Pad & Screen Printing
Pad printing is a printing process that can transfer a 2-D image onto a 3-D object. This is accomplished using an indirect offset printing process that involves an image being transferred from the printing via a silicone pad onto a substrate. Pad printing is used for printing on otherwise impossible products in many industries including medical, automotive, promotional, apparel, electronics, appliances, sports equipment and toys.
Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. The attached stencil forms open areas of mesh that transfer ink or other printable materials which can be pressed through the mesh as a sharp-edged image onto a substrate. A squeegee is moved across the screen stencil, forcing or pumping ink through the threads of the woven mesh in the open areas.
Advantages
- Ideal for printing on curved or uneven products.
- Prints sharp, clean images with detail as fine as 0.4mm, minimum text size is 5pt.
- Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured products.
- Metallic gold and silver ink are available.
- Can offer a white under base for the darker products that require it.
- Many products can print up to 6 colours with tight multi-colour registration.
Limitations
- Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced.
- Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
- Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In these instances, a white base will create a better print.
- Each colour requires its own setup
- Neon/fluorescent colours are not available.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format.
- Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Digital Printing
Digital Printing :
Modern printing methods such as laser and ink-jet printing are known as digital printing. In digital printing, an image is sent directly to the printer using digital files such as PDFs and those from graphics software such as Illustrator and InDesign. This eliminates the need for a printing plate, which is used in offset printing, which can save money and time.
Without the need to create a plate, digital printing has brought about fast turnaround times and printing on demand. Instead of having to print large, pre-determined runs, requests can be made for as little as one print. While offset printing still often results in slightly better quality prints, digital methods are being worked on at a fast rate to improve quality and lower costs.
Digital Transfer Printing
A digital transfer (or direct-to-film transfer) is a method that allows high resolution, complex, multi-coloured artwork to be applied to your choice in product/garment, this option is recommended when doing multiple colours and wanting the logo to pop, as a white base is applied acting as a binding agent.
Advantages
- Ideal for producing full colour, complex images with gradients.
- Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
- Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
- Dries instantly so products can be shipped immediately.
- Select products can be cut to custom shapes.
- Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on certain products.
Limitations
- Metallic and neon/fluorescent colours are not available.
- White print cannot be produced on kraft, clear, silver or gold stock.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format.
- Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size.
- A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.
Embroidery
Embroidery is an excellent way of branding bags, apparel, and other textile products. It offers higher perceived value and a depth of branding quality which other processes cannot match. Embroidery uses rayon thread which is stitched into the product and has a slightly raised effect.
Advantages
- Premium look and feel
- Fantastic washability
- No fading or cracking over time
- Can be used on most materials
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible - the threads to be used are chosen from those available to give the closest possible match.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork can be provided in high quality including jpg
- Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
- We recommend avoiding fine detail - the minimum text heights for embroidered artworks are:4.5mm for Sans Serif fonts5.5mm for Serif fonts
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is the practice of using lasers to engrave or mark an object. The technique does not involve tool bits which contact the engraving surface and wear out. This is considered an advantage over alternative engraving technologies where bit heads have to be replaced regularly.
Advantages
- Higher perceived value than other forms of branding.
- The branding becomes part of the surface and is permanent.
- Large branding areas available on curved products.
- Variable data including individual names is available on select products.
- The product can be shipped straight away after being engraved.
Limitations
- Fine detail can be lost on smaller products like pens.
Artwork Requirements
- Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
- Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.