To technologists at the American Treasury Department's Bureau of Engraving and Printing, this has a more literal meaning.

ECONOMIST: The rising popularity of plastic payment, in all its forms

Since 1862 the Mutilated Currency Division of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing has pieced together partially destroyed American currency.

ECONOMIST: American currency

Five of these, including projects at the Veteran Health Administration and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, have been nominated for the 2012 Government Big Data Solutions Award.

FORBES: Big Data News of the Week: BYOD

When Reserve Bank inventories of fit cash run down to certain levels because of the destruction of unfit notes, the Reserve banks order new notes from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, a division of the Treasury Department.

FORBES: Printing Money, Literally

Even though Thingiverse is more popular in the 3D printing world, it offers a number of laser cutting and laser engraving projects.

FORBES: Connect