Printing techniques - EN

Q ck ui G de ui

Printing techniques

TAMPON PRINTING

The most commonly used printing technique for business gifts is tampon printing, which is similar to a stamping technique. With this printing method, the design is applied photographically to a cliché (a metal plate). The tampon, which is a rubber image carrier, is used to transfer and print the design on the cliché to the item.

Various tampon shapes can be used to print any type of flat surface.

SCREEN PRINTING (ON BAGS)

The principle behind screen printing is forcing ink through mesh fabric. A piece of fine mesh made of silk or polyester is stretched over a frame. The printing screen has a light-sensitive layer that is exposed to light. The dark areas on the screen are washed away during the development process, resulting in a permeable design on the frame through which the ink is transferred.

FLAT SCREEN PRINTING

Flat screen printing is a screen printing technique for, like the name says, flat surfaces. Virtually any type of product and material can be printed. With flat screen printing, the ink is applied to the item being printed by being pressed through fine mesh made of silk or nylon. The areas that are not to be printed are covered by a template.

ROUND SCREEN PRINTING

Round screen printing is a technique by which the ink is pressed through the ‘open’ part of the screen using a squeegee. Round screen printing is a type of screen printing that, unlike flat screen printing, makes it possible to transfer a print to a cylindrical shape, such as pens.

UV ROUND SCREEN PRINTING

UV round screen printing is a screen printing technique for cylindrical items in which the UV inks are printed on the item through a screen. Each print colour is then subjected to strong UV light, which dries the print directly and adheres it to the item.

This screen printing technique can be used for ballpoint pens to quickly print them (all around) with up to four colours and, alternatively, using a squeegee. Toppoint design and Made in Germany pens are being printed with UV round screen printing.

DOMING

Doming is a 3D printing technique in which a full-colour printed sticker is coated with a transparent epoxy resin layer. This resin layer gives the product an extra dimension and makes sure that the print is scratchproof and colourfast. Domed stickers can be produced in any shape and up to A4 format in size. The printing process takes place digitally on sticker sheets, making it perfect for full-colour and photographic images.

All domed stickers are weather, wind and UV-resistant, ensuring that the image is colourfast. The doming stickers can be ordered by piece, but we have several products in our collection which can be customized with a doming sticker.

PUFF PRINTING

Puff printing is a screen printing technique with raised ink. Suede ink produces a slightly raised ink, creating a 3D effect in the print thanks to the relief. This printing technique yields a luxurious look and feel, and it is perfect for cotton bags.

TRANSFER PRINTING

With transfer printing, the print is applied to a transfer sheet (paper) using the screen or digital printing technique. The item to be printed is then placed together with the transfer sheet in a press and subjected to a high temperature. During this process, the print and heat cause the ink on the transfer paper to be released and to adhere to the product. Transfer printing is excellent for detailed prints in several colours and can be used for most products with a flat surface.

SUBLIMATION PRINTING

Sublimation is a form of transfer printing in which heat-sensitive inks are used during the process that bind to a surface coated for this process.

This technique can only be used with items on a white background and a polyester top layer (or polyester in the material). Sublimation is excellent for full colour and photographic images. Sublimation printing is highly suitable for ceramics, thermos drinkware and give aways that are made of metal, ceramics, polyester, textile, glass or plastic.

UV HIGH GLOSS SCREEN PRINTING

With this printing technique, the items are heat-treated beforehand and printed (all around) with eco-friendly inks in a closed machine. After a colour is printed, the item and print are subjected to UV light to ensure that the print is properly fixed. The advantages of this modern printing technique are clear (PMS/Pantone) colours, environmental friendliness, a high-quality print, all-round print surface, a dishwasher-safe print and the possibility to use all Pantone colours. Colours like magenta and cyan can also be printed on ceramic products, even if dark in colour. It is possible to print using a squeegee and simple full colour patterns as well. UV high gloss is suitabe for cylindrical products made of glass, metal, plastic, porcelain or ceramic.

LASER ENGRAVING

With laser engraving, the design is engraved into the material. This is done using a computer-controlled laser that engraves the top layer of the item and, as result, renders the underlying layer visible. The ultimate result depends on the background type, strength of the laser beam and the laser machine itself.

TWO-TONE LASER ENGRAVING: With two-tone laser engraving, a second colour is engraved more intensively to achieve a darker colour.

DIGITAL PRINTING

With digital printing, the design is adhered directly to a flat surface.

The four full-colour basic colours (CMYK) are combined, so the printer can create any type of print, from full-colour to photorealistic images.

This technique can be used on various types of materials, such as metal and plastic. Digital printing is a fully automated printing process which guarantees a very consistent print quality.

3D DIGITAL PRINTING

3D digital printing involves the same process as digital printing, only the print is given a ‘resin layer’ that is placed over the print. This creates a relief and glossy effect. This modern printing technique can be used on pens.

DIGITAL 360 PRINTING

Have your drinkware, such as thermos drinkware, drinking cups, water bottles and sports bottles printed all around. This printing technique makes the drinkware even more luxurious and creates a high-quality image for your customers. Large areas can be printed with full colour and even 95% of Pantone colours. It is possible to order small quantities, as of 25 pieces! Digital 360 printing is a fully automated printing process that guarantees a very consistent print quality.

SINGLE NAME PRINTING

Toppoint uses the most modern computer controlled printing techniques. Because of this, over 500 articles from the Toppoint collection can be provided with a unique name and/or a unique pattern.

Toppoint B.V. F. Hazemeijerstraat 400 NL - 7555 RJ Hengelo T +31 (0)74 - 2077900 E info@toppoint.com I www.toppoint.com

SCAN THE QR CODE Watch all videos about our printing techniques on YouTube!