Embossing and Die Cutting Changes

New 3D Embossing Folder Plate Now Available!

The new 3D Embossing Folder Plate (item 149658) is now available to order! It’s designed to work with our new-style 3D embossing folders (which are thinner than our old-style Dynamic folders).

You can click on the picture above and open the flyer – then print it and keep it by your embossing machine and new 3D Embossing Folder Plate.  It’s got your new “sandwich” information right on it!

Remember that carryover 3D embossing folders will not be available to order at the start of the new catalog but I’ll let you know when they’re available to order.

Also keep in mind that we expect to receive staggered plate shipments in all markets during June and July as we build inventory. Which means, you may experience periods of time when it is unavailable to order if inventory is depleted; it will become available to order again when inventory is replenished.

How to Use the New Plate

The new plate makes up the difference in measurement between our old-style Dynamic Folders and our new-style 3D Folders in most die-cutting machines. The 3D Embossing Folder Plate replaces the Standard Cutting Pads in your 3D embossing folder sandwich for continued high-quality emboss results.

To create your emboss sandwich:

• Use a die-cutting & embossing machine platform as a base; no matter which machine you’re using, use the standard platform which comes with your machine.
• Use the 3D Embossing Folder with your paper in the middle.
• Then use the 3D Embossing Folder Plate on top.

Given the differences in machines and platforms, you may still have to add a shim to get your desired embossing results. (You can also spritz your paper before embossing to maximize your embossed impressions.)

Without the new 3D Embossing Folder Plate, you will need to use several shims with the Standard Cutting Pad in your 3D embossing folder sandwich, depending on the die-cutting & embossing machine you use. Most machines will need between three to five sheets of cardstock to shim. Please be careful in how you shim; start out with fewer sheets first, then add sheets to get your desired results.  Stampin’ Up! won’t be responsible for replacing products broken due to using a sandwich which is too thick for a machine.

Big News!!  Stampin’ Up! has just announced that they’ll be transitioning to a new manufacturer for their dies and embossing folders moving forward!

Stampin’ Up! is moving to a direct-to-manufacturer relationship.  This means they’ll work directly with the factories who manufacture their dies and folders instead of working with another company who then works with different factories (so – eliminating the middle-man!).  This gives them greater control and potential in the manufacturing process.  Always a GOOD thing!

TRANSITION TO NEW DIE-CUTTING AND EMBOSSING LINE

Here’s a look at how this transition will unfold (click the picture from the Blog Post to make it bigger.  If you’re looking at the post from within your e-mail, click the title of the post, then you’ll be able to make this image larger!):

HIGHLIGHTS: NEW-STYLE DIES AND EMBOSSING FOLDERS

Since Stampin’ Up! is using a new supplier for their dies and embossing folders, they’ll be manufactured differently, which means the way you use them will be a little different.  A few of the changes between the old-style and new-style products are listed below.  In the future, Stampin’ Up! will also provide videos to show how to craft with the new-style dies and embossing folders and better showcase the features described below.

Here are some of the changes you’ll notice with our new-style dies and embossing folders:

• The new-style open dies (those that coordinate with stamps) use a high quality metal that’s thinner than before but still as strong and durable.
• The new-style dies have an added lip to the inside of the blades.
• On old-style dies, when you place an open die (dies that coordinate with stamps) over a stamped image, a small border of cardstock is visible around the stamped image.  With new-style dies, the die hugs the edge of the stamped image.  Instead of aligning the die to the space around the stamped image, you will align it to the edges of the stamped image.  When the image is cut, there will still be a cardstock border around the image.

OLD STYLE ALIGNMENT

NEW STYLE ALIGNMENT

• They’ve improved the adhesive that secures the dies to the insert sheet in the package so that it’s not too sticky.  It’s easier to remove dies from the insert sheet, and the adhesive won’t cling to the dies.  Thank goodness!!  BEST.  CHANGE.  EVER!
• They’ve standardized the size of the die inserts for easier storage.  There are now only two insert sizes: 5″ x 7″ (12.7 x 17.8 cm), which coordinate in size with the stamp cases, and 6″ x 6″ (15.2 x 15.2 cm).  The standard sizes will allow uniform storage in whatever system you use.  The envelopes that the dies come in will be slightly larger.
• With old-style Dynamic folders, they recommended that you spritz cardstock before embossing to soften the fibers so you got a better impression.  Now, that extra step will not be necessary because the new-style folders usually create a crisp impression without spritzing.  The way the new folders are manufactured also gives options for more detailed and intricate designs in the future.
• 3D folders are thinner than the old-style Dynamic folders.  Because they’re thinner, you may need to use a shim, depending on the die-cutting & embossing machine you use.