Engraving (Intaglio)

Expresses the highest degree of professionalism. Engraving differentiates your business from competitors and achieves archival life and security requirements. Your type and graphics are etched into metal plates and the recessed image is fill with PMS ink. Once applied under the pressure of two tons per square inch, engraving leaves a raised image with startling clarity, color purity, and depth.

Pro - Gives off the perception of professionalism

Con - Engraving can leave a “bruise” on the back side that limits two-sided content

Foil Stamping

Command attention by drawing your client’s eyes to reflective design. Using a metal die, heat adheres your desired foil choice to paper. Frequently combined with embossing to maximize impact, foil stamping enables you to use light colors on dark stocks in dull or glossy finishes.

Pro - Great for printing on dark stock and is ideally used for document authentication

Con - Not ideal for fine type

Letterpress (Typography)

Letterpress is a historic printing technique redefined for the modern age. It allows you to touch the impact of the press while alluring a sense of quality. Formed of a rigid material, typically metal or photopolymer, your design is then applied with ink. The recessed image creates a dimension similar to engraving with a debossed effect.

Pro - Creates a hand-crafted look and feel

Con - Thin type may break up and solids can appear to be uneven

Embossing & Debossing

Embossing & Debossing create elegant and subtle multi-dimensional images by pressing your artwork directly onto the paper. A metal plate/die reshapes the paper into your desired art and can be executed with ink for a crisp and concise look for a subtle yet defined appearance.

Single-level embossing, multi-level embossing, sculptured embossing, blind and foil embossing are available.

Pro - Gives off an enhanced visual appeal and promotes elegance

Con - Not ideal for fine lines

Thermography (Raised Printing)

Thermography adds dimension to your fine print stationery that is similar to engraving without the bruising or high cost. Combining a wet lithographic ink and a resin powder the two fuse together with heat and cause the resin to swell and create a raised effect to your type, logo, line work.

Available powders used for thermography can make the surface of your design dull, shiny, transparent.

Pro - Known as the less expensive alternative to engraving

Con - Not ideal for fine type

4-Color Process

4-Color process printing caters to the fast-paced lifestyle. Conscious of your timescale and budget it uses CMYK inks and is ideal for short runs. Design files are sent electronically allowing you the luxury of on-demand proofing.

Pro - Enables quick turn around and on-demand proofing

Con - Ideal for shorter runs, becomes more expensive for higher quantities

Lithography

Looking for a traditional route when it comes to your printed products? Lithography, known as flat printing, continues to be a leader for color accuracy and quality. Produced with a plate, dampening rollers apply a grease substance to areas where the desired ink should not adhere. Paper is then fed through the press where the inked image is transferred onto the stock.

Pro - Larger sheet sizes lend itself to lower cost

Con - Dependent on full color or offset options your turn-time can vary

Finishing Options

At Echelon, we take pride in adding the finishing touch to your fine print product. To ensure your product functions to its fullest potential we provide an assortment of finishing processes based on your unique needs.