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Pad Print
Pad printing uses a silicone pad to transfer an image to a product from a laser etched printing plate. It is one of the most popular and affordable ways of branding promotional products due to its ability to reproduce images on uneven or curved products and print multiple colours in a single pass.
Advantages
Ideal for printing on curved or uneven products.
Close PMS matches are possible on white or light coloured products.
Metallic gold and silver is available.
Limitations
Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
Unable to print variable data.
Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate.
Minor print distortion may occur on uneven or curved surfaces.
Pad print inks require a curing period before the product can be shipped.
A set up charge is required for each colour to be printed.
Artwork Requirements
Artwork should be supplied in vector format.
Rotary Screen Print
Screen printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product and is ideal for branding flat or cylindrical objects.
Advantages
Large print areas are possible on both flat and cylindrical products.
Close PMS matches are possible on white or light coloured products.
Ideal for large solid areas of colour.
Most screen print inks are quick drying and can be shipped immediately after printing.
Metallic gold and silver is available.
Limitations
Halftones and very fine lines are not recommended.
Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate.
Unable to print variable data.
A set up charge is required for each colour to be printed.
Artwork Requirements
Artwork should be supplied in vector format.
Imitation Etch
Imitation etch is a special pad printing ink used for producing an etch like effect on glass products.
Advantages
Much lower cost than real etching.
Can brand curved or uneven products.
Produces a subtle, high perceived value finish that looks like etching.
Limitations
Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
Minor print distortion may occur on uneven or curved surfaces.
Requires a curing period before the product can be shipped.
Unable to print variable data.
Artwork Requirements
The artwork should be supplied in vector format.
Sublimation Print
Sublimation print is used for branding products that have a special coating on them or fabrics suitable for the sublimation process. A transfer is produced by printing sublimation ink onto transfer paper and then heat pressing it onto the product.
Advantages
Sublimation ink is actually a dye so there is no ink build-up on the finished print and it looks like part of the product.
Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as spot colour branding.
Can print variable data including individual names (ex-stock only).
Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
The branding can bleed off some products.
Limitations
Can only be used for suitable products with white surfaces.
Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.
When printing large images some minor imperfections may appear in the print or around the edges of it. These are unavoidable.
White print is not available.
Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.
Debossing
Debossing is produced by pressing a hot engraved metal plate into the surface of a product with a lot of pressure. This produces a permanent image below the surface of the product. Some products offer thermo debossing, which creates a stunning two-tone finish.
Advantages
Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
The branding becomes part of the product and is permanent.
The product can be shipped as soon as heat pressing is finished.
Select products can produce a two-tone finish.
Limitations
Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
Artwork Requirements
The artwork must be supplied in vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/object to avoid font conflicts.
Rotary Digital Print
Direct to product rotary digital printing involves the transfer of UV ink directly from inkjet print heads and can be used to produce both spot colour and full colour branding.
Advantages
Ideal for large or complex multi-colour or full colour prints.
The print is dry and ready to ship as soon as the product is printed.
Only one setup charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
Any product colour can be printed with no loss of colour vibrancy.
Limitations
Production speed is limited so lead times can be longer in some cases.
PMS colours are only approximate.
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.
The print cannot be joined so there will be a small space between where the print starts and ends.
Rotary digital is more expensive than conventional branding.
Artwork Requirements
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving produces a permanent natural finish using a laser to mark the product. Different materials produce different effects when engraved so to avoid uncertainty pre-production samples are recommended.
Advantages
Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
The branding becomes part of the surface and is permanent.
Gives a similar finish to etching on glassware at a much lower cost.
Can mark curved or uneven products.
Can produce variable data including individual names.
The product can be shipped as soon as marking is finished
Limitations
The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
Fine detail can be lost on smaller products like pens.