Etchers and Engravers
Etchers and engravers engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. This includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
Engravers' work includes using computer software to design patterns for engraving. They examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces. Later, these workpieces are exposed to acid to develop etch patterns such as designs, lettering, or figures and then adjusted to depth. Finally, they cut outlines of impressions.
Etchers and engravers are esthetic, creative persons, whose creative work shows delicacy and imagination. An etcher and engraver must be highly detail-attentive and focused. They must be able to stay concentrated on the project so the integrity of their work does not stumble. On completion, the work should look clean and at its best.
This is a craft that can be taught on the job or even self-taught for one’s own business. More artistic techniques may be taught in art schools or through internship programs. An etcher or engraver mostly works in an office, factory, school, or retail shop. The engraver's salary is in four-five digits.
To be successful in laser engraving job work, one has to be skilled in computer and artistic creativity. Even for the most basic etching and engraving work, an eye for design, patience, and precision are essential to success.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.Sc. Gemology
- B.Sc. Gemology
Tasks
- Adjust depths and sizes of cuts by adjusting heights of worktables, or by adjusting machine-arm gauges.
- Engrave and print patterns, designs, etchings, trademarks, or lettering onto flat or curved surfaces of a wide variety of metal, glass, plastic, or paper items, using hand tools or hand-held power tools.
- Position and clamp workpieces, plates, or rollers in holding fixtures.
- Determine machine settings, and move bars or levers to reproduce designs on rollers or plates.
- Examine engraving for quality of cut, burrs, rough spots, and irregular or incomplete engraving.
- Measure and compute dimensions of lettering, designs, or patterns to be engraved.
- Start machines and lower cutting tools to beginning points on patterns.
- Clean and polish engraved areas.
- Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.
- Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specified concentration.
Progression Routes
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