How to Engrave with Silhouette CAMEO 4 and Zoom Precision Etching Tool (Video)

I get asked a lot if it's possible to etch or engrave with the Silhouette CAMEO 4. 

This is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are my own

There were tools that fit in the CAMEO 3 that allowed for engraving and etching, but they're harder to find for the newer model Silhouette CAMEO. 

I recently came across the the Zoom Precision 3-in-1 etching tool on Amazon. It not only includes three different size tips, but also several metal blanks to get started and ...it fits perfectly into the Silhouette CAMEO 4's tool carriage with the need for any type of adapter. 

The process to use the Zoom etching tip is similar to if you were sketching with a pen. Only instead, you're using the etching tip not a pen to sketch.

One of the biggest biggest challenges when etching or engraving on small item is actually hitting the small metal piece. That's where the Pixscan mat is a game changer. 

Pixscan Mat in Silhouette CAMEO 4

Start by placing whatever it is you're going to etch or engrave directly on the Pixscan mat. It is crucial that mat is extremely sticky or that you use some kind of double sided adhesive to keep the blanks in place. 

Take a picture of the entire Pixscan mat from above making sure there are no shadows and no glare on the mat. 

Send the photo to your computer by email or Airdrop. 

Launch Silhouette Studio and click the Pixscan tool then find the photo and import it. If you need a refresher on Pixscan there's a full beginner Pixscan tutorial here. 

Once the image opens in a work space in Silhouette Studio, create or merge in a design in the same work area. 

I am using the dog tag shaped metal pieces - one I am using as a charm and the other as an actual dog tag. 

Size and position the design or designs so they're directly over the blank piece you plan to etch on the virtual mat. This is the beauty of the Pixscan mat as it keeps the exact size and dimension of whatever is on it when you bring it into Silhouette Studio. 

How to Get a Solid Etch with Silhouette CAMEO 4

Now if you want your design filled with a solid etch, instead of just the outline, you'll need to add a sketch fill using the sketch options. If you need a refresher on how to get a solid fill with the sketch tool this tutorial will walk you through. 

Move to the Send panel. The cut settings will vary slightly depending on the thickness of the item you are engraving.  For these metal blanks, makes these changes to the Silhouette cut settings to get the best etch with the Zoom Precision tool: 

Material: Cardstock, Plain or Cardstock, Heavy

Tool: Pen

Action: Sketch

Increase Force to between 20-25

Passes: 2-3

Load the Pixscan mat into the Silhouette CAMEO 4 and move the spring rollers so they clear the blanks.

Now before we go any further I have to tell you that using third party tools in any of the Silhouette machines is done at your own risk and may void your initial one year warranty. That being said, I had no issues with this tool at all.

 

Click Send in the software to begin the etching.  

Here's a quick video of the tool while it's etching. 

I started with the fine tip which was perfect for the 2020 design.  After the initial passes, I swapped out the fine tip for the bold tip (shown below) for the dog tag to make the lines a bit wider and more defined, but still used the same settings as the initial passes.

I was really happy with how the Zoom etching tip worked on these metal pieces and would definitely recommend it for that. You can't beat the price for three tips in one. 

Here are a few more of my initials etching tries...you can see even at the smallest scale the Zoom tool gives you a nice etch! 

Next up I can't wait to see how the Zoom Precision Etching Tip works on thicker acrylic pieces.  The nice thing about the Zoom tool is because of how it's designed it can easily be lifted slightly up in the tool carriage if it's dragging at all across thicker blanks.  

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing products through my links, I receive a small commission. That's what helps fund Silhouette School so I can keep buying new Silhouette-related products to show you how to get the most out of your machine! 

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