Are you looking to take your business or personal brand to the next level? Make your business cards stand above the rest with raised printing.
Thermography business cards are a great way to get noticed by potential clients. Read this guide to find out all about raised ink business cards and how they can help you elevate your business.
What Is Thermographic Printing?
You may be wondering, what is thermography? Thermography, also known as raised ink, is a printing process that involves the use of heat and a fine powder to raise the printed surface above the page.
First, the image or text is printed using a wet ink, then it gets a fine coat of thermo powder. The powder sticks to the wet ink, and a vacuum collects the powder from the non-inked areas. Finally, it goes through a heated chamber for a few seconds, to melt the powder and fuse it to the page with the ink.
The result is a beautiful raised type with a smooth finish that adds a new dimension to your business cards, letter heads, or other printing needs.
History of Thermography
The Virkotype company created the first thermographic printing machine in 1920. The technique started about fifteen years prior when printing specialists would create the effect by hand. They would sprinkle the powder onto the inked page and gently shake it off, before transferring it to a heated plate to set.
Nowadays, the smooth look you can expect from thermographic printing comes from the even distribution and heating of the thermo powder. Technology also allows us to control the heating time and temperature.
For best results, the paper is heated for 2.5-3 seconds in an oven around 900-1300 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps the powder to melt and fuse with the paper and ink evenly without burning or curling the paper.
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Why Should You Use Thermography Business Cards?
You may be asking, why would thermographic printing help make my business cards stand out?
Everyone knows the importance of first impressions when making new business connections. But business cards can be the first and sometimes only impression that you can leave on a potential client. You need your business card to represent you, your brand, and your personality.
Plain business cards with black ink printed on regular card stock are boring and forgettable, and quite likely to be thrown away. You’ll need to add some pizzazz to your business cards to make them memorable.
A memorable business card can help you leave a good first impression, so the potential client will be more likely to use the card to call you if they ever need your services.
One way to heat things up with your business cards is to use thermographic printing. The raised texture feel adds a new dimension to your cards and makes them memorable to the touch, not the look alone. You can also use thermography for element emphasis so that just a logo or name stands out on the card above all the rest.
Embossing or engraving business cards is a more expensive process than thermography, creating a lowered effect for the lettering. This involves the use of specialized metal plates, which can drive up the cost.
When you need to print hundreds of cards, you’ll want to spend as much as you can afford on each one, but you also need to get the best card you can for that price. Thermographic printing helps add sophistication to your printed items without the extra cost of embossing or engraving.
More Business Card Tips
While embossing and engraving are other options, there are many other ways to make your business cards stand out.
Using a heavier weight of paper rather than standard card stock can make your business cards more memorable, and easier to slip into a wallet without breaking. There are other materials you could use as well, including linen, wood, plastic, or even leather or metal.
Consider the shape and size of your business card as well. Specialty shapes can help you convey your business or brand. Folding business cards are another interesting shape and can add a layer of protection and sophistication.
The important thing to note about these business card customizations is that you want it to emphasize the right features about your brand and your business, and not to throw in extra features at random.
Thermographic Printing for Your Other Business Needs
Thermography isn’t just for business cards. You can have raised ink on your letterheads, envelopes, stationery, and any other paper goods for your business. This can help to impress your clients when they receive a letter from you, or to show that you care to put in the extra effort with your company communications.
Pro Tip: when you order your thermographic stationery, make sure that the company knows it will need to be laser-proof if you use a laser printer.
You might also use thermography to print diplomas or certificates for students or employees. You could also use it to reward your employees on the completion of their training, or for other achievements.
The raised ink and quality cardstock can show that you care about the small details and are ready to do a good job. These details can improve your business cards, resumes, and more, helping you stand out.
Raise Brand Awareness With Thermography Business Cards
Using thermography business cards can elevate your business, and it can be one of the best investments your company will make. They can help you get the attention of other businesses or clients, or your employees you care about. The raised ink, along with other details, help you stand out in the business world by making your card a cut above the rest.
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