The art of inscribing or etching letters, words, designs or logos is called the art of engraving. This can be easily done using a little hand machine called an engraving machine. Etching is usually done on materials like wood, glass, metal, plastic or some kinds of stones and is a really tedious work.
Inscribing of initials, names, addresses and phone numbers are often done to show a signature of somebody on something. It is also possible to use engravers to engrave as designs or pictures. Inscribing can be done as a hobby or as an occupation.
As a hobby or profession
These machines are best to use for the rapid personalizing of presents or gifts in weddings and anniversaries. The machines can easily and clearly etch out messages on different types of materials to make sure the gift is cherished for years to come.
Then again, if engraving is pursued as an occupation, you may need to use professional etching equipment which proves useful for big business items and smaller table models. This equipment has many applications ranging from dog labels or tags to suitcases tags.
They are also used for making name plates, name badges and even trophy plates. Some machines like the diamond ones are great to use for little jobs like the table model does.
Inscribing on jewellery
An example of big engraving machines is CNC (computerized numerical control) engravers which are best suited for use on both big items and few items which require extreme precision. As these machines are instructed or fed from modelling programs in the computer it is not necessary to enter any numerical data while inscribing details.
If you need to inscribe little items or gifts like bracelets, necklaces, pendants or watches, you need to look for jewellery engravers. There are also inside-ring-machines which are machines which concentrate only on the etching of interior of rings.
Additional features of laser engravers
Another piece of equipment is the laser engraver. This is an etching machine which can perform additional functions like making markings on some items and cutting them. Some items which can be used with these machines are plastic, acrylic, glass, leather, wood and rubber.
These are the main types of engravers available in the market today. It is up to you to decide which machine you want to buy based on your budget and the reason you are buying it.
If you need an engraver for personal reasons as a hobby, a small machine is enough. However if you plan to start a profession, you need to buy a machine based on the type of etching you plan to do and the material you plan to provide your engraving services.
Besides, if you cannot afford a new machine, you can always invest in used machines. There are quite a few types and models of used machines in the market. Just make sure you check the machine before buying to ensure it is in working condition, and can make things as clearly as you want.