How To Choose the Right Heat Stamping Machine for Your Application

Heat stamping machines in various industries generate practical designs on items, packaging, and promotional materials. This equipment includes a heated die, a foil or film carrier, and the substrate to be stamped. Then, the machine uses heat and pressure to apply a thin foil or film layer onto a substrate, such as paper, plastic, leather, or fabric.

Due to the abundance of stamping machine options on the market, selecting the most suitable one for your particular application can be challenging. This article can help you choose the right equipment by presenting factors to consider to make an informed decision.

Factors To Consider When Selecting the Best Stamping Equipment

Heat stamping has various applications across various industries, including product branding, packaging, security and identification, and automotive sectors. Regardless of your application, choosing the best equipment involves careful consideration of the following key factors:

Types of Stamping Presses

Three common stamping presses are available: vertical, roll-on, and peripheral. Vertical presses are the most widely used type for heat stamping and heat transfer decorating, as they can decorate flat or slightly contoured surfaces. On the other hand, roll-on presses are an excellent choice for applying heat stamping foil or heat transfers to large surface areas. Lastly, peripheral presses are primarily used for foil banding on plastic caps or round cosmetic containers.

Pressing Force and Stamping Speed

The pressing force should sufficiently transfer the foil or film onto the substrate evenly without any wrinkles or gaps. If the pressure is too low, the design may not transmit correctly, resulting in a defective finished product. Conversely, if it is too high, it can damage the substrate or the die, leading to uneven and inconsistent results.

The stamping speed is the rate at which a heat stamping machine applies the foil or film onto the substrate. It is usually measured in impressions per minute (IPM) and can vary depending on the machine’s design and capabilities. Therefore, the required stamping speed will depend on the specific application and production volume requirements.

Size of the Part To Be Stamped

The size of the machine’s platen, or the area where the part is placed for stamping, should be large enough to accommodate the size. If the platen is too small for the component, it can restrict the size of the designs that can be applied. This can result in an inferior finished product. Meanwhile, attempting to stamp a larger part on a smaller platen can cause uneven stamping and harm to both the part and the die.

Material Compatibility

Material compatibility refers to the machine’s ability to work with the specific materials that are being stamped. For example, different substrates — such as plastic, paper, or fabric — may require different levels of heat and pressure. This also applies to different types of foils or films. As a result, some machines may be more versatile, while others may be specifically designed for certain types of materials.

Accessories and Other Features

It is crucial to evaluate whether the machine will be utilized for other applications in the future. For instance, it may be necessary to determine if the device requires both heat stamping and heat transfer registration capabilities. Therefore, purchasing a machine with a heat transfer system can save costs and time.

The following are common accessories and features added to the machine:

Foil rewinders
Part ejection systems
Safety features
Computer controls and software
Automation and integration options
Customizable platens
Dual function machines

Choose AIM Joraco for Exceptional Stamping Presses and Systems

AIM Joraco provides custom heat stamp systems catering to various industries such as electronics, aviation, automotive, and medical device assembly! They are versatile and can be tailored for multiple applications, including cutting, pressing, laminating, heat transfer, solventless oil extractions, and sealing. Moreover, our team can offer custom configurations to accommodate various setups.