HOT STAMPING

Hot stamping is done by making a magnesium die (metal) with a certain image, type or logo raised on it. This die is used in conjunction with a heat press which when depressed allows the die to press against a hot stamping foil. This impression leaves a Hot Stamped image on the plastic. The foils are made in different colors and will be the color of the image after the heat presses against them. The Die which is made is required for each different impression used. This generally means that Hot Stamping is used when the quantity involved is usually 100 pieces or more. This allows the die cost usually $40.00 (which is a one time charge) to be spread over the total cost of the job. This metal die is kept on hand for future re-orders of the same product.

The typical cost per imprint is usually around a dollar per imprint with a 100 piece minimum order. The die usually takes about a week to make and can be re-used of future orders. The cost of the die is $40.00.

One of the applications for Hot Stamping is Badges. Hot Stamping can only be done on plastics (thermoplastics) This means plastics which are affected by heat. An example of thermoplastics are generally any of the engraving stock plastics we use. Also plexiglas can be hot stamped. Unfortunately phenolic plastics and metals (brass and aluminum) can not be hot stamped. Brass and aluminum can be used with the sublimation process. Please see our product page on sublimation, metals can also be done with Silk Screening.

Hot Stamping allows for the exact reproduction of very fine intricate designs and logos that sometimes can not be achieved with any other process. Since the process is actually heat impressed onto the surface, it usually means a more long lasting type of product. Its relative inexpensive cost factor makes it a logical choice when doing a large quantity.

The down side is the fact that if you are doing a very small run and will not be re-using the same die again, it can become a costly job. Also the colors available for the hot stamping foils are some what limited. If an exact color match is needed then 

Silk Screening is the best choice.