The type of imprinting used depends on the product. Most imprinting falls under the following categories:
It is an embellishment of a fabric or garment in which coloured threads are sewn on to the fabric to create a design. Embroidery may be done either by hand or machine.
Embroidery is generally used within the promotional product industry on apparel, bags or other cloth products.
What is the first step?
This is the specialized process of converting two dimensional artwork into stitches or thread.
How many colours can I use?
What is the cost?
There is an initial cost to "digitize" your artwork. Once that is completed there is generally a "run charge" for each item. As long as the artwork remains the same size, you can continue to use the same digitized artwork for future jobs.
Pricing is also based upon the number of stitches. As you can imagine, the more stitches that are involved in your artwork, the longer the production time and the more thread is used.
A basic logo on a hat or shirt will generally run about 7,500 stitches. Once you provide us with artwork, we can give you an estimate of the number of stitches needed to complete your job.
What happens next?
Once you approve the artwork, your job goes into production. This is a very hands on process. Before the process of sewing can begin, specific thread colours must be loaded by hand into the machines. The embroidery machine is instructed by a trained professional to sew the design in a particular colour sequence and a particular sewing speed.
The merchandise must be loaded into the machine by hand. Once the design has been completed, the item is removed from the machine, and sent to the finishing area.
Are there any size restrictions?
Silk Screen
It is one of the oldest methods of printing. It is a stencil method of printmaking in which a design is imposed on a screen of silk or other fine mesh, with blank areas coated with an impermeable substance. Ink is forced through the mesh onto the printing surface. Also called screen-printing or silk-screen process.
Normally this process does not allow for halftones, or shades of colours, thus a dark blue and light blue would be considered a two colour imprint.
When multiple colours are used it may not be possible to line colours up exactly. Generally, a 1/16th to 1/8th inch shift can be expected.
Artwork is preferred in a vector format (.eps or .ai). Generally, .jpg, .bmp and .tif files will produce ragged edges when silk-screened.
Pad Printing
Used for printing across relatively small areas on plastic items and when the area to be printed is difficult to get at or is contoured. Think of it almost like the process when you use a rubber stamp.
While multiple colours can be used generally a single colour produces the best results.
Dye-Sublimation Printing
The results can be remarkable. Because the process does not involve making a plate or screen, the set up charges are usually lower. This makes this process great for small runs and where a silk screen process would be too expensive.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is different than screen printing, or a method of decoration which wears off over time; laser engraving is uniquely permanent since it etches the surface of the item being engraved.
On anodized aluminium, laser engraving comes out frosty white. On wood, it will turn a rich dark colour. On marble, it comes out frosty white. On stainless steel, the resulting engraving is black. Engraving onto plastic will result in the underlying coating colour.
