Archive for the ‘ Digital Heat Transfers ’ Category

Promoting a Business? Why to Use Digital Heat Transfer

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015

Using digital heat transfer to promote your business on your promotional product is cost-effective and unique.

If you are a business owner, there is a pretty solid chance that you are looking to increase brand awareness. Let’s face it, sometimes business cards in the lobby or an ad in the paper just isn’t reliable enough to generate the kind of traffic you want and need. You’ve likely considered investing in promotional items like pens, t-shirts, hand sanitizer or shot glasses that large crowds and potential customers will find appealing and useful. Digital heat transfers can make your customer’s design idea for their promotional product a reality. Look no further.

CDigital specializes in digital heat transfers that can create affordable promotional products with a wide variety of materials to fit your customer’s needs. By utilizing digital heat transfer technology, product decoration is easier and more versatile than ever. Digital heat transfers make for an affordable, high quality and durable promotional product. A photo or company logo can be transferred beautifully to plastics, ceramics, vinyl, glass and many other materials. Let’s talk about other benefits.

Promote Your Name – Promote Your Business

The Promotional Products Association International reported that 89% of customers could recall the name of the advertiser on a promotional product they received in the past 24 months. Additionally, 53% of consumers use a promotional product at least once a week or more. Consumers are drawn to and respond more effectively to promotional products that are visually pleasing and practical. When used, these promotional products can serve as advertisement not just to the person using them (for instance, a waitress using a promotional pen) but to those around them (restaurant patrons). If your client’s business focuses on a specific service, a custom promotional product can make all the difference when someone is suddenly faced with a need for the products you offer.

High Quality Images

Digital heat transfers are printed at 1200 dpi and 266 lines per inch using four colors (plus white), producing the most fluid gradients and photographic quality labels known to the print world. Digital heat transfers can now hit over 10,000 colors. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about the image you choose appearing skewed or low-quality regardless of the promotional item you are transferring it to.

It’s Fast!

Ah, the benefits of technology. Once a client sends their artwork electronically (where it can be tweaked if necessary) and we finalize the design, we send it to our high speed digital printer. From there, a five-color dry toner image is printed on the underside of a polyester film that is then coated with an adhesive, formulated to adhere to your product. The film is then sized to your specific needs and ready to ship to you! Your design idea can be executed fast and efficiently, meaning you’re less likely to miss an opportunity to promote your business.

Affordable Short Runs

Unfortunately, overseas companies are normally unable to produce short run decorating products on demand. The catch is that if they are going to ship to you they want to make it worth their while, which often requires ordering in large quantities (sometimes far more than you need). Digital heat transfers are economical and make short run decorating easy and affordable.

Customize and Make a Statement

The custom product design you execute using digital heat transfers will make a statement about your client’s business. Aside from showcasing their creativity and pro-active professionalism, it shows that they appreciate their customers, understand their needs, and are one step ahead of the competition.

Since 2001, CDigital has been an innovator in developing new systems and processes for using digital print technology to produce full color digital heat transfers for the product decoration industry.

Request a Quote!

If you have any questions about using digital heat transfers to decorate Promotional Products, you can contact CDigital by calling 410-646-7800. You can also follow our Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pintrest, and YouTube accounts for our latest news.

Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

Ideas for Gift Decoration Using Digital Heat Transfers

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015

Customizing coffee mugs with digital heat transfer can make for great, mess-free holiday gifts!

What’s better than giving someone a unique, customized gift for the holidays? The answer to that is there ISN’T much better than a customized gift, so when considering gift decoration, think about the many ways in which digital heat transfers can be used for unique gifts. Because so many substrates can be used with digital heat transfers, it makes the perfect method for gift decoration.

Need some ideas for your clients? See below for gift decoration ideas using digital heat transfers.

