Hot stamping

Hot stamping is a printing process in which a printed image is transferred from a special foil to the material to be printed by means of heat and pressure.

The process is particularly suitable for the production of high-quality printed products, as it not only produces coloured, but also raised or recessed printed images. The technique is frequently used in the packaging industry, bookbinding and advertising technology to provide products and materials with elegant and appealing decorations.

How hot stamping works

In hot stamping, a thin film – usually metal film or coloured plastic film – is applied to the material to be printed using pressure and heat. The process uses a heated stamping die or stamping plate to transfer the foil to the material under high pressure and heat. The foil detaches from the carrier material due to the pressure and heat and adheres to the substrate, creating the printed image.

Hot stamping not only allows you to add colour highlights, but also to create raised or recessed text and images. These tactile effects increase the visual appeal of the end product and give it an air of exclusivity and high-quality workmanship. These effects are frequently used in book production, packaging design and advertising materials to attract the customer's attention and make the product stand out.

Applications of hot stamping

• Book and calendar production:
  Hot stamping is frequently used in the production of book titles, covers and calendars. The application of shiny or metallic foils to the cover or title makes the product particularly elegant and appealing. Hot stamping is used to refine the design, especially for high-end print runs and luxury products.
• Packaging industry:
  Hot stamping is a common method of adding attractive design touches to packaging, such as gift packaging or cosmetics packaging. The precise application of metal foils in gold, silver or other colours creates an elegant and eye-catching look that sets the product apart from others and strengthens the brand identity.
• Advertising technology:
  Hot stamping is also used for advertising materials such as business cards, flyers and invitations. Hot stamping can create the desired impression of luxury, especially for exclusive business invitations or high-profile marketing campaigns.
• Certificates and diplomas:
  Hot stamping is also used in the creation of certificates, charters or diplomas, where elegant foil stamping conveys a special value and authenticity.

Hot foil stamping vs. thermal transfer printing

Although hot foil stamping and thermal transfer printing may appear to be similar processes at first glance, there are significant differences between them. In hot foil stamping, the foil is applied by means of a mechanical stamping process, whereas thermal transfer printing uses colour bands (so-called ribbons) that are transferred to the material using heat. Thermal transfer printers are used primarily for printing labels, paper and film, with the colour ribbons having special properties depending on the application in order to print on different surfaces and materials. These colour ribbons, also known as carbon ribbons or printing foils, are available in different versions to meet different requirements, such as temperature resistance or durability of the printed images.

Advantages of hot stamping

• High print quality: Hot stamping produces vibrant, brilliant and precise print images with particularly intense colours and metallic effects.
• Durability and resistance: Prints created by hot stamping are resistant to abrasion, moisture and many chemical influences. The embossed colours retain their brilliance and resistance over long periods of time.
• Versatility: Hot stamping allows for the use of a variety of materials and foil types, from matt to gloss or even metallic foils.
• Aesthetic accents: The ability to create raised or recessed print images gives the end product a tactile and visual depth that is particularly valued in the luxury packaging and design industries.

Conclusion

Hot stamping is an excellent method for adding value to printed products, offering both visual and tactile effects. Used in everything from book design to packaging design and promotional materials, it plays a central role in creating high-quality, sophisticated products.