Selecting the right manufacturing process for your new innovation is critical. It needs to be able to provide the quality, volume and price requirements that are important to you, your business and your customers. However, once you know how the parts are going to be made, it is equally important to review the finish and detail that will enhance your product, tie together common family items and ensure you are promoting a unified brand message.
There are a whole range of options available that help you detail and finish enclosures, many of which are suitable for custom PU mouldings, and they include using textures, paints, graphics, multi-colours and printing to name just a few. For example, when it comes to detailing your product with company logos and product names, you can use a number of methods:-
1. Silk Screen Printing
This is a process where artwork such as a company logo or product name is created in a vector based format using software such as Adobe or CorelDraw. Once created and colours identified, the image can be etched onto a silk screen media which is then stretched on to a custom frame. This process makes sure the correct tension is applied to the silk screen and that the artwork can be correctly AND consistently located on to the item thus allowing the printer to print the artwork without smudging or bleed through.
Definition of screen print
'to force ink onto a surface through a prepared screen of fine material so as to create a picture or pattern'.
If you would like to understand a little more about this process, take a look at the Midas video
2. Pad Printing
Pad printing is typically used for the smaller parts and artwork and where volumes are quite high.
As stated by Technical Print Services,
Pad Printing is a process that transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object. This process is carried out by transferring your artwork from a photopolymer plate via a silicone pad.
First, a plate is exposed under a UV light with a film positive of your company logo. This chemically etches the image into the plate. Afterwards, the silicone pad is pressed onto the etched plate and then on to the product. Due to the unique properties of the silicone pad, it is able to capture the image and transfer it onto a variety of surfaces.
3. Digital Print
If you are working on flat parts such as sheet metal, plastic inlays or just thin plastic mouldings, digital printing could be an option. With the development of print heads and machine controls, this technology is gaining traction and in the not too distant future, robotic control may enable this technology to be applied on 3D projects such as RIM moulded enclosures in a cost effective manner where volumes are low.
4. Embossing
Embossing - both internal and external profiles can provide a bold method with which to advertise your company or product name. With careful thought these details can quite often be captured 'in-mould', saving the need for additional post processes which can slow the overall manufacturing process.
Essential requirements include considering the manufacturing process and the size and level of detail that can be captured. If the part it is be painted, think about letter size and detail that can be achieved - will the resulting feature still be crisp and legible? After all, an embossed logo that can hardly be read subtracts massive value from your product!
One major aspect to consider when venturing down this route is regarding change or modification options- if the logo is engraved/embossed in the mould tool, changes could be costly and take time to adjust. One way around this is to use interchangeable inserts in the local area so change impacts are minimal.
5. Badges and Labels
Badges and labels are a really quick and easy way to add features to your product. Generally, they are the most economical way to brand your product and can be easily changed and upgraded as your product matures. Labels and badges come in a whole host of finishes, colours and 3D profiles and samples are easy to source from the manufacturers.
If you are working on a plastic housing and would like to learn more about the processes available on Midas RIM mouldings, why not take a look through our finishing pages and case studies to get some ideas. Ultimately, a trip to Midas is the best way to fully understand the process, identify if it is the ideal manufacturing route forward and at the same time see firsthand a fantastic selection of parts, finishes and colours!
Call the team now on 01234 358394 or email Rachel on r.sparkhall@midas-pattern.co.uk to organise your meeting.