Glossary

Bevel

Angled edge of embossed or debossed image. Photoetched copper dies have a bevel of 35 to 45 degrees. Bevel can be specified on brass dies, usually ranging from 35 to 75 degrees.

Blind emboss, deboss or foil stamping

Blind refers to any operation that does not register to another process, for example, embossing to printing or embossing to foil.

Bottoming

The counter forces the paper completely into the contours of the die so that all detail in the die is realized.

Brass

Most suitable for multi-dimensional dies, either hand tooled or CNC milled. Not suited for acid etching like copper.

Burnishing

Embossing or debossing using high heat that will discolor the paper.

Chiseled

V shaped embossing or debossing produced with brass dies.

Combination Dies

Dies that foil stamp and emboss or foil and deboss in one press run.

Copper

Very suitable for photo etching. Good for long runs, fine details and heavy coverage.

Counter

Mold of emboss or deboss die that makes the paper conform to the original die. Prepared by die maker or produced on press.

Deboss

The process of recessing an image below the original surface of the paper.

Domed

Rounded relief of embossing or debossing die.

Emboss

Raising an image above the original surface of the paper.

Foil Stamping

Transferring foil to a surface with heat and pressure.

Heat Compensation

Shrinking a die to allow for expansion when it is heated to stamping temperature. Most commonly used on foil dies when registering to printing or embossing. Copper expands roughly 1/32" over a 20 inch length when heated from 70 degrees (room temperature) to 250 degrees (stamping temperature).

Intaglio Printing/Engraving

Printing from plates with a recessed image that ink has been forced into. Paper is brought in contact with the plate and the ink transfers out of the recessed image. Photoetched 16 gauge copper plates are used for shorter run engraved products replacing steel.

Register Emboss

Embossing that fits to a printed or foil stamped image on the press sheet.

Register Foil

Foil stamping that fits to a printed image or foil stamped image on a press sheet.

Rounded

Embossing relief without an angled bevel.

Sculptured Dies

Hand tooled dies with realistic detail, usually brass.