12 July, 2023
Exploring the Art of Pen Personalisation
When it comes to creating personalised pens for promotional purposes or special events, several printing and engraving techniques are available. This article delves into four popular methods: pad printing, screen printing, full-colour digital print, and engraving.
Pad Printing
Pad printing is the most widely used printing method on pens. It allows for intricate designs and offers versatility, speed, and durability, making it a preferred choice for creating high-quality prints on pens for promotional purposes or branding. The steps involved are explained below:
- Prepare the Artwork:
The first step in pad printing on pens is to prepare the artwork that will be transferred onto the pen surface. The artwork needs to be provided in vector format to ensure clean crisp lines are printed and if more than a single colour print, it allows for separation of the colours.
- Preparing the Printing Plate:
Once the artwork is finalised, a printing plate is created. The plate is typically made of metal or polymer and is engraved with the design in reverse. This engraved plate serves as the transfer medium for the ink onto the pen surface.
- Ink Preparation:
Next, the ink used for pad printing on pens is prepared. Pad printing inks are specialised inks formulated for adhesion and durability on various surfaces. The ink is carefully mixed, ensuring the correct colour and viscosity for optimal printing results. Depending on the design requirements, multiple colours may be used, necessitating separate ink preparations for each colour.
- Setting Up the Pad Printing Machine:
The pad printing machine, is set up with the necessary components for printing on pens. The machine consists of several key elements, including the ink cup, printing pad (usually made of silicone), and positioning fixture. The ink cup holds the ink and controls its flow, while the printing pad transfers the ink from the metal plate to the pen surface. The positioning fixture ensures precise alignment of the pen during printing.
- Ink Transfer:
To initiate the pad printing process, the ink cup is filled with the prepared ink, and the printing pad is positioned over the engraved area on the metal plate. As the pad moves across the surface of the plate, it picks up the ink from the recessed areas, leaving behind a thin layer of ink on the pad's surface.
- Printing on the Pen:
With the ink transferred onto the pad, the pen is carefully positioned in the fixture, ensuring proper alignment with the artwork. The printing pad is then lowered onto the pen surface, gently pressing the ink onto it. The flexible nature of the printing pad allows it to conform to the shape of the pen, ensuring even and consistent ink transfer.
- Curing and Drying:
Once the ink is transferred onto the pen, it needs to be cured and dried to ensure adhesion and longevity. The curing process can vary depending on the ink type and manufacturer's specifications. It may involve exposure to heat, UV light, or chemical reactions, ensuring the ink fully bonds with the pen surface and becomes resistant to wear and fading.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is usually done when a wrap or rotery print is required on the pen. The process is similar to pad printing in regards to the initial and final stages. The steps for screenprinting are below
- Preparing the Artwork:
This process is exactly the same as pad printing where the artwork needs to be provided in vector format to ensure clean crisp lines are printed and if more than a single colour print, it allows for separation of the colours.
- Creating the Screen:
Once the artwork is finalised, a screen is prepared for the printing process. The screen is made of a fine mesh material, typically polyester or nylon, stretched tightly over a frame. A light-sensitive emulsion is applied evenly to the mesh to create the design on the screen. The digital artwork is then transferred onto a transparent film or stencil placed on top of the emulsion-coated screen. The screen is exposed to UV light, hardening the emulsion except for the areas covered by the artwork.
- Preparing the Ink:
The next step is to prepare the ink that will be used for screen printing on pens. This is usually done to the PMS colour requested by the client.
- Setting Up the Screen Printing Machine:
The screen printing machine is set up with the necessary components for printing on pens. The machine typically consists of a flatbed or cylindrical fixture designed specifically for pen printing. The screen is securely clamped onto the machine, ensuring stability and proper alignment.
- Ink Transfer:
The prepared ink is applied to the screen to initiate the screen printing process. A squeegee is used to evenly spread the ink across the screen, applying light pressure to force the ink through the open areas of the stencil and onto the pen surface below. The ink is transferred through the mesh openings onto the pen, and at the same time, the pen is rotated, creating the desired design.
- Printing on the Pen:
With the ink transferred onto the pen, the pen is carefully positioned in the screen printing fixture, ensuring proper alignment with the design. The screen is lowered onto the pen surface, and pressure is applied, forcing the ink to pass through the mesh and adhere to the pen. The screen is then lifted, revealing the printed design on the pen.
- Curing and Drying:
Once the ink is transferred onto the pen, it needs to be cured and dried to ensure adhesion and longevity. This process is the same as pad printing.
