Category Archives: Custom printed product examples

Articles on custom printing offered by MyChoice@Firebridge

Top 10 Favourite Engraved Gifts

If you’ve ever found yourself going to a party or special event and thinking “what can I bring as a gift?” then this article is for you! It’s becoming increasingly difficult to choose gifts that are unique, valuable and memorable, with the increase of mass-produced, generic products, and the gift recipients who already seem to have everything. Here we discuss 10 favourite gift ideas that are beautiful, unique and personalized because they are engraved. These gifts already have a track record of being loved because they are among the favourite gift choices available! Read on to learn more.

  1. Jewellery

Example laser cut and printed acrylic pendant made to order.

Personally engraved jewellery is one of the most delightful and classic engraved gifts available, one that has doubtlessly been popular for decades. Engraved jewellery can help commemorate the most special event for a lifetime and lock in love for eternity, captured in the message set in a precious metal. Engraved jewellery is the ideal choice for those special, close, loved ones.

2 Plates

Example of printed bridal sign on simulated aged wood

If it’s a major and special event you are commemorating, such as a big anniversary or prize, an engraved plate is a gift that is sure to stun your beloved recipient. As ornamental home pieces, engraved plates can be used as part of a special event, and as a cherished reminder of the event for years to come.

3 Casts

Sample Door sign

Example of hand and foot print on timber

Engraving or print of precious new hands and feet are becoming ever more popular as parents want to cherish the memory of their children for years to come, or to capture the memory of a loved one at a moment in time. These can also be engraved, with the date, names or a message to commemorate the occasion.

4 Photo Frames

Example pair photo’s Timber frame of engraved Tasmanian Ash

A picture says a thousand words so the saying goes. But if you want to add some words to your favourite picture, the best way to do that is with an engraved photo frame. Engraved frames are an incredibly elegant, beautiful and touching way to give a gift, that allows you to share a special photo memory with the recipient, as well as your own personal message engraved in the frame. The frame can be a range of materials, including metal, glass or wood.

5 Glasses

Example shot glasses engraved for 21st birthday

Sets of engraved glasses make the perfect gift for occasions such as engagements or weddings, as this beautiful gift can capture the event as well as be a keep sake that the couple can keep throughout their lives and hand down through the generations. Glasses can be laser engraved for the perfect style and message, and even with your own choice of message.

6 Coasters

Example glass coasters custom printed in Gift wrapped box

While coasters might not be the first gift thought of, they actually make an incredibly attractive and versatile gift that is perfect for anyone. You can choose your own message, style or image to be laser engraved onto the coaster of your choice. The coasters can be glass, timber or metallic, engraved or cut to fit your perfect design and style.

7 Tableware

Example wooden cutting board engraved to order

Another unique and different personalised gift idea is customized and engraved tableware, such as cutlery and napkin holders. Chopsticks are a really fun and gorgeous engraved gift idea and make the perfect gift for a housewarming or wedding.

8 Key Rings

Example Rosewood key ring engraved to order

Got a special someone who can never seem to find their keys? Choose a personalised keyring to help them keep all their important keys in one place, while also providing a gorgeous and attractive gift.

9 Bottles

Example of engraved decanter bottle

Decanter or wine carafe engraved with family crest or logo is great gift for the entertainer or proud bar owner. You can also have your own wine or spirit bottles custom engraved for commemoration of a special event. Maybe a custom engraved timber wine box for a special person.

10 Personalised Puzzle

Example printed timber jigsaw in timber box

For a special gift that keeps your recipient busy, choose a customized jigsaw puzzle, engraved with your own message or image. Kids and adults alike will get hours of fun out of this special, thoughtful gift.

Never be at a loss as to what gift you should give again! With these ideas for the perfect engraved gifts, your choice is easy, and the gifts are sure to delight and captivate their recipients.

Anatomy of printed wooden sign

Wooden signs printed in colour enable natural timber finish to be enhanced with colour. Using your cherished photo or painting you can create a unique sign with a home made look but with high detailed images which will stand test of time indoor or outdoors.

Choose your timber

Only high stability timbers are used. These are sealed and coated with Urethane Acrylic for long life. In case of treated pine only Accoya® wood is sourced from sustainable sources, including FSC® and has class leading environmental credentials such as Cradle to Cradle™ Gold certification by the highly prestigious McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) organization.

All other timbers are kiln dried and have excellent dimensional stability

NOTE Untreated Pine is not recommended for exterior use, but is ideal option for bar and internal room signs. Or use under protective eves or verandah.

