4-Color Process A color image is separated into 4 different color values using filters and screens (usually digital). The result is a color separation of these images onto 4 printing plates. These four colors/plates can be combined to create thousands of colors just as a colour printer does.
Colourfill Adding or filling colour into a pre-defined imprint area. Usually associated with items such as Key Chains, Lapel Pins, Silicone Bracelets or Pewter items where additional colour is added to the design.
Deboss The depression of an image recessed into a material’s surface that causes the image to sit below the product surface.
Die-Casting Injecting metal into the cavity of a carved die (or a mold).
Die-Striking Production of emblems and other flat products by striking a blank metal sheet with a hammer that holds the die.
Etching A process in which an item is covered with a protective coating that resists acid to create the artwork. This leaves a bare surface and a protected surface. It is then exposed to acid. The acid attacks only the exposed surface leaving the image etched onto the surface.
Emboss The reverse of Debossed with the depression of the background recessed into a material’s surface that causes the image to sit above (raised) the product surface.
Embroidery A design is stitched into fabric through the use of high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines. Artwork must first be "digitized”, the specialized process of converting two-dimensional artwork into stitches or thread. Digitizing a file can add significant cost to your budget and is calculated based on overall thread count.
Foil Stamp Applying metallic or colored foil imprints to vinyl, leather or paper surfaces. Usually used when a debossed imprint is required.
Hot Stamp Setting a design on a metal relief die or plate, which is then heated and pressed onto the printing surface to achieve a debossed imprint?
Laser (Engraving) Art or lettering is cut into a material by a laser beam that vaporizes the portion exposed through openings in a template.
Pad Printing A recessed surface is covered with ink. The plate is wiped clean, leaving ink in the recessed areas. A silicone pad is then pressed against the plate, pulling the ink out of the recesses and pressing it directly onto the product.
Photo Etched Your design is chemically etched into brass, creating recesses which are then filled with soft enamel.The etching process allows for high definition of lettering and design, with colors separated by metal lines. Gold, silver, or nickel plated. Clear epoxy finish available.
Screen Printing / Silk-Screening An image is transferred to the printed surface by ink, which is pressed through a stenciled screen and treated with a light-sensitive emulsion. Film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to light, hardening the emulsion not covered by film and leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to press ink through. You must create a different screen for every color you are going to print and screen each color separately allowing drying time in between.
Spot Colour The process of printing one matched (Pantone) color of ink onto one printing plate. Most items us Spot Colors as only a few colours are needed or when a color has to match perfectly to be consistent such as with a company logo.
Sublimation Dye transfer process where the image consists of a colored dye permanently embedded into the pores of the material surface. Used to imprint messages, graphics and photographs.
