engraves

Engraves is the present-tense form of the verb engrave, referring to the act of incising, carving, or etching a design, lettering, or pattern into a hard surface. The outcome is an engraving, a recessed or marked pattern that can be decorative, informative, or functional.

Techniques used to produce engraves vary. Hand engraving uses a sharp tool called a graver or burin to cut lines directly into the material. Machine engraving employs rotary cutters, milling machines, or CNC tools to reproduce designs with precision and speed. Laser engraving uses focused light to remove material or alter its surface chemistry, enabling fine detail on a range of substrates. In printmaking, an engraver incises a metal plate so that ink remains in the cut lines to transfer impressions onto paper.

Materials commonly engraved include metals (such as gold, silver, brass, and steel), stone, wood, glass, and various plastics. The choice of material affects the depth, line quality, and durability of the engrave, as well as the methods best suited to the project.

Applications of engraves span decorative arts and practical labeling. They appear on jewelry, coins, awards, nameplates, architectural elements, firearm and instrument components, and signage. Engravings are also used for commemorative tablets, collectibles, and branding in manufacturing.

Historically, engraving dates to ancient and medieval periods and has evolved from manual toolwork to sophisticated processes in industrial and digital contexts. Distinctions are often drawn between engraving, which involves direct incision, and related techniques such as etching, which uses chemical processes to create lines.