Etching and engraving are methods that are used in cutting lines into hard surfaces. Both have merits and both are popular and have their uses and advantages. Though some people think that both etching and engraving are similar but it is not true. There are some differences between etching and engraving. So in this article, you will get to know about the differences between etching and engraving.
After reading this article, you will understand how both methods are different. So if you want to know more, then keep reading this article. Before starting the main deal, you must understand what is etching and what in engraving.
So in simple words, etching is like a printing process in which chemical substances are used to make prints from a metal plate and engraving means sculpting the materials like wood or metal into the desired shape physically with the help of different tools like knives, hammer, axes, etc. So this was basic definitions of both etching and engraving. Now without wasting any time, let’s hop into the differences.
1- Depth Of The Cut
One of the main differences between etching and engraving is the depth of the cut in the material. If you see the cut with the microscope, then you will easily tell the difference. Both methods correlate with different depth of the cut. In engraving, the cuts are deeper in comparison to etching and also high power is used in engraving.
2- Physical Efforts Needed In Both Methods
Another difference between both the etching and engraving method is the physical efforts that are needed. So basically, the straight and the simple thing is that etching requires fewer efforts in comparison to engraving because in etching, the designs are made with the help of wax but in case of engraving, one has to use tools to cut different materials.
3- Size Of The Object
The size of the object is also another difference in both methods. The etching method works in some materials and the engraving is more ideal for some other materials. Usually, the etching method is used for small projects and it is ideal for thin materials. On the flip side, the engraving process is used for heavy large materials.
4- Materials That Are Used
This is one of the major difference between etching and engraving and a lot of people are confused and think that they both are for the same materials but this is not true at all. The materials that are used in both methods are different like, metallic materials are more used in etching and materials like wood, metal and plastics are used in engraving.
Conclusion
These were some of the major differences that make one method different from other. Though both the methods have different benefits but they are viewed as the same by a lot of people. All the differences that are mentioned above are basic and there are some complex differences. Hope this article will clear all of your doubts and queries regarding the differences between etching and engraving.