Recycled Business Gifts - Printing Terms explained

Tampo Printing:

Tampo printing, also known as pad printing, and tampography are all names for the same printing process where a silicone pad is used to transfer ink from an etched printing plate onto a product.

Tampo printing is ideal for use on non-flat surfaces where a traditional printing method simply would not work. Because the silicone plate used is flexible it allows full contact with the surface being printed overcoming any irregularities. The result is a good quality print that would not be achievable with silk screen or offset litho printing.

It was in the 1970’2 that this method of printing became popular as silicone offers a better flexiblity that the rubber that used to be used for this purpose and now is used on pen clips particularly.

Screen Printing:

Screen printing is the term applied to the process of pressing ink through a prepared mesh screen to create a printed design. It’s a popular technique used in a whole range of different industries and is a standard method of printing within the promotional merchandise world. The process is sometimes called serigraphy or silk screen printing, but they are refer to the same basic process.

Screen printing is an effective technique for creating bold canvases, posters and artwork, but the method can also be used to print fabrics and textiles, so it’s great for creating all sorts of printed promotional merchandise.

Digital Printing:

Digital Printing refers to a method of printing that processes the artwork through a computer and then prints it directly on to the product selected. This is a cost effective way of obtaining a full colour image with minimal costs such as screens and plates. Most of our badges and keyrings use this method of print as the one of choice due to its flexibility.