Our Blog

Hot foil stamping is a finishing technique used to apply metallic foils or holograms onto a wide range of materials, including paper, cartons, plastics, laminated boards, and corrugated cardboard. It enhances the visual appeal of packaging with a metallic or glossy finish, providing a premium look.

At Leafpack Eco Packaging Factory, we use the following hot foil stamping techniques to elevate the quality and appearance of our packaging:

1. Basic Flat Foil Stamping

2. Deep Embossing with Foil Stamping

3. Foil Stamping with Micro and Structural Embossing

4. Hologram and Holographic Foil Application

   

How Does Hot Foil Stamping Work?

Hot foil stamping is composed of several layers, including a lacquer, an image layer, a metal layer, and an outer adhesive sizing layer. The process involves using a heated die that presses the foil against a counter plate or cylinder supporting the substrate. As the release layer melts under heat, the adhesive and pressure help bond the foil to the material. Hot foil dies, typically made from brass, are either etched or engraved with CNC machinery or by hand.

Types of Foil for Hot Stamping

At Leafpack Eco Packaging Factory, we offer a variety of foil options for your custom packaging:

• Metallized Foil: The most popular type, offering a shiny, metallic finish in colors like gold and silver, though many other shades are available.

• Pigment Foil: Known for its flat, opaque, non-metallic colors, commonly used on paper and plastics.

• Effects Foil: Provides creative finishes such as stripes, sparkles, light diffraction, holographic patterns, and even textures like wood or stone grain.

• Holographic Foil: Frequently used for security applications on credit cards, seals, and IDs due to its unique appearance and registration precision.

• Scratch-Off Foil: Ideal for revealing hidden information like PINs or prizes, easily removed by scratching.

• Signature Panel Foil: Commonly used on the back of credit cards for signature areas.

Hot Foil Stamping Methods

We employ different hot foil stamping methods, each tailored to specific project requirements:

1. Flat-Flat Foil Stamping: This technique uses flat surfaces for both the die and counter plate, similar to flatbed die-cutters. It offers ease of setup and readily available tooling.

2. Round-Flat Hot Foil Stamping: In this method, a rotating cylinder replaces the flat counter plate. It’s best suited for smaller production runs and limited editions.

3. Round-Round Hot Foil Stamping: This high-speed method involves two rotating cylinders working in sync, allowing for the application of intricate details alongside larger design elements.

Advantages of Hot Foil Stamping

• Flat-Flat Foil Stamping: Simple to set up and cost-effective tooling.

• Round-Flat Hot Foil Stamping: Ideal for short runs and specialty projects.

• Round-Round Hot Foil Stamping: Provides high production speeds with the ability to create detailed designs next to large solid areas.

At Leafpack Eco Packaging Factory, our expertise in hot foil stamping helps create stunning, high-quality packaging that adds a premium touch to your products. Whether you're looking for simple metallic accents or complex holographic designs, we can tailor our services to meet your needs.