Embossing is the process of creating a three-dimensional image or design in paper and other ductile materials. It is typically accomplished with a combination of heat and pressure on the paper. This is achieved by using a metal die(female) usually made of brass and a counter die(male) that fit together and actually squeeze the fibers of the substrate. This pressure and a combination of heat actually "irons" while raising the level of the image higher than the substrate to make it smooth. In printing this is accomplished on a letterpress. The most common machines are the Kluge or Heidleberg Windmill. For embossing metal, see repoussé. Piece of paper Paper is a thin, flat material produced by the compression of fibers. ... Ductility is the physical property of being capable of sustaining large plastic deformations without fracture (in metals, such as being drawn into a wire). ... In physics, heat is defined as energy in transit. ... Pressure (symbol: p) is the force per unit area acting on a surface in a direction perpendicular to that surface. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Letterpress printing is the oldest printing technique, in which a raised surface is inked and then pressed against a smooth substance to obtain an image in reverse. ... Kluge can be: an alternative spelling of kludge. ... Repoussé bracelet by Thomas Feeser, ©2005. ...

The embossing process can be applied to textiles as non-wovens to get better finished products as sanitary napkins, diapers, tissue paper and others. In printing it is used as an accent process and can be used in conjunction with ink called color register embossing or with no ink called blind embossing. It also can be used with foil stamping which when embossed with foil is known as combination stamping or combo stamping. All of these processes use a die and counter die. This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...

Notarizing

A notary public frequently uses embossing to mark legal papers, either in the form of an adhesive seal, or using a clamp-like embossing device. An Embossed Notary Seal A notary public is an officer who can administer oaths and statutory declarations, witness and authenticate documents and perform certain other acts varying from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. ...

Postage stamps

Embossing has been used regularly on postage stamps. Notable early examples include some of the earliest stamps of Italy, Natal, and Switzerland, as well as the early high values of Britain. Modern stamps still sometimes use embossing as a design element. A selection of Hong Kong postal stamps A postage stamp is evidence of pre-paying a fee for postal services. ... KwaZulu-Natal, often referred to as KZN, is a province of South Africa. ...

Metal

Also metal can be embossed or debossed.

External links

• See examples of embossers