01/27/2009

For many years Kluge presses have been utilized for finishing notable pieces. Examples include hologram stamping a skull on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985 and foil stamping and embossing Smithsonian Educational posters in 2005.

Most recently, we were honored and pleased to learn that Kluge presses were used to register and emboss the Engraved gold seal of the Official Presidential Inauguration Invitations for 2009.

Willie Maldonado, Kluge Department Manager and Jim Donnelly, President, Precise Continental

As a renowned producer of stationery, marketing materials, business cards, etc., and a union company with FSC Certification, Precise Continental of Brooklyn, NY was selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee as the printer of choice for invitations to the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

Kluge EHD presses are currently owned and operated at the print shop. These were configured with brass dies for register embossing the engraved gold seal at the top of the invitation. Kluge EHD 14 x 22 presses continue to be manufactured in the USA and are often called “the workhorse of the industry”. these legendary machines feature patented delayed dwell technology allowing the EHD to start on impression sooner, bottom out, and remain on impression longer ­ doubling impression time with no loss of production speed and assuring flawless foil separation from the stock. Perfect for the 1.1 million piece run of Presidential Inauguration invitations.

Precise Continental’s team of 65 employees is no stranger to the techniques needed to finish such a piece, but timing was of the essence and there was no room for error. Hand engraved brass dies were quickly outsourced as well as foil, ink and paper. All were rushed to the Brooklyn print shop. A cream-colored paper named “Classic Crest” manufactured by Neenah Paper, WI was selected for the stock. This recycled FSC material was an excellent choice, representing both Obama’s vision and the forestry stewardship practices of Precise Continental.

Each sheet was hand inspected at each step of the process for quality and accuracy, which proved essential in making this invitation, the most important piece the company has ever run.

Learn more about Kluge’s line of foil stamping, embossing and diecutting presses at www.kluge.biz or ask us at sales@kluge.biz.

Originally printed on the Kluge Website

Embossing is a sister technique to engraving. No ink is used. Paper is pressed between counter and plate. A strong, and permanently raised image is created. The image is delineated by shadow and by feel resulting in a sophisticated design of extraordinary subtlety. In the careful hands of a master craftsman, embossing techniques can create striking, multi-level designs. The image becomes sculptured. The effect is unique and memorable.

Debossing and embossing are similar processes that create a different result. Both processes involve making a metal plate and counter. The plate is mounted on a press and the paper is stamped between the plate and counter. This force of pressure pushes the stock into the plate creating the impression. Embossing creates a raised impression on stock – pushes the image above the level of the paper. Debossing is the reverse of embossing. Debossing creates a depressed impression on stock – pushes the image below the level of the paper.

Embossing is a sister technique to engraving. No ink is used. Paper is pressed between counter and plate. A strong, and permanently raised image is created. The image is delineated by shadow and by feel resulting in a sophisticated design of extraordinary subtlety. In the careful hands of a master craftsman, embossing techniques can create striking, multi-level designs. The image becomes sculptured. The effect is unique and memorable.

Debossing and embossing are similar processes that create a different result. Both processes involve making a metal plate and counter. The plate is mounted on a press and the paper is stamped between the plate and counter. This force of pressure pushes the stock into the plate creating the impression. Embossing creates a raised impression on stock – pushes the image above the level of the paper. Debossing is the reverse of embossing. Debossing creates a depressed impression on stock – pushes the image below the level of the paper.