Etching Vs Engraving: What’s The Difference?

Etching Vs Engraving: What's the Difference?Looking to try your hand at etching or engraving? Both are great for creating unique, personal designs, but it can be tricky figuring out which is the best process for you. To help you understand the fundamentals of each technique, we’ll talk you through the difference between etching and engraving and what each involve so you can make a more informed decision. Learn more below.

The difference between etching and engraving

Etching

A technique traditionally used in printmaking, etching is a process used to create designs on metal, dating back to the Middle Ages. Etching is typically performed on copper or zinc, but it can work on most other metals too. The sheet metal is prepped with an acid-resistant wax or ‘ground’ to draw the lines into, then once submerged in acid the exposed metal is ‘bitten’, leaving incised markings.

As technologies have progressed, new forms of etching are available – such as laser etching. This process is significantly different to the traditional etching method, as you’ll find out later in the blog.

Engraving

So how is engraving different to etching? The main difference is the amount of metal that’s removed. Where etching only takes away the top layer, engraving leaves a much deeper incision. Developed as a printmaking method in the 15th century, engraving is a technique where a plate of soft metal is cut into with a ‘burin’ tool to create an image. To preserve the engraving, the ‘steel facing’ process was made in the mid-19th century in France and is still used to this day.

Thankfully, in today’s age various tools have been invented to make the job easier and a more versatile technique. For example, the Dremel Engraver is a handheld tool to engrave on not just metal, but a range of other materials like wood, plastic and ceramics.

Laser etching vs laser engraving

Laser EngravingNow we’ve gone through the traditional methods, what are the new ways of etching and engraving? Predominantly, laser. Similar to the traditional processes, it’s important to understand the key difference between laser engraving and etching. With both methods using a high heat beam to melt the material, they’re equally as effective at making designs in a metal of your choosing. However, there are a few things to consider when weighing up the pros and cons of laser etching vs laser engraving for jewellery making.

When it comes to laser engraving, this is likely to withstand more wear and tear from handling than laser etching. Although, laser etching may be a more appropriate choice for safety-critical parts as engraving can cut too deep and subsequently damage vital parts of the design. Discover Cooksongold’s range of engraving machines and accessories online.

So, etching vs engraving – which is the best process for you? Now you know more about the difference between etching and engraving, hopefully you’re feeling more confident to try out each method and find out. Make sure you have all the sheet metal and jewellery tools you need before you begin.

The post Etching Vs Engraving: What’s The Difference? appeared first on The Bench.



source https://www.cooksongold.com/blog/equipment-technique-focus/etching-vs-engraving-whats-the-difference

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