Hot Stamping Defined

Many people have heard the term "hot stamp" or "hot stamping" a few times when discussing product decoration but unless you have used it to decorate products most people are not really sure what the hot stamping process is all about. In this article we will attempt to explain the hot stamp process and cover some of the machinery used in the hot stamping process.

Let's start with a basic question- "What is hot stamping?"

Hot stamping is a product decoration or marking process where an engraved image, usually in the form of a hot stamping die, is heated up and then forced down against the area of a part to be decorated or marked. The spot where the die is pressed is typically covered with a marking foil and when the die comes in contact with the part it sandwiches the foil between the hot stamp die and the part. When the hot stamp die is removed the area the heated die pressed against the part, is where the ink from the foil is left behind. Although this answer is a simplified description of the hot stamping process it gives you a good overview of what is involved in hot stamping. A hot stamp machine heats a die head and then presses it against foil and transfers the ink onto the part.

So What's So Great About Hot Stamping?

Why Choose Hot Stamping?

The biggest benefit of hot stamping is that the process is completely dry. The foil arrives dry and no ink needs to be mixed up. In most cases you just attach a die to the heated plate on you hot stamping machine, load a roll of hot stamping foil and choose the right fixture to hold your product and you are ready to mark products. The most common use for hot stamping is on plastics but the process works on a wide variety of materials.

How does product decorated with the hot stamping process hold up?

Marks made on products by the hot stamps are very durable and permanent. These product decorations and marks can typically withstand very harsh environments.

What are hot stamp dies made of?

Hot stamp dies are made of both silicone rubber and metal.

Metal Hot Stamp Dies- Metal dies are usually made from either magnesium, copper brass or hardened steel. Hardened steel is the most durable but also often the most expensive to produce. Magnesium dies are less expensive but often don't last very long.

Silicone Rubber Dies- Silicone dies are often the product decorators choice for products that are not perfectly flat. Silicone rubber dies are available in different harnesses. The harder rubber is better for detailed work while the softer rubber is often used for larger less detailed graphics.


How are the images created on metal and silicone rubber dies?

Typically the logo or product decoration is sent to the die making company where it is digitised and then a machine is used to cut the design into the die.

What is a part fixture and how is it used in the hot stamping process?

When a part is stamped by the hot stamping machine a lot of pressure is applied to the part to make the transfer work. The fixture is what holds the part in place during the hot stamping process. The fixture design is very important to protect the part from getting broken or crushed during the hot stamp process.

Learn More About The Hot Stamping Process and Hot Stamp Equipment