14
Sep
Want to make custom pens but don’t know how? Learn the complete process in this step-by-step guide!.jpg)
Don’t we all crave something unique and personalized that no one else possesses? The goods we buy are usually mass-produced, bringing a generalized touch to them. Industries and machines have replaced old-school craftsmanship and the human touch has become a rarity. But thanks to newer technologies like DTF and sublimation printing, we can still get special, customized products. Among such products, a personalized/custom pen is something we all adore.
Whether you are a hobbyist or own a small business, crafting custom pens can be a rewarding experience for you. Customized pens make for great gifts because they show thoughtfulness while being practical. For businesses, they are a cost-effective promotional item that most people keep and carry. They can also be used as merch and giveaways.
When taking on a new endeavor, it is necessary to learn about everything involved to avoid confusion or wrong decisions later on. There are many material options when it comes to custom pens. Your choice of material should suit your needs and vision. If you own a business, choose a material that aligns well with your ethos and general theme.
The following materials are most commonly used for custom pens:
Metallic pens have class, durability, and elegance. They are less prone to damage because of their strong build. Metals have a good weight and feel good to touch. Metallic pens also offer versatility, for example, you can opt for aluminum if you want something lightweight and less expensive or steel if you want sturdy, lifetime keepsakes.
Plastic is the most commonly used material in pen manufacturing. Plastic pens are cheaper and thus feasible for mass production. Printing on plastic blanks will keep your promotional costs low.
If you care about the environment and want to help its conservation, opt for eco-friendly materials like bamboo and wheat-straw pens. Not only are they good for the environment, but they also look stylish.
Some other common types of pens are listed below:
Rollerball Pens:
Rollerball pens contain a fine tip point and offer a smooth writing flow.
Ballpoint Pens
Ballpoints are most suitable for official uses because the ink dries quickly.
Stylus Pens
These pens can be used with touchscreen devices because they have silicone on one end.
Gel-Ink Pens
Gel pens offer a smooth writing experience, they require less pressure so there is less chance of hand cramps.
Fountain Ink Pens
Ink pens have a smooth ink flow and offer vibrant ink colors.
In pad printing, a design is first etched into a metal tray. The etched design is then filled with ink. After cleaning off excess ink, it is picked up by a soft silicone pad. In the final step, the pad is pressed against the receiving object for printing.
Pad printing offers an edge in printing on curved and irregular surfaces. Nevertheless, higher initial costs might put off newcomers.
Sublimation printing is another popular printing method. First of all, the print is transferred onto a special sublimation paper. The sublimation paper is then placed onto a product under a heat press. The sublimation ink turns directly from solid to gas and chemically bonds with the substrate to produce high-quality prints.
Although sublimation is flexible and produces quality prints, it needs proper equipment like special papers, inks, and printers making it harder to set up.
In screen printing, a fine mesh acts as a screen through which the ink is transferred onto a surface. The film/screen is placed onto a pen and the ink is loaded. With the help of a squeegee, ink is spread over the mesh screen to print the surface. When working with multiple colors, separate screens for each color are made to complete the design.
DTF printing is similar to sublimation, it uses a clear plastic film to transfer prints onto surfaces. But instead of solid inks, DTF is done with water-based inks. It is the go-to choice for many because of its advantages over other methods. DTF stickers produce high-resolution and durable prints.
DTF prints capture all the intricate details in a design making it high-resolution. DTF prints seldom fade or break making them durable.
UV DTF stickers can be applied to wood, acrylic, plastic, and whatnot making it ideal for unique projects. This flexibility will help you fulfill your customers’ demands of all kinds.
DTF offers faster production times allowing you to meet deadlines. This saves your running costs like electricity.
A UV DTF setup is cheaper and easier to make than other printing setups and involves less complex processes.
Customizing pens with UV DTF stickers requires the following steps:
The first step is designing your prints using software. Make mockups for more control over the outcome if you hate surprises.
Use a UV-cured inkjet printer to print your design on the sticker. This ink has fast-drying properties and strong adherence.
Laminate your print using a clear, adhesive film to protect it from damage.
Trim the sticker to the desired size and shape, and go back and forth to check if it fits the target area well.
Carefully apply the UV DTF sticker onto the pen, and make sure it is appropriately aligned.
Cure the DTF sticker using a UV curing machine. This will strongly attach the sticker to your pen.
Finally, wipe the pen with a cloth to remove excess ink or adhesive.
You can also choose UV DTF gang sheets to print multiple designs in one go to reduce costs and increase your turnaround speed.
Making custom pens is a magical process whereby your visions become hand-held realities. They are great for gifting, business promotion, and office use. All the printing methods used to make custom pens offer unique advantages, but UV DTF stickers are the most efficient and practical choice.
Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned professional, learning about your trade will help answer your questions. Understanding the printing process and the materials involved equips one for the right decisions. It reduces anxiety and confusion, making you more confident in yourself.
If there's anything we can do to further showcase machines' features, please let us know.
Email: sale@fedar.net
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Our company has over 30 models of printers with independent intellectual property rights and patents. Marketed under the esteemed brands of Skycolor, Stormjet, and Fedar brands, these printers cover a wide range, including digital textile printers, UV printers, eco-solvent printers and more. Known for their exceptional quality and performance.
