Engraved pens are a simple yet effective way to personalize everyday items like pencils—whether for students, as wedding favors, for promotional purposes, or for handmade products. Engraved pens not only add a personal touch but can also contribute to branding.
But which method is the right one? In this article, we'll introduce you to five practical ways to engrave pens – from precise machines like lasers and CNC machines to handheld tools like engraving pens or stamps. Each method has its own advantages, tools, and applications. We'll help you find the right technique for your needs.
In this article:
- Method 1: Engraving pens with a laser engraving machine
- Method 2: Pen engraving with a rotating tool
- Method 3: Pens engraved by a small CNC machine
- Method 4: Personalize pens with Cricut Maker
- Method 5: Engraving pens using the stamp technique
- FAQs: The 10 most frequently asked questions about pen engraving
Method 1: Engraving pens with a laser engraving machine
Laser engraving is the most precise and efficient method for engraved pens—whether as gifts, promotional items, or for school supplies. The surface of wooden or coated pens is burned or engraved using a focused laser.
What you need for laser engraving:
- A laser engraving machine
- Pens with a suitable surface (e.g. wood, metal, acrylic, coated plastic)
- Design software (e.g. LightBurn or the LaserPecker Software & App )
This is how pen engraving with laser works:
Step 1: Design the layout
Create your desired design in the software—e.g., a name, saying, or logo—and adjust it to the pen circumference (usually 5–8 mm high).
Step 2: Position the pen
Place the pencil on the engraving area. Round pencils require arotary axis ; hexagonal pencils can be placed flat in a holder to prevent them from rolling away.
Step 3: Set parameters
Adjust power, speed, and focus depending on the material.
Step 4: Check position
Use the preview or frame function to ensure that the engraving area is positioned exactly on the pen.
Step 5: Start engraving
Start the engraving and make sure that the pen does not move during the process.
Step 6: Post-processing
Remove any traces of soot with a soft cloth. Lightly sand or seal if necessary.
Advantages and disadvantages of laser engraving a pen
👍Advantages:
Very precise and professional results
Logos, texts, serial numbers, etc. are possible
Works on many materials (wood, metal, acrylic, leather, etc.)
No mechanical stress – low risk of damaging the pen
👎Disadvantages:
Laser engraving machines can be expensive for beginners
Method 2: Pen engraving with a rotating tool
Engraving with a rotary tool—such as an engraving pen or Dremel—is a cost-effective, practical method for DIY enthusiasts. It's especially suitable for small batches of wooden pencils that you want to personalize with names, patterns, or symbols. While this technique is less precise than laser engraving, it lends the pencil a handmade feel.
What you need:
- A rotating tool
- Screw clamp, vice or non-slip mat
- Wooden or painted pens (no rubber coatings)
This is how the engraving works:
Step 1: Plan and mark the design
Sketch names, initials, or patterns directly onto the pen with a fine marker or use a stencil.
Step 2: Fix the pin
Secure the pen with a soft-jawed vise or wrap it with foam to prevent scratches.
Step 3: Choose an attachment
Use a fine engraving bit – diamond tips for fine lines, router bits for deeper engraving.
Step 4: Engraving
Set the tool to medium to high speed and trace the markings with light pressure. Let the attachment do the work—don't press too hard!
Step 5: Clean and refine
Remove any dust with a soft cloth. You can also add paint or ink to the engraving to enhance the effect.
Advantages and disadvantages of engraving with a rotating tool
👍Advantages:
Affordable and easily accessible
Ideal for individual pieces
👎Disadvantages:
Less precise than laser or CNC
Requires a steady hand and patience
Not suitable for series production
Method 3: Engraving pens with a small CNC machine
A compact CNC machine offers precise and repeatable pen engravings—ideal for workshops, makerspaces, or small batches of custom products. Especially with wooden pens (whether round, flat, or hexagonal), CNC technology, with the right fixture, delivers clean and deep engravings.
What you need:
- Small CNC milling machine
- Individual holder or clamping device for pins
- Wooden or painted pencils
This is how engraving with CNC works:
Step 1: Create or import a design
Design your text or logo in CAD software and create the toolpaths in CAM software. Adjust the size (approximately 5–8 mm in height).
Step 2: Fix the pin
Clamp the pin securely into a suitable holder, such as a V-groove, a clamping system, or a rotary axis—important for round pins.
Step 3: Select cutter and settings
Use a fine engraving cutter. Adjust the speed, feed rate, and engraving depth to suit the material.
Step 4: Test run and check alignment
Perform a test run on a leftover piece. Align the CNC's zero point precisely.
Step 5: Start engraving
Start the engraving process and monitor it for accuracy, cutter wear, or grinding noise.