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Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

Using Digital Heat Transfer for Decorating Drinkware

Monday, October 26th, 2015

Digital Heat Transfer is useful for a variety of products. One of the main uses is for drinkware, such as metal tumblers, glasses, plastic cups, and more. With modern digital technology, vivid images can be printed on your favorite mug or glass. It’s also the best option for printing on mass drinkware quantities, such as party favors.

If you’re unfamiliar with the digital heat transfer process and its beneficial use for decorating drinkware, continuing reading to learn the many uses and simple process.

Digital Heat Transfer makes decorating drinkware easy and mess-free

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Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

Digital Heat Transfer Decoration: The Best of Both Worlds

Friday, October 16th, 2015

A digital heat transfer is a form of product decoration that uses heat and pressure to apply a pre-printed digital graphic to a part or product.

In the product decoration world, much is made of the ability to produce affordable short runs. It’s the Holy Grail of the decoration industry. However, long runs remain the bread and butter. Fortunately, digital heat transfers make both possible, allowing product decorators, ad specialty companies, and manufacturers to easily switch between short and long runs. It’s truly the best of both worlds.

What is a Digital Heat Transfer?

A digital heat transfer is a form of product decoration that uses heat and pressure to apply a pre-printed digital graphic to a part or product. But what does all of this have to do with short and long run product decoration? Simple! Because it is a digital process, these transfers offer several benefits that traditional decoration methods simply can’t touch.

Digitally Printed Graphics

These transfers are multi-color and photo quality, printed at 1200 dpi and 266 lines per inch using the CMYK printing process. A digital heat transfer is capable of hitting over 10,000,000 colors with fluid gradients. This process also allows for the incorporation of variable data – barcodes, numbers, etc. – into individual images in short and long runs.

It’s a Dry Process

There are no dies, solvents, or other messy chemicals to deal with. Digital heat transfers apply cleanly leaving no residue on the transfer equipment. This allows decorators to easily switch between transfers with little to no cleanup in between, greatly reducing run time.

“There are none of the traditional set-up requirements or costs,” explains Matt Regan, senior vice president for CDigital. “Screens, blankets, dies and print stations for each color aren’t needed, so turn times are measured in days (often one), rather than weeks.”

Ready to be Shipped!

Not only is this a dry process, but decorated parts are fully cured upon application, making any plastic, and most metal products, immediately ready for shipment.

Now, when you combine all of these benefits, you can draw one conclusion. The digital heat transfer process is quick, easy, and repeatable, making both short and long runs not only possible, but incredibly affordable.

Short Run and Long Run Product Decoration with CDigital

Since 2001, CDigital has been an innovator in developing new systems and processes for using digital print technology to produce full color digital heat transfers for the product decoration industry. Because we are both local and fully digital, we can turn jobs around faster and for less money than both overseas printers and local screen or pad printers.

Request a Quote

If you have any questions, please contact CDigital by calling 410-646-7800. For customers new to using heat transfers, Cdigital is happy to connect you with heat transfer equipment manufacturers whose machines will work best with our patented film.

Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

How Does a Digital Heat Transfer Differ from Screen Printing?

Thursday, October 8th, 2015

A digital heat transfer, meanwhile, is a dry process that uses heat and pressure to apply a pre-printed digital graphic (transfer) to a part or product.

There are so many product decoration choices on the market today that manufacturers, ad specialty companies, and decorators can easily become overwhelmed. How do you choose the right form of product decoration for your needs and budget? Each and every production process has its pros and cons, which can make it rather difficult (and confusing) to compare your options.

In this week’s article, we are going to compare two popular forms of product decoration – screen printing and digital heat transfers.

How Does a Digital Heat Transfer Differ from Screen Printing?

Screen printing uses stencils (screens) to print an image directly onto the substrate (object) – plastic, fabric, ceramics, etc. Each color is applied one at a time using a different stencil to achieve the final look. While this process is very popular amongst product decorators, it has several drawbacks:

Set up time can be quite extensive, especially for more complex, multi-colored images. This can greatly increase turn times and costs. Screen printing is typically only cost effective in large, mass productions. Short runs are not cost effective.
Because of this complex, multi-step process, smooth gradients and small, intricate details are not easily achievable. This also means that small variations in a single step could distort the final product.

