Ginger Singh-Kauldhar
Foiling & Embossing Design | Artwork
At Tomlinson, we manufacture high quality foiling and embossing dies for all kinds of printed products. Whether it’s a one off magnesium flat foiling die for a luxury wedding invitation, or multiple intricately detailed, brass multi-level embossing dies for a high end packaging application, in every case quality artwork is key to achieving the finest possible foiled or embossed finish.
Magnesium
Magnesium foiling dies and single level embossing dies are chemically etched here at Tomlinson. First, customers’ artwork is digitally processed in our studio before being exposed to a blank magnesium plate using computer-to-plate (CTP) technology Blog.
Our existing MultiDX! 220 CTP machine alongside our new arrival, the MultiDX! 320.
In order to create a crisp, clear and defined printed result, artwork for magnesium dies should be supplied in high resolution vector file format at 100% size with solid outlines and without filters or screens.
The images below demonstrate resolutions ranging from 72dpi to a fully vectored image. Although the 600dpi raster image may seem visually acceptable, it generates irregular tool paths for our CNC machines. This increases machining time and introduces inefficiencies, resulting in sub-standard die quality. More importantly, this compromises the precision and overall quality of the finished product.
Where original artwork files do contain screens, filters or are of low resolution, the photo etching process will replicate these characteristics translating to image ‘blurring’ and jagged, sharp and undefined image edges on the etched die. These edges are not only in danger of cutting into and damaging the stock on press, but will also result in an undefined and disappointing end print.
Please create and supply your vector artwork in layers - a ‘foil layer’ and/or an ‘emboss layer’. And please also include a ‘composite layer' which shows the entire design so that we can see how it all fits together.
Brass
Brass foiling and embossing dies are machine cut by CNC here at Tomlinson and high-quality artwork is also of the utmost importance. CNC milling machines require solid-line artwork to reproduce clearly-defined image detail and edges resulting in a precision die and crisp finished print.
As is the case for magnesium, artwork for brass dies should be supplied in layers in high-resolution vector file format at 100% size with solid outlines, and should be filter and screen free.
Embossing
Embossed finishes can contain a variety of detail, ranging from single level (where an image is raised to a single, fixed level throughout), to multi-level (where rounded, faceted, domed, bevelled and sculptured emboss detail can be incorporated for a three dimensional, lifelike finished effect).
Any and all information you can include within your artwork to describe the envisaged embossed finish will enable our team to create an embossing die to fit your unique needs.
Vector breakdown of gift box image.
Colour breakdown of gift box image.
Single level and Multi-level image of gift box image.
For instance, where a festive greeting card design incorporates an embossed gift box, the description of a ‘single level embossing die’ could fit the bill; the box will stand out but will not incorporate any additional detail or levels.
Alternatively, where the gift box is wrapped with a large bow, a ‘multi-level embossing die’ could be requested; the gift box will be raised to one level, and the bow will be raised to a second, higher level within it.
Similarly, a ‘rounded emboss’ could describe an embossed piece of fruit; and a ‘faceted emboss’ could describe the style of emboss detail on a star, etc.
In cases where ‘sculptured’ emboss detail is desired, please request this on your artwork file and our imaginative team will create a stunning, three dimensional, engraved embossing die with multiple levels and lifelike detail. Rest assured that you can trust our team with this; Tomlinson’s skilled programmers and engravers have amassed many years’ experience creating multi-level embossing dies that can bring even the most complex design to life! And, for your peace of mind, we’re happy to supply a 3D PDF file for approval on request before commencing production of your final sculptured embossing die.
Additionally, let us know whether embossed detail within your design will register with a print or be ‘blind’ (where embossing stands alone on the page).
Finally, let us know whether a previous embossed sample is available to help convey the level of detail you’re looking for - our team will be more than happy to use this as a guide. We will return this to you along with your finished die.
Stock Details for Embossing
Information regarding the stock on which your embossing die will be used enables our team to determine the depth of engraving required to achieve the best possible printed result. This information is key because a die that’s engraved too shallow may not leave an impression on the stock at all, whereas a die that’s engraved too deep could burst the stock on press.
A detailed stock description included in your artwork - for example, GF Smith 350gsm Colourplan gfsmith.com - will give our engravers all the information they need to determine the ideal image depth. And, where stock is laminated, please also let us know.
Foil and Emboss Textures
Textures can be incorporated into both foiling and embossing dies to add greater detail and dimension that will further enhance your design.
Once you have selected a texture from our comprehensive foil or emboss texture libraries, https://www.youtube.com/channe... simply indicate the desired textured area/s on a separate artwork layer. Don’t forget to clearly specify the texture reference number on this layer, too.
It's important to emphasise that multiple textures can be built into a single die…so don’t be too restrained! Just be sure to create a separate artwork layer for each textured area, including the texture reference number that corresponds to each layer, to enable our team to place the correct texture in the correct place within your die.
Tomlinson is the longest established, independent die maker in the UK and we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service standards and high quality products. Should you have any questions relating to artwork that we haven’t answered above, or would like to find out more about what we do, simply get in touch with our sales team today on +44 (0) 116 270 6244.