Printing

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, where efficiency and speed are paramount, the printing industry, along with most other industries, is undergoing a significant transformation through the integration of automation.  The business world is striving to keep up with ever-evolving technological trends and consumer demands and the printing industry is no exception.  Implementing automation software has become crucial for print businesses, especially those in the web-to-print and custom print and personalization arena, who are aiming to enhance productivity, reduce downtime, streamline day-to-day operations and ultimately boost profitability. What is print automation? Why it’s a game-changer? The goal of automation in printing is to create a smooth workflow from the very beginning of a job order to the point of delivery.  Great print automation reduces time and people-power spent on manual repetitive tasks across the workflow that can introduce errors and hinder productivity. It eliminates “touchpoints” where necessary and essentially increases speed to market.  Importantly too, is that through this streamlining, print businesses are able to keep prices competitive and greatly enhance services and indeed products for their customers. It’s a win-win.  From receiving orders, creating optimal print-ready files, manually uploading print specifications and parameters and ensuring the highest possible quality end product, to handling billing shipping and deliveries, there are numerous key points at which a print workflow can stumble, causing breakdowns and bottlenecks in production.  This is where automation software comes in. A technological game-changer that can revolutionize the way a print business operates and furthermore, according to an HP-sponsored study from Napco, businesses that have implemented automation, even on a small scale, show increased profits and production, higher throughput and increased speed to market, compared to those that haven’t. How to choose your print automation software Selecting the right print automation software is crucial. There are numerous products on the market, so how do you know what to choose? You need to map out your workflow and highlight the pain points. Identify your goals, the specific needs of your customers and the unique complexities of your custom products and materials.  You need to understand exactly what you’re trying to create for your customer and choose a software solution that can deliver it and that can adapt to the changing needs of your business and the market.  It should seamlessly integrate with your existing workflows, have the flexibility to adapt to the different printing techniques and processes that you may offer now and in the future. In short, it should enhance, not hinder. The key role of print automation in print personalization For printing stores specializing in custom printed gadgets, clothing and personalized products, automation is absolutely critical because there are so many different areas of potential automation for each personalized product and as such so many different areas that can break down, letting both the retailer and the customer down. Reflect on the myriad challenges of providing customized printed products: extended pre-press print production, heavy workload on design teams, continuous customer interactions for defining unique designs, endless hours in the studio creating mockups, manual editing of print-ready files, and frequent production errors. Does this sound familiar? Such hassles often lead to further issues like difficulties in managing tailor-made orders, missed deadlines due to operational inefficiency, and high return rates caused by lengthy lead times and a mismatch between the expected and actual custom products. What can really make a difference? The right print automation software, like Zakeke! Zakeke is designed specifically with these retailers in mind. By automating their processes, Zakeke will help custom print sellers reduce the risk of errors, deliver consistent high quality, boost the speed of order fulfilment, cut manual and costly manual tasks and ultimately enhance customer experience. From order placement to print-ready file preparation, Zakeke ensures a seamless process, allowing custom print stores to focus on what matters most – delivering superior, personalized products to their customers without burdening their team or risking the inability to scale due to an overload of operational tasks associated with customization. Automating your printing business and embracing personalization with Zakeke So, you’ve decided you want to up your automation game? Zakeke’s Visual Customizer e could just be the game-changer you’re looking for. It eliminates the need for time-consuming, manual preparation of custom print-ready files and reduces the risk of errors, creating a more reliable, efficient system and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality products. How does it work? Zakeke’s system allows customers to personalize products in real-time directly online (with a super user-friendly interface) and then sends designs straight to merchants’ printer or engraver post-sale, streamlining custom order management. No more lengthy pre-press processes and burden on design teams. Ideal for printers and printing providers, Zakeke is more than a web-to-print solution. It could be the best technological partner to grow your business by helping with pre-press management, printing workflow automation, and managing various printing techniques. One of the greatest advantages is that Zakeke, being a cloud-based platform, provides straightforward integration and operation, presenting a superior alternative to conventional software solutions. It seamlessly integrates with a range of printing workflows, maintaining existing operations without interruption – a flexibility vital for businesses aiming to adopt automation without the complexities of a full-scale revamp. The printing industry is changing, and automation software like Zakeke is playing a big part in this. Zakeke offers strong customization and easy automation and blends well with existing systems. This helps printing businesses, whether they serve retail or larger markets, unlock new levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction.  In other words, embracing print automation software like Zakeke unlocks new opportunities for growth and enables printers to thrive in today’s digital era.  

