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What we will need from you to get started!
Is the preferred file type for most promotional products branding is a Vector Illustrator EPS or PDF files.
(.eps, .ai files)
These are ideal files for the correct printing and reproduction of your logo on promotional products. We do what we can to reillustrate logos when we receive basic files. But it is time consuming task, and re-illustrating your logo costs from $85 to $250 to reillustrate depending on its complexity. The bonus is that we will then give you a copy of the file you've paid for which will come in useful if you ever want to do any printing, signage or design work with your logo, or any other branding other than your promotional products order.
Files with the .jpg extension are acceptable for embroidery or promotional products such as hats or promotional caps, but they have to be re-illustrated for printing and engraving of metallic promotional products. A high res .jpg file can also be used for printing digital or offset printing jobs, though it is not a preferred file type for most logo reproduction on promotional products.
(Portable Document Format) are becoming the industry standard for offset and digital printing of promotional merchandise and promotional products. They have only limited use for printing promotional products. A .PDF file is fine for embroidery but we have to reillustrate a .pdf logo if printing or engraving is required. Promotional Companies, Web Designers and Businesses also rely on PMS shades when they need to select, match and control colour. A printer's customer may request a particular shade, using a PMS identifying number taken from a PMS colour chart to ensure colour accuracy. Click on the colour image to download the chart guide
A colour matching system that has a unique number assigned to more than 500 different colours and shades and is the standard for the printing industry, it offers various shades of ink colour created by printing specified proportions and densities of primary colour on paper. For example, a particular shade of blue may be 50% cyan and 5% magenta on a white surface.
Embroidery is a process that utilises automated industrial embroidery machines to apply digitised logos to many different forms of products like Bags, Clothing , Caps, Towels etc and is costed according to the stitch count and not colours - so it does not matter how many colours appear in your logo, you will not be charged per colour as is the case in printing. Most Logos are generally about 7000 -9000 stitches.
There are at least 21 different solutions to your business branding and business personality development.
Please contact M & M Professionals to discuss which method / branding portfolio suits your merchandise
Colourflex® is a CMYK+W digital print process, used for branding apparel and fabrics.
Advantages:
Ideal for producing full colour, complex images as well as approximate spot colour branding. High definition, vibrant matt finish artwork that is suitable on a range of garment fabrics. Eco-friendly water-based inks. Durable, flexible branding for apparel that is machine washable with a soft-touch matt finish. Efficient self-weeding technology. Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours. Can be shipped straight after being printed.
Limitations:
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours. A thin, clear line of glue can sometimes be seen around the edges of the image. Unable to print variable data. Minimum detail advised at 1mm.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Commonly referred to as ‘Blind’ debossing, a heated custom metal plate is pressed firmly onto the product leaving an impression of the artwork. This process could consume more electricity.
Advantages:
Higher perceived value than other forms of branding. The branding becomes permanent part of the product. Commonly used in custom branding a notebook cover, a silicone wristband, a coffee cup's silicone band. The product can be shipped as soon as heat pressing is finished. Certain products can be a two-tone finish.
Limitations:
Can be very subtle and harder to see, especially on textured materials. Unable to print variable data such as individual naming. Minimum line thickness: 0.4mm.
DigiFlex Transfer is a DTF or Direct to Film digital transfer process, used for branding apparel and fabrics.
Advantages:
More economical for short runs. Ideal for personalization and variable data, including names and numbering. Eco-friendly water-based inks. Durable, flexible branding for apparel that is machine washable. Efficient self-weeding technology. Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours. Can be shipped straight after being printed.
Limitations:
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours. Minimum detail advised at 1mm.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Digital adhesive labels are used to brand products that cannot be branded with any other method. They are printed with a digital printing press and applied to the product.
Advantages:
Ideal for producing vivid full color images as well as closely matched spot color branding. Can print variable data including individual names. Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours. Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved. Can be cut to custom shapes.
Limitations:
Metallic and neon/fluorescent colours are not available. White print cannot be produced on clear, silver or gold stock.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.
Digital Packaging Print offers a single-pass CMYK digital print onto a range of materials.
Advantages:
Ideal for producing full color, complex images with gradients. Variable data, including names, is available on select products. Only one setup charge is required regardless of the number of print colours. Dries instantly, so products can be shipped immediately. Digital Packaging Print uses dye so there is no ink build-up.
Limitations:
Some colours, including closely matched PMS, RGB, metallic and neon colours, cannot be produced. Cannot print on dark colored substrates as white ink cannot be printed underneath the artwork. Edge-to-edge branding and large block colours cannot be achieved.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. Fonts should be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
This production method, using CMYK values, is used for printing media such as paper, vinyl and magnetic material used in the manufacture of labels, badges, and fridge magnets etc.
