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 3D, 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. See more about vector artwork here
Screen Print
Screen printing is achieved by pressing 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. See more about vector artwork here
Digital Transfer
Digital transfers are used for branding fabrics and are printed on transfer paper using a digital printing machine then heat pressed onto the product.
Advantages
- Cost effective method for producing spot colour or full colour transfers.
- Crisp, clear artwork reproduction is possible even on textured fabrics.
- Has a matt finish and will not crack or fade under normal circumstances.
- Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
- Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.
- A thin, clear line of glue can sometimes be seen around the edges of the image.
Artwork requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or raster 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.
Artwork requirements
- The artwork should be supplied in vector format.
Sublimation
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.
- 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.
Artwork requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or raster format.
- A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.
Digital Print
This production method is used for printing media such as paper, vinyl and magnetic material used in the manufacture of labels, badges and fridge magnets etc.
Advantages
- Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as spot colour branding.
- Can print variable data including individual names.
- Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
- Can be cut to special shapes.
- The branding can bleed off the edges of the product.
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
- Metallic gold and silver colours are not available.
Artwork requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or raster format.
Direct Digital
Direct to product digital printing involves the transfer of ink directly from the print heads of an inkjet machine to the product and can be used
to produce both spot colour and full colour branding on flat or slightly curved surfaces.
Advantages
- Ideal for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork.
- Can print variable data including individual names.
- Only one set up charge is required irrespective of the number of print colours.
- Instant drying so products can be shipped immediately.
- Offers larger print areas on many products and can print very close to the edge of flat products.
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colours can be reproduced.
- Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic silver and gold.
- The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces.
- Larger print areas tend to be more expensive.
Artwork requirements
- Artwork can be supplied in either vector or raster 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 products surface.
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.
Limitations
- Has a higher initial setup cost than other forms of branding as an engraved metal plate must be made. This is a one off cost and is not applicable to repeat orders if the artwork remains unchanged.
Artwork requirements
- The artwork should be supplied in vector format.
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 can’t match and the finished image has a slightly raised effect. Embroidery uses rayon thread which is stitched into the product.
Advantages
- Only one setup charge applies per position for up to 12 thread colours.
Limitations
- Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible – the threads to be used are chosen from those available to give the closest possible match.See our thread colour chart for the colours available.
- It is best to avoid both fine detail and font sizes which are less than 4 mm high in the artwork.
- Individual naming not available.
Artwork requirements
- Vector artwork is preferred.