Thermography printing is used to give printed goods a three-dimensional effect. This form of printing has swiftly become a popular favorite among many business owners as a low-cost option for more traditional printing techniques like engraving and embossing. Thermography printing is commonly used in greeting cards and other printed products that require an embossing effect with a more natural look and feel.
TEAM Concept Printing will cover the many applications and benefits of thermography printing in this post. Hopefully, you’ll be able to put this knowledge to work and develop a better understanding of this crucial printing technology. Let’s get this party started!
What Is Thermographic Printing?
Printing with an offset press This specialist printing technique combines ink with powdered resin before baking the resulting mixture to give the printed piece a raised and textured appearance. The image is first offset-printed with slow-drying ink. Finally, the wet printed sheets are passed into a tunnel and sprinkled with resin. Before the surplus is sucked away, the inked regions of the printed sheets are concealed. When heated, the resin melts, revealing a raised, vitreous image.
Because the particles utilized in this printing method are transparent, the color of the ink used is not affected. Powders with varying degrees of brilliance, dullness, matteness, and coarseness can be used in thermography. Consult a specialist if you need assistance determining the best powder for your printing needs.
What Are The Applications Of Thermography Printing?
While thermography printing has various applications, business cards and other forms of stationery are the most commonly used. Furthermore, commercial marketing materials such as greeting cards, wedding invitations, report covers, and so on are frequently employed. Thermography printing, as an alternative to engraving, can save you a lot of money while still having a great impact.
Thermography Printing Has Many Advantages
One of the most significant advantages of this printing technology is the increased professionalism and eye appeal it provides to promotional materials. This process also significantly reduces the cost of engraving or embossing. Another advantage of thermography printing is the ability to generate a raised appearance in printed goods. Last but not least, the bright colors that thermography printing typically generates are an asset for business owners looking to complete a print job that will catch the attention of clients.
Tips for Your Next Thermography Printing Job
If thermography printing fascinates you and you’re planning a future print job, consider using any of these suggestions. This printing process has various advantages, but it may not be appropriate for all assignments. If you follow these instructions, thermography printing can assist you in creating marketing materials that will impress your customers. The following is information concerning thermography printing that you should be aware of:
- Although thermography images can be any size, huge patches of uniform color have a tendency to blister.
- Halftones and screens are often unsuitable for thermography. This is due to the possibility of powder filling the empty area around an image. Font sizes fewer than seven points should therefore be avoided within the image.
- Thermography can be printed on both coated and uncoated media.
- For thermographic printing, do not use textured paper.
Thermographic Printing’s Evolution
Thermography printing refers to two forms of printing that employ heat to transfer an image or text onto paper. In the most basic kind of thermographic printing, paper with a coating that changes color when heated is employed. Earlier fax machines and till printers used thermal printing to generate sales slips. Another tough printing process is thermal transfer printing. The image from a selected ribbon is imprinted on paper.
The early history of thermographic printing is generally unclear due to a paucity of evidence around its inception. In contrast, thermographic printing has been around since the early 1900s.
The concept of using thermography to improve the printing process while providing amusing outcomes originated. Special effects were obtained in the days before thermography printing by dusting copal resin powder on wet ink, holding the substrate at an angle, and shaking off the excess powder.
Varnish resins of various sorts can be produced from the sap of a number of tropical trees, which are known collectively as copal. Once set, copal has a wonderful gloss and can range in color from clear to a deep yellowish brown. Because it dissolves in alcohol and other organic solvents when heated, it can be used to manufacture varnish and printing ink.
To produce the desired raised printing effect, the powder would need to be melted and the object placed on a hot plate or other forms of heating apparatus.
Prior to the development of the first automatic thermographs in 1915, thermography required a great lot of skill. The first standalone thermograph was invented by the Virkotype Company. In 1920, the Carlson Company began marketing the Virkotype machine and method in Europe. Because of the simplicity of the use of thermographic printing, adding embossing effects to ink became more popular and less expensive than engraving copper or steel.
Following WWII, the usage of thermography increased. The method became more popular among printers as powders and machinery improved. Since 1900, thermographic printing has advanced significantly, and it is currently a standard printing technology that may enhance the appearance of any piece of stationery.
How to Select a Trustworthy Thermography Printing Service
Finding the right printing company is critical, but finding the right thermography printing company is even more critical. You should work with a company that is both reputable and knowledgeable about the numerous types of custom printing. The more adaptable they are, the more unique and daring your idea can be. Whether you’re looking for a site to print birthday invitations or launching a new brand, the materials consumers come into contact with as part of your marketing speak volumes.
TEAM Concept Printing specializes in a variety of printing techniques, including thermography. We provide promotional items, trade printing, ecologically friendly printing, and other distinctive effects and finishes in addition to basic printing services. We provide a full range of printing services. We place you and your project first, and we do so without sacrificing quality. Please click here to learn more about who we are and what we can do for you. We can’t wait to perform our magic on you!
