The shape and size of the cutters are important as they create grooves exactly like their shape. Common shapes are V-shaped and ball-end mills (rounded).

CNC engraving utilizes a rotating cutting tool to remove material from the substrate. The cutting tool is quite similar to a normal machining tool and has cutting edges in the shape of flutes. Imagine how a drill bit spins and cuts through the material due to its sharp edges.

The CNC engraver has a special spindle to hold and rotate these rotary engraving tools. Generally, CNC engraving is a high-speed process with speeds as high as 20,000 RPM. Moreover, the depth of cut is in the range of 0.01-10 mm, depending on the material properties and design equirements.