Postage stamps reinvented how people communicate. Yet, as important as they are, few people know the process by which stamps are produced. There are lots of different stamp printing techniques out there, and it\u2019s worth taking a closer look at each one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9 stamp printing techniques are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The printing process for stamps has evolved as printing technology has advanced. What was once exceptionally labor intensive is now a streamlined process that people with the right software and materials can do on their PC, laptop or smart device. Below, we discuss these techniques in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not an overstatement to say that stamps changed the world<\/strong> and how everyday people communicate. Delivering letters and packages was once something that only the wealthy could afford. Once stamps hit the scene, however, just about anyone could send a letter or package without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before stamps were introduced in England in 1840<\/strong>, the only folks who could afford to use postal services were those who could afford as much as a common worker\u2019s daily pay to send a letter or package. Postage was paid on delivery<\/strong> and was a calculation of how many sheets of paper were in a package and the distance the package traveled to reach its destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often, package senders would inscribe coded messages<\/strong> on the outer sheath of paper or the wrapping of a package. The person receiving the parcel would examine the parcel, see the coded message and refuse to accept the package. This allowed the delivery of correspondence while depriving the deliverer of payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stamps changed all of that. People still tried to cheat<\/strong>, but it was much harder. But suddenly, the sender was responsible for prepayment of delivery. But a stamp served as a receipt and because delivery expenses were spread across the entire postal service, just about everyone could afford to send a package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This had a significant impact on people\u2019s lives<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once stamps took hold, the need to print them<\/strong> in large scale was created. The more popular the postal service became, the more there was a need for stamps and the more there was a need for printers of stamps. This has given rise to many different stamp printing techniques over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This printing method included Intaglio<\/strong>, line engraving and etching. While the process of engraving became more sophisticated over time, the basic formula is the same as when the process was invented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step was to create a master die. This involved taking a block of softened steel and imprinting the stamp design onto it<\/strong>. This step was initially done by hand, but when it is done today, the image is either photographed and an engraver copies it onto the steel block, or a computerized process etches the stamp onto the block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the etching of the block<\/strong> is complete, the block is allowed to cool and harden. The etching itself is reversed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next step is to transfer the engraving onto a transfer roll<\/strong>. This is the intermediate step that moves the image to the printing plate from the master die. The entire image is transferred from the master die onto a blank roll of soft steel by pressing the two together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the image is transferred onto the steel roll, it is allowed to harden. The image left on the roll is in the correct orientation<\/strong> (the master die had the reversed image) and is called a relief or a relief transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the relief has hardened<\/strong>, it moves to the final step of the pre-printing phase. The transfer roll is positioned over a soft steel plate, pressure is applied, and the roll is rocked until the entire engraving has been transferred. Upon application to the plate, the design is reversed and recessed once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The transfer roll is applied<\/strong> as many images are on the sheet of postage stamps. When printed, the imagery on the plate is transferred to the postage stamp paper. The image on the sheet is the correct image as it appears on a postage stamp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Typography includes letterpress, flexography, surface printing<\/strong>, high etch and dry offset. While typography was the official name for this type of printing throughout the first 100 years of stamp printing, it is now called letterpress. Typography is different from etching in that the imagery is raised and applied to postage stamp paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The master die for typography is very similar to engraved stamps, but unlike with engraving, there is an additional step<\/strong>. During this step, the design is transferred to another surface before it is applied to the transfer roll. The printing area on the final plate is raised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This printing process involves a photographic image applied<\/strong> to a chemically sensitized metal plate. This is opposed to a photographic paper. The design is transferred photographically via a halftone or dot matrix screen. This process breaks the photographic reproduction into tiny dots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chemicals are applied<\/strong> to the plate and the dots for depressions. These are called cells. The depths and diameters of these cells depend on the shade of the design. Once all of the dots have appeared, ink is then applied to the plate and the surface is wiped clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applied ink is deposited<\/strong> in the cells and then transferred onto paper when the paper is pressed against the plate. Photogravure is a technique that is usually used on multicolored postage stamps that use primary colors (red, yellow and blue) and black. It\u2019s possible to produce just about any color using just these four, along with the dot matrix pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The printing process uses four cylinders<\/strong>, with one for each color. When used