SOUTH AFRICA 路 SALARY IN RANDS

Etchers and Engravers

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Acid Etch Operator
  • Award Machine Operator
  • Chemical Engraver
  • Electronic Engraver
  • Engraver
  • Etcher
  • Laser Engraver
  • Photo Engraver
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What do Etchers and Engravers do?

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.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Operations Monitoring Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • 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.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • 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.
  • Control Precision The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • 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.

Knowledge

  • Production and Processing Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • 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.
  • Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Less than high school diploma
Associate's degree

A normal week

  • Getting Information
  • Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Handling and Moving Objects

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Graphics or photo imaging software Adobe Illustrator 路 Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Delcam ArtCAM Express 路 Gravograph GravoStyle 路 Western Engravers Supply Vision EXPERT
  • Operating system software Microsoft Windows
  • Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system Computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing CAD/CAM engraving software

Tools

  • Metal engraving machine Automatic feeding eyelet machines 路 Laser engraving systems 路 Pantograph engraving machines
  • Semiconductor process systems Contact printers
  • Bench grinder Bench grinders
  • Engravers Gravers
  • Drill press or radial drill Benchtop drill presses

Who it suits

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.

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.

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.

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Questions people ask

How much do Etchers and Engravers earn in South Africa?

Etchers and Engravers salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Etchers and Engravers do?

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 and Clean and polish engraved areas.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.