What Is Hot Stamping?

What Is Hot Stamping?

Hot stamping is a printing technique that transfers film to a printable substrate by means of heat.hot stamping plate It’s a highly versatile method used in countless applications, from decorative printing on paper to embellishing plastic products with logos and other designs.

In hot stamping, two plates are brought into contact: a hot plate holding the etching to be hot-stamped and another one to support it.hot stamping plate The hot plate is heated to a temperature that allows the foil to fuse with the support plate and transfer its image. This is what gives the foil its shiny appearance.

When choosing a foil for hot stamping, it’s important to consider its color and texture, as well as its opacity.hot stamping plate Opacity refers to the degree to which the foil hides other colors on the substrate and is determined by the amount of pigment in it. In addition, the type of resin used in the manufacturing process is crucial to the quality of the finished product.

Some metals are not ideal for hot stamping due to their inability to hold forming temperatures at high speeds.hot stamping plate This causes a phenomenon called spring back that can result in defects like wrinkles on the product. The best choice for hot stamping is a low-alloy steel with alloying elements that promote the phase transformation to martensite when heated and cooled rapidly. Corrosion, decarbonization and scaling are also major challenges when working with steel. The use of inert gas atmospheres and material coatings can reduce the need for scale removal, prevent corrosion and maintain forming temperatures.

Quick-change die technology vastly reduces the time needed for tooling changes and set up.hot stamping plate Using pin registration, it is possible to achieve accurate imprints from die-to-die, making the entire decorating process more efficient and productive.

Various coatings and materials are used to protect the stamping plate and foil during production. Suitable coatings prevent corrosion and increase the surface hardness to improve performance. The most common coatings are polyurethane nitrocellulose, melamine formaldehyde and modified rosin resin. Other coatings are made of silicon or aluminum. The use of coatings and die materials that resist damage during the decorating process increases the life of the dies.

Foil for hot stamping is available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Some are glossy or matte, while others have a more metallic finish. Some are designed for specific applications, such as binding or textiles.

One alternative to traditional hot stamping is a process called tipping, which uses the plastic part itself as a die. This is ideal for plastic items with raised lettering or logos as only the raised areas will receive coloring. The film is administered by a large soft die that is heated and then pressed against the plastic surface. This process is also used to apply texture to a flat surface. Compared to traditional hot stamping methods, tipping is more economical and environmentally friendly. It is also a great option for companies with limited space.

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