today, these are computer-generated. Additionally, modern soft steel plates may be replaced with metal-coated plastic. This type of printing is also called Gravure, Rotogravure and Heliogravure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lithography works because oil and water don\u2019t mix<\/strong>. A design is first hand drawn or transferred from an engraving onto the surface of a lithographic stone, or onto a metal plate coated in an oily substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is through this oily coatingthat the ink will later be transferred to the paper<\/strong>. It is held in place by an acidic fluid. This makes it repel the ink in areas that aren\u2019t covered by the oily substance. Modern printing uses two methods of lithography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This method uses photographic processes<\/strong> in the image design and transfers. Photolithography allows for more design options, including the use of screens, half-tones, sepias, etc. Each of these methods are combined with line work. Photolithography allows for large, solid areas<\/strong> to be printed. This is different from both photogravure and engraving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Offset printing is a refinement of lithography<\/strong> that involves a rubber-covered cylinder. The cylinder takes the impression from a lithograph plate, which is then transferred to the printed surface. Offset printing is faster and so has replaced lithography in many instances, although the word lithography covers both photolithography and offset because the results are identical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Embossing involves imprinting<\/strong> the stamp\u2019s image into the surface of a die. Leather or linoleum are usually used as the platen. The platen is what takes on the image of the die. When pressed together, the image is left in the form of relief, with some parts of the design protruding from the surface and other parts depressed into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This process is usually used for metallic inks<\/strong> and usually there is no color inside the image, but the outline of the image is inked. The image ink is often the same color as the printed surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hologram stamps have become popular since their introduction in Australia in 1988<\/strong>. Since that year, multiple countries have created and issued their own hologram stamps and that fact has increased public interest in collecting them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More than 80 countries have issued hologram stamps<\/strong>, accounting for over 500 different types of stamp. The peak for hologram stamps was in 1999 and 2000, in celebration of the end of the century and the start of the new millennium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At first, hologram stamps were a security measure<\/strong> against counterfeiting and reusing stamps. Since the mid 1990s, however, holograms were issued as much for their appeal as anything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Popular hologram<\/strong> topics have included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This<\/strong> list is not comprehensive<\/strong>. There are many other hologram topics. Most hologram images are two-channel or animated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To create a hologram, a scale likeness must be created<\/strong> that is the precise size of the hologram when it is printed on the face of the stamp. The process to create the hologram image involves the image being recorded on photoresist material and chemicals corrode away exposed areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photoresist is also known as \u201cresist\u201d<\/strong> and is a light-sensitive material used in photolithography and photoengraving. The result is a patterned coat on a specific surface. To start the process, a substrate is coated with a light sensitive organic material and a pattern is applied to block the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The result is that unmasked parts of the surface are exposed to light<\/strong>. A solvent is then applied to the surface and the light and developing solvent erode any regions that are exposed. This leaves behind a coating of whatever the mask pattern was, creating a mold. The mold is then used to press copies of an image much like with a phonograph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A postage stamp hologram<\/strong> is a reproduction of those ridges on a plastic film, which is then applied to a reflective background. The background is usually made of silver or gold foil. The background reflects light through the film, making the pattern visible. The pattern makes the image appear three dimensional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hologram stamps are most often<\/strong> used in a specialty capacity<\/strong>. They are used to commemorate events, people, hobbies, and historical occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In modern printing, color is often applied<\/strong> to postage stamps via an application of metallic foil that has been imprinted using a stamping die. The die is stamped on the foil, which can be flagged or textured. Color is then added to the pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each year, the USA produces up to 40 billion stamps<\/strong> and can print more than 50 million each day. Typically, stamps are ready for distribution as soon as the printing process is complete. Modern printing methods have streamlined traditional stamp printing methods and have made the printing of stamps faster, less expensive, and made the stamps themselves harder to counterfeit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Modern processes, however, have<\/strong> not meant that all traditional printing methods<\/strong> have been made completely obsolete<\/strong>. Many stamps today call for engraving work. The key difference is that the engraving is now done using computer software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scanners are used to copy<\/strong> the original artwork. Artists then modify the artwork to be more precise and to adhere to print production orders. The production orders provide stamp dimensions, color breaks, and any specialized instructions such as screens or foil application. Once the artwork is verified, the print run is authorized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once a design is authorized, the digital design is transferred <\/strong>to