DIGITAL PRINTING

Digital printing takes amazing developments in computer technology and uses them to print your brand in the best light. Thanks to the use of large-scale printers, virtually any image created with computer software can be transferred onto the surface of a promotional product. Digital printing is an excellent way to colour your advertising efforts!

We will explain the differences from the first use through to current technologies increasing the range of promotional products to be one of the most used decoration methods and increasingly more cost effective.

 

The first uses for digital printing was for printing media such as paper, vinyl and material used in the manufacture of labels, badges and fridge magnets etc.  Digital printing onto these items resulted in bright vibrant designs.

 

However, when digital printing initially became available for other promotional products like t-shirts, umbrellas, etc the colours were not vibrant and close PMS colour match was not possible.  At the time this new method of decoration was also not price competitive and was therefore withdrawn as a decoration option.

In the past few years the advances in this technology has improved the vibrancy of the print and closer PMS colour matching is possible.  New print machines have been developed to increase the range of products that can be printed in full colour increasing the product options for Companies and Brands with full colour designs.  These advances have also resulted in pricing being more competitive to become one of the most used decoration methods for branded promotional products.

DIRECT TO PRODUCT DIGITAL PRINTING

This method involves the transfer of ink directly onto the product and can be used to produce both spot colour (PMS colour) and full colour branding onto flat or slightly curved surfaces.

 

                           

Advantages:-

• Ideal for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork with computer controlled registration of the design over the white base.
• Can print variable data including individual names.
• Only one set up charge is required as the design is computer generated without the need to make printing plates (Pad Printing) or mesh screens (screen printing) for each colour in the design.
• Instant drying so products can be packed for despatch immediately.
• Larger printed areas are possible on many products and can print very close to the edge of flat products.

Limitations:-

• PMS colours are approximate only but is now a closer colour match than original technology

Supplying RGB of CMYK artwork files increases the possibility of correct print colours.

• Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic colours like silver and gold.
• The size of branding areas I limited on curved surfaces.
• Larger print areas tend to be more expensive as it requires longer machine time.

Artwork Requirements:-

• Can be supplied as vector artwork or HiRes PDF
• A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds of the product. Always request an artwork template for the product to be printed.

DIGITAL TRANSFERS

The logo or design is printed in full colour onto transfer paper using a digital printing machine.  The transfer is then applied to the garment, back, cap, etc using a combination of heat and pressure.

Advantages:-

• Cost effective method for printing multi colour spot colour designs or full colour RGB or CMYK designs
• Crisp, clear artwork reproduction is possible even on textured fabrics.
• Has a matt finish and will not crack or fade under normal circumstances.
• Only one set up charge is required as the design is computer generated without the need to make printing plates (Pad Printing) or mesh screens (screen printing) for each colour in the design.

Limitations:-

• PMS colours are approximate only but is now a closer colour match than original technology

Supplying RGB of CMYK artwork files increases the possibility of correct print colours.

• Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic colours like silver and gold.
• A thin, clear line of glue can sometimes be seen around the edges of the image.

 

Artwork Requirements:-

• Can be supplied as vector artwork or HiRes PDF

DIGITAL ADHESIVE LABELS

A great way to brand products that cannot be branded with any other decoration method or used as a cost effective way to decorate product quickly.  Promotional products decorated using this method range from packs of confectionery or notebooks with porous or textured surfaces to lids of plastic lunch boxes.

Advantages:-

• Ideal for printing vivid full colour images and spot colour (PMS colour)
• Can print variable data including individual names.
• Only one set up charge is required as the design is computer generated without the need to make printing plates (Pad Printing) or mesh screens (screen printing) for each colour in the design.
• Branding can bleed off the edges of the label.

Limitations:-

• PMS colours are approximate only but is now a closer colour match than original technology

Supplying RGB of CMYK artwork files increases the possibility of correct print colours.

• Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic colours like silver and gold.

Artwork Requirements:-

• Can be supplied as vector artwork or HiRes PDF
• A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if the design prints to the edge of the label.