Generally, softer materials require a larger clearance angle for chip removal than that needed for hard materials. A cutter for flexible engraving stock has a high degree of clearance and a correspondingly fine edge. If this cutter were used to engrave hard steel, it would be dulled rather quickly. Conversely, a cutter sharpened with a smaller clearance angle for harder materials will not produce clean, quality cuts in softer materials. This determines the shape of the cut.
Higher angles produce stronger tools and broader cuts and are recommended for harder materials.
The TIP is the flat at the tip of the cutter which determines the width of the cut. It is formed by two angles that provide clearance and are selected based on the material being engraved. Tip width is most accurately defined and measured as the as twice the distance from the tool centerline to the cutting edge. The width of cut is most correctly defined as the width produced at the bottom of the cut. Cutter width is selected based on character height and font style.