Printing Methods on Pens

Traditional branding methods on writing stationary have been engraving and pad printing.  Nowadays, some pens offer the print option of Full Colour Digita Printing. 

Pad Printing

The most commonly used form or branding on product surfaces.  Just look at the key board or the computer mouse that you are using and it most likely been pad printed in white saying Microsoft or DELL. Pad printing is generally applied on flat consistent surfaces, metal surfaces can also be pad printed however some may rub off and fade over time.  

Its a popular form of branding on promotional products as it is relatively low cost compared to full colour prints or engraving. Pad printing on promotional pens generally starts with 1 colour print of any PMS colour of choice, 2 and 3 colour is optional.

Branding on writing instruments can be 1 position on the barrel or clip or 2 positions on either side of the barrel or barrel and clip. 

Most pens will have a set up cost between $60 to $85 dollars.  This charge includes a technician creating a hard polymer or steel plate.  This plate is where the image or logo to be printed is created.  This is a once off creation personalised to your logo.  Once the plate is created a pad (hence the name pad printing) is then pressed against the plate which will be dipped in ink.  The pad is then pressed against the item and the ink is then allowed to set which may take a day or two.  

The following promotional items surface are suitable for this printing method : Branded Plastic Pens / Promotional Stress Balls and Stress Shapes / Promotional Yo Yo's / Promotional Pencils / Printed Highlighters / Corporate Stationary / Promotional Keyrings  / Promotional USB Flashdrives / Promotional Piggy Banks plus so many more different promotional products.

Laser Engraving

Engraving can give a very elegant look to a promotional merchandise.  It is done via a complex computer system and executed via a laser engraving machine which traces your personal logo or branding onto a surface to recreate your required image.

A set up cost of $85 generally applies for this technical process which covers the required trial and error in the process as well as setting up the machinery. Cost lightly more to engrave than to pad print BUT, it is a bit faster as there is not waiting of ink to dry.  

Laser Engraving on promotional merchandise also offers superier print durability compared to Pad Printing.  The main reason for this is the personalised logo is indented onto the promotional product surface as oppose to  colour pad printing where the ink sits on top.  Engraving is typically not recommended for most plastic promotional stationary as the results may be unpredictable and undesirable.  However, certain plastic can be engraved on so please enquire with us at the time of ordering.

Some branded merchandise that are suited to engraving are: Promotional Metal Pens  / Premium Corporate Pens / Deluxe Sheaffer Fountain Pens / Business Executive Gifts / Crystal Awards / Stainless Steel Promotional Thermal Mugs / Promotional Metal Keyrings / Printed USB Memory Sticks / Promotional Clocks / Branded Metal Torches / Promotional Globus Puzzles.

Full Colour Digital Printing

4-color process allows you to print as many different colors as you want for one price!  Digital printing is the reproduction of an digital image on a physical surface. High resolution image is required for this process to ensure all details are reproduced.  Unlike pad printing, digital printing does not require the printing plate.

Highly visual effect, the entire image is wrapped around the desired promotional pen barrel with a gloss like finish.  Will not be rubbed off.

The following promotional products are suitable for this type of branding: BIC Wide Body Promotional Pens / Digital Printed Clic Stic Pen / Promotional Flag Pen / Promotional Mouse Mats / Promotional Banners.