Difference between hot stamping and cold stamping for printing

First, the definition and principle of hot stamping and cold stamping

Foil stamping is a piece of metal foil products covered with paper, and the use of heat or pressure, so that its metal foil adhesion to the paper printing process. There are differences in principle between hot stamping and cold stamping.

1. Hot stamping

Hot stamping is the use of hot stamping machine or die-cutting machine hot pressure will be stamping foil and paper through a certain temperature and pressure together, so that it has a metallic luster and three-dimensional sense. Hot stamping with the help of hot stamping plate, hot stamping film and other tools, which is suitable for large-area flat pattern, as long as the use of metal foil material, you can make the surface of the printed matter to produce a unique metallic texture.

2. Cold stamping

Cold stamping is the use of special glue and pressure to the process of hot stamping foil laminated to the surface of the printed matter. Stamping foil contains adhesive layer, as long as the adhesive bonding, you can realize the effect of cold stamping. Cold stamping does not require the use of tools such as hot stamping plates and foils, and is suitable for stamping small areas of patterns or text. Unlike hot stamping, cold stamping can be applied on any substrate.

Second, hot stamping process comparison

In the hot stamping process flow, there are also significant differences between the two:

1. Hot stamping process

Hot stamping process includes: making hot stamping plate, hot stamping film combined, embossing hot stamping. The specific process is as follows:

(1) design the graphics and text style

(2) the production of flat hot stamping plate, through the image transfer technology, the design of the graphics and text transferred to the hot stamping plate

(3) fit the hot film, hot film on the surface of the hot film coated with hot film adhesive, will make a good hot plate and roller combination thoroughly

(4) embossing hot stamping, after the hot stamping film combined with the hot stamping plate in the hot stamping machine, through the role of heat and pressure, the foil will be adhered to the surface of the paper, to form a beautiful printing effect.

2. Cold stamping process

Cold stamping process flow is more simple and convenient compared with hot stamping, usually can be completed in one process. Specific processes are as follows;

(1) design pattern, text style, make glue plate, transfer the designed pattern and text to the glue plate;

2) Position the hot stamping foil on the flat screen printing machine;

3) Apply glue on the printing surface and flatten it on the press, so that the glue and the hot stamping foil are molded according to the pattern and text.

Third, hot stamping and cold stamping scope of application comparison

In different parts of the printed matter and the use of hot stamping and cold stamping have their own specific scope of application and performance results.

1. Scope of application of hot stamping

Hot stamping is suitable for brand names, trademarks, corporate logos, maps, glyphs and other thicker lines and larger patterns or text. Hot stamping can get excellent results on different kinds of paper, and there will be no problems such as stamping foil peeling off, wrinkles and reflections, etc. It is especially suitable for high-end gift boxes, business cards, packaging boxes, covers and other high-end products.

2.Scope of application of cold foil stamping

Cold foil can be combined with printing, laminating, embossing and other processing techniques to create a richer and more varied effects, in the line of fine and small area of the pattern or text, cold foil has a higher success rate and stability compared with hot foil. It can be laminated on a variety of substrate surfaces, commonly used in bookbinding, bagging, labeling and other small area of corporate identity and font design.

Hot stamping and cold stamping two ways in the principle, process, scope of application and other aspects of the existence of large differences, according to different printing needs and design effects to choose. Cold stamping is more suitable for fine lines and small area of the pattern or text processing, hot stamping is suitable for thick and thin lines and larger area of the pattern or text processing. In the actual application, according to the requirements of the printed materials and the texture of the metal material needs to be considered comprehensively.