Lead-times for a promotional product.
Lead times for promotional products vary by quantities. Normal lead times are between 1 to 4 weeks. For indent orders produced overseas, allow for longer ETA’s (will vary by product and quantities). If you need something done urgently, have a chat to us about it.
Lead-times for promotional apparel and workwear.
Lead times for promotional apparel and workwear vary by quantities. Normal lead times are between 1 to 4 weeks. For indent orders produced overseas, allow for longer ETA’s (will vary by product and quantities). For items stocked overseas, allow for 5 week turnaround. If you need something done urgently, have a chat to us about it.
Lead-times for a print project.
Normally lead times are between 3 to 5 working days with next day delivery available on some products. If you need something done urgently, have a chat to us about it.
Artwork and graphic design.
We offer graphic design as a service and we are able to design to your requirements and have your artwork ready for print.
Product samples.
You can order unbranded product samples we’ll have it shipped to your preferred address.
Standard File formats.
Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format. Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font
conflicts.
Custom and Indent Orders
We can customise and produce orders overseas for larger quantities.
Making changes to the order or cancelling the order.
Changes to artwork can be made right up to the artwork approval stage. Changes once in production will incur a production cost. Orders can be cancelled at any time. Cancelling the order whilst in production will incur production and management costs right up to the point of cancellation.
Pad Printing
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 and print multiple colours in a single pass.
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-coloured 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 with tight multi-colour registration.
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 colour requires its own setup charge.
Neon/fluorescent colours are not available.
Artwork Requirements
Artwork must be supplied in a vector editable format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Rotary Digital Printing
Direct to product rotary digital printing involves the transfer of UV ink directly from inkjet print heads and can be used to produce detailed artwork using both closely matched spot colours and full colour branding.
Advantages
Ideal for large or complex full colour 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 colours.
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 colours.
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.
Rotary Screen Printing
Rotary Screen Printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product and is ideal for cylindrical objects.
Advantages
Large print areas are possible on cylindrical products.
Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured 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-colour 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 colour 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.
Screen Printing
Screen Printing is achieved by forcing ink through a fine mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product and is ideal for branding flat objects.
Advantages
Large print areas are possible on flat products.
Close PMS matches are possible on white or light-coloured 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-colour 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 colour 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.
Imitation Etch
Imitation etch is a special pad printing ink used for producing an etch-like effect on glass products.
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 the product can be shipped.
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.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is a permanent branding process that engraves artwork into the surface of the product using a laser. Different materials produce different engraving finishes, to avoid uncertainty pre-production samples are recommended.
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.
Can produce variable data such as individual names.
The product can be shipped straight away after being engraved.
Limitations
Fine detail can be lost on smaller products like pens.
Artwork Requirements
Artwork must be supplied in editable vector format.
• Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts
Resin Coated Finish
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 colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
Produces a stunning 3D effect that elevates the perceived value of a product.
Can print variable data including individual names.
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 colours.
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.
Sublimation Print / Dye Sublimation
Dye sublimation print is used for branding products that have a special coating on them, or fabrics suitable for the sublimation process. A transfer is produced by printing sublimation ink onto transfer paper and then heat pressing it onto the product.
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 colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
Can print variable data including individual names.
Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved on some products.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
Limitations
Can only be used on suitable products with white surfaces.
Some colours cannot be reproduced including white, metallic, and neon/fluorescent colours.
Fine detail/text may experience minor colour 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.
Digital Print
This production method is used for printing media such as paper, vinyl and magnetic material used in the manufacture of labels, badges, and fridge magnets etc. This printing process uses CMYK values.
Advantages
Ideal for producing vivid full colour images as well as closely matched spot colour branding.
Can print variable data including individual names.
Only one set up charge is required regardless of the number of print colours.
Can be cut to custom shapes.
Edge-to-edge branding can be achieved.
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 Labels
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 colour images as well as closely matched spot colour 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.
Direct Digital
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 colour and closely matched spot colour branding on flat or slightly curved surfaces.
Advantages
Ideal for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork.
Can print variable data including individual names.
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 colours.
