Hot Stamping
At PBE Marking Systems, we supply high-quality hot stamping machines, foils, and tooling to help manufacturers achieve long-lasting, visually striking product decoration. If you’re branding retail packaging, marking compliance data, or adding decorative finishes to a variety of finished components, our machines offer a clean and consistent solution with minimal mess or maintenance.
With over 40 years of industry experience, we support every stage, from initial part evaluation and foil testing to installation, servicing, and consumable supply. Our hot stamping equipment is used across a wide range of sectors including cosmetics, industrial goods, homewares, and pharmaceuticals.
What Is Hot Foil Stamping?
Hot foil stamping is a dry printing method that uses heat and pressure to transfer metallic or pigmented foil onto a product surface. A heated die presses against the foil, bonding it to the target material in the exact shape of the artwork.
The hot foil stamping process is well-suited to flat or slightly contoured surfaces and works on materials such as plastics, coated card, wood, leather, and glass. It delivers crisp, permanent results and is commonly chosen for its durability and high-end finish.
Foils are available in metallic, matte, gloss, pigment, and holographic styles to suit both functional and decorative applications.
The Hot Stamping Process
Here's how hot foil stamping works...
Design Preparation
The first step is to create or prepare the design that will be stamped onto the material. This can be done digitally using graphic design software or through traditional methods like engraving.
Die Making
A special die is created based on the design. This die acts as a stamp, transferring the foil onto the material. The die is typically made from silicone rubber, brass, magnesium or copper and is engraved with the desired design.
Foil Selection
A foil roll is selected based on the desired colour, finish, and material. Foils come in a variety of metallic shades, as well as matte, glossy, and holographic finishes.
Setup
The material to be stamped is positioned on the stamping press or machine. The foil roll is also loaded onto the machine, with the foil positioned over the area where the design will be stamped.
Heating
The stamping die is heated to the appropriate temperature, usually between 200°C to 300°C (392°F to 572°F), depending on the type of foil and material being stamped. The heat is essential for transferring the foil onto the material effectively.
Stamping
Once the die reaches the desired temperature, it is pressed onto the material with the foil positioned between them. The pressure and heat from the die cause the foil to adhere to the material, transferring the design in the process. The duration of the stamping process can vary depending on factors such as the material thickness and type.
Types of Hot Stamping Machines
We supply three main types of hot stamping machines, each developed for different component sizes, print areas, and production demands.
Direct Acting (DA)
Direct acting machines are designed for small and medium size components with a small printing area and a swift cycle time. Its thrust is delivered by a pneumatic cylinder. This range is commonly used for some glass and plastic packaging, for example: cosmetic, promotional, medical, and domestic appliance parts.
- Range of pressure available: 0.5 to 2 tonnes
- Heating box size min: 120mm x 80mm
- Heating box size max: 300mm x 300mm
Toggle Acting (DA)
Toggle acting machines are designed to deliver high thrust for large components with a larger printing area. This range gives access to bigger print formats and the thrust required for more demanding materials. Examples of use include residential and commercial refuse bins, tote boxes, and crates.
- Range of pressure available: 3 to 10 tonnes
- Heating box size min: 160mm x 100mm
- Heating box size max: 500mm x 400mm
Servo Acting (SA)
Servo acting machines are the most versatile, efficient and user-friendly range provided on the market.
By combining strength and accuracy, this range meets the highest requirements in terms of tooling changes, setup time, and speed. With the right features for peripheral marking, this fully servo-driven machine allows you to print a wide range of products such as caps, jars, tubes, syringes, and more.
Applications for Hot Stamping Machines
Our hot stamping equipment is used in a wide range of industries where durable, high-contrast, or decorative finishes are required:
- Retail and cosmetics packaging – bottles, caps, jars, boxes
- Pharmaceutical products – compliance or batch codes
- Stationery and print – notebooks, folders, labels
- Industrial goods – bins, buckets, containers
- Homeware and lifestyle items – glassware, wood, plastics
Why Choose PBE for Your Hot Stamping Equipment?
Expert advice, high-quality consumables, and long-term support
We don’t just supply machinery, we work closely with our customers and use our expertise to give them the best results, for their specific project. At PBE, we tailor every setup to your product, print requirements, and production goals.
We offer:
- Technical advice on foil selection, die materials, and machine configuration
- Sample testing and print trials to confirm the best setup
- A wide range of consumables including foils, dies, and accessories
- Ongoing servicing and preventative maintenance
- Refurbishment options for older hot stamping equipment
- Flexible finance packages to support new investment
Visit our Consumables page to explore our full range of foils and stamping dies.
Start Your Hot Stamping Project
Every project begins with a conversation. We’ll review your part design, material, and artwork, then recommend the most suitable combination of equipment, foil, and tooling.
We can also provide estimated cost-per-print figures, guidance on ROI, and installation support to get you up and running quickly.
Get in touch today to speak with one of our hot stamping specialists.
Any questions?
Let's talk!
+44 (0) 118 9180 420
Our company
Experts in product marking
and decorating solutions.
Experience
With over 40 years in the product marking industry, we supply the best quality hot foil stamping, pad printing and screen printing machinery and consumables to a wide variety of sectors.
Consumables
We can provide a comprehensive range of consumables for hot stamping, screen printing, and pad printing machines. Our offerings include custom dies and a diverse spectrum of foil rolls and inks, providing you with a complete array of options to meet your specific needs.
Servicing
We deliver comprehensive servicing solutions for hot stamping, screen printing, and pad printing machines, offering everything from one-time servicing to ongoing support and maintenance.
Machinery
PBE offers an extensive selection of hot stamping, screen printing, and pad printing machines sourced from top-tier global manufacturers.