Thermography
Thermography (often also called "Thermo") was orignally developed to find an alternative for the once overly expensive engraving process while at the same time saving on the cost of then labour-intensive die- or toolmaking.
Especially on frequent content changes, Thermography might be a good alternatice for engraving.
Thermography always is a two-step process though often finished in-line:
A fresh letterpress or lithoprint right from the press, still sticky, is generously coated with a layer of a special plastic-granulate.
This coating, first vacumed off, is then melted under high heat into a closed layer of clear coating that opens sight to any inked images below.
Thus, the former print not only acts as a binding composite but will also determine the final color appearance of the thermographed areas.
The layer will be well raised above the surface of the stock. Just how much this raise will be, depends on the size and shape of the image and the type and brand of the granulate used.
UV-compounds are available for use in modern laserprinters and high-volume digital systems.
Ask for samples or refer to our sample-order pages in the contact area for better reference of this wonderfull method.