Etching Vs Engraving of Jewelry

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. Learn more below about Etching Vs. Engraving of Jewelry.

The Difference Between Etching and Engraving of Jewelry

To help you understand the fundamentals of each technique, we’ll talk you through the difference between etching and engraving. What each technique involves so you can make a more informed decision.

Etching

A technique traditionally used in printmaking, etching is a process used to create metal designs, dating back to the Middle Ages.

The etching is typically performed on copper or zinc, but it can work on most other metals.

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 from the traditional etching method, as you’ll find out later in the blog.

Engraving

So how is engraving different from 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 a ‘burin’ tool to create an image.

To preserve the engraving, the ‘steel facing’ process was made in France’s mid-19th century and is still used today.

Various tools have been invented to make the job easier and a more versatile technique in today’s age. 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

Now we’ve gone through the traditional methods, what are the new ways of etching and engraving? Predominantly, laser.

Like 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 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 jewelry 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, engraving can cut too deep and damage vital parts of the design.

So, Etching Vs. Engraving of Jewelry – 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 jewelry tools you need before you begin.

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