Special Applications Graphics Machines, Continued
Engraver
Manual engravers may be hand-driven or motorized. Newer, automated
features
engravers have keyboards, a memory system, and an editing screen.
Engravers enlarge, reduce, or create the same-size letters by tracing fonts
secured in a galley and redrawing that image into plastic or metal. Engravers
have a motor, pulleys, a galley tray, a tracing point, tracing arms, and jigs to
hold round or flat objects. Templates are slid into a galley tray and secured
by thumbscrews. Templates are available in many styles and are made of
brass. The engraver cuts the letter/symbol outline into plastic or metal, using
a cutter. Cutters are carbide steel for cutting plastic and diamond-tipped for
engraving metal. Use the motor with the carbide cutters. The diamond-
tipped cutters require only hand pressure to cut metal.
Figure 4-12 shows different cutter points.
Figure 4-12. —Cutter profiles.
General care
Inspect the engraving machine before using it. Like other electrically
powered tools, inspect the cords and wiring for wear. Examine the pulleys
and belts for dryness and stretching. Use sharp cutters of the correct depth
in the machine.
General
Clean debris from all surfaces. Remove the jigs to brush away debris under
maintenance
the galley. Remove the thumbscrews and brush debris from the galley trays.
Brush away debris from under the jigs and surrounding areas. Engraving
residue is similar to sawdust; it gets everywhere. Maintain sharp cutter
points and clean, sharp templates. Do not over tighten thumbscrew settings.
Continued on next page
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