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Monday, June 16, 2014

Choosing Suitable Foil Embossing Dies

By Ina Hunt


Embossing involves use of specially manufactured dies to make writings stand on top of the material used. This activity brings about a 3 dimensional effect which is normally beautiful before the eye. When embossing is done with the help of foil embossing dies, the resultant design is more attractive whether visually or literally. This skills are applied in circumstances where there is enough reason for highlighting crucial details like models, names and emblems. Two different processes; die and foil embossing always combine effectively in attaining 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.

Among the dies involved in the process include magnesium, scratch, copper and brass embossing dies. These different dies were always used for different purposes depending on some factors. They are analyzed critically in the paragraphs below.

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 foils are also commonly used in this process. Copper being a harder element as contrasted to magnesium expands at a lesser rate in relation to magnesium. This type of foil is always recommended for approximately a hundred impressions. Just like the preceding metal foil, they are etched with acid, and can handle more details as contrasted to magnesium. The price is slightly higher than that of those made from magnesium. This type of die takes about three days to be ready for use.

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 very last die is the scratch off. It is commonly used on coated items and plastic. There are various shades of colors and designs of this category. These colors and models are employed in the same functions of stamping designs on items. The varying colors have no impact on the resultant design apart from printing out texts of different colors.

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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