What should you look for in a hot foil printer?

If history has taught us one thing about foil printing it is that, generally speaking, foil is printed on a relatively small area when using hand operated machines. For example, you would never print completely over an area the size of an A4 sheet of paper. This is because the cost of the printing plate would be very expensive and the pressure needed to produce a good consistent print would be huge. You would then need to take into account the cost of the paper, the foil and if you want to make a profit, your mark-up. The whole process is made very impractical. Therefore machines that are advertised with a very large print area and marketed as an asset are very misleading. If you are looking for a machine that's 12" by lets say 9" ask the supplier to print something that is that size, do not take their word for it that the task can be easily completed.

Ideally the print area of a good foil machine should be around 7 to 8 inches wide, by no more than 4 to 7 inches deep. Anything larger than this and you really are wasting your time if the machine is hand operated.

British made machines are probably the best in the world. These are usually platen machines (the system works like a clam pivoting closed when a handle is pulled down). It is important to check the build quality of the machine. For example, are there any exposed wires, does the welding look poor, when looking for a used machine make sure there's no rust on the print bed. A very important asset in a machine is that it should be able to be used with type. This is very similar to the old John Bull printing kits you may have had as a child. Some suppliers think type is old fashioned, however, for the one off jobs or printing of simple ideas it's an invaluable asset and can save you hundreds of pounds.

These are just some pointers to look out for when looking at a machine. Make sure you have a full demonstration. If you are told it can print on a particular item make sure you see it being done, however the process of printing on general stationery or promotional products is exactly the same in almost every case.

Why choose a foil printer from The Quill Press?

Having actively sold foil printers for more than 10 years for other manufacturers and suppliers, we are in a good position to know and understand a good machine from a bad one. Our experience has taught us there are really only maybe 2 or 3 exceptional hand operated machines on the market. The build quality and ease of use of these machines allows the beginner to learn quickly, have confidence in the machine and the knowledge that the machine is capable of producing a professional product every time. We only deal with the very best equipment whose reliability is second to none, which makes purchasing a second user machine a viable proposition, especially when it comes with a 12 month guarantee, training and ongoing unlimited support.

Once we have a printer it is thoroughly checked and serviced before being put up for sale. Should you desire, we also sell new machines manufactured by one of the countries most reputable and well known hot foil companies.

Good training is essential, and we provide it with every machine purchased. Training can be undertaken at our premises in Nottinghamshire free of charge. Any amount of extra training can be undertaken here in Nottinghamshire again free of any charge. We recommend that you do not buy into so called training schemes offered by some companies, its important to note that at the end of the initial training session we will have given you a general grounding into hot foil printing. You will at the end of the session, be able to use the machines competently (though maybe a little slowly). However, there is no greater asset than experience, so we encourage people to contact us should they need help either over the phone or if needed, have another training session. Remember it's a free service, so use it.

The Quill Press are not suppliers of the raw material, but we will give you a comprehensive list of over 30 suppliers who are used to dealing with short run hot foil printers who maybe only require small quantities of supplies.; All the suppliers we recommend will be able to provide you with samples and wholesale prices of their products. We will also be able to source for you, those unusual products that sometimes can be difficult to find.

In short, because we have experienced the same problems that all beginners to foil printing have, we feel best able to provide you with the most comprehensive back-up and support possible when you purchase one of our machines.