Artwork & Printing Processes

Artworks:

All artworks should be supplied in EPS. or AI. formats to allow for resizing or if any amendments are required. In rare situations PDF and JPG’s can be used if they are correctly set up(We can advise on this). If you have specific pantone colours (Every colour of ink has a specific number and these are called pantone numbers, they allow a printer to get your colour of ink correct every time)that you want to be used, please advise us on this at quote request stage as this can affect prices.

Printing Processes:

Below are the main methods of putting your logo onto items. Which ones used  depends on the material of the item, the quantity you need, the longevity you need the logo to last and your colour specification.

1. Litho Printing *For paper and card

Is a method for printing using a metal plate with a completely smooth surface. Its best for larger quantity printing as it has a set up or origination cost to make the plates before any paper is printed on-Its only with a larger run that you begin to make savings. It is widely classed as the sharpest looking method of printing although Didital is not far behind these days. Colours can be exactly pantone matched using this process.

2. Digital printing *For paper and card-Does not work on very thick card

Refers to methods of printing from a digital based image directly to a variety of media.It is best for smaller runs as it costs more per page but you don’t have the set up or origination cost that Litho printing requires. It also allows for on demand printing, quicker turn around, and even a modification of the image (variable data) with each impression. The savings in labour and ever increasing capability of digital presses means digital printing is reaching a point where it may well match or supersede litho printing technologies ability to produce larger print runs at a low price. Colours cannot be exactly pantone matched in this process.

3. Security printing *For banknotes, passports, tamper-evident labels, stock certificates, postage stamps and identity cards.

The main goal of security printing is to prevent forgery, tampering, or counterfeiting.

4. Screen Printing *For pens, pencils, flat plastic items and PU, clothing like T-shirts, etc…

A screen or stencil containing your design has ink pushed through it onto the product.

5. Heat pressing *Mainly fabrics like t-shirts in full colour but can be used to imprint designs on other merchandising

To imprint a design or graphic on a substrate, such as a t-shirt, with the application of heat and pressure for a preset period of time.

6. Pad Printing *For all types of curved merchandising items.

Pad printing is a printing process that can transfer a 2-D image onto a 3-D object

7. Embroidery *Clothing, towels, tablecloths etc…

Although embroidery has a set up or origination cost which depends on the number of stitches in your logo, it is the recommended process for branding clothing and headwear and is much longer lasting than printing on such items. Thread gets matched as close as possible your colours and with modern machines, the process has become quite fast.

8. Engraving *For metal and glass type items.

This is a sharp looking and long lasting method . Laser engraving and machine engraving are the main two ways of doing it.

9. Blocking *For leather goods in particular.

A metal block (die) is pressure stamped onto the product, to leave a lasting impression of your logo in plain relief(Blind Embossing). Alternatively, the process can with done with a gold or silver foil pressed into it.

10. Die Stamping *For metal badges, steel key-rings and other similar metal products.

This is the same as blocking, but  only for metal. Numerous colours can be added into to the relief.