Etchers and Engravers
Medium44.61%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$29,120
Median$40,040
High (90th %)$61,360
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Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
The occupation "Etchers and Engravers" has a moderate automation risk of 44.6%, only slightly below its base risk of 45.2%. This suggests that while many aspects of the work can potentially be automated, certain key elements resist technological replacement. Much of the routine and precision-oriented work is susceptible to automation, especially as robotics and computer vision technologies advance. Automated systems are increasingly effective at performing tasks that require accuracy and consistency, making parts of etching and engraving more efficient but also more replaceable by machines. However, complete automation is hampered by those elements of the craft that require high levels of manual skill and creativity. Among the most automatable tasks are inspecting etched work for depth, uniformity, and defects using calibrated tools, examining reference materials to decide how designs are to be applied, and cleaning and polishing engraved areas. These tasks rely heavily on precision and can often be handled by machines with advanced sensory capabilities and pattern recognition, especially in settings where quality control and efficient processing are critical. Automation in these areas can improve throughput, reduce variability, and lower costs, making them attractive targets for businesses looking to streamline their operations. Conversely, several tasks remain resistant to automation, primarily due to their reliance on fine motor skills and creative judgment. These include the processes of brushing or wiping acid to highlight inscriptions, filling etched characters with materials to improve readability, and sketching or scribing original designs onto workpieces. Such work often demands a nuanced sense of artistry and tactile feedback, qualities difficult for machines to replicate. The bottleneck skills of originality, scored at 2.6% and 2.5%, further illustrate that the ability to conceive and execute novel designs is a critical safeguard against full replacement by automation. This blend of automatable tasks and irreplaceable craftsmanship defines the medium automation risk for etchers and engravers.
Filter by Automatable Status
Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.
Partially Automatable
Clean and polish engraved areas.
Non-Automatable
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.
Non-Automatable
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.
Non-Automatable
Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specified concentration.
Partially Automatable
Use computer software to design patterns for engraving.
Partially Automatable
Expose workpieces to acid to develop etch patterns such as designs, lettering, or figures.
Non-Automatable
Adjust depths and sizes of cuts by adjusting heights of worktables, or by adjusting machine-arm gauges.
Partially Automatable
Measure and compute dimensions of lettering, designs, or patterns to be engraved.
Automatable
Examine engraving for quality of cut, burrs, rough spots, and irregular or incomplete engraving.
Automatable
Transfer image to workpiece, using contact printer, pantograph stylus, silkscreen printing device, or stamp pad.
Partially Automatable
Set reduction scales to attain specified sizes of reproduction on workpieces, and set pantograph controls for required heights, depths, and widths of cuts.
Automatable
Print proofs or examine designs to verify accuracy of engraving, and rework engraving as required.
Partially Automatable
Position and clamp workpieces, plates, or rollers in holding fixtures.
Automatable
Remove wax or tape from etched glassware by using a stylus or knife, or by immersing ware in hot water.
Non-Automatable
Guide stylus over template, causing cutting tool to duplicate design or letters on workpiece.
Automatable
Start machines and lower cutting tools to beginning points on patterns.
Automatable
Determine machine settings, and move bars or levers to reproduce designs on rollers or plates.
Partially Automatable
Remove completed workpieces and place them in trays.
Automatable
Sandblast exposed areas of glass to cut designs in surfaces, using spray guns.
Non-Automatable
Sketch, trace, or scribe layout lines and designs on workpieces, plates, dies, or rollers, using compasses, scribers, gravers, or pencils.
Non-Automatable
Fill etched characters with opaque paste to improve readability.
Non-Automatable
Brush or wipe acid over engraving to darken or highlight inscriptions.
Non-Automatable
Insert cutting tools or bits into machines and secure them with wrenches.
Automatable
Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.
Partially Automatable
Neutralize workpieces to remove acid, wax, or enamel, using water, solvents, brushes, or specialized machines.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
AdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTransportationTherapy and CounselingCommunications and MediaAdministration and Management
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsProcessing InformationGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesAnalyzing Data or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the Organization
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Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.25%
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium38.52%
Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Medium47.82%
Set up, operate, or tend milling or planing machines to mill, plane, shape, groove, or profile metal or plastic work pieces.
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Medium46.07%
Lay out, machine, fit, and assemble castings and parts to metal or plastic foundry patterns, core boxes, or match plates.
Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Medium45.76%
Make or form wax or sand cores or molds used in the production of metal castings in foundries.
Tool and Die Makers
Medium42.07%
Analyze specifications, lay out metal stock, set up and operate machine tools, and fit and assemble parts to make and repair dies, cutting tools, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and machinists' hand tools.
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Medium33.53%
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Medium39.82%
Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
Prepress Technicians and Workers
High75.59%
Format and proof text and images submitted by designers and clients into finished pages that can be printed. Includes digital and photo typesetting. May produce printing plates.
Printing Press Operators
Medium52.63%
Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Medium53.64%
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
Furniture Finishers
Low24.64%
Shape, finish, and refinish damaged, worn, or used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified color or finish.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Medium40.69%
Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
Medium56.41%
Use hand tools or hand-held power tools to cut and trim a variety of manufactured items, such as carpet, fabric, stone, glass, or rubber.
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Medium44.55%
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Medium34.83%
Design, fabricate, adjust, repair, or appraise jewelry, gold, silver, other precious metals, or gems.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Medium42.63%
Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Medium35.73%
Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Medium44.30%
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
Low13.87%
Cut or carve stone according to diagrams and patterns.
Craft Artists
Medium47.40%
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Medium39.27%
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Barbers
Medium37.02%
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Low31.56%
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Low17.84%
Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Low22.86%
Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.
Sewers, Hand
Low11.23%
Sew, join, reinforce, or finish, usually with needle and thread, a variety of manufactured items. Includes weavers and stitchers.
Patternmakers, Wood
Medium48.09%
Plan, lay out, and construct wooden unit or sectional patterns used in forming sand molds for castings.
Gem and Diamond Workers
Medium45.82%
Fabricate, finish, or evaluate the quality of gems and diamonds used in jewelry or industrial tools.
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Low13.06%
Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Medium54.79%
Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.
Potters, Manufacturing
Medium37.41%
Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.