Industrial embossing is extremely versatile with key advantages including functionality improvements. For example, depending on the substrate, embossing can be used to enhance strength, surface area, production efficiencies, or safety.
Let us take a closer look at some popular substrates that use embossing in their production process.
Tissue & Towel
The tissue industry is synonymous with embossed products — toilet and facial tissue, paper towels, napkins, etc. — which are all embossed for both consumer and commercial use.
Decorative napkins, towels, and tissue patterns are intentionally eye-catching to increase competitive advantage in a crowded market. Separately, converters also pursue embossed solutions to maximize certain product characteristics, including:
- Improved softness achieved through greater sheet pliability
- Greater absorbency and strength since textures increase surface area and make liquid absorption faster
- Increasing bulk
Vinyl
When embossed with the appropriate pattern, vinyl is a material that can masquerade as other substrates such as wood or leather. Textures are used to give vinyl a more natural appearance, which lends itself to popular applications, including:
- Automotive and marine trims and upholstery since embossed vinyl is generally protective, water resistant, and reasonably durable without lacking visual sleekness. Composite decking and patterned vinyl laminates are ideal solutions for improving traction on boat floors and other marine surfaces exposed to moisture.
- Outdoor decks, fences, and siding are common applications for embossed vinyl in the building materials industry. Composite vinyl pieces give the appearance of wood or other desired textures, but the material is easier to maintain since it resists the elements better than wood and paint. Like marine decks, vinyl flooring is a good choice for residential and commercial spaces as it adds beauty and safety.
- Furniture for outdoor spaces is increasingly constructed from textured vinyl. It offers durability and benefits similar to exterior vinyl building materials and decorations.
Metal
Depending on gauge and application, embossed metal can be used in many different ways:
- Within building and construction, embossed metal applications run the gamut from functional to decorative. It may be used on structural components to improve rigidity and integrity. Decoratively, embossed metals are routinely used on garage doors, roofing, siding, railings, gutters and eaves for both decoration and function. Textured metal could also play a role in jobsite safety by providing improved grip on parts of all sizes and slip-resistant traction on floors, steps, and other surfaces.
- In the automotive industry, metals are embossed to give greater strength and visual appeal to body panels, trims, and branding identifiers such as logos and model information.
- Consumer goods widely use industrial embossed metal as brand identifiers. Large appliances and electronics commonly use embossed metal to increase perceived value and also service practical functions such as minimizing the visibility of fingerprints on refrigerator doors.
Leather
Embossed leather makes a statement. It denotes fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, adding sophistication to both the look and feel of an application.
Not surprisingly, many luxury vehicle brands gravitate towards textured leather for interior applications such as seat upholstery and door panels. Some even offer optional embossed leather dashboard control panels for added tactility and durability. The aviation industry also uses embossed leather in much of the same way.
- Quality furniture makers rely on leathers' durability and designability for upholstery on signature pieces and those that need to stand up to the rigors of everyday use.
- High-end brands within the fashion apparel and accessories industry use embossed leather to create opulent experiences in handbags, luggage, shoes, belts, and jackets that command premium prices.
- In some areas, interior design in residential and commercial construction is trending toward embossed leather wall panels to add pops of texture, sophistication, and luxury to interior spaces.
- For interior furniture, synthetic (or vegan) leather is embosseed to elevate aesthetics.
Poly-Based Materials
Industrial embossing of poly-based materials can change and enhance their characteristics.
- The packaging industry uses poly-based materials to gain several advantages. In the food and beverage space, embossed poly-based materials allows for package and bottle decoration that withstands wear and reinforces brand identity. For garbage bag makers, embossing poly-based materials allows it to stretch without losing strength, creating tough, flexible bags that resist punctures and tears.
- The building industry integrates poly-based materials into several critical points of construction, including use as vapor barriers, house wraps, insulation, and slip-resistant flooring.
- Segments of the agriculture industry use embossed poly-based materials to control moisture, as embossed solutions are used for mulch films and greenhouse covers.
Other SUBSTRATES?
Whatever your substrate, making the most of embossing benefits for your product takes guidance from experienced engravers at Precision Roll Solutions.
PRS has the experience, knowledge, craftsmanship, and capabilities to create the embossing solution that meet your exact standards.
Contact us to learn more.