In the various intaglio printing methods, the area of the image to be printed is recessed into the surface of the printing plate and the recessed areas are filled with ink. The incised image may be etched, engraved with chemicals or tools. The image to be printed is incised into the plates, the incisions filled with ink, and excess ink wiped from the plates. Heavy pressure is applied to transfer the ink from the plates to the paper, leaving the surface slightly raised and the back side slightly indented.
Engraving, in a printing context, is a method of creating raised areas of print or images on paper, such as a business card or letterhead. An impression is created on a metal plate, which is then filled with opaque ink. When paper is pressed into the plate, it creates raised and colored areas. A similar effect can be created by thermographic printing . Engraving and gravure are the two most common forms of intaglio printing.
Thermographic printing is an application of thermography in which heat is used to create images on paper. There are two types of thermographic printing. In thermal printing , paper is coated with a heat-sensitive substance. In thermal ink transfer printing , heat is used to transfer print from a ribbon to paper.