Foil stamping is the solution you’re looking for when you want your packages and labels to be more elegant and attractive.

The shimmer of foil can make your products stand out, and its shiny appearance can pique the interest of customers. Hot or cold foil stamping machines also make it harder for counterfeiters to copy your designs, thanks to the intricacy and sophistication of the processes involved.

But what’s the difference between these two stamping applications? And which is better between hot and cold stamped labels?

Hot Foil Stamping Process

This process includes making a stamp die, also known as a metal die, composed into a reverse image of the label you’ve designed. The heated die is pressed onto foil which is on top of the material to be printed. This material can be rough paper, plastic, or cardstock, depending on your needs.

Hot foil stamping is done through a second process independent of the initial printing. During hot foil stamping, you can also emboss your label for a more detailed product.

Cold Foil Stamping Process

Cold foil stamping consists of printing an adhesive on the surface you want to put your label on. The adhesive must be applied to the exact design of the label. Foil is pressed on the adhesive, with the excess being stripped away. Ultraviolet light is then used to cure the adhesive completely.

Cold foil stamping can be done in-line with no secondary process required.

Which Should You Choose?

Both methods of stamping have their pros and cons. Taking these factors into considerations, as well as your manufacturing needs, are important when deciding on an application.

• Hot foil offers more options during production. Unlike cold foil, this process can be used to create embossed foil labels and be printed on textured surfaces. Because of this, hot foil machines are suitable for making cards and invitations.
• Cold foil is faster. Unlike hot foil, this process can be done in-line and requires no further tooling. After application, you can choose to add different effects to the foil. However, cold foil can only be applied to completely smooth surfaces.
• Hot foil is more detailed. Hot stamping can merge text with the label and small details, such as delicate patterns and lines. It can even be raised, giving it a distinctive look.
• Cold foil is simpler. Because of its less complicated process, cold foil works better for simple designs and a minimalistic approach. If you’re not as concerned about fine details on labelling, cold foil stamping is the better option.

Whether you choose to go with elaborate hot foil stamping or with a simple cold foil process, you need good machinery. A manufacturer with years of experience is perfectly poised to give you the equipment necessary to boost your production.

Choose an Experienced Manufacturer

SBL Machinery has been manufacturing trusted factory equipment since 1968. When you work with us, you’re getting over 50 years of experience in machinery production and research, and after sale service you can always count on.

Our company has received multiple awards and certifications as a testimony for our high-quality products and services. Aside from foil stamping equipment, SBL Machinery also manufactures die cutting equipment and high-speed folding and gluing machines.Email us today for more information on our products and services.