US2969728A

US2969728A - Method of embossing

Info

Publication number: US2969728A
Application number: US657268A
Authority: US
Inventors: Horn Ray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1957-05-06
Filing date: 1957-05-06
Publication date: 1961-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 1978-01-31

Description

Jan. 31, 1961 HORN 2,969;728

METHOD OF EMBOSSING Filed May 6, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 l5 12s u u Mm] -w W ZAZVIAN I ATIHJHIJ z I5 I NC .I Fl G .2

w RAY HURN L 1q/LJ ICHITA KANSAS FIG.4

INVEN I2. HOE.

ATTOZNEY Jan. 31, 1961 R. HORN 2,969,728

METHOD OF EMBOSSING Filed May 6, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 hwfil;

E f" i Flcha By United States Patent-O METHOD OF EMBOSSING Ray Horn, 231 N. Broolrside, Wichita, Kans.

Filed May 6, 1957, Ser. No. 657,268

6 Claims. (Cl. 101-32) This invention relates to engraving. In a more specific aspect this invention relates to a new method or process to produce engraving. -In still a more specific aspect this invention relates to a new process or method of producing engraving wherein the printing step is separate from the embossing step to result in speeding up the engraving operation. In yet a more specific aspect this invention relates to a new method or process utilizing photography and/or photolithography to produce engraving. In yet a more specific aspect this invention relates to a new method or process for producing engraving wherein the printing step is done photolithographically from a representation of the actual depressed markings on an engraved plate or block, and the embossing step is done separately using the plate or block, such new engraving method being much faster and more economical than the usual common method, especially where multicolored engraving is done.

Engraving has long been known in the art wherein a metal plate or block of steel or copper is formed with depressed markings of such as letters and/or designs therein. These engraving plates or blocks are chased or cut by engravers, or by engraving machines, according to the lettering and/or design desired on the final embossed print. The plate or block is then held on the platen of a press in a die box with quoins. A counter formed from the female die which is the engraved plate or block is mounted and positioned in the press chase in register with the engraving die, and the paper to be printed with embossed letters and/or designs is fedin desired position to the press. To print each .sheet the engraving die is contacted with an ink pad or roller to fill the die depressions, followed by wiping the face of the die free from ink with wiping paper. With the die depressions inked and the paper to be printed and embossed in the press, it is closed, and the press pressure exerted through the counter and die forces the paper down into the die depressions to at the same time pick up the ink to print the paper and emboss the lettering. The engraved paper is then removed from the press and placed on racks to dry. Because of the nature of the operation, particularly the time involved and the necessity of wiping the die face free of ink, very liquid, slow drying inks must be used, necessitating a relatively long and expensive drying operation. These inks are of poor quality and will not stand much abuse. Also, because of the low viscosity, slow drying inks used spitting and feathering during the combined printing and embossing step are encountered. The common engraving process does not lend itself to multicolored work, such being particularly time consuming and difiicult, because of the necessity of carrying on the embossing and printing step for each color.

f I have invented a new method of producing engraving. In the new engraving method of my invention, markings in reverse are made in an engraving plate or block. A representation for photographic purposes is made from plate or block, preferably an engraving proof, or

2,969,723 Patented Jan. 31, 1961 filling the depressions with a coloring material to provide a contrast with the face of the die plate or block, or providing for coating the die face to contrast with the depression markings. A paper print of the markings is made by a lithographic process from the representation. This paper print is embossed by contacting same under pressure with the die plate or block, and with the plate or block and the printing on said paper in register. I prefer that the printing of the paper print be done photolithographically, making a negative of the photograph of the representation, printing a metal offset plate from the negative, and making the paper print of the markings from the lithograph ofiset plate in the oifset printing process.

