Embossing is the process of producing raised patterns on a surface. This is one of the oldest methods to decorate metals. A technique widely used for making ornaments is in which a thin metal sheet is decorated by beating it on the underside. This type of embossing is usually done either by hand or with a die and a counter die. It is usually called repouses. The materials suitable for embossing are plastics, thin metals, papers and leathers etc.
Crests, monograms, and addresses may be embossed on paper envelopes from dies set either in a small hand-screw press or in an ordinary letter press.
For impressing embossed pattern on wallpapers, textiles, copper cylinders are engraved with the desired patterns to be raised.
In this process the pattern is drawn or inscribed on the face of the die called male die. The surface is then machined away around the pattern so as to leave it raised. The counter-die termed as female die is engraved to match this die, so that when a thin strip of metal is placed between them and the die is forced into the counter-die, the pattern is left impressed or embossed upon this thin strip of metal. Die stamping has been used for many years for manufacturing metal parts. This method is also used in stationaries and letterheads. In this method paper is pressed between the dies and ink is applied to the top surface at the same time. Printers nowadays are using embossing machines for this purpose which produce raised patterns in a very short period of time. Blocked ornamental design on book covers or imitation tooling on letter work for instance, can be beautifully affected by means of powerful embossing presses.
Small hand-operated embossing machines have become very popular. The letters and numbers are embossed on a strip of soft metal or more commonly used vinyl tape. These are then formed by the hand-operated embossing machine. A wheel is used for pressing which transfers the pattern onto the other strip.
Modern embossing machines are equipped with latest electronic devices. They are replacing the hand-driven machines gradually. But still, a few traditional users of embossed material, such as ornaments prefer the old technique in making their ornamental designs.
