Notice & FAQ

Q: What is the maximum engraving size and processing time?
Maximum size is 80mm x 125mm. Processing time depends on design complexity and speed. For maximum size, engraving may take 1–8 hours.

Q: What is the maximum engraving depth?
With the standard tool, up to 2.8mm. With alternative tools, over 3mm is possible. However, as a compact engraver, tool size limits apply and very deep cuts may reduce fine detail.

Q: What is the minimum engravable text size (precision)?
Approx. 2mm per character.

Q: What materials can be engraved?
Brass, wood, acrylic and plastic.

Q: What tools are used?
Roughing tool: 2-flute, 1mm, Tungsten Carbide(1ea), $19
2-flute, 2mm, Tungsten Carbide(1ea), $19
Finishing tool: 10° triangular, Tungsten Carbide, $16

Q: Tool prices?
Finishing – $16 / Roughing – $19

Q: What is the tool lifespan?
Difficult to specify, as it depends on design size, engraving depth, and material. For brass, tool life varies significantly.

Q: Why use both roughing and finishing processes?
To reduce engraving time and extend tool life.

Q: Other consumables?
Spindle belt (urethane, long lifespan).

Q: Parts requiring periodic maintenance?
Spindle bearings and spindle motor parts may need replacement over long-term use.

Q: Which image file formats are supported?
SVG, JPEG, PNG, BMP.

Q: Recommended image design format?
Black & white BMP. The software includes a 1-bit B/W conversion function. JPEG files can be imported, converted, and adjusted for line thickness.

Q: Does the software include fonts?
No. It supports all fonts installed on the customer’s PC. Any newly added fonts appear automatically in the program.

Q: If I change PCs, do I need to reset the origin?
No. Install the software on the new PC, connect the cable, and it works immediately. Multiple PCs can have the software installed.

Q: Does it have a counter function?
Yes, the machine counts how many pieces are engraved. It can be reset when changing tools.

Q: Is tool exchange easy?
Yes. Press the tool change button, loosen the bolt, replace the tool with one of similar length, then press SELECT to auto-measure tool length.

Q: Can mis-engraved materials be reused?
Yes, with the surface milling function. However, with brass it causes high tool wear (not recommended). Fine for wood/plastic.

Q: Does it automatically adjust for uneven materials?
Yes, the built-in surface milling function levels the surface and depth can be adjusted.

Q: Does the machine use cutting fluid?
No. The IMP-C1 is based on a rigid key engraving machine platform, optimized for brass. Cleaning after fluid use would be inconvenient.

What brass material is used?
Exact brass specification can be checked from Brass Materials section.

Q: Why are brass block heights 15mm and 25mm?
*Ensures engraved block is visible in hot-stamping holders.
*Holder height varies by stamping machine manufacturer.
*Thickness affects raw material cost.
*Thickness also affects heat conduction time.

Q: Can custom-sized brass blocks be supplied?
Yes, but custom blocks are cut from a standard 2m brass bar, so minimum order quantities not apply. [Contact sales@iredt.com]

Q: Why engrave brass deeper?
For leather stamping, shallow engraving may cause block edges to mark due to leather elasticity. For paper, shallow engraving is fine.

Q: Can it be used for gold and silver foil stamping?
Yes. Lower the stamping temperature and press with foil sheets.

Q: Is foil stamping only possible on leather?
No. Also possible on paper, fabric, synthetic leather, etc., with temperature adjusted accordingly.

Q: Why use brass engraving for stamping?
Brass is durable and heat-conductive, making it ideal for hot-stamping applications.

✅ The C1 is a dry-process CNC engraving machine. Do not apply cutting fluid.

✅ Harder alloy materials (such as cutting brass) are more suitable for engraving than softer materials (such as casting brass or aluminum). If the material is too soft, engraving quality may decrease, and the tool may break.

✅ Metal shavings produced during engraving are sharp. Use a brush or vacuum cleaner to clean them, and wear gloves for safety.

✅ When engraving images, always convert the data to black and white (1-bit) before engraving. Failure to do so may result in long data transmission and engraving times.

✅ When securing the material, use the upper edges of the vise. Clamping the material in the lower (inner) area may result in inaccurate engraving positioning.

✅ If too much dust accumulates on the Y-axis bellows cover, engraving on the Y-axis may be affected. It is recommended to periodically remove the dust with a brush or vacuum cleaner.(Pressing the stop button moves the vise backward for easier cleaning.)

✅ Since the machine measures height through electrical conductivity, acrylic (a non-conductive material) requires manual height input for engraving.

✅ If the finishing tool's tip becomes worn, engraving small details may become difficult. In such cases, re-measuring the tool height may help, but the final result may have slightly thinner raised portions.If wear is significant, replacing the tool is recommended.

✅Chips can accumulate at the bottom of the Z-axis, so regular cleaning is required.

✅The spindle belt should be checked periodically as it affects tool life and engraving quality.

✅Before engraving, it is recommended to clean the top surface of the vise with a brush or similar tool to remove engraving chips.

✅Checking for Abnormalities When Turning on the Machine;
*When the machine powered on, it automatically performs a self-diagnosis of sensors and the X, Y, Z-axis motor drivers.
The machine moves in order: Z to Y to X

✅ The machine moves in the opposite direction or collides unexpectedly if a sensor is faulty.

✅ The affected axis does not move at all if a driver is malfunctioning.

✅ If the machine does not perform its normal startup sequence, it will not be able to connect to the PC.

✅If the initial Startup is normal but engraving issues occur;

*Beeping sound occurs twice or startup sequence repeats Check the power adapter and spindle rotation.

*Engrave completes, but results are poor, Check the tool condition.

✅ Engraving stops midway ,Check the data file ( if using an image, be sure it’s converted to black & white)

✅If the machine produces unusual noise;

*Manually rotate the DC motor and spindle to determine the source of the noise.
*If the noise is not from the cutting process, replacing the spindle or DC motor may be necessary.

Q: Can it engrave movable type (letter blocks)?
Yes, but not cost-effective. Requires 2–3 full sets of A–Z, uppercase/lowercase, and has high material cost. One brass block with a design is more efficient.
*Material cost is high for type sizes.
*Requires 2–3 sets for A–Z.
*Separate production for uppercase and lowercase is needed.
*Cannot easily provide multiple sizes.
*Engraving one brass block with a design is more cost-effective.

Q: Can round materials be engraved?
No, only block-shaped materials can be fixed.

Q: What is the maximum material thickness?
Materials under 30mm.

Q: What if material height varies each time?
Conductive materials (brass) are measured automatically. Non-conductive materials (wood, plastic) require manual height input.

Q: Is there noise during operation?
Yes. As the machine mills brass, cutting noise is generated during operation. If the machine will be used in an environment where low noise is required, we recommend purchasing the optional soundproof enclosure, which helps reduce noise.

Q: How to reduce engraving time?
Speed can be increased, but for brass this may break the tool (not recommended). For wood/plastic, higher speeds are acceptable.