Embossing

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Embossing is the process of creating a three-dimensional image or design in paper and other ductile materials. It is typically accomplished with a combination of heat and pressure on the paper. This is achieved by using a metal die(female) usually made of brass and a counter die(male) that fit together and actually squeeze the fibers of the substrate. This pressure and a combination of heat actually "irons" while raising the level of the image higher than the substrate to make it smooth. In printing this is accomplished on a letterpress. The most common machines are the Kluge Letterpress and the Heidelberg Letterpress. For embossing metal, see repoussé.

The embossing process can be applied to textiles as non-wovens to get better finished products as sanitary napkins, diapers, tissue paper and others. In printing it is used as an accent process and can be used in conjunction with ink called color register embossing or with no ink called blind embossing. It also can be used with foil stamping which when embossed with foil is known as combination stamping or combo stamping. All of these processes use a die and counter die.

[edit] Notarizing

A notary public frequently uses embossing to mark legal papers, either in the form of an adhesive seal, or using a clamp-like embossing device.

[edit] Postage stamps

Embossing has been used regularly on postage stamps. Notable early examples include some of the earliest stamps of Italy, Natal, and Switzerland, as well as the early high values of Britain. Modern stamps still sometimes use embossing as a design element.

[edit] Debossing

In a debossed image, the image is lowered into the surface of the material - as opposed to embossing, where it's raised.