Everyone knows a little something about engraving. Wedding invitations are traditionally engraved. Money is engraved. Jewelers are on a first name basis with their engravers. That engraved plaque you got for coaching the soccer team is representative of something special. But how much do we really know?

It was by way of craft guilds of the 15th century that modern engraving was born as intaglio, a method of cutting lines into and below the surface of metal. The unique "feel" of intaglio raised printing is the result of paper and an inked die meeting beneath the tremendous pressure of an engraving press. And although we refer to the resulting image as engraved, it is the die itself that is engraved, with the image being die-stamped.

What is it about engraving that is so compelling? The tactile experience certainly, with its presence and examine-me-first quality. It has a warmth and elegance all its own, because the paper has been worked against the die. As a highly traditional craft, engraving imparts a message of prestige and timelessness that runs counter to our hectic lives within a digital world. It connects us to our past and assures us in the present moment that beautiful things still exist and continue to be made.

The Process
How does engraved printing happen? Three steps tell it all:

Step 1 - A copper or steel die is acid etched, hand-tooled or photo engraved with the desired image. Quality engraving is capable of reproducing any line or image, from the most minutely delicate to areas at the limit of the die size, with maximum fidelity and clarity.

Step 2 - The die is locked into position on the press. The recessed image, cut from the die, is filled with opaque, environmentally friendly ink. The die is then wiped so as to leave ink inside the engraved areas only. The nature of engraving inks is unique. First, they are truly opaque and allow minimal paper show through. Unlike offset inks, they can be specified with glossy or dull finishes. Metallic inks can have a rough-hewn, "antique" look or can be burnished for a polished effect. Ponté Graphics Co. uses only water-based inks, allowing for quick drying and easy cleanup while being sensitive to the environment.

Step 3 - Under pressure of up to 4,000 pounds per square inch, paper is forced into the ink-filled crevices of the die. Essential to every raised impression is the counter-the engraving's "male" counterpart, which forces the paper into the die or engraved plate, causing the image to be transferred. The results are a finely detailed image, permanently embossed into the paper surface, with a subtle deboss on the back of the sheet.

Using Engraving
If you can consider engraving to be a customized, one-off process, with each impression a unique byproduct of a craftsman, you can appreciate the added time that is inherent in producing a finished engraved product.

Delivery of the completed project typically falls within two to three days after approval of the proofs. These time frames can vary depending on the complexity of the project, however, Ponté Graphics Co. will strive to meet any urgent time schedules. An actual engraved proof of your product will be provided for review and inspection if requested.