Laser engraving is when the product surface is melted and evaporated with the laser. Consequently, the laser beam removes the material. The impression produced on the surface is the engraving.
Digital transfer is the process of printing a digital image onto special transfer paper. The product that is being branded is treated with a chemical before the logo is applied. The transfer paper is placed onto the product, transferring the ink from the paper onto the product. At this stage, the branded product is treated with a sealing chemical and or heat to ensure permanency of the logo.
In heat transfer printing, a design is printed in reverse on a special release paper. The printed image is then placed against the desired substrate (commonly a fabric, such as a T-shirt) and subjected to high temperature and pressure for a short period of time. After the substrate has cooled, the release paper is peeled away and the image will have been transferred to the substrate.
In digital printing, an image is sent directly to the printer using digital files such as PDFs and those from graphics software such as Illustrator and InDesign. Without the need to create a plate, digital printing has brought about fast turnaround times and printing on demand.
Domed decals are created by applying an epoxy resin over the top of a regular decal, which creates a clear dome. This catches the light and can make a two-dimensional dome’s colours and design stand out. Adding a domed layer of epoxy resin on top of the decal can lengthen its life. This creates a scratch-resistant, fade- and weather-proof layer.