Printing on metal is a very common practice. Many manufacturers enhance the appearance and brand awareness of their products by printing on metals. Some people have also attempted to apply this method to achieve personalized customization. In fact, there are many kinds of technologies that can be used to print on metals. In this blog, we will introduce several common methods of printing on metals, including sublimation transfer, UV printing, and screen printing. In addition, we will also add other information about printing on metals to help you better understand this practice.
Table of Contents:
Sublimation Transfer
UV Printing
Screen Printing
Why Print on Metal
1. Strong Durability
Metal itself possesses the characteristic of being sturdy. Designs printed on metal are more durable and wear-resistant than those on other substrates, enabling the designs to be preserved for a long time.
2. Exquisite Effect
Printing on metal can make the design naturally have a metallic luster and a smooth touch. Therefore, metal substrates have a wide range of applications in the field of decorations. The method of printing photos on metal and using them for decoration is popular among many people.
3. Wide Application
Metal is very common in various fields. Printing on metal has a wide range of applications. People can make products more recognizable by printing logos on the metal parts of the products, and they can also design metal ornaments to meet personalized needs.
4. Suitable for Customization
Printing on metal can be customized very easily. Whether it is small-batch production or large-scale production, it can meet personalized demands. Highly personalized and exclusive items such as trophies and nameplates can all be achieved by printing on metal.
5. Diverse Craftsmanship
With the development of technology, more and more techniques for printing on metals can be realized. You can choose different craftsmanship according to your needs to balance cost and effect.
How to Print on Metal
There are many feasible ways to print on metal. In the following content, we will introduce several common methods of printing on metal. You can choose as needed.
1. Sublimation Transfer
Sublimation transfer printing takes advantage of the property that special inks sublimate at high temperatures and penetrate into the interior of the substrate coating to form designs. This technology can be well implemented for printing on metals. Here is a video about sublimation transfer, and we also provide more specific steps with you.
a. Preparations
- Create your design using software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. After your design is created, please remember to flip your design horizontally before printing, since it will be transferred onto the metal face-to-face.
- Prepare a dye-sublimation printer and dedicated sublimation transfer ink. You can purchase suitable ink from stationery stores or online shops.
- Print the design on sublimation transfer paper. This kind of paper has one side specifically designed for absorbing sublimation ink. Therefore, you must conduct a test before printing to determine the paper feed direction.
- After printing, let the ink dry for a few minutes to avoid getting dirty.
- If your printer cannot support the size of the design you want to print, you can look for a suitable merchant to print it for you.
- Confirm that your metal surface has a polymer coating. If not, you need to purchase a sublimation coating spray. Spray it evenly on a clean metal surface and let it dry completely.
b. Positioning
- Press the patterned side of the printed transfer paper tightly onto the metal.
- Stick high-temperature tape on the sides and corners of the metal to prevent the transfer paper from shifting.
- Carefully place the metal at the center of the heat press platform.
c. Transferring
- You need to set up your heat press according to the parameters provided by the transfer paper supplier or ink supplier.
- You can also conduct tests first to fine-tune the parameters and find the most suitable option.
- After setting the parameters, close the heat press platen smoothly.
- After the set time is reached, the machine usually emits a prompt sound. Lift the heat press platen immediately at this moment.
d. Post-Processing
- Depending on the type of transfer paper you use, you need to tear the paper at different temperatures.
- Hot peeling: After lifting the heat press platen, you need to wear heat-resistant gloves and immediately tear off the transfer paper.
- Cold peeling: After lifting the heat press platen, please wait until the object cools to room temperature before peeling off the transfer paper.
- You can perform other post-processing on the metal as needed, such as framing, etc.
2. UV Printing
UV printing is currently the most mainstream digital printing technology. With this technology, there is no need to print the design plate. The UV printer can directly spray the design onto the metal surface. It is applicable to various types of metals, especially those that have undergone special coating treatment. Here is a video about UV printing on metal:
- Create your design using software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
- Make sure the metal surface is clean and dust-free.