A digital heat transfer, meanwhile, is a dry process that uses heat and pressure to apply a pre-printed digital graphic (transfer) to a part or product. Each transfer is printed at 1200 dpi and 266 lines per inch using the cmyk+w spectrum, capable of hitting over 10,000,000 colors with fluid gradients.

“There are none of the traditional set-up requirements or costs,” explains Matt Regan, CDigital senior vice president. “Screens, blankets, dies and print stations for each color aren’t needed, so turn times are measured in days (often one), rather than weeks.”

However, one of the biggest advantages of digital printing is the ability to affordably incorporate variable data – numbers, barcodes, etc. – into large and short runs. This allows product decorators to offer a wide range of personalized products along with their regular custom decorated offerings.

A Digital Heat Transfer Company in the USA

Since 2001, CDigital has been an innovator in developing new systems and processes for using digital print technology to produce full color digital heat transfers for the product decoration industry.

Request a Quote

Because we are both local and fully digital, we can turn jobs around faster and for less money than both overseas printers and local screen or pad printers.

Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

What is a Digital Heat Transfer?

Thursday, October 1st, 2015

A digital heat transfer is just that – digital. Printed at 1200 dpi and 266 lines per inch, these transfers are multi-color and photo quality.

Product decorators, manufacturers, and ad specialty companies are constantly trying to improve both their product and their bottom line. One way to accomplish this is to make the switch to digital heat transfers – a form of product decoration that uses heat and pressure to apply a pre-printed graphic to a part or product.

For years, screen printing and pad printing ruled the product decoration industry. However, with new technologies come new benefits. Digital heat transfers come with a host of benefits standard labeling procedures simply can’t provide. (more…)

Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

Affordable Large Run Plastic Decoration with Digital Heat Transfers

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015

If you have any questions Large Run Plastic Decoration with Digital Heat Transfers, please contact CDigital by calling 410-646-7800.

Much is made of the quest for affordable short run plastic decoration. For many, it is the Holy Grail of the product decoration industry. Lost in the shuffle, meanwhile, is the need for affordable large run plastic decoration. Where do you turn? Manufacturers, ad specialty companies, and product decorators have many options when it comes to plastic decoration: screen printing, pad printing, and hot stamping. Each offers unique benefits, however, only one method offers high quality images, fast turns, affordable short and long runs, and minimal setup: Digital Heat Transfers. (more…)

Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

How Does the Digital Heat Transfer Process Work?

Wednesday, September 16th, 2015

CDigital is the leader in digital heat transfers! If you are new to the digital heat transfer process, we will be more than happy to answer any questions.

You keep hearing about the benefits of these Digital Heat Transfers, but you are still unsure. Switching product decoration processes is a big decision and one that can really affect your bottom line. The benefits have to truly make the switch worth it.

Digital heat transfers have become increasingly popular amongst product and contract decorators. looking for simplified, cost effective, high quality, consistent product decoration.

How the Digital Heat Transfer Process Works

“There are none of the traditional set-up requirements or costs,” explains Matt Regan, CDigital senior vice president.

Step 1: Artwork

Because the entire process is digital, producing the artwork for the digital heat transfers is quick and easy. Simply send the artwork to the printer who will finalize the design before sending it to a high speed digital printer.

Step 2: Printing

The artwork is printed onto the underside of a polyester film using a five-color dry toner. The opposite side of the film is then coated with an adhesive formulated to adhere to your specific product, whether it’s a promotional pen, water bottle, travel mug, or whatever. Then the film is cut to the required dimensions for your product, wound on cores, and shipped directly to you.

