Personalisation Techniques
Learn about the different types of Personalisation Techniques available with our Corporate & Promotional Gifts
Screen Printing - Flat bed & Cylindrical
Silk screen printing was a name first used when the mesh or screen was made of natural silk. It is also known as "Serigraphy" from the Latin Seri (silk) and the Greek word Graphein (to write or draw). Nowadays, the screen mesh is made of polyester or stainless steel.
The basic items of equipment required for screen printing are:
Stencil
The frame on which the mesh is attached under tension
Squeegee
Flexible polyurethane (sometimes rubber) held in a rigid mount or handle
Ink
Can take the form of a wide range of solids or dyes suspended in a fluid
The mesh is coated or covered with a photosensitive material. The image to be printed is created photographically onto the stencil leaving open areas of mesh through which ink passes. The stencil is also known as "the screen".
During the printing action the squeegee is moved across the stencil creating a pressure wave in the ink causing the ink to move in the direction of least resistance, principally through the screen openings.
Plastics, metals, fabrics, ceramics, glass can be screen printed. An advantage of screen printing is that large areas can be printed. A disadvantage is that tints and tonal values can not be reproduced.
Pad Printing
Also known as Tampo printing, uses a soft silicone cushion to transfer the print from a metal plate onto which the logo as been photographically etched. The ink is applied to the plate and the soft silicone cushion is pressed onto the plate and the image is transferred onto the cushion which in turn transfers the image onto the product.
Plastics, metals, ceramics, glass can pad printed. An advantage of pad printing is that small and curved surfaces can be printed. As with screen printing, the disadvantage is that tints and tonal values can not be reproduced.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is the practice of using lasers (Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation) to engrave, etch or mark an object.
The technique can be very complex and in most often used with a computer system to drive the movement of the laser head. Very precise and clean engravings can be achieved because the laser head does not come into contact with the object being personalised.
Wood and natural materials, plastics, coated metals stone and glass can be laser engraved.
The advantage of laser engraving is that logos can be replicated in very precise detail. The disadvantage is that the colour of the engraving is reliant on the base material being engraved.
Etching
The etching process is used very infrequently in the promotional market due to the advances in laser engraving. However it can still be a very useful way of personalising products such as Stainless Steel pens and silver ware. The logo is cut out of a rubber fabric which is then stretched over the product. A fluid is introduced into an opening in the fabric and an electrical current is used to accelerate the process of steel oxidation making the logo visible.
The advantage of etching is a long lasting finish. The disadvantage is the method as limited applications.
Embroidery
One of the oldest forms of personalisation, it is becoming increasingly popular in the promotional products marketplace. The process involves making a digital impression of the logo etc. to be embroidered which is then used to activate a computer driven multi head machine. The logo is then transferred onto the material by needle and thread creating a very desirable finish.
Garments such as T Shirts, Sweatshirts, Polo Shirts and Jackets, plus Baseball caps Towels and conference/sports bags can be embroidered.
The advantage of embroidery is that it is elegant and long lasting and today's modern threads are available in hundreds of shades to match most logo colours. The disadvantage is that small intricate logos and wording can not be reproduced.
Transfer Printing
As the name suggests, this process transfers an image from one medium to another. Firstly, the image is created onto thermal paper. The thermal paper is then placed in position on the object to be printed and the image transferred from the paper to the object by heat. This process has become increasingly popular since it is possible to print in full colour.
Transfer printing can be used on fabrics, ceramic, glass, PU and PVC.
The advantage of transfer printing is that it allows for multi coloured prints in one process.
Litho Printing
Primarily used when printing is required on paper based products. Print can be a single pantone colour up to 4 colour process (CMYK).
Litho printing is used on Post-it notes, jotter pads, and some types of mouse mats and inserts products such as keying, coasters and rulers.
The advantage of litho printing is that you can print to very fine detail and a one colour image can also have tints of the primary colour with no extra origination costs.
Soft Feel or Sublimation Printing
This method of printing can produce high quality 4 colour process and photographic images on to man made materials such as polyester. The process virtually dyes the fabric giving a true image with strong colours and brilliant optical whites.
Soft feel and sublimation printing is used on Umbrellas, tote bags etc.
The advantage of this print method is the non deterioration of the print.
Foil and Blind Embossing
Embossing requires the manufacture of a metal die of the logo to be blocked. This die or plate as it is also called is heated and "stamped" in to the material under a regulated pressure.
On Foil blocking a strip of usually gold or silver foil is sandwiched between the die and the material which causes the foil to melt into the indentation created by the die.
On Blind embossing it is simply the heat and pressure of the die that causes a permanent indentation and a smoothing of the material grain to create the logo. Sometimes it is necessary to produce a male & female die in order to obtain a good blind emboss.
Embossing or blocking is used on leather items and certain types of PU
