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 applied in coming up with brochures, presentation folders, business cards, certificates, rack cards and greeting cards. It is possible to emboss every aspect and image of a design. To arrive at a properly embossed text or object, more detailed dies and heavy papers are needed. They bring out the most attractive pieces of work.

The main dies used in the embossing process are copper, brass, magnesium and scratch. Though different, they are all involved in the real process as determined by a number of factors. They paragraphs that follow explain these dies and their functions.

Magnesium dies are usually used for stamping flat foil that is made from magnesium. This is a shiny white metallic object that enlarges upon exposure to a small amount heat. The die is etched with an acid, and is the most affordable of the dies.

Copper dies are also used for stamping flat foils. Since copper is a harder metal compared to magnesium, it does not expand upon exposure to heat as much as magnesium does. It is always considered for a hundred thousand and more impressions. They are also etched with acid and have the capability of handling more detail compared to magnesium. They are normally slightly expensive than magnesium ones. It takes approximately two to three days.

The next type of foil is that applied on brass. They are normally used in the embossing of single level and multilevel flat foils, removing the stamps and all these activities combined. This foil is designed from the alloy of zinc and copper. Whenever it is exposed to rising temperatures, its enlargement degree is the least as contrasted to the other foils mentioned. This type is usually hand etched. Besides this, it is less affordable as compared to magnesium. Designing this foil takes a minimum of five 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.

Various colors are, hence, produced after using different foils. There are various aspects considered in arriving at the most appropriate die for the embossing process. They include the time they take during their manufacture, the materials used in making them, and their rate in terms of response to heat. They all produce a 3D that looks very beautiful to the eye. One can, therefore, cut on the cost and wastage of resources if he/she buys the most suitable die.




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