Engraving and embossing are at once similar and dissimilar. Old fashioned engravers used etched metal plates to print fine stationary and invitations, while embossing traditionally refered to stamping a three-dimensional raised image onto paper or another surface.

Today engraving and embossing offer a variety of services. You can use the processes to transfer digital images to a number of surfaces, including metal and leather as well as paper. Engraving and embossing services education and training involve the following options:

1. Learn which type of machine is best for your purposes;

2. Understand maintenance and safety issues for engraving machines and embossing equipment, many of which use laser technology;

3. And get trained to use software such as Adobe Photoshop to create and edit the images that you will emboss or engrave.

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Attend product seminars offered by engraving companies

Seminars can help you understand the function of laser engraving machines and how to use them safely. You can learn whether an engraving machine is right for you, discover how to do more with your laser and find out how to maintain it. Also find out what software to use to create and edit the images you will engrave and learn how these applications interface with your engraving equipment.

I recommend: Find seminars for laser engravers on various dates throughout the year at SignWarehouse.com. Class Act Engraving provides a list of trade shows for the laser engraving equipment, including Laser Discovery Days and CorelDraw Training Programs. Register for your choice of several seminar options, including LaserBits Clinics, listed at Epilog Laser.

Arrange for training by experts in engraving services

Current technology uses lasers to engrave metal with images created using computer imaging software. Learn how to use this equipment to perform the functions of an engraving service. You or your staff can get training at your own location, online or at the location of one of the machine manufacturers.

I recommend: Gravograph offers several options for training including its Engravers Academy, Internet training and on-site training. Take advantage of free training at the Inkcups Now facilities in Danvers, Massachusetts or inquire about rates for training at your own facility.

Get training in embossing services

Learn the ins and outs of embossing and foil stamping, a related field. Find out about software and machines used to perform embossing and keep up on advancements in the field of embossing. Get educated in how to promote your embossing service to benefit your business.

I recommend: Get free training on embossing equipment if you become a Hyper Embossing service bureau. Become a member of the Foil Stamping & Embossing Association and take advantage of their training and educational benefits.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A good first place to start when looking for training in engraving machines or embossing equipment is the manufacturer of the machine. If you haven't yet chosen a machine, check into the training manufacturers offer before you buy.

Embossing and engraving services are easy to find, both online and in brick-and-mortar locations, but finding the right ones for your business takes some thought. Engraving companies should, of course, first be evaluated on the quality and variety of the goods and services they offer. Also consider the types of engraving machines they use and the engraving equipment they can provide for on-site engraving projects.

When selecting from among embossing service providers take into account the volume of work they can handle and the variety of materials the embossing companies can work with. Also consider the style of embossing, such as laser embossing or seal embossing, particularly if you may need more than 1 or 2 options for your business needs.

1. Look for companies that can provide you with one-stop shopping for your engraving and embossing needs.

2. Explore custom embossers or custom engraving options.

3. Evaluate embossing companies and engraving companies that work with unusual surfaces.

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Look for engraving and embossing services that can meet all of your needs in one location

Evaluate each engraving and embossing company to see if they can meet all of your business needs in a central location. Such an option will save you money on shipping and provide you with the piece of mind that comes from knowing what to expect from that particular company.

I recommend: Industrial Engraving Corporation prides themselves on being a one-stop shop for all of your engraving and embossing needs. Alltec Engravers Services also offers a variety of engraving and embossing needs and provides photographs of examples so that you can view the quality and the type of work they perform.

Consider the ease with which you can get custom embossing service

Since the odds are high that you'll have not only traditional embossing needs but eventually you're likely to want the ability to customize your embossing, evaluate the ability and the ease with which you can design your own options and have that transferred into a quality final product.

I recommend: Advantage Fabricated Metals makes it clear that special orders are never a problem. Toledo Metal Spinning Company will help you create your custom order and help you choose the perfect options from their product line.

Consider engraving services for a variety of surfaces

Take into account the different surfaces that you can have engraved. Choosing a company that has the ability to engrave surfaces such as stone or glass, you leave your options open for future products and ideas.

I recommend: Northwest Stonewise provides custom stone engraving services for everything from personal to wholesale products. SCM Systems will perform the engraving service for you on a variety of surfaces including stone and glass or they'll provide you with the engraving machines for your business needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider companies that provide video demonstrations to show you their engraving service or their embossing service.

Whether you're making employee nameplates or business cards, chances are you'll be looking for engraving and embossing services. If you find you're consistently seeking out such services, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with engraving and embossing services key terms. From engraving styles such as traditional, thermography and laser, to the styles of embossing, which include foil stamping, blind and debossing, you may find it beneficial to know the meaning of several engraving and embossing services key terms.

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Plate, or die

The art of engraving, which has been around for centuries, involves etching letters or an image into a metal plate, which is also called a die, applying ink to the plate, and then forcing paper onto the plate. This process transfers the image or letters to the paper. Engraving plates can be made of steel, brass or copper.

I recommend: Star Engraving and Printing provides a detailed description of the engraving method using a plate, which is also called a die.

Thermography, or raised ink

Rather than using etched plates, or dies, thermography takes the opposite approach. Raised letters or images on the plate are transferred to paper with ink, giving a raised or 3-D look. Thermography is often a cheaper alternative to traditional engraving while still providing an engraved appearance.

I recommend: Crane & Co. gives a brief description of thermography and how it differs from traditional engraving.

Foil, or hot, stamping

You can add colored designs and graphics to whatever you are embossing by utilizing foil or hot stamping. In this process, colored foils are placed on a die, or plate, and extreme heat is used to transfer the color. No ink is used in foil stamping, which is why it is sometimes also referred to as dry stamping.

I recommend: Find an extensive explanation of foil stamping at Shirley Engraving.

Blind emboss

A blind emboss refers to the transfer of letters or images without the use of ink, foil or any other substance. The blind emboss process is mostly used for a subtle look.

I recommend: International Paper Company provides details about blind embossing and gives an example.

Combination foil embossing

This process combines both foil stamping and embossing. Used in packaging, as well as for greeting cards and book publishers, this embossing style requires two passes in the embossing process, one using foil stamps and the other embossing to add color or letters to images.

I recommend: Triangle Stamping & Embossing thoroughly explains combination foil embossing.

Laser engraving

Some materials, such as wood, metal or plastic, can be engraved using a laser. This method burns letters or images into whatever material is being used. Many laser-engraving machines are computer-guided, and this process is quick and produces a clean engraving.

I recommend: Tech-FAQ gives details about laser engravers, how they work and what types of materials can be used with laser-engraving machines.