Dies

Dies, or "blocks" are generally available in the different materials below. 

Brass/Copper

Magnesium/Zinc

Silicon

Polymer

The most expensive materials are the Copper/Brass, however these produce the best results. This is because of the accuracy of engraving allowed. The magnesium tends to chip under the engraving tool.

Silicon has to be formed using a mould and can therefore be expensive. However for certain hard plastics that do not allow the die any "sink age" to aide the bond, silicon is the only material to use. It also very useful for producing "kiss" blocking. This is where you cannot feel the impression.

There has been some work done using polymer dies. This would allow "home" made dies very economically. Unfortunately the polymer is a poor heat conductor and foil transfer is poor due to heat loss being to rapid.

The cheaper dies are "acid etched" requiring simply black & white artwork, which is photographed onto the plate and submerged in an acid bath. The areas without the photo image are etched away by the acid leaving the image "proud". These dies are fine for many jobs, but limited by the depth and the angle of the "cut away". 

Alternatively the dies can be hand or machine engraved. This is a highly skilled job and increases costs dramatically. Modern CNC computer driven engravers lower these costs providing more than 4 repeat dies are required. 

Embossing dies can be acid etched but the best results are achieved by hand or machine engraving.

 
Die Suppliers
   Tomlinson   Palatine  FineCut    Sil Die