Engraving is not just for the Cricut Maker and Maker 3. Keep in mind however this does void your warranty with your Cricut Explore machine so make sure it is at least a year old. I have been engraving with mine for several years at this point and have not had any issues when it comes to damaging the machine but you do need to use an after market tool to do this. 

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This can be done with the Cricut Explore, Explore Air 2 and The Explore air 3

When you engrave it is best to try and find a single line image. I try searching things like "foil design" "single line SVG" or "engraved design" This helps to give you designs made to be just one single line so you do not get the double line most things will give you. 

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The aftermarket tool I recommend is the Chomas Engraving tool for Cricut Explore. This tool works in the B clamp in place of the blade housing. When setting the design operation on your Cricut Design Space canvas you will want to make it basic cut. This will allow the machine to use the B clamp and it will think it is using the blade. 

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It is really important to do a little bit of test engraving before committing to a large design. I recommend engraving your name and doing two lines of it at a time. This will help you see if the tool is dragging at all on the design. I use the light cardstock setting when I use a 2MM thick acrylic and it works well but all machines are a little different so you will want to test yours. 

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There are so many things you can make with engraving, Bracelets, Necklaces, Artwork, Night lights, keychains, Ornaments and so much more! Let your creativity be your guide! It never hurts to try something you dream up to see how it comes out! Not every craft will be a win but you won't know until you try it. 

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You can find tutorials I have done using the engraving with the Cricut Explore below. 

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