Decorating Options and Imprinting Methods Explained
Is there an additional fee for imprinting my items?
One standard 1 color/1 location decorating on your item is included in the unit
price. There are Set up Charges to make a plate of your logo if they are different
then the standard logo pictured on each award. Set up Charges are per color/location.
There will also be a run charge per additional colors/locations.
Is there a choice of decoration method for my items?
The decoration method for each item is determined by the material of the item and
is specified in the item description. There may be different imprint options available,
please inquire.
How many lines and characters can I imprint?
Since space varies by item and messaging, each item indicates the size of the imprinting
area. Provide us the text and we will produce a paper proof for your approval.
Can I personalize an item in addition to engraving my logo?
Yes, if space permits, you can personalize most items.
What is Laser Engraving?
Laser Engraving is the cutting or etching of designs or letters usually on metal
materials.
Example:
What is Silkscreen printing?
Silkscreen printing is a method in which an image is transferred to the surface
to be printed by means of ink squeezed by a squeegee through a stenciled screen
stretched over a frame.
Example:
What is Oxidation?
Oxidation is a chemical process that turns the engraved area to a dark charcoal
gray. Oxidation is required on certain merchandise items to ensure your imprinted
message can be seen on backgrounds such as satin silver.
Example:
What is Color Fill?
We create a die and first color stamp your logo onto the surface, and then use that
same die to deboss your logo into the material. This method is available only on
certain items.
What is Etching?
Imprinting method in which the product to be imaged is coated with a protective
coating that resists acid. The image is then exposed, leaving bare metal and protected
metal. The acid attacks only the exposed metal, leaving the image etched onto the
surface.
Example:
What is Etching and Color Filled?
Imprinting method in which the product to be imaged is coated with a protective
coating that resists acid. The image is then exposed, leaving bare metal and protected
metal. The acid attacks only the exposed metal, leaving the image etched onto the
surface. Color fill is then added to logo that’s been etched.
Example:
Pad printing:
Method of imprinting in which a recessed surface is covered with ink. When the plate
is wiped clean, ink remains in the recessed area. A silicone pad then presses against
the plate, pulls the ink out of the recesses and is pressed directly against the
product.
Casting:
Method in which molten metal is forced into a mold of rubber or plaster, then cooled
into the desired shape.
Die:
Mold into which molten metal, plastic or other material is forced to make a specific
shape. Also, a tool of very hard material used to press a particular shape into
or onto a softer material.
Die charge:
Charge for creating a die from artwork supplied by the customer.
Die-casting:
Process where molten metal is injected into the cavity of a carved die.
Die-stamp:
Steel plate engraved with the desired image, generally used to apply a gold or silver
imprint.
Plate:
Rubber or metal image carrier that transfers ink to the printing surface.
Screen charge:
Charge by suppliers for creating a silkscreen of the artwork used for imprinting
products.
Step-and-repeat:
Same image printed continuously in a pattern on the same sheet of paper.
Sublimation:
Dye transfer process where the image consists of a colored dye permanently embedded
into the material surface of pores. Used to imprint messages, graphics and photographs
on a variety of items, primarily mouse pads, mugs, T-shirts, caps and trophy medals.
Screen Printing / Silk-Screening:
An image is transferred to the printed surface by ink, which is pressed through
a stenciled screen and treated with a light-sensitive emulsion. Film positives are
put in contact with the screens and exposed to light, hardening the emulsion not
covered by film and leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to press
ink through. Also, you must create a different screen for every color you are going
to print, and then screen each color separately allowing drying time in-between.
Deboss:
Achieved by depressing an image into a materials surface so that the image sits
below the product surface.
Hot Stamp:
Setting a design on a metal relief die or plate, which is then heated and pressed
onto the printing surface to achieve a deboss.
Die-striking:
Producing emblems and other flat promotional products by striking a blank metal
sheet with a hammer that holds the die.