Hot stamping and hot printing

What do we do?

Keller manufactures hot stamping (hot printing) machines that enable professional printing on plastic, metal, and wood components, primarily for the packaging industry. We have been manufacturing machines for this technology for several years, adapting them to the specific needs of our clients' existing production lines.

What is hot stamping?

Hot stamping, also known as hot printing, is the English term for thermal printing. This form of embellishing details is also known as gilding or silver plating. As the name suggests, heat plays a key role in the hot stamping process. This process also requires a special foil from which the coloring agent is transferred. Printing is performed using pressure and high temperature. To transfer the image to the selected material, we need a suitable matrix with a printed pattern. Such matrixes are made of metal or silicone and are also available from Keller. Thanks to the use of hot printing machines, the process is automated, and the entire production process is quick and efficient. Therefore, the hot stamping method is considered particularly effective, and most importantly, it results in very high-quality print, most often chosen by customers for premium products (alcohol, pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements).
Hot stamping is a direct relief printing technique where a printing plate (a convex matrix made of a heat-conducting material) heated to the appropriate temperature transfers the printed image from the ink film to the target substrate. The ink film, which is placed between the matrix and the printed surface during the printing process, is characterized by a metallic sheen in a wide range of colors, and the printed object appears metallized.

The use of hot stamping in various industries

Hot stamping is an increasingly popular print finishing technique that is constantly evolving and gaining new supporters and applications. The advantage of hot stamping technology is its versatility. Gilding or silvering performed by hot stamping machines can be used to decorate a variety of items. Hot stamping (sometimes called hot printing) is used in sheetfed printers to enhance stationery, periodical and book covers, as well as in industrial printers to decorate plastic packaging (cosmetics and medicines), interior furnishings for homes and cars, furniture, and other wood-based items. Its high aesthetic value, satisfying visual effect, and protective properties make it a popular choice for manufacturers to enhance a variety of products. Hot stamping can be used in the printing industry to decorate magazine covers, greeting cards, albums, and other paper products, as well as to create holographic elements and various decorations. The versatility of hot printing machines means that this technology can also be used to create and transfer original applications onto fabrics and other plastics.

Advantages of hot printing finishing

The main advantage of using hot stamping is, of course, the high print quality. The print obtained with this process is precise, clear, durable, and flake-resistant, making it one of the most commonly used print enhancement methods today. The most desirable feature is the ability to achieve a metallic effect on printed details. This perfectly imitates the appearance of metal coating in any color, even on large surfaces.

Metallic embellishments create a uniquely elegant final effect and enhance the overall aesthetic value of the decorated product. This makes hot stamping ideal for advertising, printing, and is widely used in many other industries. Beautifully presented folders, business cards, promotional leaflets, catalogs, and other promotional items such as hats, lanyards, and apparel with a company logo, created with this technology, are a great way to enhance a company's image in the eyes of customers and are an essential element of a brand-building strategy. In industrial production, this technology is ideal for the production of household appliances, automotive parts, and many other applications.
A significant advantage of hot printing is its relatively low unit cost, which allows for small-volume orders or reprints as needed. Another advantage of this method is its rapid production speed, which allows for efficient order fulfillment. Keller machines can print both large, flat surfaces and small, cylindrical objects with a small print area.

Keller – an experienced manufacturer of hot printing machines

Keller has been manufacturing hot stamping equipment for over a decade, providing specialized staff and proven production lines that produce high-quality equipment. All of our hot stamping machines can be customized – our experienced designers design the equipment based on individual customer needs. The machines are designed with existing production lines and manufactured parts in mind. In addition to the machines, Keller also offers metal and silicone matrices from its own modern workshop.
Only professional hot stamping machines and specialized accessories will ensure high-quality printing. Investing in hot stamping equipment from Keller guarantees that the print will be effective and durable, and that the customer will always be satisfied with the final result. Modern machines can print on surfaces with uneven textures, allowing for the completion of even the most unusual orders.

Who are hot stamping machines for?

The machines we offer are suitable for a wide variety of industries. Our machines, accessories, and hot stamping materials are primarily used by industrial companies specializing in the production of components and details that later constitute premium products. These include household appliances, automotive components, decorative furniture and joinery elements, glass packaging for cosmetics and alcohol, and wood and cardboard packaging. Using our unique hot stamping machines, it's possible to enhance any item. Enhancing the aesthetic value of a product with elegant gold or silver plating creates a truly compelling presentation. Embossing stylish lettering on packaging or the product itself can significantly impact its reception by potential buyers and increase the value of the product. Exceptional efficiency and effectiveness ensure that hot stamping produces elegant and striking prints.