Gravur

Gravur, in its broad sense, refers to the technique of engraving: incising lines or textures into a hard surface to create a design, text, or pattern. The result is typically a recessed image or inscription that can be decorative, functional, or both. Gravur is applied to a wide range of materials, including metals, wood, stone, glass, and plastics, and is used to add permanence and detail to objects.

Techniques and methods vary. Hand engraving uses a sharp tool called a burin or graver to cut lines into the material, producing varying line widths and depths. Machine engraving employs rotary tools, pantographs, or computer-controlled systems for greater precision and repeatability. Laser engraving uses concentrated light energy to remove material or etch a surface, enabling fine details on metal, glass, wood, and other substrates. Related processes include etching and intaglio printing, where a design is incised into a plate to hold ink for printmaking.

Materials commonly engraved include precious and non-precious metals (such as gold, silver, brass, and steel), as well as wood, glass, stone, ceramic, and plastics. In jewelry and watches, gravure adds decorative motifs or personal inscriptions. In industry, engraving serves for identification marks, serial numbers, and branding. Coins and medals may involve engraving of dies, while architectural and memorial signage often uses gravure for durability and clarity.

History and contextually, gravur dates back to ancient civilizations for seals and metalwork and gained significant development during the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Europe. Today it spans traditional hand craftsmanship and modern technology, with laser and CNC methods enabling high-precision, reproducible results across crafts and manufacturing.