Before learning about the history of engraving, we should have some basic understanding of the concept of ‘engraving’. But in fact, ‘carving’ is not difficult to understand, is nothing more than the use of a variety of carving tools to scrape off the excess carving material, leaving special words or patterns, and ultimately leaving a permanent mark on the surface of the object. The above behaviour is called ‘engraving’. Engraving has been around for thousands of years. Today we will explore how the form of engraving has evolved over the millennia.
The Evolution of Carving
Around 15,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians became famous for their outstanding carvings. Most famous for their cave art, you can even see a bull around 6 feet wide in their cave carvings. In addition to cave carvings, the famous ones are hieroglyphics. It is said that at that time, the ancient Egyptians had created over a thousand symbols that helped them establish a special language. These hieroglyphics were usually carved on temples or pyramids, among other things. Hieroglyphics were passed down intact until the nineteenth century when they were lost.
During the Roman period, the rulers of Rome created many beautiful carvings in order to preserve their right to rule the country. Also, in the process of making coins, the Romans used engraving techniques. The Romans did not specifically carve on coins, but used the process in the process of minting models. In this way, the Romans were able to produce large quantities of coins in a short period of time.
Time came to 1790, this time appeared carved woodblock prints. This means that words or designs were carved into the boards, then ink was applied to the carved boards, and finally the designs or words were printed on paper. Between 1850 and 1900, roughly 1,200 books were produced using this method. Only later, when a wider variety of tools (like fountain pens, modern photographic techniques, etc.) became available, engraved woodblock prints became less popular.
Then, in the 20th century, the typewriter came along. The small parts attached to typewriters at this time were engraved with letters. And the letters on them could still be written manually on their own. At this time, wooden seals also began to appear. The use of engraved seals is also very common nowadays.
Time has advanced to the present time, and the addition of emerging technologies has given new colours to the engraving technology. Laser engraving can be called the most advanced engraving technology now. You only need to set the pattern to be engraved on the computer and then upload it into the laser engraving machine. The laser engraver will adjust the parameters of the strong laser beam according to the designed pattern. For example, the greater the width of the laser beam, the thicker the engraved lines. The stronger the intensity of the laser beam, the deeper the engraved pattern.
In fact, the development of science and technology not only makes the carving process has changed, but also makes the carving of the material has become more extensive. Previously only in the metal, stone carving, now can be in the glass, plastic carving. And the carving out of the effect is also very perfect.
What materials can be used for engraving?
As mentioned earlier, the range of engraving materials is expanding as engraving methods continue to advance. Here is the history of the evolution of carving materials.
1. Stone
In the old days, stone was a very common material for carving. However, nowadays, stone is still a very common carving material. This is mainly due to the fact that all over the world, it is customary to make tombstones for the deceased. In the past, chisels were used along with mallets for carving. Nowadays, although laser engraving is a very common method of engraving. Nowadays, although laser engraving has become a very common engraving method, hand engraving is still the most common way of engraving monuments in order to show respect.
2. Wood
Wood carving is also a relatively common carving process. And almost every kind of wood can be used for carving. The most common carvings we see are probably the furniture in our homes. Generally speaking, the carving style of furniture is inclined to graceful and luxurious, somehow reflecting the owner's generosity and grandeur.
3. Metal
Metal is one of the most common materials used for engraving. Many people choose metal for engraving, in fact, because it is a material that is easier to preserve and can leave an engraving mark almost permanently. Most commonly, engraving is done on a variety of rings that are made from precious metals to convey love or promise to the wearer. If you are engraving on the inside of the ring, then only the wearer of the ring will know about the engraving, which is a very romantic thing to do.
Also, trophies and trophies are a very common expression of metal engraving. There are also metal name tags attached to various machines, which are engraved with detailed information about the machine (e.g. machine model, power, voltage applied, etc.).
Nowadays, the commonly used engraving method for metal is laser engraving, and you can engrave anything by laser engraving as long as you want. You can even say that the only limitation of laser engraving is the idea of the engraver. You can engrave a person's face, an animal's paw print, or even a person's handwriting on metal. There is nothing that laser engraving can't accomplish if you want it to!
4. Glass
When you see the words ‘glass engraving’, you will not feel surprised, glass is so fragile material, how to be able to carve on glass? But in fact, with the help of laser engraving, engraving on glass is actually a breeze. Just upload the pattern into the laser engraving machine and within a few minutes, you will have the finished product.
In its current form, engraving is a process that is here to stay, and the way it is done will probably continue to evolve. But then again, while engraving technology will continue to evolve, hand engraving won't disappear completely - after all, it still has a unique charm that can't be replaced by other engraving methods.