Step 3: Decorating

The printed rolls can be loaded directly into a heat transfer machine at which time the operator sets the specific application parameters for the blank part. Then the substrate is loaded onto a nesting fixture and then transfer is applied using heat and pressure.

Repeat.

The decorated parts are dry and are ready to be packaged almost immediately after application. Glass and ceramic products, however, will require a post bake after application.

How the Digital Heat Transfer Process can Benefit Your Business

The Digital Heat Transfer Process is Dry

Now we don’t mean dry as in boring, but rather dry as in the opposite of wet. There are no dies, solvents, or chemicals. This means there is no mess to deal with, making setup and cleanup quick and easy and making it possible to seamlessly switch between substrates or transfers.

It’s a Four-Color Process

“Being digital, an almost endless array of process colors can be built using the cmyk+w spectrum,” said Regan.

Digital heat transfers are printed at 1200 dpi using the CMYK printing process and are capable of hitting over 10,000,000 colors with fluid gradients. The result: photo quality images. Digital printing also allows for the inclusion of variable data, such as barcodes, text, numbers, etc.

Making the Switch is Easy and Affordable

For many manufacturers and product decorators, making the switch to digital heat transfers is much more affordable than you probably think. This is because the hot stamp equipment you are currently using can be easily converted to work with digital transfers.

Want to Learn More about Digital Heat Transfers?

CDigital is the leader in digital heat transfers! If you are new to the digital heat transfer process, don’t worry. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have to help you get started.

Have a Question for CDigital?

Since 2001, CDigital has been an innovator in developing new systems and processes for using digital print technology to produce full color digital heat transfers for the product decoration industry.

If you have any questions the Digital Heat Transfer Process, please contact CDigital by calling 410-646-7800. Because we are both local and fully digital, we can turn jobs around faster and for less money than both overseas printers and local screen or pad printers.

Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

Are Affordable Short Runs Possible with Traditional Printing Methods?

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015

Short runs using traditional print methods are possible, but not very affordable. The digital process, meanwhile, is economical, making short runs possible.

Let’s face it; bigger is not always better and larger runs are not always in your best interest. As Mark Twain once famously said, “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog,” which is why product decorators, ad specialty companies, and manufacturers are all after one thing: the illusive affordable short run. It’s like the holy grail of the product decoration industry – the ability to print what you need when you need it and update it as often as you need. Unfortunately, traditional printing methods and short runs do not get along.

The Disadvantaged of Short Run Prints with Traditional Printing Methods

Short runs using traditional printing methods are possible, but they are not very affordable. This is true for several reasons, including:

Extensive setup time is required for each short run, which means extensive setup fees.
Traditional printing methods offer little or no variable data capabilities, like barcodes, photos, text, or numbers.
After each run, traditional printing equipment must be broken down and cleaned.
Traditional printing methods are not fast and often require long turnaround time even for short runs.
Because of all of this, most traditional print shops require high minimum orders and short runs are not affordable.

This is why more and more product decorators, ad specialty companies, and manufacturers are turning to digital printing for both long and short runs. The digital process is economical, making short run decorating not only possible, but affordable.

Setup Times

Digital heat transfers can produce multiple artworks in one run with minimal setup and thus minimal setup fees.

“There are none of the traditional set-up requirements or costs,” explains Matt Regan, senior vice president for CDigital.

Variable Data and Low Quantities

Digital heat transfers can be ordered in low quantities. And because digital images are produced using a fully digital process, images are not only capable of producing over 10,000,000 colors, they are also capable of incorporating variable data.

“Any product being decorated with a digital transfer can have variable data included in each image in a run – barcodes, photos, text or numbers – making the ultimate short run of one possible and economical,” said Regan.

Minimal Cleanup and Quick Turnaround

Digital print technology is a dry process, requiring no cleanup and minimal setup between runs, allowing printers to the ability to get small orders out faster.

“Screens, blankets, dies and print stations for each color aren’t needed, so turn times are measured in days (often one), rather than weeks,” said Regan.

