The Durable Industrial Marking Blog

What is Hot Stamping?

Posted by Matt Martin

If you're looking to personalize your product by adding your name, monogram, or company logo, hot stamping is a tried and true direct part marking method.

hot-foil-stamping-books-913591-editedWhat is hot stamping?

The hot stamping process includes a hot stamping press, a hot stamping die or type, and sometimes a hot stamping foil if you choose to add color to your impression.

The hot stamping press contains a heating element that heats up the die or type; the marking cycle starts when the press engages the heated die or type with the foil and transfers the ink from the foil carrier onto the part to be marked.

The press then disengages at the end of the marking cycle leaving behind a crisp, permanent ink impression on the part.

What can hot stamping foil be used for?

Our hot stamping foils are formulated to meet the most demanding applications for leather goods, book bindings, personalization items, greeting cards, napkins, ribbons, plastics, cosmetic packaging, commercial printing, labels, wires, and heat-shrink sleeving.

Givenchy_brass hot stamp dieCan hot stamping be used by hobbyists?

There are manual presses available which, along with hot stamping type, dies and foil, enable any hobbyist to create their own custom hot stamp impressions for a relatively small investment from the comfort of their own homes or small businesses.

All you’d need to get started is a hot stamping press, metal type or dies (material options include magnesium for short runs, brass for medium runs, or steel for longer production runs), and hot stamping foil if you want to add color.

What are the benefits of hot stamping?

Hot stamping is a flexible process allowing the user to mark a variety of different materials, including most plastics, rubber, leather, fabrics, and paper.

Hot stamping is a relatively clean process and eliminates the need for inks and other messy consumables. Hot stamping is a simple, robust, and reliable marking process. Load a metal die into the hot stamping press, add a swatch or roll of hot stamping foil, fixture your part, and make your mark.

The image engraved on the die face is created by Durable Technologies using graphics files and can be pulled from a variety of software/formats, including Adobe Illustrator (preferred format), DWG, DXF, and EPS files.  

Dies can be made out of many materials, including magnesium, brass, and steel. Depending on your requirements for mark depth, the number of marks, budget, and press operation, Durable Technologies will make a hot stamping die material recommendation that will meet your needs.

To find out more about hot stamping, click here.
Traditional Industrial Part Marking Guide
 

This post was published on August 8, 2023 and updated on August 8, 2023.

Topics: Hot Stamping, Hot Stamping Type and Dies, Craftsman and Artisan, Hot Stamping Foils and Ribbons