Identify die-cut, embossing, and foil-stamping products and the basic equipment and procedures used for each process.

Identification should include the following concepts:

• Die-cut products may include boxes, cartons, pop-up books, cards, and games.
• Die-cut procedures should include press set-up, registration, and quality control.
• Die-cut equipment should include a press and sharp metal rule(s) (i.e., dies) formed to cut various shapes, as required by the job specifications.
• Embossing and foil stamping products may include brochures, reports, invitations, and business cards.
• Equipment, materials, and procedures for embossing and foil stamping should include
  • various colors and types of foil
  • fonts
  • regular embossing
  • male and female die
  • relief die
  • heat and pressure.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What is the effect of computers on the die-cutting industry?
• Why is it important to plan the printing job before die cutting?
• What must be considered when outsourcing a die-cutting job?
• What is the difference between foil stamping and embossing? What are the uses of each?
• How can adding specialty colors enhance a printed project?