The new method of engraving of my invention has many advantages. The engraving process is speeded up a great deal, chiefly because fast drying inks can be used on high speed rotary-type lithograph presses to print the paper. Separating the printing step from the embossing step provides for elimination of the time and labor consuming drying step in the common engraving process. Spitting and feathering due to the highly liquid inks used in common engraving are eliminated, the embossing step in the new process of my invention being a dry operation. More distinct engraved work can be produced by my new process, the photographic printing and lithographic operation each resulting in sharp and clear reproduction of the representation of the die markings. Much better inks from an abuse resistance and adhesive standpoint can be used in my new process, and a desirably dull appearing engraving can easily be produced. Engraved letter or design shape can be widely varied in my new process. Multi-coloredv engraving can be embossed in one operation. g

It is an object of my invention'to provide a ne'w engraving method.

It is another object of my invention to provide a method to adapt lithographic printing methods to engraving.

Another object of my invention is to provide a new method or process of engraving, utilizing photolithographic methods to print the lettering and/or designs.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a new, faster and more economic method of engraving,

such producing a better quality of engraving and onev which will stand more abuse and last longer.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Drawings accompanying and are a part of this disclosure. These drawings depict preferred specific embodiments of means used in the new engraving process or method of my invention, and schematically and diagrammatically depict preferred specific methods of my invention to produce engraving. It is to be understood that such is not to unduly limit the scope of my invention. In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a metal engraving die plate or block engraved with depressed markings therein.

Fig. 2 is a view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a proof made from the die of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a shielded photolithographic negative print made by photographing the proof of Fig. 3 and developing the exposed negative.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a photolithographic offset plate printed from the negative of Fig. 4.

' Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a rotary type press used to print paper with the plate of Fig. 5 and the usual offset printing roller or cylinder.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged, exploded, cross sectional view of a press section wherein the die of Figs. 1 and 3 is used '3. to emboss the printing produced by the press of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a view of the means of Fig. 7 with the press closed.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of an engraving die plate or block showing another depression shape which can be used in the die employed in the process of my invention.

Following is a discussion and description of the new engraving method of my invention made with reference to the drawings whereon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. The discussion and description are of preferred specific embodiments of the new engraving method of my invention, and it is to be understood that such is not to unduly limit the scope, of my'invention.

Figs. 1 and 2 show an engraving die plate on block it which has been chased or cut to form the depressed letters, Ray Horn, Wichita, Kansas" in the face of the die in reverse. The diell can be of any suitable material, preferably steel or copper. The depressions 13 are the usual rounded bottom type used in common engraving, and can be formed therein in any suitable manner, such as by an engraver using a hand graver, or by an engravi'ng machine, etc. In the new method of my invention the shape of the depression is not limited by the need to use very wet inks therein during printing and embossing in the same step, and the shape can be anything desired to give a corresponding shape to the raised letter and/or design on the finished engraving. A shape to give a flat-topped letter or design is shown by the depression 15 in the die 11 (Fig. 9).

The die 11 ofFig. 1 is employed inthe usual manner to produce a representation. of the die lettering which is proof 17 (Fig. 3'). This proof is desirably the exact finished engravedwork. from the die, and this is normally done to check the die 11 for perfection before using it to run a substantial number of engraved copies in the common process. The lettering 19 is embossed on the paper 21. Any good grade of paper or other material can be used. It is preferable to use a paper which will maintain its shape in regard to the raised lettering until a picture of same can be made, such as a smooth, hard and dimensionally. stable cardboard, or a highly coated white index Bristol, and thelike.

A, representation for another preferred embodiment of my invention can suitably be made by inking die 11 and wiping the face of same, or by filling the die depressions with another coloring material, or by providing color contrast by coating the die face with, a suitable material prior to making the depressions 13 in the die. The plan view of the lettering in this alternate means of providing a representation would be the reverse of that shown in Fig. 3.

