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| ANODIZING (AND SEALING) Anodizing is an electrochemical process
of "growing" a coating of aluminum oxide from the aluminum by
passing an electrical current through an acid electrolyte bath in which
the aluminum is immersed. The coating thickness and surface
characteristics are tightly controlled to meet the end product
specifications. The anodic coating is part of the metal, but has a
porous structure, which allows for secondary infusions (colors). The
sealing process closes the pores in the anodic film after coloring,
giving a surface resistant to staining, abrasion and color
degradation.
DIE-CUTTING The die-cutting process usually involves utilizing blades (rules) of hardened steel that are formed into the shape and size of the desired cutting pattern and mounted on a support system for stability. Die-cutting can involve single or multiple dies of the same or different configurations. Steel rule and thermal dies are primarily used in the graphic arts field. EMBOSSING Embossing is the process of raising designs and or graphics from a flat substrate with dies or plates, one the negative of the other. Materials that can be embossed in the graphic arts field range from papers to foils to heavy gauge metal. ENGRAVING Engraving refers to the method of marking materials in shallow, negative relief utilizing a bit or graver. Engraving can be done freehand, using a pantograph or computer-driven equipment. The engraved area may be exposed or filled to create a contrasting color. LAMINATION Lamination is the process of sealing the product between two layers of film using pressure sensitive or heat activated films. The product and laminating films become one. Lamination protects, preserves, and enhances printed images. It deepens and brightens colors, enhances contrasts, waterproofs, and protects from smudges, oil and gas spills, abrasives and other routine hazards. Laminating films such as polyester, polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylic and vinyl are used to give the label long-life and ensure readability. PHOTO-ETCHING Etching of aluminum, brass or stainless steel is a chemical or photochemical process involving the removal of some portion of the surface of the material. This is usually accomplished by the immersion of the metal in a chemical etchant solution of varying concentrations and temperatures depending on the metal and the depth of the desired etch. The Metal, before the etching process, is treated with a chemical coating or mask to protect the areas of the metal not to be subjected to etching. In certain etching situations, the pre-treated metals are exposed to UV or other light sources, prior to etching to develop or harden the resists. SILK-SCREEN PRINTING A common printing method using a squeegee to force ink through a stencil or emulsion that is supported by fabric stretched over a frame to create a screen. Several synthetic fabrics have replaced silk as the fabric of choice. |
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