Processes

Understanding your options

Printing promotional products uses different techniques to standard printing. This can sometimes limit whether you will need to print your logo using spot colours or the 4-colour equivalent. Below are a few processes that are most common with promotional printing with examples of what each process is used on.

Screen-printing

This technique is particularly suited to flat or relatively flat surfaces. It uses a screen of porous, finely woven fabric, which is stretched over a frame. Areas of the screen that are not to be printed are masked out with a non-permeable substance (ie masking fluid). The screen is positioned over the item, normally along with an ink tray in order to transfer the ink directly onto the item. A squeegee is used to press the ink through the screen – the areas not masked on the screen allow the ink to pass through, thus transferring the picture onto the item.

The item then has to pass through a heat tunnel in order for the ink to dry extremely quickly, allowing the item to be packaged as soon as it comes off the production belt. Once it has passed through the heat unit, this makes the print remain on the item in most harsh testing. This process is used for printing onto pens, T-shirts, stickers, keyrings and so on.

Laser engraving

This process uses a laser to engrave the item. It often uses a computer system to drive the laser, giving extremely precise results that can quickly complete a high number of items. >Laser engraving gives a personal touch as it allows items to be tailored individually – ideal for high-end items for your clients, as individual personalisation is more expensive than generic branding. This process works brilliantly on expensive pens (complete with branded box) and metal plates on conference folders and business bags. It can also be used on wood, plastics and glass.

Pad

Also called tampon printing, this process allows an image to be transferred to a 3D object (which is near impossible using any other printing technique). It involves an image being transferred from a plate onto a unique rubber/ silicone pad, which is then applied onto the item to be printed. This is an ideal process for cylindrical, spherical and textured surfaces, amongst others – commonly used to print drinks bottles, toys, glasses and so on.

Flexography

Often referred to as flexo, this is used predominantly for packaging items like plastic bags, banners, tape etc. It uses a ‘mirror’ of the required image as a 3D raised or relief image, set in either rubber or polymer material. A measured amount of ink is then applied onto the printing plate/ cylinder, which is then transferred to the item by rotating the item to give direct contact with the plate.