Orders received by 11AM Arizona time will be processed the same day. 

The Best Impressions Begin With Dies From Metal Magic

Engravers of premium brass and copper dies for everything from stationery to wine labels, commercial packaging to annual reports, trading cards to book covers.

What We Do Is Pretty Cool 

Watch us transform brass and copper plates into works of art. You think it's easy? Just watch the process come to life. Here's how we do it.

Brass Dies

Brass dies are the zenith of the engraving processes. They are sculptured and CNC milled for a quality product. 

Whether CNC milled or hand sculpted, the distinctive difference will raise your creative artwork to new levels. From simple designs to the most elegant creations imaginable, brass is the most creative choice.

Our die sculpting department consists of Master Engravers, each with their own specialty in sculpting brass dies. Metal Magic has won “Best of Show” awards year after year for brass dies used in creating the finest impressions possible.

In addition to hand sculpted dies, we are pleased to offer CNC milled brass dies. The combination of computer technology and high speed precision milling capabilities enable us to bridge the gap between photo etched and hand sculptured dies. Our fleet of CNC machines allows Metal Magic to produce precision quality at competitive pricing with rapid turn times.

Hand Sculptured and CNC Milled Brass Dies

• Embossing Dies - Single or Multi Level
• Debossing Dies - Single or Multi Level
• Combination Dies - Single or Multi Level
• Foil Stamping Dies
• Metal Applique Dies

Duplicate Dies

Metal Magic proudly offers a solution when running multiple-up jobs that is cost effective and a significant time saver! Our duplicate dies are cast from an original die, usually brass, then used in lieu of additional metal dies. Often times, duplicates are a cost saving solution to running multiple-up jobs, and reduce the die manufacturing time so you can begin press operation sooner. Duplicate dies can also be used to reduce the time a job spends on your press running multiple passes with a single metal die.

Counters

We manufacture Pre-Cast Counters for all your Emboss, Deboss, and Combination dies.

» When to order brass dies vs. copper dies?

Copper Dies

Metal Magic offers a complete selection of copper dies to service all your graphic arts needs. We exclusively use the finest American copper to manufacture all copper dies, and offer a wide range of customized services to accompany any die order.

• Foil Stamping Dies
• Double Etched Foil Dies / Reflection Dies
• Embossing Dies
• Debossing Dies
• Intaglio (Engraving) Dies
• Wood Mounted Printing Cut

Hardness of Copper

With almost the same Rockwell hardness as that of engravers brass, it is less susceptible to damage than magnesium. Press runs of one million foil stamping impressions or more can be achieved with photo etched copper dies.

Density of Copper

The superior heat retention of copper allows consistent foil transfer on heavy coverage and increased press speeds.

Stability of Copper

With an expansion rate only about 25% that of magnesium, copper holds its size much better for register work. Heat compensation is always available for your most critical jobs.

Level Surface

All copper plates are diamond ground assuring you of a flat and level stamping face for faster and easier make-ready.

Corrosion Resistance

Engraving copper is a stable alloy meaning better long-term storage. Dies do not need to be coated before filing away.

» When to order brass dies vs. copper dies?

From shiny metallics to subtle tints and rich pigments to an array of special effects, foil stamping creates an impressive visual statement. 

To ensure your work looks as good as it could be, you need to keep several things in mind.

• Paper selection will have a bearing on successful stamping. Coated surfaces are recommended for fine detail and the shiniest foil surface. Smooth uncoated papers would be the next best surface for fine detail. Pronounced textures require extra pressure that may cause lines to fatten and may also cause the foil to appear dull.
• Small type or fine lines reversed out of a solid stamping area will have a tendency to fill in. Make sure you have adequate line width, usually 1 point or more depending on the paper, to stamp cleanly to prevent bridging of the foil across the gap.
• Just as important is a very narrow line width that can actually etch away creating broken lines. A line width of narrower than ½ point is not recommended.
• Most metallic and pigment foils have sufficient opacity to stamp over printed areas without any ink showing through. This will minimize or eliminate the necessity to reverse or knock out the ink in the stamping area.
• Heat compensation for die expansion can be applied to large or multiple up dies to allow correct fit.

Also, see double-etched foil dies/reflection dies »

Specialty finishing ideas like ink over foil or holograms are just some of the different techniques being used today. A popular variation is double etching or micro etching a foil stamping die with a fine pattern that adds additional detail for artistic effects or for security reasons. 

The designs can be as simple as an overall pattern or a custom designed texture for a specific image.

Also see foil-stamped dies »