Die-sinker and Engraver Career Description
Die-sinkers and engravers are artisans who are qualified in the designing, modeling and striking of medals and coins. Die-sinkers also supervise the modem equipment and machines with which these coins and medals are struck.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
When a new coin or medal is made, a sketch plan is made of that which will be portrayed. This is often the task of die-sinkers and engravers. These designs can be front views, skew or profile views of well-known people, portraits of buildings, or symbolical designs.
After the institution that proposes the medal or coin has approved the sketch design, the design is modeled. This task requires exact craftsmanship and is usually done by diesinkers and engravers. The initials of the modeler are struck onto the medal or coin, together with the design. The model is then moulded into a plaster negative and an acrylic positive.
Hereafter the die-sinkers and engravers supervise the reducing process, where the acrylic positive is used to cut a steel die that will be the actual size of the final product. A negative is again printed from this positive die to which the necessary wording is added with letter and number punches.
Die-sinkers and engravers also do engraving, such as machine and hand engraving of monograms, different letterforms and decorative work on precious metals. , They are also responsible for the manufacturing of embossing stamps for paper and wax for government departments, supreme courts, etc.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Die-sinkers and engravers have to have artistic abilities and be able to do delicate handwork. Their eye-hand co-ordination and eyesight have to be good, since their eyes will be continually under stress.
Where can I work?
This is a specialist field in which limited career possibilities exist. Some private institutions that manufacture medals employ die-sinkers and engravers.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Die-sinkers and engravers can start their own businesses and design and manufacture medals and memorial coins for businesses. These persons first have to obtain the necessary machines and equipment before they can start with their work.
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