Hot foil machine

[pauls1232]

Hi Guy's, Im new to the forum and have a question that i hope one of you may be able to help with. I do hot foiling and one of my customers wanted to get one of his jobs laser cut (with slots) we foil the job for them and sent it to be cut but when it came back from the laser cutters the silver foil had brown blotches all over it and look aweful! does any one here have any experience with this laser process and have an idea why this would happen?

I would be really greatful for any info you can give me. I'm sorry if this isn't the best place to post this but it seemed the most likely place that i could see to ask.

Thanks in Advance. Paul.

[UK Printed Mugs]

Stab in the dark - the silver is burning due to the heat of the lasers?

[webtrekker]

I too am no expert but this seems to be a common issue with many materials cut by laser. Is it possible for you to have the cutting done first, followed by the foiling?

What material is being used? Would a contour cutter be better than a laser for this job? I'm thinking heavy card, etc.

[Baldy]

Have you thought about die-cutting the slots? Depending on your foil press, you may be able to mount a cutting forme instead of the foil die.

[Baldy]

Just started production of greetings cards again and I use a textured aperture card. I need to print info on the back but both my lasers eat the cards when the cutout catches. Tried rubber stamp with poor results so think foiling may be the answer. Have to fork out for a machine + uv stuff to make my own plates. Can probably find other uses but would like to know if the textured card will be a problem.

Anyone using one of these or similar ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222100615585

I currently use one of these for foiling jobs with the majority being on matt laminated cards or uncoated/textured stock like Colorplan and Tintoretto (popular with weddings).
I haven't tried the polymer (DIY plates) on the textured stock as I generally use metal ones...although they work a treat.

[webtrekker]

Could you not set up a simple screen and screen print the info onto the backs of a batch of cards?