Nameplate Litho Printing

In the past, Stamping is the most common methods for marking metal nameplates. In recent days, as the technology emerges nameplate manufacturers choose different ways to design and print metal nameplates.

Industries manufacture metal nameplates using a variety of printing techniques. These printing techniques may vary based on the customer requirement and type of environments. As mentioned earlier, uses of these nameplates dictate their manufacturing process. For example: metal nameplates used for outdoor purposes are exposed to harsh environments. In such conditions, the printing method should guarantee long-lasting design and legible text. Photosensitizing, embossing, laser marking, etc. are few printing methods that allow outdoor applications.


Lithography or offset lithography is one of the printing technique used in decorating Aluminium nameplates. In litho printing, the inked image is transmitted from a printing table to a rubber blanket and then it's transferred into the aluminium sheets or paper. It's a mass production printing in which the printing media don't come into direct contact with the metal nameplates. It's easily combined with a certain decorative process like embossing, brushing, screen printing and diamond cutting. It's a preferred option while printing in fine detail and half tones. Nameplate manufacturers apply decorations on flat sheets and then it's subjected to forming and tooling. It prolongs the lifetime of nameplates because the flexible rubber coordinates with the print media surface, allowing the process to be used effectively on rough-surfaces as well.

Types of offset Litho printing machines -

Offset printing machines are commonly used by today's manufacturers.

Sheet-fed offset printing - This printing is popularly known for small and medium-sized projects. In this printing method, machine is fed with individual sheets. These pages could be pre-cut or trimmed after printing.

Web offset printing - This printing method uses larger and high-speed machines. Huge rolls of sheets are fed into the machines from which individual sheets could be trimmed. It is more cost-effective and used for high volume projects.

Advantages of using Offset lithography:

Tight registration is one of the major advantages in using offset lithography.
It provides quality printing at low-cost.
It can print on a variety of surfaces including rough and hard surfaces.
Lithography is a cost saving process for nameplate manufacturers while choosing high-volume projects.