The proof or representation of 'Fig. 3 is photographed by any suitable method and with any suitable means such as by direct photography using a sensitized paper, but I prefer to use means similar to those common to photolithography. A negative print 23'of the representation is made, the one shown in Fig. 4 being a negative of the proof of Fig. 3. If the die is photographed directly, the negative 23 would have the lettering thereon in reverse. The usual shielding paper or other suitable ma terial. 25 covers the negative and has a hole therein for the portion having the lettering thereon.

The shielded negative 23 of Fig. 4 is used to print the metal lithographic offset plate 27 which is thin and has holes 29 therein to lock the plate on the usual cyl inder 31. of a rotary offset press. It is preferred that the plate 27 bethe common zinc or presensitized'aluminum or paper backed kind; which has been used, to give excellent results. In printing the offset plate 27' the usualmeans of, lithography has been found suitable, and in the: case of the embodiment of my invention wherein the die 11 is photographed directly; the negative is reversed to result inthe burned in le'ttering 33 on plate accurac- 27 being as shown in Fig. 5. The offset roller or cyI inder 35 has the usual rubber blanket 37 thereon which picks up the ink from letters 33 of plate 27, and paper 39 picks up the impression 41 from rubber blanket 37 when contacted therewith. The offset press base is represented by numeral 43, and the ink well or pot 45 supplies the ink for letters 33 to pick up when the plate 27 is contacted therewith upon turning roller or cylinder 31. The sheets of paper 39 are fed to the offset press singularly. to be printed from plate 27 and the offset roller 35 having resilient blanket 37. In printing plate 27 from the negative 23, it has been found desirable to enlarge letters 33 slightly so that the ultimate embossed letters on paper 39 will have the sides thereof colored down to the plane of the paper, since the negative is a true plan view of the letters 19. This can also be compensated for by developing and enlarging negative 23 to give a slightly blown up letter.

The sheets of paper 39 which are printed in the offset press will have the printed letters thereon, and in plan view the sheets will, look like that of Fig. 3-. The next step in the new engraving method of my invention is to emboss the lettering on sheet 39. This is accomplished by forcing the portion of paper sheet 39 having the lettering thereon down into the depressions 13 in the en graving die 11 with the printed lettering in register with the depressions 13. A usual press (not shown) can conveniently be employed. In using the press, a counter 50 of counter board is made from die 11 by taking an impression of the die in the press. Preferably the board is then cut out between the lettering so that the press pressure will be concentrated in the portion having the lettering thereon. A press board 52 is preferably used, and it desirably protects the counter board lettering. A resilient rubberized cloth 54 covers the press board, and the outer side of same contacts the paper 39 in the embossing operation. The rubber cloth 54-, press board 52 and counter 50 are suitably stuck together with mastic, and the counter is glued to a counter block 56" which is held in the chase (not shown) of the press by quoins 58. The steel engraving die 11 is preferably held in the press in a die box (not shown) with quoins 6% It is desirable to have a platen with a die box built in, with quoins 60 holding the die 11 therein. Fig. 7 shows the press fittings in exploded relation, with the paper sheets 39 to be embossed in proper position relatively. Fig. 8' shows the fittings and paper in closed embossing position. The sheets of paper are fed singly to the press to emboss the printing thereon. The usual press equipment can be used in practicing the new method of my invention to emboss the lettering.

As will be evident to those skilled in the art, various modifications of my invention can be made, in the light of this disclosure and discussion, without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure or from the scope of the claims.

I' claim:

1. A method of producing embossed printed indicia comprising the steps of, cutting the reverse of the desired indicia into the face of an engraving die, pressing said die having said indicia cut therein against counter board to form a counter having protuberances corresponding to the indicia cut in said die, inking said indicia in said die, forcing a sheet of paper into said indica to transfer the therein to said paper and simultaneously embossing said paper where it has been forced into said indicia thereby producing an embossed positive proof of the desired indicia, making a photographic negative of said proof, exposing a photolithographic printing plate to said negative to form as the printing area onsaid plate a positive of the desired indicia, using said plate to oflfset printsaid' indica onto a second sheet of paper, placing said. second sheet of paper between said die and said counter with the printing on saidsecond sheet in register with said indicia in said die, and pressing said die and said counter together with said second sheet therebetween to thereby emboss said indicia on said sheet.

