Printing Processes
Printing Processes for Industrial Applications
Whether for a logo, graphic or functional marking, different printing and marking processes are available for products made of plastic, glass, metal or stainless steel.
The most suitable solution depends on the material, component geometry and intended use. The aim is to achieve a durable and reproducible print result.
Silac uses a range of technologies and advises customers on the process best suited to their application.
Which Printing Process Is Right for Your Application?
Not every printing process is suitable for every application. Differences include surface printability, level of detail, durability and cost efficiency at different production volumes.
Depending on the requirements, Silac uses processes such as pad printing, screen printing, digital printing, hot foil stamping and laser marking.
The following sections provide an overview of the main printing processes and their typical applications.
Pad Printing for Complex-Shaped Parts
Pad printing is suitable for a wide range of surface structures and can also be used on very small areas. The process is particularly useful for printing logos, lettering and markings on flat or curved components.
Requirements & Capabilities
- Single and multi-colour printing
- High detail accuracy
- Suitable for flat and curved surfaces
- Pre-treatment possible for certain plastics
Typical Applications
Logos, lettering, or graphic elements on technical components, series products, or consumer goods.
Suitable Materials
Plastics, metals, coated surfaces, depending on pre-treatment.
Production Volumes
For small series to large-scale production.
Pad printing: Suitable for irregular or curved surfaces as well as small components.
Screen Printing for Consistent Colour Coverage
Screen printing is suitable for larger print areas and consistent colour application. It provides strong colour coverage and is particularly suitable for flat or rotationally symmetrical surfaces.
Requirements & Capabilities
- Single- and multicolour printing
- High colour intensity
- Suitable for flat and cylindrical surfaces
- Pre-treatment may be required depending on the material
Typical Applications
Large-area logos, graphics and decorative elements on products and series-produced items.
Suitable Materials
Plastic, glass, metal.
Production Volumes
Cost-effective for medium to large production runs.
Digital Printing for Variable Designs and Flexible Production Volumes
Digital printing offers a high degree of design flexibility and is particularly suitable for multicolour designs, variable content and photo-quality images. Short setup times make it ideal for flexible applications.
Requirements & Capabilities
- Multicolour printing without printing plates
- High level of detail and colour variety
- Flat and round printing possible
- Short setup times
Typical Applications
Custom designs, smaller production runs, variable designs and design-focused applications.
Suitable Materials
Plastics, glass, metal stainless steel.
Production Volumes
Ideal for individual items, small batches and pre-series.
Hot Foil Stamping for a High-Quality Finish
Hot foil stamping creates high-quality, durable decorative effects. It is used where a distinctive visual appearance or premium finish is required.
Requirements & Capabilities
- Colours according to the available foil range
- High durability
- Suitable for flat or rotationally symmetrical parts
Typical Applications
High-quality brand markings, logos and decorative accents on products.
Suitable Materials
Plastics and selected other materials.
Production Volumes
Suitable for series production.
Laser Marking for Durable Designs
Laser marking is suitable for permanent, abrasion-resistant designs such as logos, names, decorative elements and functional markings. The required contrast is created by selectively removing material using laser engraving. No ink is applied; the marking is permanently incorporated into the material.
Requirements & Capabilities
- No ink application; material is removed mechanically using a laser
- Very high durability
- Flat and round marking possible
Typical Applications
Permanent markings, technical labelling and logos on products and components.
Suitable Materials
Plastics, metals and stainless steel.
Production Volumes
Suitable for individual items through to series production.
Pad Printing for Complex-Shaped Parts
Pad printing is particularly suitable for smaller motifs on complex-shaped or curved surfaces and technical components. The flexible pad conforms to the shape of the product and enables precise ink application even with difficult geometries. Pad printing is frequently used when other printing processes reach their limits due to component geometry.
Requirements & Capabilities
- Single and multi-color printing
- High detail accuracy
- Suitable for flat and curved surfaces
- Pre-treatment possible for certain plastics
Typical Applications
Logos, lettering, or graphic elements on technical components, series products, or consumer goods.
Suitable Materials
Plastics, metals, coated surfaces, depending on pre-treatment.
Production Volumes
For small series to large-scale production.
Pad printing: Suitable for irregular or curved surfaces as well as small components.
Screen Printing for Uniform Color Areas
Screen printing is suitable for larger printing areas and uniform ink application. It is characterized by high color opacity and is particularly suitable for flat or rotationally symmetrical surfaces with uniform ink application.
Requirements & Capabilities
- Single and multi-color printing
- High color intensity
- Suitable for flat and cylindrical surfaces
- Pre-treatment required depending on material
Typical Applications
Large-area logos, graphics, or decorative elements on products and series articles.
Suitable Materials
Plastic, glass, metal.
Production Volumes
Cost-effective for medium to large series.
Digital Printing for Variable Motifs and Flexible Production Volumes
Digital printing offers high design freedom and is particularly suitable for multi-color motifs, variable content, or photo-realistic representations. Short setup times make it ideal for flexible applications.
Requirements & Capabilities
- Multi-color printing without printing plates
- High detail and color variety
- Flat and cylindrical printing possible
- Short setup times
Typical Applications
Individual designs, smaller series, variable motifs, or design applications.
Suitable Materials
Plastics, glass, metal, stainless steel.
Production Volumes
Ideal for individual pieces, small series, and pre-production runs.
Hot Foil Stamping – For a Premium Appearance
Hot foil stamping produces high-quality and durable printed images. It is used when a special visual effect or premium appearance is required.
Requirements & Capabilities
– Coloring according to foil selection
– Very good durability
– Suitable for flat or rotationally symmetrical parts
Typical Applications
Premium brand markings, logos, or decorative accents on products.
Suitable Materials
Plastics and selected other materials.
Production Volumes
Suitable for series applications.
Laser Marking for Durable Designs
Laser marking is suitable for permanent and abrasion-resistant designs such as logos, names, ornaments, or markings. The desired contrast is created through targeted material removal by laser engraving. No ink is applied; the marking is permanently embedded in the material.
Requirements & Capabilities
– No ink application, purely mechanical material removal
– Very high durability
– Flat and cylindrical marking possible
Typical Applications
Permanent markings, technical identifications, or logos on products and components.
Suitable Materials
Plastics, metals, stainless steel.
Production Volumes
Suitable for individual pieces to series production.
Detailed information on printing processes, materials, and requirements can be found in the Silac Printing Portfolio.
If you have questions about process selection, we are available to assist you directly.
Which Printing Process Suits Your Product?
+41 55 418 44 00Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. / 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
info@silac.chWe’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
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