Advantages and disadvantages of engraving with a CNC machine
👍Advantages:
High precision and consistency
Supports deeper engraving than laser
👎Disadvantages:
Requires knowledge of CAD/CAM
Elaborate furnishings
Less suitable for custom-made products
Method 4: Engraving pens with the Cricut Maker
Although the Cricut Maker is primarily known for paper, vinyl, and leather, it can also easily score coated pens with the engraving tool. While this technique doesn't create a true engraving, it does create decorative effects on painted or foiled pens.
What you need:
- Cricut Maker
- Adhesives (e.g. masking tape or adhesive dots)
- Pens with a soft coating (e.g. lacquered or foiled)
How it works:
Step 1: Create a design
Design your name, logo, or text in Cricut Design Space. Keep it small (about 5-8 mm high) and set the engraving function to "Engrave."
Step 2: Prepare the mat
Place the pen on the StrongGrip mat. Secure it with tape or dots to prevent it from slipping. Flat or hexagonal pens work best.
Step 3: Align
Use the grid in Design Space to precisely adjust your design to the pen position.
Step 4: Start engraving
Click “Make It” and let the Cricut lightly etch the design into the pencil coating. Monitor to ensure the pencil stays in place.
Step 5: Clean
Carefully remove any residue with a cloth. Optionally, add paint or a metallic marker to the engraving.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Cricut approach
👍Advantages:
Easy to implement for Cricut users
Ideal for creative decoration or DIY projects
Safe for home use
👎Disadvantages:
Only surface scratches, no real engraving
Does not work on untreated wood or round pins
Method 5: Engraving pens using the stamp technique
Stamping is a classic method for marking pens—especially popular in mass production. A metal stamp is pressed into the surface with a hammer—usually on flat or hexagonal wooden pens—creating a permanent engraving.
What you need:
- Metal letter or logo stamp
- Hammer or soft-face hammer (e.g. brass or rubber hammer)
- Wooden pencils (preferably uncoated or lightly varnished)
Steps to engrave a pen by embossing
Step 1: Select and align stamps
Choose the appropriate letter or logo stamp. Place it on the desired side of the pen.
Step 2: Fix the pin
Place the pen on a stable surface or embossing mat. Secure it with a holder.
Step 3: Punch the stamp
Hold the stamp vertically and strike with controlled force. Repeat for each letter if necessary.
Advantages and disadvantages of embossing
👍Advantages:
No power or software required
Deep, permanent markings
Works well on flat wooden pencils
👎Disadvantages:
Not suitable for round pens without special holder
Too hard blows can damage the pen
FAQs: The 10 most frequently asked questions about pen engraving
1. What is pen engraving?
Pen engraving refers to the carving or burning of designs, text, or patterns onto the surface of a pen – e.g., using a laser, engraving pen, or CNC machine.
2. Which types of pens can be engraved?
Wooden pencils are most commonly used because their surface is smooth and easy to work with. Colored pencils, mechanical pencils, or lacquered pencils are also suitable, depending on the chosen engraving method.
3. What is the difference between engraving and embossing pens?
Engraving removes material, creating a depression. Embossing, on the other hand, raises the surface to create a raised pattern. Engraved pens appear more precise and last longer.
4. How to engrave a name on a pen?
A name can be applied to the pen using a laser, CNC machine, or hand engraving tool, for example. A template or stencil allows for precise alignment and execution of the engraving.
5. What tools are needed for pen engraving?
Depending on the method, you will need: a laser engraving machine or engraving pen; design software (e.g., LightBurn); a holder or clamp; cleaning equipment; and, if necessary, safety goggles.
6. Is a pen engraving permanent?
Yes, a correctly executed pen engraving is durable and long-lasting—it will not wear off with normal use.
7. Can I engrave multiple pens with the same design?
Absolutely – especially with CNC or laser machines, you can produce several engraved pens in one operation.
8. Are there any restrictions on pen engraving?
The limitations depend on the engraving method and the material. Very small or detailed motifs aren't feasible with every technique, but logos, text, and simple patterns can generally be engraved well.
9. What creative ideas are there for engraved pens?
Engraved pens are ideal as personalized gifts, promotional items, or for special occasions. Popular options include names, quotes, company logos, or decorative patterns.
10. How do you personalize pens as gifts?
Choose a suitable design—e.g., a dedication, initials, or a saying—and engrave it on the pen. This creates unique, personal, and meaningful gifts.
Conclusion
Pen engraving is a creative way to personalize everyday items—whether for gifts, promotional purposes, or DIY projects. Each method offers its own advantages:
- Laser engraving: Fast, clean and ideal for professional results
- Rotary tools: Perfect for handmade unique pieces
- CNC machines: Highest precision for small series
- Cricut: Decorative Designs for Coated Pens
- Embossing: Classic, deep and durable – ideal for larger quantities
No matter which technique you choose, with the right method, every pen will be unique. Now is the perfect time to design your own engraved pens!
