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O*NET-SOC 51-9194.00

Etchers and Engravers

Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Inspect etched work for depth of etching, uniformity, and defects, using calibrated microscopes, gauges, fingers, or magnifying lenses.Core14395
  2. 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.Supplemental14396
  3. 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.Supplemental14379
  4. Prepare etching chemicals according to formulas, diluting acid with water to obtain solutions of specified concentration.Supplemental14388
  5. Use computer software to design patterns for engraving.Supplemental21027
  6. Examine sketches, diagrams, samples, blueprints, or photographs to decide how designs are to be etched, cut, or engraved onto workpieces.Core14386
  7. Expose workpieces to acid to develop etch patterns such as designs, lettering, or figures.Supplemental14409
  8. Adjust depths and sizes of cuts by adjusting heights of worktables, or by adjusting machine-arm gauges.Supplemental14378
  9. Measure and compute dimensions of lettering, designs, or patterns to be engraved.Supplemental14383
  10. Neutralize workpieces to remove acid, wax, or enamel, using water, solvents, brushes, or specialized machines.Supplemental14394
  11. Examine engraving for quality of cut, burrs, rough spots, and irregular or incomplete engraving.Supplemental14382
  12. Transfer image to workpiece, using contact printer, pantograph stylus, silkscreen printing device, or stamp pad.Supplemental14399
  13. Set reduction scales to attain specified sizes of reproduction on workpieces, and set pantograph controls for required heights, depths, and widths of cuts.Supplemental14392
  14. Print proofs or examine designs to verify accuracy of engraving, and rework engraving as required.Supplemental14398
  15. Position and clamp workpieces, plates, or rollers in holding fixtures.Supplemental14380
  16. Remove wax or tape from etched glassware by using a stylus or knife, or by immersing ware in hot water.Supplemental14404
  17. Guide stylus over template, causing cutting tool to duplicate design or letters on workpiece.Supplemental14401
  18. Start machines and lower cutting tools to beginning points on patterns.Supplemental14384
  19. Determine machine settings, and move bars or levers to reproduce designs on rollers or plates.Supplemental14381
  20. Remove completed workpieces and place them in trays.Supplemental14402
  21. Clean and polish engraved areas.Core14385
  22. Insert cutting tools or bits into machines and secure them with wrenches.Supplemental14397
  23. Sandblast exposed areas of glass to cut designs in surfaces, using spray guns.Supplemental14391
  24. Sketch, trace, or scribe layout lines and designs on workpieces, plates, dies, or rollers, using compasses, scribers, gravers, or pencils.Supplemental14400
  25. Fill etched characters with opaque paste to improve readability.Supplemental14407
  26. Brush or wipe acid over engraving to darken or highlight inscriptions.Supplemental14408

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 8 examples in 5 categories, 3 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe IllustratorHot Technology
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite

Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system

  • Computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing CAD/CAM engraving software

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

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

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Operating system software

  • Microsoft WindowsHot Technology

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

  • Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

  • Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

  • Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Calculate dimensions of workpieces, products, or equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

  • Determine production equipment settings.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Thinking Creatively

  • Design templates or patterns.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

  • Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Clean workpieces or finished products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

  • Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Fill cracks, imperfections, or holes in products or workpieces.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Trim excess material from workpieces.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Immerse objects or workpieces in cleaning or coating solutions.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Engrave designs, text, or other markings onto materials, workpieces, or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

  • Operate equipment to print images or bind printed images together.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Operate cutting equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 23
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.