printing plates, usually four in total. Each plate is assigned a color: Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Black (CYMK). The same design is on each plate so entire sheets can be printed in one print run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once designed, each plate is loaded<\/strong> onto a printing press. The press blends and layers CYMK colors, according to the print production order. With stamps, additional ink is also added, which makes it harder to forge and helps inspectors perform quality control checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Until 2005, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing did the majority of stamp print work. At that point, an effort was initiated to move stamp printing to the private sector<\/strong>. The process of securing a federal stamp contract is detailed and challenging. Only printers that can show the proper technique, skill, equipment and security can secure a federal contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Printers must also show that they fully comply with all federal employment, environmental and accounting methods<\/strong>. Because the process is so stringent, it is difficult break into the federal stamp printing business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the stamps are printed, the rolls are reduced<\/strong> to the appropriate size, based on the stamp being printed. While the sheets are being cut, inspectors are looking for flaws in coloration, hue, perforations, image relay and paper quality. If a flaw is caught, the stamps with the flaw are pulled and, in most cases, destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most exciting developments for postal customers over the last 20 years has been the development of software for a PC, laptop or mobile device<\/strong> that allows a user to print stamps wherever they have a colored printer. Customers use software to print stamps in their homes or offices in the quantity they want as opposed to having to buy a set quantity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of software and cost issues<\/strong>, the idea has not taken off the way it was envisioned, but it is becoming more popular, particularly among businesses. The product is not without its detractors, however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Private printing of the stamps is one reason people criticize the process. The individual or the business using a postage-printing service must absorb the cost of the ink and supplies to have a valid form of postage<\/strong>. The cost of printing is higher as well because there are no volume discounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than paying just the costof a stamp, people using this service are paying<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n That adds up to postage that costs more<\/strong> to print at home than if they were to go down to the post office to buy postage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is particularly true if you are business<\/strong> and send out a lot of mail<\/strong> or rarely send out mail at all. For the former, without a volume discount on printing, postage production costs can be high. For the latter, the subscription services most postage-print software provide are not worth the number of times the postage software is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When considered in total, the most tangible benefit<\/strong> of printing your own postage<\/strong>, whether you are a business or an individual, is saving a trip to the post office. For most people, again, from both scenarios, the convenience is not worth the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, who does benefit from this form of stamp production? That is a tricky question to answer. Because few individuals have a need<\/strong> for continuous stamp production<\/strong>, they are not the ideal customer. Businesses that send out a lot of mail will opt for meters, bulk purchases of stamps, or they\u2019ll let a print and mail house handle their mail needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That really only leaves one group: Individuals or businesses that have a regular if not constant need<\/strong> for the convenience of avoiding the post office where the cost of self-printing is justified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Postage you print on your own also uses self-adhesive stamps<\/strong>. Most philatelists do not like self-adhesive stamps for various reasons. At the least, self-adhesive and pressure sensitive stamps make it very difficult to remove a stamp<\/a> from an envelope, which in turn can devalue a stamp and make collecting them tricky.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Stamp Printing Techniques Matter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before Stamps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Major Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9 Stamp Printing Techniques<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Engraving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Master Die<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Transfer Roll<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Plate<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. Typography<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Photogravure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Lithography<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Photolithography<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Offset<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Embossed (Relief) Printing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Holograms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hologram Production Process<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Postage Stamp Holograms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Common Usage<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
7. Foil Application<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Digital Print Methods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Printing Plates<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Timeline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Perforating And Cutting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
9. Self-Printing Stamps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cost Of Print, Ink, And Supplies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Limited Value<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Self-Print Stamps Are Self-Adhesive Stamps<\/h4>\n\n\n\n