Do you know what makes something a bad idea?
Is it the disadvantage alone, or the lack of convenience that singles out an option?
Maybe both possibilities are true. As an experienced artisan, one needs to look beyond the traditional practices and adapt to things that bring ease to one’s work.
To give a slight reference, try looking back at history. The practice of embossing on paper, metal, or leather is an ancient tradition that initially used the help of hand-embossing tools. And as the world evolved, many inventions came into existence, including a manual embossing machine.
That being said, if you’re somehow fearful that your artistry will lose its ‘authenticity’ by straying from a traditional approach, then you can’t be more wrong.
Keep reading to know what makes embossing machinery a better choice.
Understanding the Purpose: Why Use Embossing Machines?
If you work at a specific workshop or own a personalized venture, then you know what the technique is all about. The same reason why any other kind of machinery was engineered, so was this machine, which is used for manual embossing.
As you’re aware, the technique of embossing on various materials to create raised or sunken designs is a form of artistry. This practice can either be used by an artisan or mass used for industrial-grade purposes.
What Makes Machinery for Embossing Relevant
Depending on the GSM, a paper can be as soft or sturdy as you’d want it to be. So, using hand embossing tools is quite fun when it comes to the practice of embossing on paper. However, it requires strong precision skills to leave a desired impression on the surface of the medium you’re using.
On the other hand, if you bring harder materials, like plastics or metal tapes, into the picture, then things get difficult. Not only does the application of hand embossing tools require extensive force, but it also compromises the quality of embossing.
Here, poor precision and lack of a polished outcome play an integral role in messing up your product’s quality.
On the other hand, if you’re actually managing a venture and are the primary source of ideation behind it, then you know that time is money. Therefore, it’s not feasible for you to waste away multiple hours of your day on a single metal tag or strip and risk meeting client deadlines.
To add positively to the pace of production, you need an affordable and high-quality embossing machine that does the same work, but better.
So, instead of getting product outcomes that vary in terms of quality, uniformity (degree of similarity), and precision, it’s a better approach to resort to manual embossing machines, which require significantly lower efforts.
What Happens In the Absence of an Embossing Machine for Metal Sheet
As metal is a sturdy material, it’s not an easy thing to leave an embossed impression on.
The process of embossing with the use of hand embossing tools is a fairly difficult task to pull off on your own, that too, without the advantage of precision or controlled pressure.
You see, human error is a very common problem. No matter how much you try to keep uniformity between your products made up of metal sheets or tags, there will always be a degree of variation evident in each design.
Here are a few common problems you can face while using hand embossing tools:
- Uneven patterns
- Cracks in the surface of the metal sheet
- Poor definition of metal sheets (due to wrinkling, scratching, indentation, & warping)
- Variation in placement of characters
- Unequal depth of embossed surface (a result of inconsistent pressure and force)
- Misalignment of designs on different metal sheets
- Lack of creative room for trying out intricate designs
- Gradual damage to hand embossing tools
- Safety hazards (in case of excessive force application, leading to injury)
Did You Know?
The likelihood of experiencing injuries from tools at home (or your own workplace) within the course of a single year is as high as 15,000+ individuals, with hand injuries alone making up a percentage of 60% of reported cases in the emergency room.
(Source: MDPI)
As you skim through all relevant factors that arise from the absence of efficient embossing machines, you get to build an understanding of their importance.
Thus, in order to create prominently raised or sunken designs on pieces of metal strips, you’d either be required to be exceptionally good at hand tool craftsmanship or have basic knowledge of the application of efficient and cost-effective machinery used for manual embossing.
How the Right Machine Benefits You for Embossing on Metal Sheets
The precision-driven artistry of embossing on metal sheets with the right machinery benefits you in ways that make it impossible to ignore it as a choice.
The use of an efficient and manually-operated machine for embossing enables you to apply uniform friction while maintaining a controlled pressure between the surface of the machine and the metal sheets.