All of these benefits apply to large runs as well. Digital printing allows you to keep your project – large or small – on time and within budget.

Digital Heat Transfers from CDigital

Request a FREE Quote!

If you have any questions about Short Runs, please contact CDigital by calling 410-646-7800. You can also follow our Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pintrest, and YouTube accounts for our latest news.

Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

Converting Hot Stamp Machines for Use with Digital Heat Transfers

Wednesday, August 26th, 2015

For those interested in making the switch to digital heat transfers, but leery about the capital outlay associated with new equipment, we have good news.

For those manufacturers, ad specialty companies, and product decorators who are interested in making the switch to digital heat transfers, but leery about the capital outlay associated with new equipment, we have some good news for you. Existing hot stamp machines can be converted for use with digital heat transfers.

How the Digital Heat Transfer Process Work

Digital heat transfers are printed and shipped in printed rolls that can be loaded directly into a heat transfer machine at which time the operator sets the specific application parameters for the blank part. Then the substrate is then loaded onto a nesting fixture and then transfer is applied using heat and pressure.

Repeat.

The Benefits of Digital Heat Transfers

More and more manufacturers, ad specialty companies, and product decorators continue to make the switch to digital heat transfers, and for good reason. One of the most popular methods for decorating plastics and the only digital solution for decorating glass, digital heat transfers are a cost-effective, high-quality solution for manufacturers and ad specialty companies looking for aesthetically pleasing, durable solutions, and short runs.

“There are none of the traditional set-up requirements or costs,” explains Matt Regan, CDigital senior vice president.
Digital heat transfers are printed at 1200 dpi using a CMYK process capable of hitting over 10,000,000 colors with fluid gradients.
Digital printing is a fast, dry process. The decorated parts are ready to be packaged almost immediately after application.
Digital heat transfers can be used on a seemingly endless number of substrates, including glass.
Digital heat transfers are even environmentally friendly, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprints.
Digital heat transfers offer affordable short and long runs.

Digital Heat Transfers from CDigital

Since 2001, CDigital has been an innovator in developing new systems and processes for using digital print technology to produce full color digital heat transfers for the product decoration industry. And our digital transfers can be applied using a large selection of conventional hot stamp and heat transfer equipment.

Contact CDigital Today!

If you are new to the digital heat transfer world, we are more than happy to connect you with transfer machine manufacturers whose machines will work perfectly with our heat transfers and your products.

If you have any questions, please contact CDigital by calling 410-646-7800. Because we are both local and fully digital, we can turn jobs around faster and for less money than both overseas printers and local screen or pad printers.

You can also follow our Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pintrest, and YouTube accounts for our latest news.

Posted in Digital Heat Transfers

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Archive for the ‘ Digital Heat Transfers ’ Category

Promote Your Name – Promote Your Business

High Quality Images

It’s Fast!

Affordable Short Runs

Customize and Make a Statement

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What is a Digital Heat Transfer?

Digitally Printed Graphics

It’s a Dry Process

Ready to be Shipped!

Short Run and Long Run Product Decoration with CDigital

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How Does a Digital Heat Transfer Differ from Screen Printing?

A Digital Heat Transfer Company in the USA

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How the Digital Heat Transfer Process Works

Step 1: Artwork

Step 2: Printing

Step 3: Decorating

How the Digital Heat Transfer Process can Benefit Your Business

The Digital Heat Transfer Process is Dry

It’s a Four-Color Process

Making the Switch is Easy and Affordable

Want to Learn More about Digital Heat Transfers?

Have a Question for CDigital?

Share this:

The Disadvantaged of Short Run Prints with Traditional Printing Methods

Setup Times

Variable Data and Low Quantities

Minimal Cleanup and Quick Turnaround

Digital Heat Transfers from CDigital

Share this:

How the Digital Heat Transfer Process Work

The Benefits of Digital Heat Transfers

Digital Heat Transfers from CDigital

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