Types of Foiling Dies

A foiling die is prepared for each design depending on the pattern and colour/ types of foil that needs to be used.

There are three different metals that are used to make foiling dies, depending on the cost and application.

1. Magnesium Dies:

They are usually made from magnesium, which is a cheap and soft metal that can be easily manipulated into different patterns. They are light in weight, take less time to etch, and heat up very quickly.

However, they do not last very long and get damaged after a few thousand runs on the foiling machine.

2. Copper Dies:

Copper dies are more expensive than magnesium dies. They take longer to etch and are heavier in weight.

They are more durable than magnesium dies and can produce high-quality designs that last for a longer period of time.

3. Brass Dies:

These are the most expensive, and undoubtedly, the sturdiest of all three metals. They are tough and last for many runs. They are usually prepared through CNC systems, which basically use different sized drill bits to etch the designs on the die.

The dies are prepared using a process called acid etching. Each die can be reused multiple times and stored when not in use.

4. Other Types of Foil Dies:

Apart from the above-mentioned dies, there are also dies made of steel and dies made of rubber. These types of dies are created for specific purposes.

There are three other types of dies that you need to know about:

Single Level Die:

A single level die is usually just referred to as a foiling die, and is the most common die that is used in foiling. The die has one surface that is plain and the other surface that stamps the foil.

Patterned Die:

This die has a texturized foiling surface.

Combination Die:

This die allows you to foil and emboss a pattern in a single run.