Estimate how long an engraving job will run from the total tool path length, your feed rate, and the number of depth passes. Handy for quoting nameplates, serial numbers, and decorative work.
Path length is the total distance the tool engraves; estimate it from your CAM toolpath. Overhead covers rapid moves between features.
How it works
Cutting time is the path length times the number of passes, divided by the feed rate: time (min) = (path length × passes) / feed rate. The overhead percentage adds time for positioning and lifts between letters or features.
Tips
Engraving feed rates are usually modest — small, sharp tools and shallow cuts. More passes give cleaner, deeper marks but multiply the time. For long jobs, a single optimized pass at the right depth saves the most.
FAQ
How do I find the path length? Your CAM software reports the total cutting distance for the toolpath; use that for the most accurate estimate.
For full run time including other operations, see the Cycle Time Formula.