- Import the file into the printer’s RIP software and set parameters such as print precision and color mode.
- Depending on the material, it may be necessary to set “white ink” or “primer” in the UV printer software to print a layer first to enhance the color vividness and adhesion.
- Place the metal on the printing platform, and the device will automatically position itself and start spraying UV ink onto the metal surface.
- The UV LED light beside the nozzle can instantly illuminate the ink, transforming it from liquid to solid.
- After printing is completed, you can apply a layer of UV protective varnish on the metal surface to enhance wear resistance.
3. Screen Printing
Screen printing can be used on many types of substrates, including metals. This is a video about screen printing on metal:
- Create your design using software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. If your design is not in solid colors, you need to use design software to separate each color.
- Choose the appropriate screens. You can send the design to the screen manufacturer, and they will make a professional screens for you.
- Make sure the metal surface is clean and dust-free.
- Install the prepared Screen plate onto the Screen Printing Press.
- Place the metal substrate on the printing platform. Please ensure that the patterns on the screen can be accurately printed at the designated positions on the metal.
- Pour the screen printing ink onto one end of the screen. You need to tilt the squeegee at 45° and evenly scrape the ink.
- When the screen is lifted, the design is left on the metal.
- The design of the metal surface requires curing. The specific method needs to be determined based on the type of ink you choose.
Heat Curing: Place the printed metal in the drying oven and bake it at the specified temperature and time.
Air Drying: Some inks can dry naturally by simply leaving them to stand for a period of time.
UV Curing: if you are using UV ink, it can be instantly cured with a UV lamp.
Tips for Printing on Metal
- A clean metal surface can ensure a perfect printing effect. Therefore, no matter which printing method is used, the metal surface must be thoroughly cleaned before printing. You can use a lint-free cloth dipped in a small amount of water to clean the metal surface.
- When you are preparing the design, you also need to pay attention to the resolution of the design pattern. The resolution of the design file needs to be above 300 DPI to avoid blurring when enlarged.
- Different printing methods are suitable for different scenarios. You can make a choice based on your own actual situation.
Sublimation Transfer: Sublimation transfer on metal achieves vivid colors and high fidelity. However, it is only suitable for heat-resistant metal materials, and the printable area is limited by the size of the heat press.
UV Printing: UV printing of metals can achieve gradient and photo-quality effects. However, the cost of UV ink used in this process is relatively high. Therefore, this method is more suitable for small-batch or personalized customization.
Screen Printing: Screen printing on metal is more suitable for monochrome or solid-color designs. Since it requires plate making, it offers better cost-effectiveness for large-volume printing.
FAQs about Printing on Metal
1. Which metals are suitable for printing?
The vast majority of metals are suitable for printing, among which aluminium and stainless steel are the most common and ideal choices. In addition, there are also iron, copper, etc. It is recommended to choose metals with relatively smooth surfaces. It should be noted that sublimation transfer is only applicable to metals with high heat resistance and special surface coatings, such as coated aluminum and stainless steel, etc.
2. Why does my design printed on metal scratch off easily?
This is caused by some operations not being executed perfectly. If the dust or grease on the metal surface is not completely cleaned, it may lead to design damage. In addition, if you are using screen printing technology, the main reason for this phenomenon might be that the correct curing measures have not been taken.
3. Why do the colors appear dull after sublimation transfer?
There are various reasons that may cause a design to appear dull. The main reason is that the setting of the hot press is incorrect. Insufficient temperature, pressure, or heating time may result in a dull design. In addition, failing to use dedicated sublimation ink or having no coating on the metal surface may also lead to this problem.
Conclusion
Based on the above content, you can have a better understanding of printing on metal. You can easily achieve the design you want to present on metal by finding the reliable manufacturer. If you have the corresponding equipment or expect to purchase them, then completing this process by yourself is also an interesting experience.
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