Special Techniques

There are a range of printing techniques that allow designers to produce something different to standard print processes such as lithography and gravure. However they can become very expensive due to their additional set up times but can certainly add to the value of the design.

Descriptions taken from - 'The Production Manual*' - Page 170 - 173

Perforation - A process that creates a cut out area in a substrate to weaken it so that it can be detached, or it is used to create a decorative effect.

Duplexing - The bonding of two stocks to form a single substrate with different colours or textures on each side.

Foils - A process whereby a coloured foil is pressed to a substrate via a heated die. Also called foil stamp, heat stamp or foil emboss, allows the designer to add specific design elements such as title text.

Thermography - A print-finishing process that reproduces raised lettering by fusing thermographic powder to a design in an over

Embossing - Uses magnesium, copper or brass die holding an image to stamp the stock and leave an impression. As the design has to push through stock, designs are usually slightly oversized, with heavier lines and extra space between the letters in a word.

Debossing - Uses a metal dye containing a design, which is stamped from above onto stock to leave an indentation. It produces better results on thicker stock to get a deeper impression.

Die cutting - Uses a steel die to cut away a specified section of a design. It is mainly used to add a decorative element to a print job and enhance the visual performance of the piece.

Laser Cutting - Uses a laser to cut shapes into stock rather than use a metal tool. Laser cutting can produce more intricate cut outs with a cleaner edge than a steel die although the heat on the laser burns the cut edge. Faster set up times mean faster job turn around.

Kiss Cutting - Often used with self adhesive substrates such as stickers, where by the face stock is die cut but not its backing sheet to fabricate the easy removal of the cut stock.