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DESIGNING
WITH FOIL & EMBOSSING Designer's
Tip - Creating Artwork for Dies
Clodfelter Engraving, Inc. suggest that artwork for creating dies be sent as an original
art file versus a file in a layout program such as QuarkXPress®, Pagemaker® or
InDesign®. In most cases Illustrator® or other vector files are recommended,
however bitmap images with resolutions of 600 dpi or higher can be used depending
on the die-making process. Consult Clodfelter Engraving, Inc. to determine which type
of file is best for the project.
When preparing artwork for flat stamping dies, which will be photo-etched, it must be solid line art without the use of any screens. If a screen is necessary, 60 to 65 dpi is best for photo-etching. The digital
files must be 100% of size, and the artwork should also be saved at 600 dpi or
higher to ensure a crisp engraved image and best results.
These same rules apply to single-level embossing dies as well - the only addition
is to ensure Clodfelter Engraving, Inc. knows the type and thickness of the stock that will
be embossed. This will tell the engraver how deep the die can be etched.
 Artwork
for brass multi-level or brass sculptured engravings can be a bit more
complicated. If the image is to be multi-level embossed, the type of
embossing effect must be indicated. The most common choices are either
raised round (round lift), raised flat (beveled flat lift), or raised
roof (raised faceted). On a multi-level image, a portion of the artwork
might indicate to raise flat the first level and indicate a raised
round effect on the second level.
With sculptured embossed dies that are, for the most part, completely hand-engraved
by a talented master engraver, the designer can have input and make suggestions,
but must trust the creation to the expertise of the engraver. It is recommended
to take the artwork that will include sculptured embossing and indicate what
areas on the image should include intricate detail in the embossing die. If there
is a printed image that is partially sculptured embossed, separating out a layer
in the digital artwork that indicates the portion of the image to emboss is the
best solution. Then on a key line or black and white laser print, the embossing
effects and amount of detail can be indicated. Combination (foil and embossing)
dies must follow the same guidelines as above. The only exception is when an
image is flat foil stamped in certain areas and foil and embossed in others on
the same die. This must be well marked on the artwork.
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