Maya Ellison
Printing on plastic sunglasses is a great way to add a unique touch to your eyewear, whether it's for personal use or to build your own sunglasses brand. With the help of printing technologies like pad printing, screen printing, and UV flatbed digital direct printing, you can customise your sunglasses with brand logos, designs, or even signatures. The process typically involves creating templates that match the shape of the sunglasses, positioning your design accurately, and then printing directly onto the desired surface, such as the lenses or temples of the sunglasses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Printing methods | Pad printing, screen printing, UV flatbed digital direct printing |
| Printing materials | Silicone pad, woven screen, UV inks |
| Printing location options | Temples, lenses, lens corners, temple tips, temple insides, lens edges |
| Minimum order quantity | 75, 100, 15 per style (mixing colours is allowed) |
| Printing time | Maximum of two weeks |
| Post-printing process | Quality inspection, lens cutting, lens testing, ultrasonic cleaning, labelling, packaging |
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What You'll Learn
Printing on plastic sunglasses: UV flatbed digital direct printing
Printing on plastic sunglasses can be done in several ways, one of which is UV flatbed digital direct printing. This technology has made it possible to print on almost any material, including plastic, and is especially useful for printing on plastic items. Before the advent of UV printing, customising objects was often prohibitively expensive and time-consuming for many businesses. UV printing, on the other hand, enables short-run customisation and personalisation with ease.
UV flatbed digital direct printing is a direct-to-object inkjet print process. An object is placed on a flat printing bed, and the ink is laid directly on top of its surface. The ink then cures instantly as a UV light passes over it. This curing process is what sets UV printing apart and makes it so versatile. UV ink can be built up in layers to produce tactile textures, and UV gloss ink can be used for special effects.
UV printing is compatible with various types of plastics, including acrylic, PVC, polycarbonate, and polypropylene. It is commonly used for signage, displays, industrial applications, and promotional items. When printing on plastic sunglasses, you can print on the frames, lenses, or legs of the sunglasses. Most sunglasses come in standard sizes, and a UV flatbed printer can support printing on almost any size.
To print on plastic sunglasses using a UV flatbed printer, you will need to create a template that matches the shape of the sunglasses legs or frames. After preparing your design on a computer, you can then position the design accurately on the template and place the sunglasses on the mold template on the printer's platform.
UV flatbed digital direct printing is an excellent option for printing on plastic sunglasses, offering versatility, ease of customisation, and compatibility with various plastic types.
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Pad printing or screen printing: the pros and cons
Pad printing and screen printing are two different methods of printing that can be used for a variety of products and materials.
Pad Printing
Pad printing is a process that uses a silicone pad to transfer a 2D image onto a 3D object. It is versatile and can be used on a range of materials, including plastic, metal, glass, and paper. It is ideal for printing on uneven surfaces and can create various prints, including logos, text, and designs. Pad printing is faster and more efficient than screen printing, making it suitable for large-scale productions. It offers a high level of print quality and is relatively simple to learn. However, it requires the use of a negative image, which can be time-consuming and expensive for complex designs. The silicone pad can also be damaged by solvents, requiring special care during cleaning.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a popular and versatile technique that can be used on various substrates, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass, fabric, and more. It is relatively quick and easy to set up, making it cost-effective for small businesses or large-volume production runs. Screen printing allows for vibrant and opaque inks, resulting in rich and vivid colours. However, it can be messy and time-consuming, especially for those inexperienced in the process. It usually requires special inks and equipment, which can be expensive. Screen printing is limited to printing on flat surfaces and may not always produce high-quality prints.
Both pad printing and screen printing have their advantages and disadvantages. Pad printing offers versatility, speed, and high print quality, but it requires negative images and has sensitive equipment. Screen printing is versatile, cost-effective, and produces vibrant colours, but it can be messy and time-consuming and may not yield high-quality results. The choice between the two depends on specific needs, such as speed, control over print quality, and budget.
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How to print on plastic sunglasses in bulk
Printing on plastic sunglasses in bulk is a great way to promote your brand or business. Many companies offer custom printing on sunglasses, with the option to add your logo and/or text to the lenses or frames. This process usually involves a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 100 pieces, with a minimum of 15 pieces per style.
