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 thru.Also, you must create a different screen for every color you are going to print, and then screen each color separately allowing drying time in-between.
EMBROIDERY
Stitching a design into fabric through the use of high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines. Artwork must first be "digitized." which is the specialized process of converting two dimensional artwork into stitches or thread. A particular format of art such as a jpeg, tif, eps, or bmp, cannot be converted into embroidery tape. The digitizer must actually re-create the artwork using stitches. Then it programs the sewing machine to sew a specific design, in a specific color, with a specific type of stitch. This is the process known as digitizing.
DEBOSS
Achieved by depressing an image into a material's surface so that the image sits below the product's surface.
EMBOSS
An image is impressed in relief to achieve a raised surface.
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 deboss.
ETCHING
Using a process in which an image is first covered with a protective coating that resists acid, then exposed, leaving bare metal abd protected metal. The acid attacks only the exposed metal, leaving the image etche onto the surface.
LASER OR FOIL STAMP
Applying metallic or colored foil imprints to vinyl, leather or paper surfaces. Usually with a deboss.
DIE-CASTING
Injecting molten metal into the cavity of a carved die(or a mold).
DIE STRIKING
Producing emblems and other flat promotional products by striking a blank metal sheet with a hammer that holds the die.
COLORFILL
Screen printing an image and then debossing it onto the vinyl's surface.
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.
LASER ENGRAVING
Imprinting method by which art or lettering is cut into a material by a laser beam that vaporizes the protion exposed through openings in a template.
SUBLIMATION
Dye transfer process where the image consists of a colored dye permanently embedded into the material surface of pores. Used to imprint messages, graphics and photographs on a variety of items, primarily mouse pads, mugs. t-shirts, caps and trophy medals.
DECAL
Artwork is produced on a transparent decal, the applied to product,
OFFSET PRINTING
A process of transferring ink from a metal printing plate to a rubber-covered cylinder. Used on more complex artwork for higher quality items.
