  right|thumbnail|a united states embossed postage stamp, called an indicium, from 1861. note the raised portions. right|thumb|an embossed postcard, carnegie library, houston, texas (circa 1900-1924).  thumb|hand-operated embossing machine embossing and debossing are the processes of creating either raised or recessed relief images and designs in paper and other materials. an embossed pattern is raised against the background, while a debossed pattern is sunken into the surface of the material (but might protrude somewhat on the reverse, back side). ==techniques== often used in combination with foil stamping, embossing alters the surface of paper stock or other substrates by providing a three-dimensional or raised effect on selected areas. the procedure requires the use of two dies: one that is raised and one that is recessed. the dies fit into each other so that when the paper is pressed between them, the raised die forces the stock into the recessed die and creates the embossed impression. a specific level of pressure is applied to the dies in order to squeeze the fibers of the paper, which results in a permanently raised area in the paper.when the dies are produced, a die maker engraves the desired image into several metal plates, which are the embossing dies for use on an embossing press. a thorough understanding the process will enable a more successful result. generally, embossing is the process most often employed to attract attention or convey a high quality textural contrast in relation to the surrounding area of the paper stock. "debossing" is similar to embossing, but recesses the design rather than raising it. rather than the paper being raised in specific areas, it is indented. the process involves applying pressure to the front side of a substrate and forcing the material down from the surface. although it is not as common as embossing, it is occasionally used to provide a different effect or appearance that fits a particular theme. embossing and debossing on digitally printed applications is an off-line process, which may add a significant cost to the job. embossing is basically used to create a distinctive effect. the greatest concern and emphasis on the client's behalf should be placed on the outcome of the embossed effect. in order to achieve the best possible effect, it is important to understand the embossing process and the types of dies that are used for embossing.the three factors that need to be controlled during the embossing process are: 1. pressure: the intensity of the impact on the weight of the stock
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