Etchers and Engravers
What is an Etcher and Engraver?
Etchers and engravers are skilled artisans who create intricate designs, images, and text on various materials, typically metals, using specialized techniques. This process often involves engraving or etching surfaces using hand tools or mechanical devices to produce detailed artworks and prints. Etching usually refers to the process where acid is used to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface, while engraving involves cutting patterns directly into the material. These techniques can be employed for a variety of purposes, including fine art printmaking, creating decorative items, engraving items like jewelry and awards, and producing industrial and commercial markings. Etchers and engravers often work with a variety of materials such as copper, zinc, and aluminum, and they require a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of design principles, and a mastery of tools and equipment to bring their artistic visions to life.
Tasks
- Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.
- Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.
- Clean and polish engraved areas.
- Prepare workpieces for etching or engraving by cutting, sanding, cleaning, polishing, or treating them with wax, acid resist, lime, etching powder, or light-sensitive enamel.
- 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.
Technology Skills
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
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Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Delcam ArtCAM Express
- Gravograph GravoStyle
- Western Engravers Supply Vision EXPERT
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Operating system software
- Microsoft Windows
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Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system
- Computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing CAD/CAM engraving software
Tools Used
- Metal engraving machine
- Semiconductor process systems
- Bench grinder
- Engravers
- Drill press or radial drill
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skills
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products.
- Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
- Engrave designs, text, or other markings onto materials, workpieces, or products.
- Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products.
- Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$29120.0 - $61360.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.