Full Colour Digital Print
Full-colour digital printing has revolutionised the world of promotional products, enabling intricate designs and vibrant colours to be printed with exceptional precision and detail. This advanced printing technique has also extended to pens, allowing for the creation of eye-catching and personalised designs. The steps for full colour digital printing is below
- Artwork Preparation:
The first step in full-colour digital printing on pens is to prepare the artwork that will be printed. Unlike screen printing or pad printing, digital print allows for the files to be in formats such as .jpg or .tiff
- Digital Printing Equipment:
Full-colour digital printing on pens requires specialised equipment, such as a digital UV printer. These printers use inkjet technology to precisely deposit ink onto the pen surface. UV printers are equipped with UV-curable inks that dry instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light, ensuring vibrant colours and excellent adhesion to various materials, including plastic and metal.
- Setting Up the Printer:
Before printing, the digital printer must be properly set up to accommodate the pen's dimensions and ensure accurate alignment. This involves adjusting the print settings, such as print resolution and ink density, to achieve the desired print quality. Additionally, the printer may require the installation of specific pen-holding fixtures or jigs to securely hold the pens during the printing process.
- Printing Process:
Once the printer is ready, the pen is carefully loaded into the designated fixture or jig. The digital printer applies the UV-curable inks onto the pen surface based on the colour separation layers. As the printer's print head moves across the pen, it deposits tiny droplets of ink with exceptional precision, recreating the intricate details and colours of the original artwork.
- UV Curing:
After the ink is applied to the pen, it must be cured to ensure adhesion and durability. UV-curable inks require exposure to ultraviolet light to initiate the curing process. The printed pens pass through a UV curing unit or chamber, where intense UV light rapidly cures the ink, creating a robust and permanent bond with the pen surface. UV curing ensures the print is instantly dry and resistant to smudging or fading.
Engraving
Engraving is a classic and elegant method of personalising pens that adds a touch of sophistication and uniqueness. Whether it's for corporate gifts, promotional items, or personal use, engraving on pens offers a permanent and durable way to create intricate designs, names, or logos. Below we will explore the process of engraving on pens, highlighting the steps and equipment used.
- Preparing the Design:
The first step in engraving on pens is to prepare the design or text that will be engraved onto the pen surface. This can be a name, logo, or any other desired artwork. The design is typically created using graphic design software and the preferred format is always vector.
- Choosing the Engraving Method:
Several engraving methods are available for pen engraving, including rotary engraving, laser engraving, and diamond drag engraving. Each method has its own advantages and considerations, depending on the desired outcome and the type of pen material. Typically most pens are done through standard laser engraving.
- Rotary Engraving: This traditional method involves the use of a rotating cutter or bit to remove material from the pen's surface. It is ideal for engraving metal pens and can produce deep, precise, and long-lasting engravings. This is typically done at engravers who work out of shopping malls.
- Laser Engraving: Laser engraving utilises a laser beam to remove material from the pen's surface. It offers high precision and versatility, allowing for the engraving of various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Laser engraving is known for its speed and the ability to create intricate designs and is most typically used for promotional pens.
- Diamond Drag Engraving: Also known as scratch engraving, this method involves using a diamond-tipped tool to scratch the pen's surface. It is commonly used for engraving on softer materials like plastic or wood and can create fine, shallow engravings.
- Securing the Pen:
The pen must be securely held in place to ensure accurate and stable engraving during the process. Different techniques are used depending on the engraving method and the pen's shape. For rotary engraving, a specialised pen holding fixture or vise is used to securely grip the pen, keeping it steady throughout the engraving process. For laser and diamond drag engraving, a similar approach is taken to maintain the pen's position during engraving.
- Setting Up the Engraving Machine:
Once the pen is securely positioned, the engraving machine is set up according to the chosen engraving method. For rotary engraving, the cutter or bit is selected based on the desired depth and width of the engraving. Laser engraving machines require the appropriate settings, such as laser power, speed, and focal length, to achieve the desired engraving depth and clarity. Diamond drag engraving machines are calibrated to the correct pressure and speed to achieve optimal results.
- Engraving Process:
The engraving process can begin with the pen in place and the engraving machine properly set up. The machine, whether it's a rotary, laser, or diamond drag engraver, follows the path defined by the design or text, removing material or creating scratches on the pen's surface. The machine's precision and control ensure consistent and accurate engraving.
- Finishing and Cleaning:
After the engraving process is complete, the pen may require additional finishing or cleaning. This step involves removing any residue or debris left from the engraving process. Polishing may be performed for metal pens to restore the pen's original luster and enhance the engraving's visibility. Proper cleaning techniques and materials are used to ensure the engraved pen is in pristine condition.
When it comes to creating personalised pens for promotional purposes or special events, each technique has its own advantages and considerations, allowing for a range of options to suit different pen materials and desired outcomes. Whether it's pad printing, screen printing, full-colour digital print, or engraving, these methods ensure high-quality pens that leave a lasting impression.
The Pens Only Team