Pad Printing

Pad Printing is the process where the desired image is printed on a sheet of laser film which is then transferred onto a printing plate. The inked image is then transferred from the photo-etched plate to a thick, soft silicone pad. Each pad differs depending on the size and shape of the print. The pad is then pressed against the object transferring the image from the pad to the 3D object. Pad printing is usually used for printing onto hard objects such as pens, bottles, mugs etc. Only one colour is printed at a time but, depending on the object, up to four colours can be pad printed.

Screen Printing

The process uses a permeable mesh that is stretched tightly across a metal frame and then glued in place. An image is printed on a sheet of laser film which is transferred onto the screen during the photo – chemical exposing process. The screen is then place over the material that is being printed. Ink is placed onto the screen and then forced through the porous mesh using a squeegee that is drawn across the screen. The ink passes through the mesh as pressure is applied with the squeegee. The ink only passes through the open areas.

UV Printing

UV printing is a unique technique of digital printing form of that uses ultra-violet lights (UV Lights) to dry the ink almost as soon as it comes in contact with the object being printed. As the printer dispenses the ink onto the surface of the object specially designed UV lights follow close behind, curing the ink almost instantly. Due to the UV Lights curing the ink almost instantaneously there is no chance of the ink spreading which gives the results of much finer details. This technique of printing can be used on almost any type of object, as long as it fits in the flatbed.

Doming

DOMING is a process where two chemicals are combined to create a clear resin which is then carefully applied onto a two-dimensional surface such as stickers, labels etc. This process gives a more appealing three – dimensional look where as the sticker has a more two–dimensional look. Doming also strengthens the quality of the sticker, as well as prolongs the lifetime of the sticker due to the resin sealing the image underneath.

Sublimation

Desired designs and artworks are digitally printed on specific dye sublimation papers and specific dye sublimation inks.These inks have the special ability to convert from a solid which is the print on the sublimation paper, to a gas, without going through the liquid form, when heat is applied. The sublimation paper is applied to the object using special heat resistant tape. Once heat is applied the ink moves from the solid state to the gas form which then bonds with the sublimation coating of the object in a molecular form.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is the process where the laser causes a beam of heat that physically irradiates the surface of the object, etching away layer after layer of the item to expose a cavity that then appears as an image at eye level. The Laser Engraver marks with short pulses which makes it possible for the design or artwork to be more detailed.

Heat press

A design or artwork is printed onto a special vinyl backing that is activated by heat, allowing the print to merge itself with the material being printed on.  Depending on the item the heat, time and pressure varies. Since the design is directly transferred onto the material it allows the design to be more detailed.

Stickers

Ink is transferred onto a special vinyl paper according to the desired artwork or design. The ink is heat dried as its being printed to prevent it from smudging or leaking.

Embroidery

An artwork, image or design is digitized into a language that the embroidery machine can interpret. The item that is being embroidered is placed onto the embroidery machines frames. The item needs to be stretched tightly across the secured frames which move as the needles stich. Each needle is threaded with a single thread. There are multiple needles threaded with either various or similar colours. The digitised artwork is then stitched into the material stitch by stitch revealing the desired imaged.