Colour images

At time of adding your order to cart you can upload up to 3 images.
You can also request an image to be sourced by explaining what you require in Special instructions

Text can be printed in colour, white, or black ( you can optionally request text to be laser engraved either in natural timber finish of coloured after engraving )

Example shown is oval Treated pine with three images combined for a Cottage effect to go with Text “Ladybird Manor” Size is 400 x 200 mm


in this case the text is engraved and coloured with a black fill.

the images used are

Floral spray in mirror image on left and right hand side.

House Sign

Grass to fill in the base of sign under text

House Sign

Ladybird image to go on grass

Combined together the resulting layout used with 2 mounting holes and text in Black Chancery font:-

House Sign

When you plan your sign you may not be sure of how it will look. This is no problem as once we have your order and any instructions, we will prepare a layout or various options for you to review, Once you are happy with the final layout then your sign can be made.


From approval production will take in the order of 7-10 days. There are a number of steps preparing the timber, sealing and finishing, Printing and varnishing with UV protective print, and engraving text if engraving is required.

Postage time will depend on Country, Post code, and method of postage chosen

We welcome you to submit your order to have your custom wooden sign designed for your approval.

What to Consider When Choosing an Engraving Company

What to Consider When Choosing an Engraving Company

Engraving is a very unique way of ensuring that  those items which you hold closest or dearest are marked and easily identifiable from the rest. When choosing for engraving servicers, it is important that you carefully examine the company which is offering these services and choosing the one that best suits your needs. A company that can provide quality services at an affordable cost and in a timely manner should always be considered when choosing an engraving company for your products.

Additionally, it is important that you choose a company that offers a variety of services which you can choose from the best and the most suitable service for your engraving purposes.  The type of engraving chosen is determined by the items, cost of the engraving process, appearance of the final product and the use of that particular equipment.

Types of Engraving Services

  • Textured Printing: A relatively new method used, Inks are printed and UV cured to produce a raised or textured image as it is the most cost versatile method available. Using colour inks combined with white and clear ink, and graphic and effect can be exactly reproduced with added effect of texture, matt, and gloss contrast. This can be used for one off or multiple items with name and serial number variations incorporated into the result.
  • Laser Engraving: This is the most versatile method of engraving that can engrave anything depending on the client preference and likes. It is expensive as compared to other methods of engraving. Laser engraving production usually takes between 1 minute to 60 minutes depending on the amount of text, size of the item and the font being used.
  • Computer engraving: This is among the oldest methods of engraving where a computer is used to determine where the diamond tipped head is supposed to remove the materials from the object. This method usually leads to the exposure of the metallic colour on the item being engraved. This method is replaced by laser engraving in many situations, One remaining area for this engraving is on Metal cup and plate trophies.

Importantly, always consider the reviews of previous customers of that particular company and their experience when choosing a company for your engraving services.

Flatbed Printing on difficult substrates

Inkjet printing  using flatbed printer is one of the biggest challenges as more substrates are in the mix. A colour print may look good, but failure occurs without good adhesion to substrate, resulting in early failure in life of finished product.

Most inks used in this process are pigment based to ensure good lightfastness is achieved, The UV reactive polymer is designed for hardness, and  good adhesion on more commonly printed materials with some polar nature to their surfaces.

With new colour inks combined with white and clear inks, The finish and appearance of print is beyond reproach with texture, matt and gloss highlighting becoming more dominant.

In case of interest UV cured printing inks bond well to most organic surfaces

In case of polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene these are surface treated at time of manufacture to accept inks and ensure good adhesion.

Ink adhesion on polymers such as Polyester, Acrylic, Styrene, ABS, and similar polar natured plastics is good.

Printing on Inorganic surfaces are near impossible with UV cured inks.

We have been using Silane-epoxy in isopropyl alcohol. When wiped onto surface and wiped dry, this aims to leave a monomolecular layer of silane bonded to the surface rendering the new surface with a polar epoxy finish which will bond well to most inks. The Silane naturally reacts and bonds with glass, and similar surfaces.

Materials such as Glass, Stainless Steel, Ceramics, and some stone surfaces can then be printed with a reliable bond to give good life to colour printing.

In each situation some testing is recommended to ensure a good result is obtained.

If you have any questions or require assistance with your printing difficulties let us know. Either here in our blog, or on our contact us Form.

