Why are there different cutters for different materials?
The reason there are specific cutters for different materials is to maximize the quality of the cut and the life of the cutter. The primary difference from one cutter to another is the clearance angle and, in some cases the included angle of the tool. (See "Anatomy of Cutter.")
Antares offers cutters for a variety of material classifications as follows:
FLX: Flexible engraving stock, soft plastics, soft wood ACR: Acrylic, hard plastics, hard wood BAL: Brass, aluminum, soft metals SSS: Steel, Stainless steel, hard metals PHN: Phenolic, Formica®, Fiberglass®
Cutters for soft materials have a greater clearance angle and a correspondingly finer cutting edge, while cutters for hard materials have a lesser clearance and a broader cutting edge. Cutters with finer edges (Figure 1 - more clearance) produce clean, burr-free engraving in soft materials, but are more fragile and they will become dull very quickly if used to engrave hard materials. Conversely, cutters with broader cutting edges (Figure 2 - less clearance) are made to hold up and effectively cut harder materials, however they won't yield optimum cuts in softer materials.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Consider the difference between a kitchen knife and an axe. The knife has a fine, delicate edge and works well for cutting a tomato. Try and cut down a tree with it, however and the edge will be quickly destroyed. The axe on the other hand will do a great job on the tree, but fails miserably on the tomato. Choosing the proper cutter will maximize both the quality of the engraving and the life of the tool.
