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IMPRINT GUIDE

IMPRINT GUIDE

Understanding the differences between imprint methods can be overwhelming, especially if printing jargon isn’t a part of your everyday vocabulary.

Are you wondering if your product would look better with a screen print or foil print?
How about embossed or with an epoxy dome?

Not even sure what all of that means?
You’ve come to the right place!

To take the pain out of decision making and to help you better understand the most common printing terms you might encounter while placing an order, we’ve put together a handy “imprint methods defined” guide to make your ordering process as easy as possible.

– PrintGlobal

Pad Printing

 

Pad printing is the process used to transfer ink from an etched printing plate onto any kind of surface using a silicone rubber pad. The main advantage of this method is it has the ability to print on any kind of irregular surface. It is more suited for small print areas rather than larger ones.

A block charge is applicable to produce the etched printing plate. The type of ink required differs according to the material (plastic/metal) you wish to print on.
 

 

Silkscreen Printing

Silkscreen printing uses a fine mesh stretched tightly onto a frame. A negative design is created on the screen and ink is pushed through with a squeegee, making direct contact on the object. This printing is suited for medium to large sized prints. One colour is considered one print.

A block charge is applicable to create a silkscreen.

 

 

 

 

Roller Printing

A slight variation on silkscreen printing. However, a special attachment is used to roll the print onto curved/rounded surfaces.
 

 

UV Printing

Ultraviolet (UV) printing is the process of using UV inks instead of traditional inks. While traditional inks are solvent based and dried via evaporation, UV inks are cured with UV light. This method is suited for small prints with multiple colours.
 

Embroidery
Embroidery is a process where the logo/artwork is reproduced with direct stitching onto the product.
 

Silicone Print

Silicone printing uses a special ink formula that will adhere to silicone material. The temperature required for drying ranges between 120-150 °C. For printing on ready stock, silicone printing is limited to one solid colour. Multiple colour is possible if each solid colour is positioned at a different spot.
 

 

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat-transfer printing uses heat to transfer pre-printed images on a wax based ink ribbon to an object. This method is well suited for larger prints with multiple colours.
 

 

Laser Engraving

A focused laser beam is directed at a material, which then either melts, burns, vaporizes away, leaving an edge with a high-quality surface finish. The final finish look will be dependent on the base material of the object.

At Ideahouse, you’ll be able to enjoy exclusive pricing for laser services.

No block charge applicable for this type of printing.
 

 

Debossing

Debossing is a process of creating an indentation on a surface with a metal plate, resulting in a depressed impression.
A block charge is applicable to create a metal plate for stamping.

This service is only available for PU22, PU18 notebooks and PU10 Travel Organizer.

 

 

Digital Foil Printing

Digital foil printing bonds metallic foil to card or paper with heat using a digital printer.
Unlike traditional hot stamping, a stamping die/block is not required. This printing can be done in gold or silver with a shimmery reflective effect.

Suitable for books with paper or PU leather cover.
 

 

Pad Printing

Pad printing is the process used to transfer ink from an etched printing plate onto any kind of surface using a silicone rubber pad. The main advantage of this method is it has the ability to print on any kind of irregular surface. It is more suited for small print areas rather than larger ones.

A block charge is applicable to produce the etched printing plate. The type of ink required differs according to the material (plastic/metal) you wish to print on.

 

 

Silkscreen Printing

Silkscreen printing uses a fine mesh stretched tightly onto a frame. A negative design is created on the screen and ink is pushed through with a squeegee, making direct contact on the object. This printing is suited for medium to large sized prints. One colour is considered one print.

A block charge is applicable to create a silkscreen.
 

 

Roller Printing

A slight variation on silkscreen printing. However, a special attachment is used to roll the print onto curved/rounded surfaces.
 

 

UV Printing

Ultraviolet (UV) printing is the process of using UV inks instead of traditional inks. While traditional inks are solvent based and dried via evaporation, UV inks are cured with UV light. This method is suited for small prints with multiple colours.
 

Embroidery

Embroidery is a process where the logo/artwork is reproduced with direct stitching onto the product.
 

Silicone Print

Silicone printing uses a special ink formula that will adhere to silicone material. The temperature required for drying ranges between 120-150 °C. For printing on ready stock, silicone printing is limited to one solid colour. Multiple colour is possible if each solid colour is positioned at a different spot.
 

 

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat-transfer printing uses heat to transfer pre-printed images on a wax based ink ribbon to an object. This method is well suited for larger prints with multiple colours.
 

 

Laser Engraving

A focused laser beam is directed at a material, which then either melts, burns, vaporizes away, leaving an edge with a high-quality surface finish. The final finish look will be dependent on the base material of the object.

At Ideahouse, you’ll be able to enjoy exclusive pricing for laser services.

No block charge applicable for this type of printing.
 

 

Debossing

Debossing is a process of creating an indentation on a surface with a metal plate, resulting in a depressed impression.
A block charge is applicable to create a metal plate for stamping.

This service is only available for PU22, PU18 notebooks and PU10 Travel Organizer.
 
Digital Foil Printing

Digital foil printing bonds metallic foil to card or paper with heat using a digital printer.
Unlike traditional hot stamping, a stamping die/block is not required. This printing can be done in gold or silver with a shimmery reflective effect.

Suitable for books with paper or PU leather cover.