Gravurplatten

Gravurplatten are metal plates used for engraving and gravure techniques, as well as for decorative and informational inscriptions. The term covers plates prepared to receive a design by removing metal or applying a resist, and it is common in art, manufacturing, and signage.

In art and printmaking, gravurplatten are typically made from copper or steel. An artist may directly incise lines into the plate with a burin, or apply an acid-resistant ground and draw through it to create etched lines. After the design is finished, the plate is inked, wiped, and run under a press with damp paper to transfer the image. This process yields prints where the ink lies in the recessed lines of the plate.

Materials and preparation vary. Copper, zinc, steel and their alloys are commonly used for gravurplatten. Direct engraving creates carved lines, while etching relies on chemical treatment. Depending on the intended durability and finish, plates may be polished, hardened, or coated for protection.

Beyond fine art, gravurplatten are widely used for producing nameplates, plaques, awards, door signs, and other decorative or communicative inscriptions. In industrial contexts they serve as durable identifiers on machinery, equipment, and architectural elements. Laser engraving and other modern methods have expanded capabilities while preserving traditional gravure principles.

Historically, metal engraving and etching on plates have played a central role in the reproduction of images and text from the 16th century onward. Today, gravurplatten continue to be valued for their permanence, precision, and versatility in both artistic and practical applications.