Choosing Suitable Foil Embossing Dies

By Ina Hunt


Embossing entails using specially made dies to make letters stand above the surface. This process results in three-dimensional effect that is very appealing to look at. When the process is carried out using foil embossing dies, the effect is even more appealing literally and visually. This design is used whenever there is need for highlighting important information such as designs, names and logos. Two processes; die embossing and foil embossing are always combined to achieve better results.

This process is normally used in designing business cards, brochures, invitations, presentation folders, certificates, greeting cards and rack cards. Almost every element and picture of a design can be taken through the embossing process. A detailed die and paper of heavier density are the most effective in bringing out the design.

The main foils involved in embossing are magnesium, copper scratch and brass embossing foils. The varied types of dies are always used in different environments for varied purposes dictated by certain factors. They are keenly analyzed in the sentences below.

Magnesium foils are normally applied in stamping flat surfaces, and is designed from magnesium. This is a silvery metallic element that expands on a slight exposure to small heat. The foil is acid etched, and is very affordable compared to other dies.

Copper foils are also applied in stamping flat foils. Due to the fact that copper is a stronger metal in relation to magnesium, it expands by a lesser margin upon exposure high temperatures as contrasted to magnesium. It is often recommended for more than hundred thousand impressions. They are acid etched, and have potential for handling many details as contrasted to magnesium. They are usually more expensive than those made from magnesium. It takes about 2 to 3 days come up with such foils.

The type of die made from brass is used for the processes of multilevel and single embossing, debossing, and stamping on flat foils and sometimes the combination of these. Brass is the strongest copper alloy. It, therefore, reacts at the slowest rate to changes in temperature in comparison to all the other dies. This is the only hand etched among those so far mentioned. This die is also the most expensive among those discussed. They are usually ready in about seven days.

The last type of die is the scratch off foils. They are mostly applied on coated stock and plastic. It comes in different colors and models. All these colors and designs are used in the same purpose of stamping out designs. The colors do not have any effect on the final design produced other than bringing out differently colored texts.

Different types of dies are, therefore, used in bringing out designs. The factors considered in choosing a good die for embossing. The factors include their response to heat, the amount of time spent in their production and the types of materials to be used on. All of them are very vital in bringing out a three-dimensional design that appeals to the eyes of people looking at it. Choosing an appropriate printer is very important to prevent waste of resources on buying inappropriate dies.




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