19 July 2016

Print trimming

 

Paper embossing

This term refers to the process of creating in an embossed material (usually paper but also plastic or leather) of a 3D pattern by way of pressing an already printed model (such as e.g. a caption, logo or a decorative element) between the raised and recessed dies. The embossing process is oftentimes connected with the process of “hot-stamping” where a single move of a die at once slightly impresses both the pattern and the hot-stamping foil.

 

Laminating

This is covering a surface with laminate so as to either additionally protect a material from dampness, or reinforce it, or else for decorative aims. This is also a way of print trimming in which a printed foil, cloth etc. is stamped on to a surface. One of the most popular laminating methods is foliation, a reason why these two techniques of approaching print are confused.

 

Foliation

This is a process of covering print with plastic foil. Owing to foliation, so printed a surface acquires additional aesthetic values, is toughened and thus protected from mechanical or chemical factors, UV rays or dampness. Foliation is carried out in lamination machines by way of the so-called cold- or hot-stamping methods. Cold-stamped foils, also referred to as self-adhesive laminates, are coated with glue which seals the foil to a surface when pressed onto it. Sometimes a slightly heated laminator roll (30-40 degrees C) facilitates cold-stamping. The adhesive used in laminators is activated by the rolls of that laminator heated up to 80-120 degrees C. Foliation can be either single- or two-sided.

 

Hot-stamping

This printing method, also referred to as thermal print, or hot-print, utilizes both hot stamping foil and raised dies made of heat-conducting materials. The die is heated up to ca. 100 degrees C. As soon as it reaches the PET foil, the adhesive layer gets heated, too, in the spots which correspond to the appropriate points on the die itself. As a result, a desired fragment of paint and aluminum becomes impressed into thus hot-stamped surface.