Advantages:
Ideal for producing full color, complex images with gradients. Variable data including individual names is available on select products. Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colors. Dries instantly so products can be shipped immediately. Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on certain products.
Limitations:
Metallic and neon/fluorescent colours are not available. White print cannot be produced on craft, clear, silver or gold stock.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. A 3mm bleed should be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.
Direct digital printing involves the transfer of ink directly from the print heads of an inkjet machine to the product and can be used to produce both full color and closely matched spot color branding on flat or slightly curved surfaces.
Advantages:
Ideal for printing dark colored products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork. Variable data including individual names is available on select products. Commonly used for glass coasters. Dried instantly so products can be shipped immediately. Offers larger print areas on many products and can print very close to the edge of flat products. Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colors.
Limitations:
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colors. The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces. Larger print areas can be more expensive.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product. Please contact your Distributor to ensure branding suitability.
Advantages:
Only one setup charge applies per position for up to 12 thread colours.
Only approximate PMS color matches are possible
Unable to print variable data i.e individual name
Metallic embroidery colours have special pricing
Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format, to allow enlarging or shrinking without distortion. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts. We recommend avoiding fine detail - the minimum text heights for embroidered artworks are:
Faux Embroidery is a Colourflex® Transfer with the supplied artwork digitized to create a texture and depth that mimics traditional embroidery. Suitable for branding bags, apparel and other textile products with unlimited colours.
Advantages:
Durable, flexible branding for apparel that is machine washable with a soft-touch matte finish. Eco-friendly water-based inks. Efficient self-weeding technology. Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colors. Can be shipped straight after being printed. Can be applied to a larger range of products and positions. Results on smaller sized prints is better than embroidery.
Limitations:
Pantone color matching and metallic colours are not available. Artwork will be matched to the closest available thread color with a 3D shading that will affect the color outcome. Not suitable for fine details in the artwork – bold larger art is recommended to create the most realistic Faux Embroidery. As the size of the design decreases, both stitch clarity and detail reduced.
Artwork Requirements:
Vector and or high-resolution JPEG, BITMAPS can be used. If the resolution is insufficient, the quality of the output may be affected. Font Requirements:
Sans Serif: Min. height 4.5mm, 1.3mm thickness, and 1mm letter spacing. Serif/Script: Min. height 5.5mm, 1.3mm thickness, and 1mm letter spacing. Artwork outside of these guidelines may need adjustments to ensure legibility.
Foil Printing is a printing method that applies a metallic foil onto a flat surface using heat and pressure. This method utilizes modern digital foiling, which is more cost-effective and eliminates the need for plates or stamps, allowing for direct printing from a digital file to the product. The printing will inherit the texture of the substrate, so textured notebooks will cause the foil to reflect that texture. The foil finish will vary slightly when applied to soft-touch PU compared to Standard PU due to the different substrates. The available foil color options include Gold, Silver, and Copper.
Advantages:
Higher perceived value than other forms of branding. The product can be shipped as soon as printing is finished. Offers variable data such as individual naming. The foil is flexible and suitable for softcover notebooks.
Limitations:
Detailed artwork can get lost on textured substrates. Minimum line thickness 0.4mm for smooth substrates. Minimum line thickness 1mm for textured substrates.
Artwork Requirements:
The artwork must be supplied in vector format. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Hot Stamping is a printing method that creates an indented design on the product surface using a heated custom metal plate. This plate is pressed firmly onto the product surface, leaving a permanent impression of the artwork. It's often used on materials like wood.
Advantages:
Higher perceived value than other forms of branding. The branding becomes part of the product and is permanent. The product can be shipped as soon as heat pressing is finished. Certain products can produce a two-tone, contrasting finish.
Limitations:
Unable to print variable data such as individual naming. Large block artwork can produce an inconsistent print result. Minimum line thickness: 0.4mm.
Artwork Requirements:
The artwork must be supplied in vector format. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Imitation etch uses a special ink in to produce an etch-like effect on glass products via pad or screen print. Commonly used in glass drinkware category. Handwashing these products are recommended, unlike laser engraving.
Advantages:
Much more affordable than real etching. Can brand curved or uneven products. Produces a subtle finish with a higher perceived value that looks like etching.
Limitations:
Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced. The size of branding areas is limited on curved surfaces. Requires a curing period before shipment. Unable to print variable data.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Advantages:
Higher perceived value than other forms of branding. The branding becomes part of the surface and is permanent. Large branding areas available on curved products. Variable data including individual names is available on select products. The product can be shipped straight away after being engraved.
