The labels are produced on an advanced, U.S.-made digital foiling machine. Any font or design can be imprinted in gold or silver—including 23K real gold—directly from computer, without metal type or custom dies required by traditional hot stamping. While hot stamping is akin to branding, this process is more like tattooing.
The Process. The machine is mostly used for commercial foiling including by some small press publishers. I've adapted the machine and the process for use on quality bookbinding leather.
It uses the same metallic foil as traditional hot stamping, applying it with a patented "electric pulse" printhead (see photo) as it moves under 50 pounds or more of pressure. The type is strongly adhered and long lasting (20-year-old labels pass repeated fingernail scratch tests).
Customers have used the labels on a wide array of books—some dating back to the 17th century—along with protective boxes, albums, portfolios and more. A polymer varnish can also be added on request for extra protection (see below).
This direct foiling method contrasts with other digital foiling systems which require intermediate steps involving toner, UV sensitive glue, screens and/or decals. The labels can be attached with white PVA glue and/or wheat paste—see instructions (PDF).
