Hot foil printing, sometimes also known as foil blocking or hot foil blocking is a high added value dry printing process in which the image is transferred to the surface to be printed by a combination of heat and pressure.

The component parts of the process are the block, which (usually) bears the image to be printed in relief, the foil, which carries the pigment or other dry media in which the image is to be printed, and the machine which effects the printing process.

To hot foil print, the block is mounted in the print head of the machine, and heated to the appropriate temperature. The material or object to be printed is next positioned on the table of the machine. Finally the two are brought together with some pressure, and with the foil between. The combination of heat and pressure releases the pigment from the foil and transfers the image to the printed surface.

Hot foil printing can be used for marking a wide variety of surfaces, and has certain advantages over many other types of printing.

• It can be used to produce true 'reflective metal printing, and other effects impossible with ink based systems. As a result, hot foil printing can be used to enhance and add value to conventionally printed stationery, greetings cards, certificates etc.
• Being a dry process, there are no problems with fumes or solvent vapours, or mixing inks, and the printed goods can be handled immediately.
• The printed image is 100% opaque.
• It can be very economic in short run printing.

Multi colour printing is possible with the hot foil process, either in one pass using multicolour foil, in one pass using two or more single colour foils at once, or in several passes, one for each colour.

While special purpose automatic hot foil printing machines can produce in excess of 8,000 impressions per hour, an IML hand operated machine is still capable of more than 2,000 prints per hour with suitable work and a proficient operator.

Initially a foil die/block must be made for which we charge approx £15-£25 depending on the size of the impression required which determines the size of the die/block required. The die is made from magnesium alloy. We mount the die to the machine and heat to the correct temperature. Each card is hand pressed giving you a unique and professional looking card. We also use the same method for embossing diairies, bookmarks, coasters, key fobs, notebooks, place mats, MOT wallets etc.

-

A one off charge of approx £15 - £25 is not required for subsequent orders of the same product unless your details change