Thermography Printing

 

Thermography, also known as raised in printing, is a cost effective alternative to achieve a raised effect similar to engraving and embossing.  Thermography is widely regarded as an appealing and preferred printing process that adds prestige to any printed piece.  

Process:

Thermography is a specialized process that combines offset printing ink with a powdered resin which is baked so that the resin rises to give the ink a raised, textured effect.  The image is first offset printed with a slow drying ink.  Next, the wet printed sheets travel through a tunnel that dusts them with resin.  The areas with ink are covered with the resin and the excess is vacuumed off.  Heat is then applied which melts the resin to form a raised, glassy and slightly enlarged image.  The powders are transparent so they take on the color of the underlying ink.  It's also possible to use a transparent ink which will make a transparent or "blind" design. 

Applications:

The most common use for thermography printing is business cards and stationery.  It's also used for wedding invitations, greeting cards, report covers and other printed items.  You can also apply thermography to specific portions of the sheet only, thereby creating a special effect that is not achievable using any other means.