In this comprehensive guide, we uncover the age-old technique of engraving printing, exploring its applications, the intricate process behind it and how it seamlessly integrates into the ever-evolving world of print customization.  Whether you’re a print provider looking to diversify or a retailer wanting to broaden your online customized print portfolio, this blog will help you understand the nuances of engraving printing and how it can enhance your offering. A technique that brings an air of sophistication, engraving printing has found a real niche in the growing world of customization. This meticulous art form involves carving detailed designs into various surfaces using specialized equipment and skilled craftsmanship. Its allure lies in the ability to create detailed designs that exude a timeless quality, making it the go-to choice for those seeking a touch of elegance in personalized printed products. Let’s delve into the reading! How does engraving printing work? The process  Invented in the 15th century, numerous engraving methods have evolved over time but put simply, engraving printing is an intaglio printing technique in which a design is cut into the surface of a metal sheet or plate, usually copper but sometimes also steel.  The engraved plate is then covered in ink which fills the carved recesses, the excess ink is wiped away using kraft paper and the plate is pressed onto the substrate leaving an embossed image and/or text.  The method produces beautifully intricate prints with a raised, tactile surface and was traditionally the realm of highly skilled craftsmen painstakingly crafting the designs manually. But with modernization, it is increasingly done using specialized machinery and laser engraving technology that can carve minute details onto the plate in seconds, with intricate precision. While automation may take away some of the charm of traditional craftsmanship, conversely it has made this art form more accessible at a fraction of the cost and time. All the different engraving techniques There are numerous methods that can be used for engraving depending on the desired design and style.  The two key methods are mezzotint and drypoint engraving.  Another engraving printing technique is called etching, which uses chemicals rather than tools to take away layers of the copper to reveal the desired design. Manual artists may choose to use a combination of etching and engraving.  Clean lines and bold contrast designs are particularly suited to this technique, as are shaded and fine typefaces, with their intricate details, while white inks on coloured paper give particularly impressive results. It’s not suitable for two-sided printing due to the ‘bruising’ at the back of the pressed paper. Substrates such as classic, heavyweight papers and luxurious cards shine here, with the choice of surface adding its own character to the engraved items. The delicate balance between old-world craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology is what makes engraving printing both timeless and adaptable to the demands of the modern age, with mechanical and laser engraving achieving similar results in a fraction of the time. Which method comes down to personal choice, budget and time constraints.  Engraving & customization: a recipe for success Customization is where engraving really comes into its own, lending itself perfectly to this booming market, whether it’s to be used as a transfer printing process for stylish, personalized stationery or as a direct engraving process to customize your gifts and jewellery, for example.  Surfaces including metals, plastics, glass, wood and leather all lend themselves perfectly to the method, making possibilities for the consumer almost endless for adding a personal touch to transform regular items into sentimental treasures. Companies that successfully offer personalized engraving services while efficiently managing their design team’s workload through the use of effective software can achieve a significant competitive edge. This approach is becoming increasingly important as customers highly value unique and high-quality experiences.  Consider custom engraved products like jewellery such as necklaces or bracelets, home accessories such as cutting boards or glasses, or even gifts like picture frames or keychains, all engraved. Offering these types of products with ease could really make a significant difference. Mastering the art of custom engraving with Zakeke To offer custom engraved products without running into production or order issues, the first step is picking the right software. Zakeke is a game-changer in this area. It’s a super flexible Visual Customizer tool that fits different printing needs, such as engraving, making it easy to offer personalized products. Zakeke quickly connects smoothly with major online shopping platforms and fits right into your usual business process and workflow. You simply set up your own printing methods in the back-office and all the customization rules, and then your customers can design what they want based on those rules. Your customers can personalize their products and see what their engraving will look like on the product directly on your website, thanks to Zakeke’s live personalization and advanced 3D views. This makes shopping more confident and gets rid of questions like, “What will my custom necklace or keyring look like?” Customers get to see their engraved product in 3D in real-time, zoom in, and turn it around, almost like they’re in a store. Since you usually can’t return custom engraved items, Zakeke helps by showing customers exactly what they’re getting before they make a purchase. The best part is that Zakeke not only improves the Customer Experience, it also generates specific print-ready files for engraving print in SVG, PNG, PDF, DXF, BMP, AI formats, so all you have to do is download the right format for your equipment. No more problems with production, order management and file generation. In short, Zakeke makes engraving personalization easy and error-free, perfect for fast-paced custom work. Want to try out easy engraving printing? Start with Zakeke for a smooth experience.  

