Engravers use delicate cutting techniques to create images on various materials, specializing in jewelry, artwork, printing plates, and more. They may use hand tools or modern laser equipment. Apprenticeships are common, and some engravers have art or engineering degrees.
An engraver performs delicate cutting tasks to produce an image on different types of materials. Some professionals specialize in making jewelry or artwork in metal, glass, stone or wood, while others engrave metal plates used to stamp designs on paper money and other products. An engraver may work primarily with precision hand tools and magnifying glasses to create one-of-a-kind pieces, or employ modern laser equipment to mass-produce accurate copies of a design.
Engravers create elegant pieces of art and jewelry through a very detailed and time-consuming process. When engraving a metal plate, an expert usually starts by tracing lines in the raw material that can be followed when the engraving process is started. He or she gathers hand tools, including files, picks and a specific chisel known as a burin, and begins to make careful cuts. The engraver carefully cleans or removes excess debris and files sharp edges. He might add paint or jewels to finish a work of art, or press paper with a printing plate to test its accuracy.
Most specialists work exclusively with one type of process or material. Some professionals, for example, specialize in engraving names, numbers and short phrases on metal jewelry. Others may engrave designs and words on firearms or musical instruments. Individuals often specialize in creating art or functional pieces of stone, glass, or wood. There are different processes involved in recording these types of material, and specialists often receive very detailed training in their specific medium.
Modern laser technology has led to the development of machines that can engrave security badges and other designs quickly and accurately. Lasers can be used to create dies and metal plates used in printing badges on paper money, coins and documents. The technology is also used in creating artistic designs in different types of metals, glass and even plastic. An engraver working with laser equipment is responsible for taking measurements, entering data into computer systems, positioning and operating a machine, and inspecting the final product.
An individual who wants to become an engraver does not typically need to meet any educational requirements other than a high school diploma. Many engravers, however, took university courses in art and engineering. A new engraver often works as an apprentice to an experienced professional to learn about the various tools and techniques used in the engraving process. He or she can perform simple engraving tasks under supervision to gain hands-on experience in the trade. An apprenticeship can last anywhere from six months to several years, depending on the skills and work ethic of the new employee.
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