Make a Good Impression

Stamping and embossing experts reveal how to get the best results from the package-enhancing processes.

by Kate Sharon, Associate Editor

THE VALUE OF stamping and embossing equipment is well known. In today's retail world, where it's hard to walk down a grocery store aisle without seeing several packages enhanced by the glimmer of foil, stamping and embossing capabilities are a converter's key to value-added products.

"Increasingly competitive markets create a larger demand for differentiation in product, packaging, and promotion, which is perfect for foil stamping and embossing," according to Jim Hutchison, senior vice president of sales of Universal Engraving Inc., a foil stamping and embossing die manufacturer. "… Foil stamping and embossing can be utilized alone or as a compliment to printing and/or diecutting. Foil stamping and embossing grabs the customer's attention through visual and tactile senses. By adding the process, it automatically provides a perceived higher value [for the package]."

But, as per usual in the package-printing industry, owning and running the equipment isn't enough. Converters need to know and understand the machinery inside and out, including foils and dies, to make the most of their investment.

packagePRINTING talked to industry insiders to get their advice on what converters need to know to produce superior stamping and embossing results.

From the beginning

Makeready is a critical step in the converting process where companies can save time and money. It takes operator know-how to get the machine set correctly, but being prepared with the proper makeready tools, or support materials, helps make setting up the stamping die easier and less time consuming, said Sam McElree, product manger of KURZ Transfer Products, a foil manufacturer.

"When you come from the stamping industry, the most important element is the time you spend on the makeready," McElree said. "The time you spend shows up in your finished product. For example: Spend more time on your makeready in the beginning and less downtime every 500 sheets repairing makeready."