Different Branding Methods

All our pricing on our internet site include branding on the item.  So whether it be engraved corporate gifts, printed pens or embroided shirts the prices shown includes emblazoning of your logo.  This section define what each branding method involves and also how the finish article will look.

Pad Printing

Is the most common branding and can be seen anywhere some examples include the keyboard right in front of you.  Pad printing is generally applied to flat consistent surfaces.  Some metal surfaces can also be pad printed however certain metal surfaces may only be engraved as the print may rub off over time. 

Part of the reason why pad printing is so popular in branding for promotional items is that it is low in cost and clients have an option to print in virtually any shade of colour on the PMS chart as well as having the option for multiple colour printing.

In most instances Pad Printing will incur a set-up cost between $60 - $85.  The charge includes a technician creating a hard polymer or steel plate.  This plate is where the image or logo to be printed is created.  This is a once off creation for each image.  Once the plate is created a pad (hence the name pad printing) is then pressed against the plate which will be dipped in ink.  The pad is then pressed against the item and the ink is then allowed to set which may take a day or two.  

Items which are suitable for pad printing include:  Branded Plastic Pens / Printed Stress Balls / Printed Frisbees / Branded Yo-Yo's / Promotional Rulers / Branded Calculators / Corporate Gift Clocks / Branded FlashDrives / Branded KeyRings / Promotional Bic Pens and many many more.

(below is an image of a typical pad printing machine and an example of a pad print)

Laser Engraving

Examples of laser engraving can be seen in Promotional Metal Pens, Corporate Executive Gifts, back of watches and other surfaces where there is a smooth flat metal surface.  Laser Engraving offers superior print durability to Pad Printing (above).  The main reason is that the client image is physically indented into the metal as opposed to Pad Printing where ink sits on top of the item.  Laser Engraving is not recomended for most plastic surfaces on promotional merchandise as the result is unpredictable and generally undesirable.  However on certain plastics laser engraving can be put to good effect. 

Laser engraving is generally done via a complex computer system and executed via a laser engraving machine which traces your logo image onto a surface with a laser beam.  The process is incredibly accurate and the high energy literally vapourizes a surface to create your image.

A set-up cost of $85 applies in most instances for this process.  The cost covers the required trial and error process, cost of labour as well as setting up the machinery for this process. This process is generally more expensive than Pad Printing

Other advantages of laser printing include shorter lead times due to the fact that it does not require ink to drylike Pad Printing

Items suitable for laser engraving include:  Engraved clocks / Engraved Metal Pens / Engraved Corporate Puzzles / Engraved Promotional Metal Yo Yos / Engraved USB Memory Keys / Engraved Metal KeyRings / Engraved Tool Sets / Logo Engraved Torches

Embroidery

This technique of branding has a very very deep history using simple needle and thread throughout history.  In the promotional merchandise industry we use these technique to brand fabric.  

In promotional apparrell we use a process involving machine embroidery.  This allows for precise accurate stitches to create an image.  Embroidery designs are converted digitally via software.  This software not only allows for the image to be replicated but can allow for "fills," which can allow for texture to create a 3-D feel and look.  

A set-up costs is generally applied at around $50 which covers the cost of labour, trial and error as well as the digitizing process for embroidery.

The key advantage with using embroidery is the durability of the image as well as the added bonus of having a clean classy finish.   The main disadvatage is that embroidery only works well for small areas due to cost and the physical limitations of setting a machine to brand large areas.  Therefore we recomend embroidery at no more than 10 cm generally.

Items suitable for embroidery include:  promotional caps, embroided shirts, embroided polo shirts, embroided t-shirts, embroided beanies, embroided hoodies, embroided promotional or club scarves, embroided event jackets, custom embroided fleecy vests, embroided aprons, embroided corporate trousers or skirts, embroided bucket hats, promotional bags, branded calico tote bags, custom printed satchels, custom branded backpacks, 

Screen Printing

Is mainly used once again to brand fabric.  Therefore it can be applied to all items where embroidery can be used.  The main advantage is that this branding method can be applied to large areas easily and at a lower cost than screen printing.  Examples may include branding on the back of promotional t-shirts or branding across the entire chest of polo shirts. 

Screen printing generally incurs $75 to create a screen for the image to be doused in ink.  Specifically a woven mesh is created where your image is blocked therefore allowing your image to be transferred through the mesh. 

The disadvantage with screen printing is that the ink does wash off over time.  However the advantages of this method is that we are able to brand on large areas and with modern techniques we are able to apply strong vibrant colours and even multiple colours which enhances the aesthetic of garments.  A 4 colour or full colour process is also possible.  Modern techniques even allow for metallic and shimmering glitter effects too.

Items suitable for screen printing include:  screen printed t-shirts, screen printed caps, screen printed polo shirts, screen printed long sleeve t shirts, promotional printed 3/4 length t-shirts, screen printed hoodies, screen printed bucket hats, screen printed non woven bags,  screen printed backpacks, screen printed duffle bags,

Plastisol Transfer

Plastisol Transfer is enable to print multiple spot colour transfer. It can transfer full colour images and photos onto your promotional garments.

The difference between Plastisol Transfer and screen printing is that the ink is much thicker. Plastic transfer looks more distinct and print wider area however texture is tougher than screen print finish.  Plastisol Transfer use heat to transfer images, therefore only heat resistant items can be used.

Items suitable for plastisol transfer include:

T-Shirts, Jumpers, Jackets, Caps and Hats, Aprons, Safety Vests, Sports Bags, Conference Bags

Embossing

Embossing is the process of creating a three-dimensional image or design. It can be accomplished with a combination of heat and pressure   Foil stamping technique is used in embossing.  This technique of printing is recommended for garment clothing accessories, plastic, leather, rubber, metal, carbon fiber, glass, ceramic and wood.

Items which are suitable for foil stamping  include Silicon Wrist Bands / Wrist band USB keys / Branded Logo Compendiums / Promotional backpacks / Personalized satchels / Branded cheeseboards.

Want to find out more about our promotional merchandise? Get in touch with us today.