Thermography
Thermography printing is a finishing technique that produces raised, tactile text or graphics by applying a special heat-sensitive powder to fresh ink. When the printed sheet passes through a heated oven, the powder melts and fuses with the ink, creating a distinct, embossed surface that mimics the look and feel of traditional letterpress printing.
This process is commonly used on business cards and stationery to add visual depth and a premium hand-feel. The resulting texture is durable and provides a clear contrast against matte or gloss laminated backgrounds. Unlike foil stamping, which uses metallic sheets, thermography relies on the physical volume of the fused powder to define the design, making it a cost-effective alternative for adding dimension without complex die-cutting.
Sources
- FOGRA39/FOGRA51 characterisation data (ISO 12647-2 offset)
- Smithers Pira: Global Print Industry Reports
- ISO 2846-1:2017 — Graphic technology: colour and transparency of printing ink sets for four-colour printing