When preparing your design, it is important to consider the limitations of the printing process. For example, the position of the logo may be restricted to certain areas of the sunglasses, such as the corner of the lens or the outside of the temple. The size and shape of the logo should also be considered, as it needs to fit within the dimensions of the chosen area. Vertical and square logos may not be suitable for the temples due to their limited space. Additionally, the colour of the logo must be the same across all sunglasses in the order.
Before placing your order, ensure that you have the correct file types for your design. Commonly accepted file types include .pdf, .ai, .jpg, .ppt, and .png. It is also recommended to preview your design and share it with others before finalising the purchase.
After the sunglasses are printed, they will undergo a quality inspection to ensure they meet the required standards. This may include testing for basic properties such as sphericity, astigmatism, and power, as well as checking for any defects in the frames or lenses.
Custom printed sunglasses are a popular choice for promotional events, giveaways, and marketing initiatives. They can be used to create brand awareness, showcase your company logo, and provide a stylish accessory for your customers or employees. When ordering in bulk, it is possible to find affordable options that fit within your marketing budget.
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Using a template: printing on the legs of sunglasses
Printing on plastic sunglasses is a great way to personalise your shades or promote your brand. Using a template, you can print directly onto the legs of sunglasses, and the process is relatively straightforward.
First, you will need to create a template that matches the shape of the sunglasses legs. Most sunglasses come in standard sizes, but you can also create a custom template for unique shapes. You can find free printable templates online that you can download and use as a starting point. Trace the template onto a suitable material, such as cardboard, and cut it out.
Once you have your template, you can prepare your design on a computer. Position the design accurately on the template, ensuring it is aligned with the shape of the legs. You can choose to print in a single colour or use multiple colours, including white ink as a base layer.
After finalising your design, place the sunglasses legs on the template on the printer's platform. Ensure that the legs are securely attached to the template and positioned correctly. Then, simply click print, and the machine will take care of the rest.
Using a sunglasses printing machine, you can print brand logos, names, designs, or even special signatures. It is a versatile method for customising sunglasses, whether for large-scale production, small batches, or personal use.
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Spray painting plastic sunglasses
First, carefully remove the lenses from the frames. This can usually be done by using both thumbs simultaneously on the backside of each lens. It is important to separate the right and left lenses to avoid confusion when reinserting them. Once the lenses are removed, use steel wool to roughen up the frame by removing the shine and giving it a dulled appearance. Be sure to get inside the groove where the lenses sit.
Next, you will want to prepare the frame for spray painting. Slightly warming the frame with a hair dryer will help expand the plastic, making it easier to insert the lenses after painting. Now, it's time to spray paint! Using a multi-surface spray paint designed for use on plastic, such as COLORSHOT, lightly spray the frames with a sweeping motion, always keeping the can moving. Shake the can frequently to ensure even distribution of paint. Two light coats of paint usually work best, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for re-coat time. Allow the paint to dry overnight.
After the base coat has dried, you can add additional layers or effects as desired. For a distressed look, rub a tea light candle along the edges of the frames, then apply a contrasting colour of acrylic craft paint with a brush in long, even strokes. Again, two light coats work best. Finally, reinsert the lenses into the frames. If you have any difficulty, a local optical shop may be able to help insert them at no charge. And that's it! You now have unique, spray-painted plastic sunglasses.
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Frequently asked questions
Pad printing or screen printing are the most common ways to print on plastic sunglasses. Pad printing involves using a silicone pad to apply ink to the sunglasses, while screen printing uses a woven screen. Another method is UV flatbed digital direct printing, which can print on almost any material, including plastic.
It is recommended to use UV curable ink for printing on plastic sunglasses. This type of ink is suitable for printing on plastic surfaces and can be cured using a UV light source.
Yes, it is possible to print on the lenses of plastic sunglasses. Most customers choose to add a logo or design to the front left or right lens in the corner. However, it is important to consider the visibility of the design, especially if the sunglasses have dark lenses.
The minimum order quantity for printing on plastic sunglasses can vary depending on the supplier. Some companies require a minimum order of 100 pieces, while others may have lower minimums of around 15 pieces per style. It's important to check with your chosen supplier to confirm their specific requirements.
The cost of printed plastic sunglasses can vary depending on the quantity ordered, the complexity of the design, and the supplier. Some companies may offer wholesale prices for bulk orders, while others may charge a premium for small-scale customizations. It is recommended to request quotes from multiple suppliers to compare pricing and find the best option for your needs.
