Techniques of marking
Screen Printing
Pad Printing
Pad printing, also known as tampography or tampo printing, is a marking method especially useful for branding objects with irregular shapes or hard-to-reach surfaces. This versatility is one of the biggest advantages of this technique, making it ideal for applying graphics to a wide range of items. Pad printing is used in industries that require precise and durable prints on various materials.
The process uses a flexible silicone pad — hence the name — which adapts to the shape and surface of the item being printed. This allows for marking on areas that are otherwise difficult to reach, including convex, concave, or uneven surfaces. Pad printing can be applied to plastic, metal, glass, ceramics, wood, rubber, textiles, and more. The prints are highly durable, resistant to abrasion and fading. The inks used are weather-resistant and UV-resistant. Pad printing also allows for multicolor application in a single process, enabling the creation of colorful and intricate designs with high precision and detail.
Heat Transfer
Heat transfer printing is a method of applying designs to various materials using heat. In this process, a pattern is transferred onto a surface using heat transfer foil or paper. Heat is used to transfer ink or pigment from a carrier (such as heat transfer foil) onto the target surface. Specialized equipment is used to perform this process. Heat transfer is a versatile technique and can be applied to a wide range of materials, including fabrics, paper, plastic, metal, ceramics, wood, and more.
This method allows for the application of multiple colors and intricate designs, making it ideal for projects with high color and detail requirements. Heat transfer also enables easy customization of designs, which is especially useful for producing personalized items — for example, T-shirts with individual names.
Computerized Embroidery
Computerized embroidery is an advanced method of branding or decorating fabrics and other materials. The embroidery is done by a computer-controlled machine, offering a modern and efficient alternative to traditional hand embroidery. The machine automates most of the process, allowing for exceptional precision and consistency in reproducing designs. This technique enables the creation of unique, high-quality embellishments on a variety of materials and is widely used in the advertising and promotional industries to personalize and brand promotional products according to client needs.
In computerized embroidery, patterns or designs are uploaded into specialized software that controls the embroidery machine. The operator can adjust the size, color, and other design parameters via computer. The precision level is extremely high, ensuring designs are accurate and consistent. This technique is extensively used in the apparel, textile, and advertising sectors for branding items like clothing, caps, polo shirts, bags, napkins, towels, flags, promotional gadgets, and more. Computerized embroidery makes it possible to create very intricate designs, including company logos, portraits, symbols, names, and much more. These machines support multicolor threads, enabling vibrant, colorful, and eye-catching decorations.
Sublimation
Sublimation printing is a method of marking where special ink is transferred onto the surface of a material using heat. This process allows for the creation of highly detailed, vibrant, and high-resolution designs. Sublimation prints are extremely durable and resistant to fading, abrasion, and UV exposure. Unlike some other marking methods, sublimation does not leave a noticeable layer on the material — the design becomes part of the fabric itself — making it comfortable to wear and touch.
UV Printing
UV printing is an advanced method that uses ultraviolet light to cure ink, transferring images, patterns, or text onto the target surface. This technique is widely used in advertising, interior decoration, packaging, flat-surface printing, and many other applications. The ink used contains photopolymers that react to ultraviolet light. After the ink is applied to the surface, it is instantly cured by UV lamps within the printer.
One of the key advantages of UV printing is its compatibility with a wide variety of materials, including glass panels, wood, plastics, metal, ceramics, textiles, leather, and more. UV printing delivers exceptionally high quality — with precise details, vivid colors, and high image resolution. It can also produce 3D effects and textures. The process is fast and efficient, making it suitable even for short production runs. It requires no drying time, and UV inks are environmentally friendly, as they do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Unlike traditional printing methods, UV printing does not require plates or printing forms, making it more cost- and time-effective, especially for customized or short-run projects.
Engraving
Engraving is a marking technique that involves permanently cutting or removing material to create a lasting pattern, text, or graphic. It can be applied to a variety of materials such as metal, wood, glass, plastic, and stone.
Engraving allows for precise and durable marking of objects. This process enables the creation of fine details and intricate designs on different surfaces. It is most commonly used for marking pens, keychains, or thermal mugs, but it can be applied to many other items and materials as well.