2. A method of producing engraving comprising the steps of, cutting the reverse of the desired indicia into the face of an engraving die, pressing said die having said indicia therein against a counter board to form a counter having protuberances corresponding to the indicia cut in said die, introducing materials of a color contrasting with the color of said die in said indicia in said die to produce a color contrast between the cut and uncut areas of said die, photographing the thus treated die to produce a negative of the reversed indicia, reversing said negative and exposing a photolithographic printing plate to said reversed negative to form as the printing area of said plate a positive of said indicia, using said plate to offset print said indicia onto a second sheet of paper, placing said second sheet of paper between said die and said counter with said printing thereon in register with said indicia in said die, and pressing said die and said counter together to emboss said indicia on said sheet.

3. A method of producing engraving comprising the steps of, forming the reverse of the desired indicia into the face of an engraving die, pressing said die having said indicia therein against counter board to form a counter having protuberances corresponding to said depressions in said die, applying colored material to the uncut areas of the face of said die to produce a color contrast between the cut and uncut areas of said die, photographing the thus treated die to produce a negative of the reversed indicia, reversing said negative and exposing a photolithographic printing plate to said reversed negative to form as the printing area the positive of said indicia, using said plate and offset printing the desired indicia onto a second sheet of paper, placing said second sheet of paper between said die and said counter with said printing thereon in register with said indicia in said die, and pressing said die and said counter together to emboss said indicia on said sheet.

4. A method of producing embossed printed indicia comprising the steps of, forming the reverse of the desired indicia into the face of an engraving die, making a photographic negative of the indicia in said die by photographing said indicia, exposing a photolithographic printing plate to said negative to form as the printing area on said plate a positive of the desired indicia, using said plate to offset print said indicia onto a sheet of paper, pressing said die having said indicia formed therein against counterboard to form a counter having protuberances corresponding to the indicia formed in said die, placing said sheet of paper between said die and said counter with the printing on said sheet of paper in register with said indicia in said die, and pressing said die and said counter together with said sheet of paper therebetween to thereby emboss said indicia on said sheet of paper.

5. A method of producing embossed printed indicia comprising the steps of, forming the reverse of the desired indicia into the face of an engraving die, inking said indicia in said die, using said inked die to simultaneously print and emboss said indicia onto a proof, photographing said proof to make a negative of the indicia in said die, exposing a photolithographic printing plate tosaid negative to form as the printing area on said plate a positive of the desired indicia, using said plate to offset print said indicia onto a sheet of paper, pressing said die having said indicia formed therein against counterboard to form a counter having protuberances corresponding to the indicia formed in said die, placing said sheet of paper between said die and said counter with the printing on said sheet of paper in register with said indicia in said die, and pressing said die and said counter together with said sheet of paper therebetween to thereby emboss said indicia on said sheet of paper.

6. A method of producing embossed printed indicia comprising the steps of, forming the reverse of the desired indicia into the face of an engraving die, producing a color contrast between the cut and uncut areas of said die, photographing the thus treated die to obtain a photographic uegative of the indicia in said die, exposing a photolithographic printing plate to said negative to form as the printing area on said plate a positive of the desired indicia, using said plate to oflset print said indicia onto a sheet of paper, pressing said die having said indicia formed therein against counterboard to form a counter having protuberances corresponding to the indicia formed in said die, placing said sheet of paper between said die and said counter with the printing on said sheet of paper in register with said indicia in said die, and pressing said die and said counter together with said sheet of paper therebetween to thereby emboss said indicia on said sheet of paper.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Clerc: Ilford Manual of Process Work," 1951, Ilford Limited, London, pp. 263-270.

Tory: Photolithography, Graphic Arts Monthly, Chicago, Ill. (1953, pp. 148-181.)