How to Design for CNC Engraving | Tips for Architects & Designers

CNC engraving is a powerful tool for branding, signage, and interior detailing — but good design preparation makes all the difference. Whether you’re creating a logo plaque for a building, a decorative panel for a hospitality fit-out, or wayfinding signage for a gallery or school, Design for CNC Engraving covers some essential design tips to help you get the most from the CNC engraving process.

🧠 1. Understand What CNC Engraving Can Do

CNC engraving uses a computer-controlled router or drag tool to carve into the surface of a material — often brass, copper, aluminium, or zinc. Unlike printing or vinyl, this creates a permanent, tactile finish.

At MS Laser Services, we can engrave:

Panels up to 3000mm x 1500mm
Sheet thicknesses typically from 1.2mm to 3.0mm (metal) to 20mm acrylic and timber
On materials including brass, copper, aluminium, zinc, pewter, acrylic, and timber

📐 2. Design for CNC Engraving – Use Vector-Based Artwork

For the cleanest, most accurate results, submit vector artwork in formats such as:

DXF, DWG. (scaled 1:1)
PDF maybe acceptable if it contains embedded vectors

Avoid low-resolution bitmap images like JPEG or PNG — these can’t be engraved cleanly and may need to be redrawn.

✍️ 3. Keep Detail Appropriate to Scale

Very small lettering, thin line weights, or intricate patterns can lose definition when engraved, especially on metals with aged or textured finishes. As a general guide:

Use minimum font size of 10–12pt for legibility
Avoid overly thin lines
Space elements clearly to allow for cutter width and visibility

🎨 4. Think About Finish and Contrast when you Design for CNC Engraving

Engraving creates a recess — but the visual impact depends on contrast. You can increase visibility by:

Using paint or patina fill (e.g. black enamel or aged copper infill)
Choosing the right base finish (e.g. satin brass vs mirror polished copper)
Requesting clear lacquer if the sign is to be touched or weathered

We offer a wide range of patina and fill options in-house — from dark antique brass to industrial-style blackened zinc.

🧩 5. Plan for Fixing and Assembly

CNC-engraved signs may need:

Drilled holes for screw fixing (let us know placement)
Folded edges or returns (we offer press braking)
Backing panels (for layered signage or tray signs)

Let us know how and where your sign will be installed so we can advise on fixing and fabrication options.

🖼️ 6. Design Inspiration: Recent Engraving Projects

Here are a few examples of CNC-engraved signage we’ve produced:

Design for CNC Engraving check out this aged brass circular plaque engraved with floral motif and Secret Oasis text — Round brass plaque with floral engraved motif and patina finish

Engraved and cut brass directional signs with icons and text — Round brass plaque with floral engraved motif and patina finish

Secret Oasis Spa Signage – Engraved brass with floral motif and patina
Gorilla Spirits Co. – Satin copper plaque with deep logo engraving
De La Bere Suite – Antique brass wayfinding signs
TCC Reception Panel – Zinc sign with yellow enamel infill
Oxford Rye – Circular copper plaque with brand detailing

View more examples in our Flickr gallery →

📩 Need Help With a CNC Engraving Project?

We work with architects, designers, developers, and creative studios across the UK to bring high-quality engraved signage to life. Whether you’re supplying finished artwork or need help refining a concept, we’re happy to help.

👉 Visit our CNC Engraving Services page
👉 Or use the green “Enquiry? Quote?” button to send us your design