Frequently Asked Questions – GSM Graphic Arts

Frequently Asked Questions – GSM Graphic Arts

With so many possibilities when it comes to manufacturing and printing graphic arts, there are invariably a lot of questions that are asked on a regular basis. To help our valued customers, we felt that now would be the perfect time to compile some of the questions in a handy blog, which you can browse at your leisure.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions we receive and will continually update this page to ensure we are covering all of your most common questions.

What Type Of Products Do You Manufacture?

We have an extensive range of products available, all of which are explained in more detail on their respective page, click on the products below to find out more:

What Type Of Label Is Right For My Needs?

One of the most challenging parts of purchasing a label for your product or business is ensuring that you make the right choice. It can be difficult to know which label is right for your requirements, so it’s important to consider the following:

  • The main application of your product and label.
  • Where will the label be housed, and is it likely to be affected by weather or other external factors?
  • Is there a specific material that you’ll need for your product?
  • Do you require a specific size or colour?
  • Will your label require a specific printing process to ensure longevity?
  • Type of fixing required & substrate label will be assembled to?
  • The estimated annual usage of the label & typical batch quantities?

Once you have considered all of these points, it’s important that you discuss your requirements with an expert, who can guide you through the process of choosing the perfect label based on your requirements.

What Types Of Printing Are Available?

Here are all of the printing options that we have available here at GSM Graphic Arts, along with a brief explanation of each:

Silkscreen Printing – Provides high-quality finish with stunning aesthetics. This process can be used to print onto the likes of vinyls, PVC, polycarbonate and polyesters to provide a durable finish for specialist labels and graphic overlays.

Digital Printing – We are capable of under surface printing on a number of materials to guarantee your product receives the desired finish. Digitally printing gives a high quality, clear finish and can be used for products in a wide range of industries.

Anodising – Perfect for those that are looking to use their product in a particularly harsh environment, the anodising process guarantees a long-lasting print. By electrically charging aluminium within a sulphuric acid solution, the pores of the material are opened, which enables inks to be printed directly into the aluminium. Once resealed, the dried ink is protected by a layer of the material, ensuring maximum durability.

Stainless Steel Etching – Capable of being carried out on either 304 or 316 stainless steel, stainless steel etching is best suited for the harshest of applications. Text detail is chemically etched below the surface of the material, to guarantee the longevity of any logos or messages that need to be communicated on the product.

Laser Marking & Engraving – If you are looking for a cost-effective way to produce a number of printed products, our investment in the latest laser marking & engraving means you can have both small and large product runs at affordable prices. By using CO2 lasers, our experts can cut polycarbonate and adhesives, which enables us to not only print but also produce adhesive gaskets and cut holes and profiles.

Choosing which is right for your product comes down to a variety of factors, such as where your product will be predominantly used, or placed, and the type of stress the printed label will be under on a day to day basis. For example, will the label be placed in an office block or in an offshore setting? The two examples used are wildly different and will require very different labels and printing to guarantee longevity.

Can I Futureproof Labels To Guarantee Product Longevity?

When your business is investing in labels or other graphic arts, it’s essential that you consider just how long they will last. Whether that means ensuring the messaging included on your products is suitable for years to come or utilising a printing process that can stand the test of time, longevity is essential with this type of product.

The best way to ensure you futureproof labels is to carefully consider the product and printing process carefully. Before committing to any materials, product type or printing process, you need to be completely sure that you’re making the right choice based on where your product will be used. Our experts are more than happy to help during this crucial stage of the process, and with years’ of experience behind each of our employees, you can rest assured we will give you the very best advice.

If you do have any queries when it comes to all things graphic arts, then please feel free to get in touch via our online enquiry form, or give us a call on +44(0)1845 522184

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