Engraving for your Pets

Engraving for your Pets

We are pleased to offer engraving services for your Pets and any you wish to Remember

Custom colour printing on some of products. Click on any type to see more:


Click Me Pet tags are one of the first things you need to help protect your loved friends

For selection see our range of aluminium and plastic tags custom engraved with whatever you require

Click Me Pet Name Plates

For a kennel or your pets favourite place check out

Timber sign suggest 300 x 72 mm for pet name

Printed Tiles Small Large

Engraved Name Plate


Click Me Pet Memorials

Check out range of custom memorial stones, and garden signs


Click Me Photo Frames

Select from range of timber and glass engraved photo frames with colour prints of you treasured photo’s


Click Me Coasters

Your pet photo’s  on coasters you can have individual photo on each coaster


Sample

Click Me Jigsaws

Great for children your pet printed on custom printed timber jigsaw

Unique business cards

Wooden Business cards

Selection of timbers to choose specially laminated thin 3 ply to suit timber business cards ( 0.6 mm thick )

Mahogany

House Sign

Botanical name – Swietenia macrophylla

Mahogany wood species is grown all over south India as it is a very commercially viable wood species for its fast growth and value. Local plantations are very predominant. This has an attractive color and finish which makes it a good specie for cards. Lighter color printing is recommended.

Kpla

House Sign

Vernacular name – Kaattu kadaplavu

Kpla wood species has a double shade appearance which makes it very unique in a printed card. It is a native Indian origin tree from the Jack fruit family.  It is grown in the back yards for its seasonal fruits. Dark color printing would be ideal in this species.

Red Cedar

House Sign

Botanical name – Toona Ciliata

The cedars are largely grown for its value as a shade tree in Cardamom and coffee estates in Kerala and Karnataka States of India. Mostly Pink to red brown in color and has the camphor smell which makes it special. Lighter color printing is recommended. This wood species is rotary peeled.

Laurel/Walnut

House Sign

Botanical name – Terminalia Crenulata

Trees grow extensively in forest and plantation region in South India and extracted from sustainable plantations adjacent to tea estates. Laurel produces veneers with prominent grains in black colour on dark brown shades. Laurel veneers are obtained by special process in Rotary cutting. white print with color overprint on cards is required .

Poypropylene Business cards

Waterproof and almost indestructable range of colours 0.6 mm thick 

Black

Translucent clear

White

Gold PMS871

Silver PMS877

Copper PMS7522

Short runs of high impact business cards are ideal where you can justify a little more cost to get a card that is going to be kept and shown to others. You can choose from selection of materials and shapes

Printing is using high definition inkjet using UV cured inks to produce robust print with high lightfast pigmented inks

Colour inks are used which will print high definition photographic results with your Logo or photo
on darker materials a white ink under print is used to ensure any light colours will stand out.
White or pale coloured text is most appropriate on Dark timbers or colours.

A gloss over print can be applied to highlight your logo or image
Raised image using multiple gloss over prints can be applied and an option

The results are stunning with a crisp image on unusual materials making business cards that are noticed.

Shapes

Your can order any shape or size you wish, as these are laser cut so no dies are required.

Standard sizes and shapes are based on 90 x 50 mm outline

Round corner 3 mm ratdius on 4 corners

Large corner 20 mm radius on 2 oposite corners

Large single 20 mm radius on 1 corner

Square corners

Quantities you can order in multiples of 20

Design

Your order is converted to a design layout which is emailed to you for your review. Once changes are approved your order is produced.

Please contact us for further information.

Printer 2D 3D Colour white gloss texture print

New Roland LEF 20 UV cured ink printer

Colour + White + Gloss

new technology using low energy LED UV ink curing with Eco friendly inks

Gloss overprint in one and multiple passes, allows 3-D print with textures, raised text, and braille, all on the one sign or item

Items up to 508 x 330 mm with maximum thickness of 100 mm

Some curvature can be accomodated so items such as golf balls can be printed in colour

Range of substrates provide high quality photo prints with long life and tough finish

Common materials colour printed with 2D or 3D effects

  • Acrylics
  • Timbers
  • Glass
  • Ceramics
  • Plastics eg Polypropylene, Polyester, ABS, Polysttyrene
  • Aluminium

Products printed 

  • Timber book marks
  • timber business cards and invitations
  • Name tags
  • signs
  • awards
  • memorials
  • desk signs
  • coasters
  • wine glass charms
  • ceramic tiles
  • golf balls
  • some drinking glasses depending on shape
  • supplied items eg USS memory sticks, pens, key fobs, phones, phone covers, tablets, laptops,

UV cured flat bed printing technology

UV Cured Printing technology

MyChoice@Firebridge  has chosen Ink Jet printing using Latest technology with UV Cured pigmented inks.
Such inks provide good adhesion to most materials, and ensure long life in exterior and interior use.

A real benefit is use of inks with NO solvent so 100% of ink applied is UV cured to form the image.

The printer format is known as flat bed. Here a vacuum table is used to hold media flat during printing.
The bed is 900 x 1200 mm in size allowing materials up to 100 mm thick to be placed on bed for printing.

This was chosen to ensure many products we make using laser engraving and cutting can be extended with printing options.
The result is expanded service including colour images printed and cured, in combination with laser engraving and cutting.

