Description
Set up, program, and operate mechanical, CNC, and laser engraving machines to etch text, graphics, and patterns on metal, plastic, glass, wood, and other materials. Interpret designs, control depths and sizing, finish parts, verify quality, and maintain safe, reliable equipment.
- • Set up and secure workpieces, plates, or rollers in machine fixtures, clamps, or vacuum tables.
- • Load, program, or import designs into CNC or laser engraving software.
- • Determine machine settings such as depth, power, speed, feed, and number of passes.
- • Select, install, and zero cutting tools, bits, collets, or laser focus lenses.
- • Adjust Z-heights, tool offsets, and gauge settings to control depth and line width.
- • Set reduction scales and coordinate systems to achieve specified sizes and placement.
- • Start machines, run test patterns, and establish start points on workpieces.
- • Guide pantograph stylus or jog axes to align templates when required.
- • Transfer images to workpieces using CAD/CAM, templates, or dedicated fixtures.
- • Measure and compute dimensions of lettering, designs, or patterns before machining.
- • Monitor engraving cycles and adjust parameters to resolve chatter, burrs, or misalignment.
- • Inspect engraved work for depth, uniformity, and defects using gauges, microscopes, or magnifiers.
- • Clean, deburr, and polish engraved areas to the specified finish.
- • Fill engraved characters with paint or paste to improve readability when specified.
- • Apply and remove masking films or coatings to protect surfaces during engraving.
- • Maintain machines by cleaning spindles, checking belts, lubricating slides, and replacing consumables.
- • Document job setup sheets, tool lists, and machine settings for repeat runs.
- • Calibrate tables, spindles, and laser focus; verify squareness and backlash.
- • Prepare workpieces by cutting, sanding, cleaning, or surface treating as needed.
- • Verify designs against sketches, blueprints, or customer proofs and make corrections.
- • Configure rotary axes or curved-surface fixtures to engrave cylindrical or irregular parts.
- • Remove completed parts, label them, and stage for the next operation or shipment.
- • Follow safety procedures for machinery, dust extraction, and materials handling.
- • Use computer software to design or edit patterns for engraving.
- • Print proofs or sample engravings to confirm accuracy before production.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