Sublimation printing is a versatile printing method for adding vivid, full-color designs to a wide range of products. From clothing and accessories to woods and ceramics, sublimation printing has revolutionized the art of customizing everyday items with eye-catching graphics.  In this article, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty. We’ll explore how it works, what products it can transform, pros and cons and how it compares to other printing methods.  Ready to dive deep into the world of sublimation? What is sublimation printing, and how does it work? The process of sublimation printing allows the transfer of full-color, high-resolution images onto a variety of man-made surfaces using a combination of heat and pressure. The technique involves the transformation of special sublimation inks, known as disperse dye sublimation, into a gaseous state at high temperature.  How to print sublimation images? A CMYK ink-mix is first printed onto a special transfer paper which is then placed onto the surface of the item to be printed. Pressure and heat of around 180-200 Celsius are then applied transforming the ink into a gas making it penetrate the surface of the substrate before cooling.  The method produces stunning, full-color and long-lasting images that are embedded within the product. Sublimated products: from shirts to paper, what kind of products can be sublimated?  Also known as all-over-printing, sublimation printing can be applied to a wide array of products . Designs can be applied seamlessly across the entire surface of a garment. This makes this method highly popular in the apparel industry for items like t-shirts, hoodies, swimsuits, and sports uniforms. It is also popular for  accessories such as hats and socks.It is especially popular for product customization, including sports and work uniforms or unique promotional items for gifts or businesses. This method delivers high-resolution, vibrant prints of names, numbers, logos, and even full-color photographs that remain durable through washing without compromising fabric breathability. Furthermore, in the home decor industry sublimation printing can be used to add a personal touch to cushions, pillowcases and even banners and wall art. While in merchandise, gifts and homewares, it is effective with products like ceramic mugs, coasters, flags, phone cases and mousepads affording rich and durable colors. In terms of choice of materials, it works best on 100% polyester fabrics, polyester blends and polymer-coated materials such as woods, metals, glass, plastics and ceramics. Pros and cons of sublimation prints Like any traditional printing method, sublimation printing has advantages and limitations: Sublimation technique Pros Limitations of sublimation Sublimation Printing vs Screen Printing What are the main differences between sublimation and screen printing? Sublimation vs DTG and DTF Printing Here are the key differences between Sublimation printing and DTG: And what about DTF? Mastering design preparation: step-by-step guide to ready your file for sublimation printing To get the best from your sublimated prints, ensuring correct file preparation is vital . Here are the key steps: The sublimation printing process: guide step-by-step Understanding the sublimation printing process is crucial for achieving high-quality results. Let’s break it down into manageable steps: Troubleshooting common sublimation printing issues Even experienced sublimation printers encounter issues from time to time. Here are some common problems and their solutions: Sublimation printing and customization: streamlining your processes with Zakeke As we’ve already said, sublimation printing shines in product personalization , from clothing and uniforms to accessories.  But how can an ecommerce business start selling custom sublimated products without burdening its design team? Here’s where Zakeke comes into play: a software solution that unlocks smooth product personalization while offering advanced 3D visualization and immersive Augmented Reality and Virtual Try-On experiences. The best part? Zakeke not only enhances the shopping experience, but it streamlines and improves merchant workflows thanks to unparalleled adaptability and nifty automation capabilities. In the web-to-print and customization realm, the right software is crucial for maximizing potential and ensuring high-quality, precise custom prints. Zakeke meets diverse printing needs , easing design and friendly printing processes and reducing manual design work. It automates the creation of custom sublimation-ready files , optimizing artwork and ensuring accurate color reproduction. It adapts to your printing techniques, integrates with your workflows, and automates the production of print-ready files also for sublimation or engraving. In particular, it includes advanced files like nested and stacked ones with all the different print areas positioned in a pattern compatible with your printing process.  