Our equipment uses inkjet heads well established by Konica Minolta.

the KM512 series heads ensure excellent delivery of ink in 7 colour including white.

C ( Cyan ) M ( Magenta ) Y ( Yellow ) LC ( Light Cyan ) LM ( Light Magenta ) W ( White )

White ink can be applied first or as last ink enabling opaque images on clear and mirror reflective materials.

Machine specs

YISHAN Digital Technology Co., Ltd.
Model YS9007-GP
Print head technology:    Drop on demand piezo ink jet; 7-color print
Print head:    7 pieces Konica512/14pl print heads
Accuracy (maximum):     960*1440dpi
Weight    500 + Kg
Machine dimensions    1.90m x 2.30 m x 1.22 m
Print dimensions (maximum):    1.22m X 0.9m x ( 80mm max thickness )
Print speed (maximum ):    25/4pass(sq.m/hr) 
Media types :    KT Board, Tile, glass, wooden board, PVC, etc.
Shade of Color :    16,700,000
Ink:    UV Ink pigment based Toyo Inks
File format:     TIFF or JPG or BMT
Voltage:    Single-phase AC 220v 10%,50HZ
Maximum power:    4.5kW

Technology overview

About Inkjet

Inkjet technology makes use of tiny ink droplets to facilitate direct printing without the device coming into contact with the printed surface. Because this technology enables non-contact printing, it can be applied to all kinds of media and is now being introduced for use in a wide range of fields ranging from general purpose to industrial. The simple structure that combines the inkjet printhead with the scanning mechanism offers the merit of keeping device costs down. In addition, since they require no plates, inkjet printers offer the advantage of major savings in printing set up time compared to conventional printing systems that require a fixed printing block or plate, etc. (e.g. screen printing).

Scan printing and Single-pass printing

There are two types of inkjet printing systems: scan printing and single-pass printing.  In scan printing, the printhead carriage reciprocates in the sub-scanning direction (laterally in respect of the print media), making several passes to complete the image printing process.  In single-pass printing, the printhead carriage remains in a fixed position and completes image printing in a single pass while the print material is conveyed underneath.  Due to their high-speed printing capability, single-pass systems are coming into use in the field of industrial printing where high productivity is required.

Printhead Technology

3-cycle Drive Printhead

Konica Minolta’s on-demand piezo printhead makes use of 3-cycle drive technology that offers energy-conserving benefits. This technology divides nozzles into three groups for timed ink-ejection control. Because this approach features a structure that allows high nozzle density, it is effective in the development of high-image quality inkjet printheads. 

Konica Minolta Printhead Structure
Printhead Structure (Nozzle surface)

3-cycle drive head principle

Firstly, ink is ejected from channel-A to form part of the image.
Next, after ejection from channel-A, ink is ejected from channel-B to form the image.
After ejection from channel-B, ink is ejected from channel-C to complete the image.

Reduction of Power Consumption to Approximately 50%

Compared to the previous KM512 Series, the KM1024 Series, which was launched onto the market last year, features a far more compact construction to realize a reduction in power consumption of approximately 50%. Development of a new architecture has made it possible to shorten the ink channel length and reduce capacity, resulting in a major reduction in power consumption. Energy conservation, a merit of the piezzo system, has been further enhanced.


Comparison of new (right) and existing (left) architectures

High Durability for Industrial Applications

Industrial applications require the use of all kinds of inks. Durable components and optimum materials have been selected to meet the needs of all kinds of inks from low-viscosity types such as water based inks to high-viscosity types such as UV cured inks.

Precision Processing and Assembly Technology

Precision processing technology (e.g. laser processing, dicing processing and material processing), one of Konica Minolta’s core technologies, makes precision processing and assembly of the main components and materials for the printhead possible. In addition, our outstanding fully-automatic all-nozzle ejection performance inspection technology makes it possible to realize mass-production of high-quality products and establish a production system capable of speedy supply.

Share mode Piezo Inkjet Printhead

Konica Minolta inkjet heads are able to handle a wide range of inks to meet the requirements of various industrial applications. The principle of shear mode piezo actuation with shared wall structure allows lower power consumption as well as a high-density nozzle array.

On-demand dot size modulation, sometimes referred to as grey-scale mode, enables the printing of high quality images and functions to increase productivity. All the development work is based on advanced computer simulation techniques that can precisely predict the droplet formation process resulting from differential ink characteristics.

The principle of ink ejection

Micro scale channels made from piezo electric material are made to contract by the application of an electric charge. As the channels contract, ink contained in the channel is forced out through the nozzle as a droplet. As the channel returns its original state, capillary action causes ink to flow into the channel making it ready to produce the next drop.

*

Orange indicates pressurized state. Blue indicates depressurized state.

For further technical information see Konica Minolta papers