[?] is the process by which card or paper is dented prior to folding. This does not [?] the material it simply compresses it. It is usually done by pressing a [?] blade into the card during the die cutting process. This process is used on packaging prior to assembly and also other net items, used on soft cover bindings for books and magazines.

[?], also known as hot foil blocking or leaf stamping is a process where a heated metal die is pressed onto [?] foil on a plastic carrier. The die embosses the design into the material and the heat transfers the foil. This process is quite [?] and tends to be used on high profile products like book covers and luxury foodstuffs.

[?] is a process that uses steel rules to cut shapes from paper and [?]. The die is usually a wooden block with steel [?] inserted. The block is pressed into the card and cuts against a hard rubber block. (Imagine a large pastry cutter). It is used extensively in the packaging industry for cutting out nets and specialised products such as [?] books.

Stamping and [?] are two ways of producing a low relief effect on paper or card. A hollowed out recess is produced (the die) and the stamping part (counter die) pushes the material into the recess. Embossing is more commonly used to [?] the entire surface of the material by the use of rollers. Often used in conjunction with metallic inks and [?], it is used to produce high quality products which benefit from being visually “3D” and pleasant to the touch (tactile).

[?] is a process where a thin (5 to 20 microns) is glued to the printed material under a [?] roller. Two days must be allowed for drying before further work is carried out (uv lamination cures more quickly). Plastics used include: Polyester (heat resistant), Nylon (scuff resistant), Acetate (packaging). It is used on a any products which require improved resistance to marking, heat, water OR for improved visual quality (gloss, satin, [?] appearance).eg. Book covers, maps, brochures, catalogues, table mats, cartons. This process is not to be confused with encapsulation, where the product is “trapped” between two thin layers of plastic.

The most common finishing process for printed material is [?]. The varnish that is used dries in the air or on exposure to ultra-[?] light. There are two main applications - roller-coat and spot. One covers the entire work piece, the other, single areas for impact. It is used on graphic products which require sheen, scuff resistance or added slipperiness (where silicon is added to the varnish). Eg. Pages of a text book, catalogues.

Bookmaking or [?] is the process by which printed material is put together in the right order and fixed together inside a cover. There are several processes - stitching (stapling), perfect binding, slot binding, sewn binding, spiral wire binding. It is used on
all products which require numerous pages. The type of binding used is dependent on the quality of [?] required.