Printing Engraver (Etching)
いんさつちょうこくこう（ふしょくちょうこく）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession that manufactures metal printing plates through chemical corrosion or mechanical engraving and creates original plates for printing.
Description
The Printing Engraver (Etching) is a specialist who applies a photosensitive agent to metal plates such as aluminum or zinc, performs exposure and development to expose hardened and unexposed areas, and then conducts etching processing with chemical agents such as acid to manufacture printing plates. They handle plate production for lithographic printing (offset printing) and gravure printing, strictly controlling etching time, chemical solution concentration, and machine settings to ensure the reproducibility of fine line drawings and halftones. Additionally, they operate related automated equipment, perform quality inspections, and engage in repairing and correcting plate surfaces.
Future Outlook
With the spread of digital printing technology, demand for traditional chemical etching is on a decreasing trend, but specialized skills are still required in high-definition, large-volume printing, and special printing fields. Adaptation to automation and digitalization will be the key moving forward.
Personality Traits
Good at machine operation / Has an eye for detail / High concentration
Work Style
Career Path
Plate-making Operator → Prepress Department Leader → Printing Factory Administrator → Printing Technology Consultant
Required Skills
Basic Metal Processing Knowledge / Chemical Handling Techniques / Etching Processing / Exposure and Development Machine Operation / Photolithography Techniques
Recommended Skills
Automated Equipment Operation / CAD Data Operation / Color Management / Reading English Literature
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because the precision of fine plate surfaces directly affects the finish. |
| Problem Solving | Because it is necessary to identify the causes of etching unevenness or defective plates and take measures. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Management of chemical concentrations and etching times is necessary, but advanced mathematical analysis is minimal. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly standing work and manual labor indoors, with little heavy labor. |
Related Qualifications
- Printing Technician (Grade 2)
- Printing Technician (Grade 3)
Aliases
- Corrosive Plate Engraver
- Etching Engraver
- Printing Plate Etching Worker
Related Jobs
- Gravure Plate Worker
- Letterpress Printer
- Metal Processing Worker
- Plate-making Operator