NWE-3-110, short for non-working engraving 3mm (1/2”) × 110mm (11/2”) × 88mm (3\”), is a common type of engraving used for die-cutting and embossing. It is especially useful for high-volume runs of coasters, pizza toppers, and other small products where cost-effective, high quality engraving is desired.
The “N” in NWE-3-110 stands for “numerical”. The “3” indicates that the cut is 3mm thick. The “110” is the width of the cut, and the “mm” is the height. Therefore, a 3mm wide × 110mm high × 88mm thick cut is a NWE-3-110.
Why Is NWE-3-110 So Popular?
NWE-3-110 is popular for a number of reasons. First, it is very versatile and can be used with a wide range of metals and materials. For example, it can be used with standard office products like paper and plastic as well as more unusual items like wood, stone, and fabric.
Second, it is relatively easy to use. Most engraving tools can be used to cut out NWE-3-110. Additionally, there are many online services that can be used to generate custom-designed cuts for clients.
Third, it is relatively easy to find. Most people have at least some experience with engraving, which allows them to easily find a local shop that can cut NWE-3-110.
When Should You Avoid Using NWE-3-110?
While there are many benefits to NWE-3-110, you should avoid using it when the quality of the cut is of importance. There are several different cuts that have a “0” in the “mm” section. These are basically unusable because of their low quality. If you see a “0” in the mm section, it means that the cut is of such low quality that it is not considered “legal” for use. A quality control inspector must inspect the cut before it can be used for legal purposes.
Additionally, NWE-3-110 is not a very good choice if you are using it to create a design that is supposed to be reflective or translucent. When using these types of materials, a “0” in the mm section indicates that the cut will not look the same as the rest of the piece and can affect the performance (e.g., the reflection or transparency) of the metal.
What Tools Do You Need To Engrave NWE-3-110?
To engrave NWE-3-110, you will need the following items:
- A metal block with an opening of the desired shape and size
- A steel rule or graphite rod (optional)
- An awl or hole punch (optional)
- A ball-pein or garnet hammer (optional)
- A grinding wheel or other suitable abrasives (optional)
- A polishing wheel or plate (optional)
How Do You Make The Cut?
To make the cut, simply use one of the following methods:
- Start with a steel rule or graphite rod as an alignment guide. Hold the item while firmly pushing on the block with your other hand. Then, use your engraving tool to cut away at the item. Take your time and be patient, removing small amounts at a time. If you are using an awl, punch, or other pointed object, start at the top and work your way downward, removing material as you go. Do not remove too much material at a time or you may create a hole. Once you have created the cut, take a break and then use your finishing touches to create the design. It is generally best to remove all the material above the cutline and then cut the design in a straight line. This will help ensure that the cut looks consistent throughout.
- Place the item to be cut on a piece of cardboard. Then, use pencils, pens, or anything soft to mark the location of the cut on the item. Make a few light passes with an exacto knife to cut out the item. This will ensure that you do not go outside of the designated area.
- Position the item to be cut on a piece of cardboard. Using an exacto knife, cut along the marked area. Then, using a brush or sprayer, paint the area where the knife has been, blocking out the paint in the center. Let the paint dry and then proceed cutting as before.
What Other Materials Can You Use To Engrave NWE-3-110?
While the above information focuses on the commonly used NWE-3-110, it is important to note that there are other materials that can be used for engraving. For example, to create a more rustic look, woods like cherry wood and maple wood can be used instead of metal. Some people even use fruit skins, such as grapes and lemons, for their designs.
Additionally, other gems and inclusions can be used in the place of garnets or diamonds for use with a diamond stylus. These items include emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. When using these items, take care not to cut through the item being engraved as they can cause damage to the tool and the surface being cut.
What Is The Difference Between Die Cuts, Embossing, And Carving?
Die cutting, embossing, and carving are all types of engraving. They are simply different names for the same process. The only difference between them is in the type of item being engraved. Die cuts are usually used for making labels and signage while embossing and carving are typically used for creating decorative items.
The main distinction between them is in the size of the item being cut out. For example, if you are using a die to cut out a business card, the resulting piece will be much smaller than the original business card. The same goes for embossing and carving.
Additionally, in some cases, there may be more than one cut. For example, if you have a large batch of business cards to be cut out, you may want to cut them in half so that you have more time to work. Having multiple cuts is also very useful for creating the illusion of 3D effects.
Keep Track Of The Material You Have Used
If you run into any problems while engraving, it is a good idea to keep track of how much material you have removed. This prevents you from removing too much above the cutline, which can lead to serious problems. For example, if you are using a ball-pein or garnet hammer, then you should remove at least 1/32” to 1/16” of material above the line to prevent a burr from forming. This can be very frustrating, especially when you are trying to create a smooth, continuous cut.
A burr is a rough edge that can arise from the use of certain types of hammers. When this happens, it can cause serious problems. For example, if you are using a jeweler’s saw to cut through a piece of metal, then a burr can make the cut less accurate and can also create a safety hazard. If you experience any problems while using a tool, it is always a good idea to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or a professional who can advise you on how to properly use the equipment.
Hopefully, this information on NWE-3-110 will help you become more familiar with this type of engraving and will encourage you to try it out. Remember to be careful and patient while engraving and take the time to ensure the cut is as smooth and clean as possible. Additionally, if you keep track of how much material you use, then you do not have to worry about removing too much above the cutline or creating a hole because of an overzealous removal of material.