by John Kaverman, Pad Print Pros, LLC What is "variable data marking"? Variable data marking is marking each successive part, or series of parts, with a different image. Examples of variable data include images such as expiration dates, serial or other progressive numbers, bar codes, 2-dimensional matrix codes or QR (quick response) codes, people's names or company … [Read more...] about Applying Variable Data with Digital Thermal Transfer Marking
Heat Transfers
Q&A: Heat Transfer vs. Hot Stamping
by Eric Steinwachs, United Silicone Question: What is the difference between heat transfer and hot stamping? Answer: Hot stamping and heat transfer both require heat, pressure and dwell (time) to apply an image to a part. However, heat transfers are pre-printed images using silkscreened, gravure, flexography or digital printing methods on a release paper or film; whereas, hot … [Read more...] about Q&A: Heat Transfer vs. Hot Stamping
Heat Transfers
by Eric Steinwachs, United Silicon Question: What is the difference between heat transfer and hot stamping? Hot stamping and heat transfers both require heat, pressure and dwell (time) to apply an image to a part. However, heat transfers are pre-printed images using silk screened, gravure, flexography or digital printing methods on a release paper or film; whereas, hot stamp … [Read more...] about Heat Transfers
Digital Heat Transfers
by Matt Regan and Chris Blanken With the continued trend toward shorter runs for all types of plastic molded products, there will be a demand for short-run decorating alternatives. Digital heat transfers provide an option for shorter run applications, with the added benefit of offering variable data on each plastic part. Plastics Decorating has asked two of the leading experts … [Read more...] about Digital Heat Transfers
Ins and Outs of Hot Stamping v. Heat Transfer
by Keith Hillestad, United Silicone The hot stamping industry as we know it today began in the 1940s with the introduction of roll leaf, which was hot stamping foils manufactured in roll form. The early hot stamping foils used acetate or cellophane as the carrier. Hot stamping applications greatly expanded through the late 1940s as the first vacuum metalizing of a carrier film … [Read more...] about Ins and Outs of Hot Stamping v. Heat Transfer