Printmakers engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber or other materials to create images which are transported onto surfaces, generally using a printing press. Printmakers often use tools such as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
Measure and compute dimensions of lettering, designs and patterns to be engraved.
Examine diagrams, sketches, blueprints and samples, and calculate how they are to be engraved onto work pieces.
Examine design results to verify engraving accuracy, rework engraving where needed.
Prepare mechanical tools and workpieces for engraving by polishing their surface and bevelling the workpiece to remove sharp edges. Polishing is done using different sandpapers and sand films which applied from rougher ones to very fine ones.
Fill etchings with opaque paste to improve readability.
Position and clamp work pieces, plates, or rollers in holding fixtures.
Quality control of engravings and etchings; check for cuts, burns, rough spots and irregular or incomplete engraving.
Select, prepare and install engraving templates; operate cutting tools and routers.
Operate reduction scales and set pantograph controls.
Closely observe the actions of the mechanical cutting tools, resulting in a flawless engraving process.
Engrave and print designs and patterns onto a variety of surfaces.
Regular maintenance of cutting wheels and other mechanic engraving tools.
Operate mechanical engraving tools and machines, set controls of cutting tools. Make adjustments if necessary.
Sketch or scribe layouts and designs on workpieces, plates, dies or rollers. Use compasses, scribers, gravers, pencils, etc.
Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, mixing solutions of specified concentration.
Remove dirt from workpieces or specialised machines.
Inspect finished etchings in detail, using microscopes and magnifying lenses.
Prepare mechanical tools and work pieces for etching by polishing their surface and bevelling the work piece to remove sharp edges. Polishing is done using different sandpapers and sand films which are applied and vary from rough to very fine ones.
Polish and clean engraved etching areas.
Brush or smear acid over mechanic engraving tools, in order to improve the visibility of the inscriptions.
Operate stylus and cutting tools, duplicate design or letters on a workpiece.