Powering Promotional Products since 1992
With every promotional product, there are multiple ways to brand this with your company logo. These include multiple print methods, engraving, embossing, debossed, clear foil blocking and many more.
Whilst some of these may seem obvious, others may not so please see below information on every different method to ensure you know exactly what you are getting. If you require any further information about any of the techniques, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
One of the most versatile printing techniques, working very well on nearly all garment types. It’s a process which applies ink directly onto materials through a specially created silk mesh screen. Colours are separated and a different screen is created for each colour that is to be printed.
The embroidery process consist of the design being created into a digital image, which is then assigned colour threads. The product is then placed in the embroidery machine and the needles go to work stitching. To complete the process, excess threads are cut off to ensure a perfect finish.
Pad printing is the process of transferring ink from a silicone pad onto a product. The pad printing machine holds both the pad and the product steady and then presses the pad into an ink plate with the design. The pad is then pressed onto the object and left to air dry.
A process for transferring full colour graphics onto items that are sublimation receptive. Designs are printed onto a sublimation carrier which is then heat-pressed directly onto the product, causing pigments to leave the film and enter into the material where it cools and re-solidifies.
Laser engraving is a very intricate process where a laser beam removes the surface of the material to expose a cavity that reveals a design at eye level. Creating sharp, crystal-clear designs that are carved into the product, producing a permanent and very resistant to abrasion form of branding.
Transfer printing is a process which involves the design being printed onto special, thermal paper and is then placed onto the product. The printed thermal paper is then placed onto the product and transferred using a special commercial heat-press. This is great for four colour process logos.
Embossing is when you raise a design to create a 3D graphics. The raised design is achieved by pushing a metal die into the product from underneath. The raised area can then have ink of foil applied to it for added effect or it can be left unprinted/unfoiled (i.e also known as blind emboss)
Debossing is the opposite of embossing as it creates an indent in the product. A metal die is stamped onto the front of the product, causing depressions that leave the design imprinted on the product. The indented design can be filled or alternatively be left (i.e also known as blind deboss).
The epoxy dome process uses a clear plastic coating made of polyurethane resin. By using this printing technique it provides a lustrous shine and protects your design from damage. The doming process is often used to achieve four colour process as it's the same cost regardless of print colours.
Litho printing is a method to print text or artwork onto paper. The process involves the design being etched onto a metal plate, which is then transferred to a rubber roller. he design is then taken from the rubber roller and transferred onto the product underneath the roller.
PVC is a type of plastic which is mouldable and can be produced in various colours. A bespoke mould is created incorporating the design in various shapes and sizes, which is then filled with the liquid PVC and left to set and harden. Set up costs are low, allowing small orders to run.
UV Digital Transfer is a process using UV inks (Ultra Violet). The inks in UV printing do not dry but are cured by intense blasts of ultra violet light. Many times more powerful than sunlight, UV lamps move back and forth with every pass of the printed head instantaneously fixing the printed design.
Foil blocking is a process similar to debossing, using the same machinery to leave an imprint on the product. The foil is positioned between the heated metal die and product. The die is then presses the pigment or metallic foil onto the product and the heat activates the adhesive.
Traditional pin badge ‘look’ with recessed and raised areas. The process includes using an iron stamp to indent into the metal, which is then infilled with enamel colours to match your design before finally playing them with a variety of metal finishes, usually silver nickel or brass.
Label printing is a process which uses plates to transfer inks onto labels. Label printing can work with a wide variety of materials and technical capabilities for instance; vinyl, paper, holographic and more in a wide range of colours, shapes and various finishes.
