a machine and process for forming indicia in or on the surface of objects , particularly friable or hyaline objects , such as glass and ceramics , by producing tape carrying indicia - forming masks , and for applying those masks to the articles to be engraved at a rapid rate , for relatively high volume applications , is disclosed . a die is formed by chemical etching , and is heated to cut an adhesive - backed thermoplastic film on a carrier tape . the masks and the cutout portions are separated , so that both positive and negative masks are produced simultaneously , and either can be applied automatically to objects to be etched and / or embossed . embossing and / or etching is performed by sandblasting , chemical etching , or selective application of coating materials .