Engraving is usually used on materials like metallic, wood and stone. There are many purposes for engraving, each decorative and functional. Engraving is often used for printing. The words and designs to be printed are engraved in a metal die, and the grooves are full of ink. Laser engraving is presently a popular form of engraving. A laser is used to cut designs into the surface of the thing being engraved.