Limitations:
Fine detail can be lost on smaller products like pens. To avoid disappointment, we don't recommend laser engraving a complicated crest logo on a small surface.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Pad Print
Pad printing uses a silicone pad to transfer an image to a product from a laser etched printing plate. It is one of the most popular and affordable ways of branding promotional products due to its ability to reproduce images on uneven or curved products.
Advantages:
Ideal for printing on curved or uneven products. Prints sharp, clean images with detail as fine as 0.4mm, minimum text size is 5pt.Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-colored products. Metallic gold and silver ink are available. Can offer a white under base for the darker products that require it. Many products can print up to 6 colours.
Limitations:
Halftones cannot be consistently reproduced. Unable to print variable data such as individual naming. Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In these instances, a white base will create a better print. Some pad print inks require a curing period before the product can be shipped. Each color requires its own setup charge.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts
Example of Pad Print
This CMYK branding process is produced by printing artwork onto a vinyl material with strong adhesive on the reverse. The branded area is then coated with a crystal-clear resin. Once dry, the finished decal is applied to the product and the adhesive forms a permanent bond.
Advantages:
Ideal for producing vivid full color images as well as closely matched spot color branding. Produces a stunning 3D effect that elevates the perceived value of a product. Variable data including individual names is available on select products. Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on the resin coated area. Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colors.
Limitations:
Larger print areas can be more expensive. White, metallic gold, silver and neon colours cannot be printed. The resin needs to be cured for one day before shipping the product.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.
Direct to product rotary digital printing involves the transfer of UV ink and a varnish coating from inkjet print heads and can be used to produce detailed gloss artwork using both closely matched spot colours and full color branding.
Advantages:
Ideal for large or complex full color gloss prints. The print is dry and ready to ship as soon as the product is printed. Only one setup charge is required regardless of the number of print colors. No loss of print vibrancy, even on darker products.
Limitations:
Production speed is limited so lead times can be longer in some cases. Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colors. As the print does not wrap completely around the product, there is a small gap between the start and end of the print. More expensive than other branding options.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Advantages:
Large print areas are possible on cylindrical products. Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-colored products. Most screen print inks are quick drying and can be shipped immediately after printing. Metallic gold and silver colours are available. Many products can print five colours (including white) with tight multi-color registration.
Limitations:
Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In some instances, a white base will create a better print. Unable to print variable data. Each color requires its own setup charge.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Advantages:
Large print areas are possible on flat products. Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-colored products. Most screen print inks dry quickly and can be shipped immediately after printing. Fluorescent, metallic gold and silver inks are available on select textile products. Many products can print with tight multi-color registration, with some products able to be printed using up to five colours.
Limitations:
Close PMS matches are more difficult on darker products and will only be approximate. In some instances, a white base will create a better print. Unable to print variable data. Each color requires its own setup charge.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Advantages:
Provides crisp, clear, high-definition artwork. Durable, flexible branding that can be hand washed. Perfect for printing dark colored products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork. Ideal for producing full color images as well as approximate spot color branding. Has a matt finish and does not crack or fade with typical use of product. Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
Limitations:
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colors. Unable to print variable data. Minimum detail is advised to be no finer than 0.7mm.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Advantages:
Sublimation ink is a dye so there is no ink build-up. The finished print is embedded in the product. Ideal for producing vivid full color images as well as closely matched spot color branding. Variable data including individual names is available on select products. Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on some products. Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colors.
Limitations:
Can only be used on suitable products with white surfaces. Some colours cannot be reproduced including white, metallic, and neon/fluorescent colors. Fine detail/text may experience minor color bleed across adjacent design elements.
Artwork Requirements:
Artwork can be supplied in either vector or bitmap format. Supplied bitmaps must be higher than 300DPI resolution at the actual print size. A 3mm bleed must be added to the artwork if it bleeds off the product.
Thermo debossing is only available on certain products, using additional heat to create a unique and eye-catching two-tone finish. Commonly used on products with polyurethane (PU) material.
Advantages:
Produces a two tone finish that means it stands out. Higher perceived value than other forms of branding. The branding becomes part of the product and is permanent. The product can be shipped as soon as heat pressing is finished.
Limitations:
Unable to print variable data such as individual naming. Minimum line thickness: 0.4mm.
Artwork Requirements:
The artwork must be supplied in vector format. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts. Please contact your Distributor to ensure branding suitability.
M & M Professionals, established in 2008 in Brisbane, Australia is the owner of ProDezign. Logos or messages displayed in this website , our brochures, or emails or any marketing materials, both printed and digital, are only for the purpose of demonstrating available decoration processes. We make no claims or suggestions, real or implied, that the owners of these logos or trademarks endorse us, or have purchased these products from M & M Professionals.
