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DIE ORDERING GUIDE
Table of Requirements
Requirements of your file
Ideally, vector designs should be sent in their original format—that is, in the program they were created in: AI, EPS, or PDF.
The image or design must not contain more than one color. It should not include gradients or shades. It must be monochrome, using either 100% black ink or white.
Die Sizing
To correctly size up your die when ordering online, please enter the width and height of the image on your artwork in centimetres (CMS) – 1 decimal place is accepted (rounding upwards). If you require a single die with multiple images on, please ensure you use the maximum outer points of your artwork.
Please enquire for die grouping orders, as these cannot be processed with online orders.
Our maximum production size for magnesium dies is 70 cm x 100 cm.
Our maximum production size for brass dies is 80 cm x 60 cm.
Our maximum production size for silicone dies is 55 cm x 75 cm.
Please be as accurate as possible when measuring your artwork width and height. Artwork submitted which is larger than that detailed on your order, will incur additional charges and may delay production of your die.
Please note that we may reject or contact you regarding an order for particular die materials and die sizes which still fit within our maximum die sizes stated above. Chemical etching is not an exact science and highly detailed artwork and reversal images can be more difficult to etch as die sizes become larger.
Bleed space
When ordering online, please do not add any extra bleed/waste space. We automatically allow 5mm for foil blocking dies and 10mm for embossing all around your artwork within our pricing structure.
Die Reading Pane
Please note we automatically reverse your artwork during our die production process. Therefore, and in most normal circumstances, to produce a correct reading foil image you should supply correct reading artwork. The die you will receive will be reversed.
Die Engraving Depths ("Hot Stamping Plate")
Unless you inform us during your online order or before production of your die begins, all dies are made using our standard engraving depths (the most popular ones). You may request a deeper engraving if needed, which is often useful for leather stamping. Please refer to the table below for specifications.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When requesting deep engraving, the depth depends on the design. We will do our best to achieve a deeper engraving, but this is not always possible with complex designs and very fine or small fonts, details, or lines. We will still manufacture the die at the deepest depth possible beyond our standard, but you will not be notified. If you specifically want to achieve a depth not listed online, please first check with our team at info@grabados.shop to see if your design is suitable.
If consistent engraving depths greater than 2 mm are required, brass dies will be necessary, as the image depth can be precisely controlled through CNC programming. Additionally, CNC brass production requires minimal beveling, unlike engraving.
The standard depth for magnesium foil engravings is 2mm. Brass engravings can be 2 or 3mm deep.
Registration Marks
Please note that unless otherwise specified, all registration (tick) marks are removed from your artwork. In the instance that you would like your finished die to include the registration marks, please inform us via ‘die notes’ and ensure that the dimensions of your calculated/priced artwork now includes these marks. Please also ensure marks are provided in the same single colour as your main image, in case of colour separation.
Cutting Marks
If you require a die to be cut to a specific size, please include Trim/Guide Marks on your artwork – like the example below. You can easily create these within Adobe Illustrator by creating the Artboard the same size as the die that you require cut, and saving the PDF file with Trim marks under “Marks & Bleeds” when saving. Please ensure that the dimensions of your calculated/priced artwork online includes an additional 1cm per W x H, to include the tick marks as part of the artwork.
Please also ensure marks are provided in the same single colour as your main image, in case of colour separation. DO NOT CREATE SOLID LINE, SQUARE/RECTANGLE BORDERS as this will be assumed to be part of your artwork and will be included on the die.
Pre-drilled Holes
You may mark your artwork with pre-drilled holes and add the cost of the holes to your order. Please note that the labour charge for adding in holes is displayed on the dropdown option on the product page, but only accumulated with the cost of your die once you have added the die to your shopping basket.
We can accommodate standard countersunk holes. Please ensure your artwork details both the diameter of the upper (outer) and lower (inner) holes, which will inform us of the pitch of the countersunk hole. Your artwork must be 100% to scale and have the following dimensions:
Magnesium dies: M4 countersunk screw hole – outer 8.5mm circle, inner 4.5mm circle (4mm, 6.35mm & 7mm gauge only)
3mm hole – 3mm circle (on 1.63mm dies only)
Brass dies: Any size countersunk drill hole can be achieved via our CNC machine.
Please note that all countersunk holes must be a minimum distance of 15mm from the centre of your countersunk hole to any part of your artworks imagery. Any less, and your machined image may be damaged during the machining of the countersunk hole.
Embossing and Debossing
There are two methods for applying relief to a substrate: embossing and debossing.
Embossing, also known as dry embossing, creates a raised surface on the substrate. To achieve this effect, you must order an embossing die through our online store. These dies are available with a rigid or flexible counterplate, or without a counterplate if you have the appropriate materials to make it yourself. Please specify the weight or thickness of the substrate you wish to emboss.
The opposite effect is debossing, which creates a recessed surface in the substrate. This can be achieved using a standard hot stamping plate, especially in the case of leather or very thick cardboard. We recommend using an engraved brass die, which delivers a deep and precise impression. We can engrave these dies up to a depth of 3 mm. Debossing can also be applied to paper or cardboard up to 500 gsm using a counterforce, which in this case will not be flexible. Always make sure to specify the weight or thickness of the substrate to be debossed.
We slightly reduce the dimensions of our relief dies by default to compensate for thermal expansion during stamping. If you require a die at exact scale (100%), please clearly indicate this when placing your order or provide the working temperature.
Die Ordering Terms
We cannot offer refunds or offer re-production of dies free of charge for inaccurate or poor quality dies that we consider to have been caused by errors in your submitted artwork. We produce each die exactly as per your artwork and recommend that our detailed requirements are always adhered to before you submit your order.
Each die that we produce has to pass our own internal quality inspection process and any flaws or imperfections will be highlighted and also cross-referenced against your artwork.
Die Delivery Schedule
Lead Times for Stamping Plates:
If your order includes both stamping plates and other products, the entire order will be shipped according to the delivery schedule below, provided that the submitted artwork file is deemed print-ready. If we request modifications and a new file submission, the lead time will begin once we receive a file that meets the print-ready criteria.
• Hot stamping plates in magnesium – Orders received before 12:00 p.m. will be packaged and shipped within 2 working days.
• Hot stamping plates in brass – Orders received before 12:00 p.m. will be packaged and shipped within 2 working days.
• Embossing plates (relief) in magnesium – Orders received before 11:00 a.m. will be packaged and shipped within 2 working days.
• Embossing plates (relief) in magnesium and brass – Orders received before 11:00 a.m. will be packaged and shipped within 2 working days.
Q&A
Are Taxes included in the price?
Yes, the price always includes VAT or the applicable tax. For shipments outside of Spain, we do not charge VAT if the customer has a valid VAT number and provides it to us.