Etchers and Engravers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.89
• 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.88
• 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.88
• Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specified concentration.88
• Use computer software to design patterns for engraving.87
• Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.86
• Expose workpieces to acid to develop etch patterns such as designs, lettering, or figures.86
• Adjust depths and sizes of cuts by adjusting heights of worktables, or by adjusting machine-arm gauges.86
• Measure and compute dimensions of lettering, designs, or patterns to be engraved.84
• Neutralize workpieces to remove acid, wax, or enamel, using water, solvents, brushes, or specialized machines.83
• Examine engraving for quality of cut, burrs, rough spots, and irregular or incomplete engraving.83
• Transfer image to workpiece, using contact printer, pantograph stylus, silkscreen printing device, or stamp pad.82

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Operations Monitoring53

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Active Listening50

  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 Thinking50

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Operation and Control50

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Quality Control Analysis50

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Judgment and Decision Making47

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Social Perceptiveness44

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Time Management44

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Complex Problem Solving41

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Production and Processing79

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Customer and Personal Service61

  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.

• Design51

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Mechanical51

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Administration and Management49

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Mathematics46

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Computers and Electronics44

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Engineering and Technology43

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• English Language42

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Administrative34

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

• Chemistry34

  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Fine Arts33

  Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Near Vision72

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Arm-Hand Steadiness69

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Control Precision69

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Oral Comprehension60

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Finger Dexterity56

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Manual Dexterity56

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Oral Expression56

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Selective Attention56

  The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

• Problem Sensitivity53

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Speech Clarity53

  The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

• Speech Recognition53

  The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

• Visualization53

  The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Getting Information79

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Controlling Machines and Processes74

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work68

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events67

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Handling and Moving Objects66

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment66

  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 Objects, Services, or People65

  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates64

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings64

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Thinking Creatively63

  Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems62

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Analyzing Data or Information61

  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Attention to Detail92

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Dependability69

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness66

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Achievement Orientation37

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Perseverance33

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Integrity21

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control20

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Innovation18

  A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

• Intellectual Curiosity16

  A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

• Self-Confidence14

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Stress Tolerance14

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Adaptability4

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic92

  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.

• Artistic46

  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.

• Conventional41

  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.

• Investigative24

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Social6

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day96%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important59%
  • Very important27%
  • Important12%

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

  • Every day83%
  • Never14%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually51%
  • More than half the time40%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day52%
  • Once a week or more but not every day33%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day56%
  • Once a week or more but not every day17%
  • Once a month or more but not every week22%

• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

  • A lot of freedom51%
  • Some freedom25%
  • Limited freedom19%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • A lot of freedom51%
  • Some freedom14%
  • Limited freedom32%

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day35%
  • Once a week or more but not every day43%
  • Once a year or more but not every month11%

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day45%
  • Once a week or more but not every day16%
  • Once a year or more but not every month18%
  • Never11%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day41%
  • Once a week or more but not every day29%
  • Never23%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others40%
  • Contact with others most of the time11%
  • Occasional contact with others43%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Graphics or photo imaging software

  Adobe Illustrator, Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite

• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  Delcam ArtCAM Express, Gravograph GravoStyle, Western Engravers Supply Vision EXPERT

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• 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

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• The Photo Chemical Machining Institute

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Painting Workers
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Tool and Die Makers
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
• Prepress Technicians and Workers
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Cutting Workers
• Medical, Dental, and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
• Printing Press Operators
• Cutting Workers
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic
• Miscellaneous metal workers and plastic workers, including multiple machine tool setters
• Miscellaneous textile, apparel, and furnishings workers except upholsterers
• Painting Workers
• Machine tool cutting setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• 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.
• Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
• Design templates or patterns.
• Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
• Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
• Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
• Clean workpieces or finished products.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Engraver (Glass Prod)
• Engraver I
• Engraver, Block (Prt & Pub)
• Engraver, Hand, Hard Metal
• Engraver, Hand, Soft Metal
• Engraver, Pantograph I
• Engraver, Picture (Prt&Pub)
• Roller Engraver Hand
• Siderographer (Print & Pub)
• Sketch Maker Ii (Print & Pub)