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Thermography is raised printing used to simulate engraving. It is faster and much less expensive than engraving. Recent improvements, coupled with the proper application and operator skill, make the process differences discernible only with a printer's magnifying glass.
Stationery, business cards, and invitations are typical applications of thermography. Recently, creative designers have extended the process into packaging and advertising. The results have been outstanding and have increased product demand. Many now recognize thermography as a separate art and not merely a simulation.
First, good thermography requires a top-quality printed image. The printed sheets are fed from the press delivery on to the thermograph's feeder (which is an endless belt). Thermography powder is sprinkled over the entire sheet while the ink is still wet. Excess powder is then vacuumed from the non-printed area and returned to the powder distributor for reuse. Sheets then pass through an oven or heaters and the powder is fused to the paper causing a raised image. Next, finished sheets are cooled and delivered into a receiving tray ready for shipment.
Thermography is often mixed with other graphic methods. Embossing, debossing, flat-printing, foil stamping and die-cutting all work well with the process. The improved powders make fine lines, screens and reverses easy to achieve. Large, smooth printed solids are often difficult, but if the solid is textured by the thermographic technique it will work fine.
Although thermography has been widely used in social and commercial printing for many years, it wasn't until recently that a major breakthrough made the process even more popular. This advancement involved the development of LaserMate, a thermographic powder capable of withstanding the intense heat of laser printers and copiers. Until this time, thermographed stationery would re-melt the image and cause it to flatten. However, with the introduction of new thermographic powder, the applications for thermography are virtually endless.
Designers and sales people fall in love with the creative uses of the raised image, texture and color thermography provides. Product simulation is a good example. Depth and color invite touch - and touch finds texture. Vinyl, leather, bricks, fabric and most any other surface can be simulated. Even though thermography powder all rises to the same height, the proximity of thermographed and non-thermographed areas causes a great feeling of depth. Varying type sizes or line widths can add to the illusion.