The Decal
Heat transfer decals are supplied as transferrable images printed with special inks and lacquers on a roll of release paper or film (called the carrier). The release paper is often punched with register holes which engage the sprocket of a feeder, for exact placement of the image on the product being decorated. SI-CAL can also print on a carrier without holes or print registration marks on the margins for electric eye pick-up on the feeder. SI-CAL will print on the carrier configuration that best suits your application. The decal images are transferred by heat and pressure using conventional hot stamp/foil marking presses. We also produce the WR 2000 decal for vertical transfer machines manufactured for the blow molded bottle. To learn more about SI-CAL's decals, click here!
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Applying the Decal
Heat and pressure permanently weld the image to the receiving surface using hot stamp machines. Many of these machines are fitted with web feeders that automatically advance the decal over the part to be decorated. SI-CAL's decal rolls can be printed with a number of indexing options and can be set up for use with most hot stamp systems. SI-CAL will work with you on any stage of the decorating process to insure the best possible result.
The product to be decorated is secured in a fixture on the hot stamp press, directly under the heated platen. The first decal is advanced in place under the platen, but over the product. The platen is lowered; the decal is transferred to the product; the platen is raised; and the next decal is automatically advanced to the next piece to be decorated. SI-CAL decals can be used on most plastics, leather, textiles, metals, painted metals, wood and paper.
Decorating Speed
The decals are shipped on an easy to handle roll. Automated systems using rotary indexing dials or multiple "pick and place" mechanisms can produce up to 2400 parts per hour. Single station machines, with hand loading of parts can achieve 450 parts per hour with automatic unloading. Our WR 2000 decal construction was designed for higher speed applications like blow molded bottles and plastic drink cups.
SI-CAL Quality
SI-CAL is dedicated to maintaining a continuously improving manufacturing culture whereby quality is built into the product at every step of our process. We do all of our work "in-house": Artwork, Ink Compounding, Screen Making, and Printing. In fact, our special multi-station presses were custom built by SI-CAL. Rigorous maintenance of equipment and experienced press operators achieve image quality and color registration that rivals rotogravure printing in detail and elegance. Each lot of printed decals is subjected to a final inspection procedure prior to shipment to the customers. To learn more about SI-CAL's Quality Policy, click here.