Limitations
Some colours cannot be reproduced including metallic and neon/fluorescent colours.
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.
Debossing
Commonly referred to as ‘Blind’ debossing, a heated custom metal plate is pressed firmly onto the product leaving an impression of the artwork. Thermo debossing is also available on certain products, using additional heat to create a unique and eye-catching two-tone finish.
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 finish.
Limitations
Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
Artwork Requirements
The artwork must be supplied in vector format.
Fonts are advised to be converted to outlines/objects to avoid font conflicts.
Embroidery
Embroidery is an excellent way of branding bags, apparel, and other textile products. It offers higher perceived value and a depth of branding quality which other processes cannot match. Embroidery uses rayon thread which is stitched into the product and has a slightly raised effect.
Advantages
Only one setup charge applies per position for up to 12 thread colours.
Limitations
Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible – the threads to be used are chosen from those available to give the closest possible match. See our thread colour chart for the colours available.
Unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
Metallic embroidery colours have special pricing.
Artwork Requirements
Vector artwork is preferred.
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:
◦ 4.5mm for Sans Serif fonts
◦ 5.5mm for Serif fonts
Silicone Digital Print
This production method is a CMYK+W digital branding process designed specifically for silicone surfaces.
Advantages
Provides crisp, clear, high-definition artwork.
Durable, flexible branding that can be hand washed.
Perfect for printing dark coloured products as a layer of white ink can be printed under the artwork.
Ideal for producing full colour images as well as approximate spot colour 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 colours.
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.
Colour Flex Transfer
Colourflex transfers are 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.
Digital Flatbed Printing
Flatbed digital printing is a type of digital printing technology that uses a flat surface (the “bed”) to print images, graphics, or designs directly onto various materials. This method is distinct from traditional printing methods like offset or flexographic printing in that it uses digital files (such as PDFs, images, or artwork) to directly transfer the design onto the substrate without the need for physical plates or screens.
Advantages
Direct Printing onto Rigid and Flexible Materials: Flatbed printers can print on a wide variety of materials, both rigid (e.g., wood, metal, acrylic, glass, foam board, etc.) and flexible (e.g., vinyl, textiles). This is one of the major advantages of flatbed digital printing because it eliminates the need for pre- or post-printing processes like screen preparation or transfer applications.
Precision and Detail: These printers are capable of producing high-resolution prints with exceptional detail and color accuracy. They are ideal for producing complex designs, high-quality images, and fine details.
Versatility: The versatility of flatbed digital printing means it can be used for a variety of industries, including signage, advertising, interior décor, custom packaging, product prototyping, and even industrial applications.
UV Printing: Many modern flatbed printers use UV (ultraviolet) ink technology, where the ink is cured instantly by UV light. This makes the prints more durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. UV printing also allows for printing on non-porous materials like glass, metal, and plastic.
Speed: While flatbed digital printing can be slower compared to other printing methods like roll-to-roll, it offers the advantage of printing directly onto substrates in one step, saving time in post-production.
No Need for Physical Plates: Unlike traditional printing methods (like offset printing), there is no need for physical printing plates or screens. This reduces setup costs and makes flatbed digital printing a more economical option for short-run jobs or highly customizable prints.
Limitations
Per-Unit Cost: For very high-volume runs, flatbed printing can be more expensive per unit compared to traditional printing methods, like offset printing, especially when it comes to producing large quantities of the same design.
Size Constraints: While flatbed printers can handle large substrates, the maximum print size is constrained by the size of the flatbed itself. For extremely large prints (e.g., larger than 4x8 feet or even bigger), specialized machines may be required, or the substrate might need to be cut into smaller sections for printing.
Material Thickness: While flatbed printers can handle a variety of materials, there is a limitation on the thickness of the substrate that can be printed. Some printers are restricted to substrates that are a few inches thick, and attempting to print on thicker materials can lead to issues with alignment or print quality.
Uneven Surfaces: Printing on substrates with uneven surfaces (such as wood with knots or irregularities) can result in uneven print quality. The flatbed printer’s printhead is designed to work with relatively flat surfaces, so highly irregular materials can cause issues in image consistency.