Whether you’re trying to elevate your catalog or the one coming from a print on demand platform, Zakeke will seamlessly integrate into your current tech ecosystem. It will provide you the fulfillment options you need to increase volumes, revenues and automation.  In other words, Zakeke enables effortless print personalization . A simple plugin installation on your e-commerce website allows customers to design their dream products. They will design their sublimation shirts or sports uniforms without needing any design skills. Curious about enhancing your printing workflow with Zakeke? Kick off your no-cost trial or set up a quick demo today! Frequently Asked Questions  

Through visual customization and granular personalization, print-on-demand is changing the e-commerce industry. Gone are the days when you had to print in bulk and hope for customers to like the mass-produced range. Now you can use POD integration and dropshipping to create need-based products that will have greater chances of success.  What is print-on-demand?  Print-on-demand uses digital printing technologies to print materials as per demand. This disrupts the old model of printing the same design in bulk and waiting for customers to choose from a limited and impersonal range. With customizable products, now organizations can start the printing process once customers initiate the action. Live customization isn’t the only reason companies should be interested in print-on-demand. E-commerce firms and other organizations can also use dropshipping services with print-on-demand to deliver products to customers. Printful, Invition, and CustomCat are only some of the organizations that are flourishing due to the following advantages of using visual customization through print-on-demand. The advantages of print-on-demand and live customization Less inventory If you print in bulk, you need adequate storage space. If yours is an e-commerce business, this means you have to find extra space or rent a warehouse. Both these options are expensive recurring charges.  With print-on-demand, you won’t be stocking unnecessary inventory. You’ll only start production once the customer has ordered from you. You would only need to store minimal stock that wouldn’t take up much space.  Cost savings In the conventional method, you have to invest significantly in production and printing. This is without knowing how much of it would be sold. With print-on-demand through print-ready files, you save on these up-front costs. If you can’t know the demand for the product, it’s a better option to wait for the market to decide.  Or, if there is demonstrable demand, your production can scale effortlessly using print-ready files. Again, if you get a lukewarm response, you won’t lose anything in investments. You would also save money on shipment if you’re transporting it to the warehouse.  Customization in batches Printing in batches gives you the freedom to customize your product based on the demand. You can create relevant visual elements and text that will appeal to your target audience. This will allow for granular personalization and therefore, increased demand.  Such visual customization through print-ready files will also give you an opportunity to upsell or sell more frequently to your audience. Since the message is focused and relevant for them, they will be more inclined to consider your product. Eco-friendly option With little wastage, print-on-demand is a superior environment-friendly option for companies. You will only be printing as and when needed. You don’t have to worry about excess supplies or finished products with no demand and no way to get rid of them. Beyond the products, ingredients, and packaging materials that otherwise would be wasted, customizable products also minimize your marketing efforts. This leads to less wastage of marketing materials.  Easier management You don’t have to hire additional staff to keep track of your inventory. As a result, you also won’t need complex systems to manage your stocks or negotiate with your suppliers. POD will make it easier for you to manage your company.  You also don’t have to hire additional staff members in marketing since you only have to start the process when the demand comes in.  In short When you integrate print-on-demand and visual customization, you’ll be able to cut costs, avoid manual customization, reduce management, and implement automation that will help your business scale, fast.