designs on materials like tags, plates, acrylic, brass, gold, silver, and stainless steel.

What does MAGIC™-E4 do? MAGIC™-E4 basically does cutting and engraving on various materials that come in different shapes, forms and sizes.

It is equipped with a large flatbed or a wide working area that makes engraving and cutting of materials with large sizes fast and easy.
It uses tools such as end mills and V-cutter for cutting, and a diamond tip for engraving.

*MAGIC™-E4 utilizes diamond scribing method to produce high-quality, precise and polish engravings on any materials.

It comes with a software program called MAGIC-Engrave.

*MagicEngrave™ is a program exclusively designed for our MAGIC™ machines to make cutting and engraving quick, safe and easy for everyone.

It is a fully automatic CNC engraver. It performs automatic measurement of the material and its height, and it automatically sets the tool once replaced.

*MAGIC™-E4 allows easy, quick and safe engraving and cutting operation for anyone as its functions are fully automatic.

It has a built-in camera used for actual viewing of engraving or cutting process and/or positioning of design on the workpiece, and a laser pointer for specifying the engraving position on the work area.

Now you know the main features of MAGIC™-E4. Let’s proceed to the tutorial!

In this tutorial, we will use a thick brass plate and cut out [redt] text with it.

So, what do you need to do?

First, create your text design.

Go to MagicEngrave™ program and start making your design.

Then, set your text to condensed.

Here, [redt] text is set to condensed mode.

Edit your text and remove the spacing in between each letter.

*When cutting out nameplate, your text must be condensed.

Second, select your Toolpath.

After creating your text design, select your Toolpath.

Third, create a Toolpath outline for cutting.

Select Outline Toolpath to create an outline for your text then proceed to cutting.

Be sure to replace your tool with a cutting tool before proceeding to the cutting process. (Tools for cutting are sold separately.)

Fourth, use a 1.5 endmill cutter.

The endmill tool is suitable for cutting.

After replacing your tool with a 1.5 endmill cutter, go to tool settings and select 1.5 endmill.

Fifth, start engraving.

Click [Start Engraving] to send the engraving data to the machine.

The machine then proceeds to measuring the height of the material and sets the tool automatically.

Once the height is measured, the machine starts the cutting process.

*The material we used here is 3mm thick. Take note that when cutting thick materials, cutting the design all at once at a certain depth may damage the tool. Designate the cutting depth little by little to prevent the tool from getting damaged.

Sixth, check the engraving status.

Check on the display to see if the machine has initialized the cutting process or not.

MAGIC™-E4's built-in LCD screen allows users to check and view the current status of the machine during operation.

Seventh, apply cutting oil.

The friction between the blade (tool) and the metal increases when cutting brass.

We recommend the use of cutting oil like WD 40, to be applied on the plate (material) during operation to reduce friction and prevent tool damage.

Applying oil can also minimize the noise produced during the cutting process.

Eight, check the end result.

This is how your material should look once the cutting process has been completed.

The debris produced after cutting is a mixture of cutting oil and metal chips or dusts.

Lastly, remove the metal debris.

Wipe off all debris on the plate using a cloth or a tissue. Use a pair of pincette to pick up the plate. Do not use your fingers when picking it up as the metal debris or chips may cause finger cuts or injury.