Engraving Copper

[mdengraver]

Engraving copper
AI Overview



For hand engraving, it is generally better to work with annealed copper as it is significantly softer and easier to cut into, allowing for more precise and delicate details compared to workhardened copper, which is harder and more resistant to engraving tools.

Explanation:

• Annealed copper:
  This is copper that has been heated and then slowly cooled, making it soft and malleable, ideal for intricate hand engraving where fine lines and details are desired.
  
  
• Workhardened copper:
  This copper has been mechanically worked, increasing its hardness and strength, making it more difficult to engrave with hand tools.

Key points to consider:

• Ease of engraving:
  Due to its softness, annealed copper allows for smoother cuts with less effort, which is crucial for detailed hand engraving.
  
  
• Potential for distortion:
  While easier to engrave, annealed copper may be more prone to warping or distortion if not handled carefully.
  
  
• Application:
  If you need a more durable engraved piece with high resistance to wear and tear, workhardened copper might be suitable, but it will require more skill and specialized tools to engrave.

 

[Chujybear]

Tell AI that it’s okay to quench copper when annealing.

 

[rweigel]

Even better, copper will only retain it‘s maximum softness after annealing if quenched in water, cristal growth has to be suppressed, I was tought…
AI are not omniscient, they will repeat what they collect in their libraries, the most often heard will become the most prominently cited information. No proof that it is correct.

Cheers

Ralf

 

[mdengraver]

Nice to know.

 

[mdengraver]

Annealing: On Line Jewelry Academy

 

[DKanger]

Back when various flathhead engines used copper head gaskets, we used to heat them to red and allow to cool. This relieved the stresses in the copper and it returned to its original stare. They were then re-used. Never quenched them.