Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Metal Engraver- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Working Life
Engravers inscribe designs and/or letters into metals including aluminium, stainless steel, brass, copper, bronse, and precious metals such as gold and silver.
Engravers decorate objects such as plaques, bowls, pieces of jewellery and clock faces. They also mark inscriptions or lettering for nameplates, trophies, cups, gifts and so on. In industry, engravers produce signs and machine labels, control panels, dials and measuring scales for equipment.
Engravers cut into flat or curved surfaces, or use techniques to raise lettering or patterns from the metal. They follow customer requirements, which can involve copying existing patterns onto objects. Highly skilled engravers, working with decorative objects, may create their own designs.
There are various techniques and methods of engraving. There are also different degrees of skill involved, ranging from machine operating to the highest levels of craftsmanship.
Hand engraving is highly skilled. Engravers use a hand engraver, which is a cutting tool that removes a fine, V-shaped sliver of metal when pressure is applied. Objects are fixed into a vice to keep them still for engraving. Some engravers work freehand, others mark out the work on the object before making cuts.
There are three main types of machine engraving:
Pantograph machines are used to engrave all types of metals (and other materials, such as plastics and glass). The object is fixed into the machine. The engraver follows a template with a type of stylus that is connected to a cutting spindle on the machine.
The engraver can set the machine to scale the engraving to different sises and to use various letter styles. Some pantograph machines are fully automatic and the machines are becoming increasingly computerised. Engravers can use computer-aided design (CAD) to produce images, designs, lettering and so on.
Diamond milling is a type of machine engraving that involves the use of diamond cutting tools. It is used for ornamental engraving and produces a very shiny, glittering cut. The machine produces a flat, rather than a V-shaped cut. The level of skill involved is the same as required to operate the pantograph machines.
Engine turning is a separate, and highly specialised, form of machine engraving. Engine turners use hand-held power-driven cutting tools and techniques similar to the hand engraver applying the tool to the object. This requires a great deal of skill and is used on individual items, such as jewellery and precious metals.
Machine engraving is usually used for mass produced items. Hand engraving is used for single pieces. Engravers may produce original designs as well as copying old ones.
Most commonly reported Work 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.
- Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specified concentration.
- Use computer software to design patterns for engraving.
- Expose workpieces to acid to develop etch patterns such as designs, lettering, or figures.
- Adjust depths and sises of cuts by adjusting heights of worktables, or by adjusting machine-arm gauges.
- Cut outlines of impressions with gravers, and remove excess material with knives.
Further Information
- Metal Engraver- from: Cornelius Creations
Qualities - Metal Engraver
The skills you need vary according to the type of engraving you do. Generally, you will need an aptitude for practical craft work. Most require a steady hand. An interest in art and design is necessary and for some, creativity is essential. You need to have an eye for shape and designs.
You will need to work very carefully, so that you do not spoil or damage the objects you engrave. An eye for detail is important as is the ability to concentrate for long periods.
If you enter hand engraving or engine turning you need to be exceptionally patient. It can take several hours to make a single flawless cut and days or weeks to finish a piece of work. You need to be consistent and persistent in order to achieve the required high quality standards. Accuracy is essential.
For all types of engraving you need good eyesight, co-ordination and hand skills. Machine engravers can spend a long time on their feet; others may spend much of the day sitting.
Interests - Metal Engraver
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Metal Engraver
Training for a Metal Engraver is carried out on-the-job. Increasing amounts of engraving are being carried out by machinery, opportunities for entering the trade are in development.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: engineering operations, precision engineering, manufacturing, CNC computer engineered design.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: jewellery making, jewellery and art metal craft, Art, craft and design, silversmithing, jewellery design.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Metal Fabricator, Sheet Metalworking.
Search for Apprenticeships
Enterprise Development
Pay & Salary - Metal Engraver
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €36k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Indeed/ DEASP
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Metal Engraver
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Weavers and knitters; Upholsterers; Footwear and leather working trades; Tailors and dressmakers Textiles; garments and related trades n.e.c.; Pre-press technicians; Printers Print finishing and binding workers; Glass and ceramics makers; decorators and finishers Furniture makers and other craft woodworkers; Florists Other skilled trades n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.
Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.
Useful Contacts - Metal Engraver
-
Design & Craft Council of Ireland
- Castle Yard, Kilkenny
- (056) 77 61804
- Click Here
