An embossing die is the part of the embosser that make the actual imprint, the section that has the logo or text you want to emboss into the paper. When considering which embossing dies are best for your needs, you should first look at your logo and your intended use. Other areas to look at are how many sheets of paper you will emboss at once, the type of paper you will commonly use and if you want an embossing effect.
Look at your logo or the image and text you want made into a die. If it has large letters or a big image, then a magnesium die will work for your embossing needs. If the image to be embossed is smooth with thin, crisp letters, then brass embossing dies are the way to go. Plastic dies also can be used, but this is more for personal use instead of business use.
Embossing dies primarily are made for two uses: personal use such as artwork, and business use such as embossing documents. On the personal-use side, there are many craft tools that allow you to make and use embossing dies at home. There also are machines on the business side, but they are built to be more durable. Hand embossers can be used, as well. While it is possible to use a craft embosser on business documents, it is generally frowned upon and may not work as well for your intended use.
The amount of embossing done at once will also determine what type of embossing dies will be needed. If you are embossing a high volume of sheets at once, it would be best to get an electric embosser. If doing a low volume of sheets, a hand embosser will be best. This is significant, because embossing dies are made differently depending on the type of embosser in which they will be used.
The strength of the paper you commonly emboss also comes into question when choosing an embossing die. Heavier papers can take heavier embossing. Embossing dies are made with a depth — the more depth, the stronger the emboss. If the emboss depth is too high, the paper will rip.
Embossing dies primarily come with three different edges for different embossing effects: flat, beveled and round. A flat edge causes no embossing effect around the edge, while a beveled edge is sharp and a round edge makes a smoothly indented edge. Pick your edge by considering which effect you want on the paper when you emboss.