Embossing on Products

Embossing is the process of creating an impression on an object to take the shape of a particular design; think of the numbers on your credit card. This is one of the cheapest ways to enhance the look and feel of any surface, extending to material like paper, plastic, cloth, leather or even metal. In comparison to engraving, where plates are pressed against the surface of the product, embossing pressing raises the surface adding a new dimension to the item.

What is Promotional Embossing?

Promotional embossing is the means of placing your personal brand or logo in a raised way onto a promotional product. This will have your brand or logo stand out on the product and is an elegant way of elevating the standard and quality of the item. Also, embossing does not change the thickness of the material but simply raises a certain area to emphasise your design. Think of the difference a notary's embossed seal makes on a document; your brand will be perceived with that same magnitude.

How Does Embossing Work

Embossing is achieved through heat, pressure and time. More importantly, metal dies used vary depending on the shape of the image and texture to be created. Embossing also differs with the type of material your product is made out of.

Paper is the most common form for embossing. For paper embossing, the embossing die comes into contact with the paper under high pressure and raises its surface. It is recommended that you use heavy-duty, long-fibered sheets to prevent cracking. The depth and degree of bevel achieved will depend on the stock. A thicker stock will result in a more dramatic embossing effect because the impression can be pushed deeper into the paper.

Another way of embossing paper is to place the selected metal die onto a freshly pulled sheet of paper and let the sheet dry on the mould. However, this is not time effective and it is much more common to create the impression under high pressure. Similarly, for metal, the sheet is passed through roller dies that create an impression for your design or logo.

Advantages

Embossing has several advantages:

• The branding on the material is permanent;
• Embossing is high impact and provides an extremely detailed image on your product;
• The embossing creates a 3D tactile finish for a noticeable difference when compared to other methods like printing.

Disadvantages

Embossing does have some disadvantages:

• The cost of embossing is high compared to other methods and this may negatively affect other costly aspects such as colour;
• Embossing relies on the skill of the operator and can vary with the type of material used;
• It may be limited to certain positions and areas of the item;
• Embossing is confined to certain materials, such as paper, leather and soft metals and plastics.

Conclusion

Embossing is an expensive means of having your brand or logo imprinted on a promotional product. However, it is a method that will undoubtedly invigorate and distinguish your brand from traditional decorating techniques.