USB Printing Processes Explained
It is rather difficult to understand the five major types of USB printing processes these days. PhotoPro, Silkscreen, Laser Engraving, Epoxy Dome, and Heat Stamp printing are all unique printing methods and knowing the difference between them will help you decide which promotional USB drives to choose for your next campaign or giveaway. I believe that it helps to know the difference between the types of printing because each has its advantages and disadvantages. At Premium USB we believe the more you know, the better choice you are able to make.
Ok so I will start by outlining the Laser Engraving and Heat Stamping processes. Laser engraving is probably the easiest to understand and one of the most commonly used printing methods for USB drives(see video below). The Laser Engraving process starts off by first selecting an appropriate USB drive that can be laser engraved. We then use our powerful 45-watt laser to permanently etch your monochromatic logo/slogan onto one or both sides of the USB drive. This print process allows for amazing precision and is guaranteed to never come off! The color of the actual engraving depends slightly on the material of the drive itself, which is normally metal or wood. Instead of using color as the imprint you can have colored drives and have a monochromatic etching that shows the surface below. Laser Engravings can be pretty detailed but must originate from a single color line art drawing or logo.
USB Flash Drive Laser Engraving by Premium USB
Similar to Laser Engraving, Heat Stamping also provides a unique monochromatic solution to custom printed USBs. Heat Stamping can only be used on USB drives with a leather surface, but that does not mean that this printing process is limited. The process first starts off by applying direct heat and pressure to the leather USB drive. This heat and pressure embosses the drive permanently, leaving it with your company logo or slogan. Heat Stamped promotional drives have an elegant appearance and can stand the test of time.
Next I will outline Silkscreen and Epoxy Dome printing. The Silkscreen printing process is probably one of the most misunderstood printing methods, but in actuality it is rather easy to understand. First the Silkscreen process begins by created a very fine nylon mesh that is stretched over a frame that forms the screen. Next ink is squeezed through the screen onto your custom USB thumb drive. Silkscreen printing uses the Pantone Matching System, or spot colors, which give you the exact color every time. The screening process is repeated multiple times, once per color, up to four spot colors. Although Silkscreen printing is one of the best printing methods for logo printing, it is limited in its ability to print complex images or graphics.
Like Silkscreen, Epoxy Dome printing can seem rather confusing, but is actually really simple. Epoxy Dome printing is for those who want to add a little extra “flair” to their USB drives. The process first starts out by silkscreen printing your logo or slogan onto your choice of color surface and adhered to your flash drive that can be Epoxy Dome printed. Then, a layer of clear epoxy is added on top of your logo and the flash drive to ensure your logo or slogans protection from wear and tear. An added bonus of this process is that it gives your logo a somewhat 3D appearance as well as actually allows for greater print surface area! Remember though, only certain USB flash drives can be Epoxy Dome printed, so make sure to check before ordering.
Last but not least, PhotoPro printing. PhotoPro is a rather new printing method when compared to the others, but offers the highest quality prints available. This process starts by taking your company logo or slogan and uses a photographic digital process printing method that applies it to a special type of clear film. We then use heat and pressure to transfer your image onto the USB drives. In a matter of seconds your detailed image or graphic is now permanently attached to the USB drive and will not smudge, fade out, or smear over time. This process is great for full color variations and photographic images. Besides having stunning prints, PhotoPro is also very cost effective at low volumes. We know that not every printing job is going to be a multi thousand-unit job, and because of PhotoPro’s printing process, it offers the lowest cost possible for smaller orders. Now PhotoPro can be used on high volume orders with the same amazing accuracy and quality as low volume orders and you still get the best quality prints available today, but as the quantity increases other printing methods prices start to compete with PhotoPro’s.
Overall, in my opinion PhotoPro provides the most vivid prints available, but depending on the USB drive and its style, PhotoPro may not be your first choice. Usually the simplest way to pick your USB Drive and printing process is to look at the logo or graphic you will need to imprint and make sure the printing process will fit your logo best. Hopefully this helps you a little in choosing which type of print method you want for your next promotional USB job.
USB Flash Drive PhotoPro Printing by Premium USB
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Comments
Dear sir , hello from Athens-Greece
I’m searching for usb flsh stamping machine and i found the photopro printing machine for usb.
I’m very interested for this machine and i need fearther informations for:
1)Are you the producer for this machine?
2)what is the special type of clear film?
3)Where are you printing the logos on this special film.What kind of machine you are using?
I’m looking forward for your response.
With my best regards
Skordakis Vangelis
Hello Skordakis,
Our PhotoPro machine was specially built for our company. The film used is a type of clear plastic. The printing process to get the graphics on the film is a bit complicated, but uses a process similar to a Xerox Printer. I apologize for being a bit vague, but we can’t give away all our industry secrets.
Hope this has helped.
Have a great day,
-Scott
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