Automation Grade Foil Printing for the Craftsperson
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with hot foil stamping machine tools, you know how dependable they can be. Both small-scale commercial and larger-scale rubber stamping is done via a similar procedure. Your original design is engraved on a heavy metal die, dipped in a molten, compressed, pressurized, and cooled die, then between that die and the product you’re printing on a special foil layer, using a hot foil stamping machine. The resulting product is then trimmed off with a special die cutting tool and placed in a receiving box.
In the case of small-scale projects, such as rubber stamps and cookie stamps, the processes aren’t too complicated. You’d simply use your stamps’ colors, shapes, and designs in different sections of your project, then place them all together, side by side, on a large plate or tray in order to allow for a quick transfer. The only difficult aspect may be in transferring a solid surface, such as wood or metal, into a substrate, such as acrylic. Modern, hot foil stamping machines make this task a breeze. They’ll smoothly glide their stamp along a rough, flat surface, melting and stretching the sheet until it conforms to its destination.
But there’s a lot more to a new hot foil stamping machine than meets the eye. Let’s take a look at the three main methods used to transfer your artwork onto its destination surface. The first uses heat: the stamp is placed on the surface, heated up to its melting point, then pressed against it until the desired result is achieved. The only drawback with this method is that the artwork must be allowed to cool completely before pressing the flat side of the dies down flat. If you’ve never used this technique before, it can be tricky and time-consuming; however, if you want precision results that will last for years, this is definitely the way to go.
The second method uses chemicals: hot foil stamping machines use chemical coatings on both the edges and flat of the artwork to give it a smooth, flat surface. A very effective method for applying new artwork to packages, this method also creates a protective barrier between the new package and the artwork, preventing prying eyes from seeing the inner surface. As with hot foil stamping machines, chemicals must be applied carefully and thoroughly, as excess chemical residue can damage both the artwork and the package. This method is most appropriate for large, solid packages; if the artwork is to be printed on a thin, fragile material, such as cellophane, this is not the best choice. However, for applications that are simple and clear, this is often a fast and convenient way to upgrade packages.
The final common method of transferring artwork to envelopes involves the use of heat transfer. Heat is used as a means of rapidly moving heat from one surface to another, creating a bond that is nearly impossible to break. This method is most commonly seen in applications where the image is flat and solid and simply wants to transfer. This includes the closing of mugs and the sealing of pouches. Since the bond created is so durable, this method should not be used for any other purposes other than what has been described here; otherwise, it can damage your package.
All three of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages. The best way to choose the best hot stamping machine is based on your own specific needs. The three options discussed here are all very viable options, but they each come with their own unique set of positives and negatives that you should weigh carefully. By considering all of the possible benefits and drawbacks of each method, you can select the machine that offers the best overall value.
There are some craft projects that simply do not translate well to foil printing machines. For example, it is generally considered better to use ink jet machines in situations where the final product will be flat and without color distortion. In general, ink jet machines are best reserved for coloring photos or large, complex paintings. You should also consider the cost and the availability of service when selecting the machine that is right for your particular situation.
As with any new technology, you will find that certain companies will offer the best deals. Many companies that specialize in heat transfer and hot foil printing offer customization options at an extremely low cost. Some even offer an automatic machine that will handle all the process for you! If you have any kind of concerns regarding where and how to utilize webpage, you could call us at our web site. If you have an idea that you want to get into but don’t know how to begin, take a look at the available options. You might be surprised by how easy it can be for you to take control of your project with a little help from automation grade Foil stamping machines.