More people are familiar with hot foiling today because you can see the results on everything from greeting cards to product labels. It is a great choice if you want a decorative touch or a protective foil layer. However, most consumers won’t know about the operating principles for applying the foils. We want to take a look at the three of them here. Then, if you want to arrange foiling services with an expert, you can rely on us.
Basic idea
While there are three different operating methods for hot foil presses, the basic premise is the same. They all apply heat and pressure to apply foil. The first activates an adhesive layer and then the press applies pressure to bond foil to whatever substrate you are using. If you are creating a specific logo, pattern, or design, you need a relevant die so you only apply foil where it is necessary.
Flat-flat
Moving on to the three principles, firstly we have flat-flat. What it basically means is you have the foiling die on a flat chase or plate depending on whether you want it to be repositionable or fixed in place. There will then be a flat counter plate. When you activate it, the press ensures an even application of pressure on the sheet by bringing the plates together.
There are some key advantages with flat-flat hot foiling. Most notably, it is easy to set up. Plus, some presses can have a cutting action too. If you need foiling services to apply foil to very large areas, such as linings for flexible packaging, this is a great choice.
Round-flat
The second method is the same in terms of the flat chase or plate with dies if necessary. However, it does not have a flat counter plate. In its place there is a cylinder that can rotate. This change is significant because it means the press applies pressure in a relatively narrow area, progressing horizontally, instead of across the sheet.
Round-flat hot foiling is a little more costly and harder to set up. However, it is a fantastic choice if you do small runs like special editions.
Round-round
Finally, we have a method that takes inspiration from how printing presses work. They only have a very small nip point to apply ink to the paper. The round-round process does the same by using two rotating cylinders, one with the dies on and a flat counter cylinder.
Round-round hot foiling equipment is the most complex and costly. It can be a very wise investment though because of the rapid production speed. Even more importantly, it gives you the ability to do finer detail as well as larger solids.
Talk to us about foiling services
The applications for foil seem to grow every day. It is helped by the fact that manufacturers like Kurz do so much R&D to create new ones suitable for more applications. Equipment continues to improve too, including compact presses you can use at home.
If you decide you want to use foil for any kind of application, we’d be happy to help. We supply foils and can do many applications too, including applying foil to a variety of sheet materials. We’ve built a reputation as one of the UK’s top providers because our team of friendly experts can offer a fantastic service and great results.
So, if you want foiling services, please get in touch with us.