Foil stamping has been developed using the letterpress principle. A male block is produced using zinc, magnesium, copper or brass. These are process engraved.

The block is heated on press and a metallic or coloured foil is branded on to the material. Foiled logos are incorporated into many corporate identities, used especially on corporate invitations, business cards, letter headings and compliment slips.

Embossing uses the same principle as die stamping. A female block is produced using zinc, magnesium, copper, brass or steel. These are process engraved to one depth or hand engraved to multiple depths.

In simple terms the material to be embossed is pushed into the die using a male counterforce. Embossing can be used to raise a printed or foiled image. It also used to “Blind Emboss” images, this raises the image on plain paper. This method is a highly cost effective way to raise images from a plain or printed. It is fully compatible with laser printers.