Corporate seals / presses FAQs

Our Frequently Asked Questions area is constantly being updated based on your questions. If you still need help please do not hesitate to call 01322 621100 or email sales@shaws.co.uk

What is meant by impression size?
This is the largest dimension of the impression. For dies with an outer ring the impression size would be the diameter of the outer ring. For an address die it would be the length and width of the text. On a logo it would be the distance between the extremities of the impression.

What is meant by reach of the press?
The reach of the press is the distance from the centre of the die to the throat of the press body. This distance dictates how far the centre of the impression can be from the edge of the paper. Due to built in paper curlers on the press body the reach on the paper is usually about 10% longer than the linear press reach distance.

What is meant by fitting of the press?
When fitting Dies to a customers press they can be set to place the impression on the paper at the top, bottom, left or right hand side of the page. These fits are set at the factory and are not variable by the user. As an example, an impression set for top fitting would allow the user to emboss the top of their page the right way up when reading the document. Using the same fit on the bottom of the page would give an impression upside down when reading the document.

Why do we need sample paper?
During the engraving process the depth of engraving is set by the thickness of the paper or card. Too shallow, for a given paper or card weight, and the impression will be unclear. Too deep, on paper of low weight, and the impression can shred the paper.

Can I have new dies fitted to an existing press?
Yes you can. Unfortunately it isn't a process you can carry out at home without workshop facilities and skills. It's much safer to send your press to us for proper fitting and testing. The only exception to this rule is our VTS presses. These are designed for the customer to change die plates using adhesive tape.

What fonts are available for my impression?
All fonts used on modern computer systems are available. Some are more suitable to the embossed form than others. Complex text with variable line thickness can sometimes loose some of their finer detail when embossed on thick paper or card.

Can I have an impression containing a logo?
Yes you can. You will need to provide us with a sample of the graphic required. We will then develop the embossed logo from that artwork. Due to the subjective nature of graphics we do not offer recommendations on how to set out logos. However we will let you know if a graphic will work in the embossed or debossed form.

Can I email you a logo?
Yes you can. Send your email to sales@shaws.co.uk. We accept files in most common PC-only formats: tiff, jpeg, gif, dxf, pdf and bmp being the most common.

Can I emboss paper and card with the same die set and press?
Generally speaking no. A plier will work fine on paper but will not give a quality full size impression on card. It will give a small impression on card such as a date mark or lets say a 10mm dia logo. For impressions that are to go on a variety of weights of paper a larger press is the only safe option. If the extremities of paper or card are to great say 80gsm - 250gsm the same die set will not give perfect results.

I have an antique press that doesn't work can it be brought back into serviceable condition?
Yes, we can restore your old press to working condition and fit new dies at the same time. A word of caution, because it may have been some time since the press worked properly hidden defects can sometimes surface during the testing process.