Listed below are a few simple yet highly-demanded benefits of using a machine for embossing:
- Increased safety (by reducing the chances of hand injuries/accidents)
- Ease of usage (through the means of simpler working and application)
- Reliance on mechanical force (instead of requiring an electrical source)
- Low maintenance (as it’s built with very few complex components)
- Light-weightedness (adding to its ease in transportation and portability)
- Uniform results (by an even application of force)
- Permanence of marks (through the use of adequate and consistent pressure)
- Advantage over effective embossing on different metal materials (aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper)
- Reduction in waste (by prevention of undesired metal design outcomes)
- Ensured quality (lives up to the expectations of providing quality metal embossed products to your clients)
Now that you’re aware of the advantages of using the right, manually operated embossing machine for metal sheet, it’s about time you move forward. It also involves knowing the variety of products you can make with the help of this technique.
Variety of Products You Can Make With Embossing Machinery
Whether you’re starting out in the field or have gained sufficient experience in the past few years, it must always feel like a delight to know what other products your artistry holds the power to craft and produce.
Following is a brief list of products, indicating the versatility of application for embossing machinery.
- Metal panels
- Nameplates
- Signage (for branding, instruction, safety alerts, and other visual modes of communication)
- Inventory tags
- Pipe & pump tags
- Dog tags
- ID plates
- Identification number for vehicles (used for engines)
- Industrial labels
- Medical alert tags
- Custom branding items, etc
As is evident from the list of products above, the process of embossing on metal sheets becomes effective with the integration of the right embossing machinery.
Is It Possible to Emboss Without a Machine?
Just because something is possible doesn’t mean you should do it.
Though it’s true that embossing by hand is rooted in traditional practices, it requires an exceptional set of skills. However, the process instantly singles out the individuals who are only moderately good at handling hand embossing tools.
The usage of hand embossing tools demands many things, including (1) excessive time, (2) dedication, (3) energy, (4) precision, and (5) skillset.
As such a tool leaves room for errors, it is considered improper equipment for manufacturing professional products.
On the brighter side, the right one manually operated embossing machinery can always help with effective raised or sunken textures. This primarily happens by reducing the risk of errors and injuries, while preserving material quality.
Let the Right Machine Do Your Work
Considering factors that act as obstacles to your artistry, a proper, manually operated embossing machine is no longer a want, but a need. As embossing without using an appropriate machine is unfavorable for you (and your business), it’s always a wiser choice to opt for an equipment that eases your work and adds to your convenience.
It doesn’t matter if your mind is more convinced of the usage of traditional methods. When it comes to professional work, you must always prioritize efficiency for meeting the expectations of your clients, along with their deadlines.
In order to save time and make your business cost-efficient, you need quality machines.
Established in 1989, Short Order Products is a renowned business company, known for dealing with custom marking products and equipment at an affordable price. Paired with a variety of products, from top-notch, quality machinery to smooth metal tapes and tags, our team has got all your custom marking needs covered.
Make better choices for your craft with Shirt Order Products.
Visit our shop today.
FAQ’s
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What can I use instead of a hand embossing tool?
Manual embossing machines are a good alternative to hand embossing tools, which require more strength without guaranteeing precision. The embossing technique uses the mechanism of consistency, precision, and high pressure.
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How do manual embossing machines ease my work?
Embossing machines with manual handling systems tend to ease the work of artisans or industrial professionals by providing them with a simple method of embossing, featuring application of pressure without repeated adjustments.
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Is embossing considered luxury printing?
Yes, embossing is considered luxury printing as it creates raised or sunken impressions on various materials, such as paper, leather, metal, and plastics. This technique helps give the material a high-end feel.
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Can I emboss paper with the Roovers T-10A embossing machine?
No, a Roovers T-10A embossing machine is specifically for industrial-grade use, particularly for the purpose of embossing on metal tapes or dies. It’s suitable for aluminium, steel, and brass.
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Is buying a manual embossing machine worth the purchase?
A manual embossing machine is worth the purchase due to its cost-effectiveness, portability, low-effort work, and precision qualities, giving it an advantage over the alternative of hand-embossing tools.
