PRINTING, ENGRAVING, & ETCHING

Enhancing plastic manifolds with appropriate lettering and marking is crucial for usability and assembly clarity. This guide explores various customization techniques, including printing and engraving, to help you select the best option for your application.

Like everything, though, printing can have some setbacks. Printing has good adherence, but is not entirely permanent. Aggressive wiping or chemicals can damage the lettering over the manifold's lifetime. Additionally, it may not stick on polyolefins. If you know for certain your product will contain this material, we advise seeking another marking option.

Printing has since replaced silk screening for plastic manifolds. While the process is similar to printing, silk screening often limits color options as each individual color needs to be applied separately — almost like a paint-by-numbers picture. Also, this process involves more manual operation, thus making it labor intensive, expensive, and not as exacting as printing. Because of this, most recognize silk screening as less precise from part to part. Also, lettering can smear during application and compromise its aesthetic integrity.

Most consider engraving on plastic manifolds the most efficient method for a few engraved characters. The process mills out letters, symbols, and line-type logos for long-lasting effects.Techniques include:

• Laser Engraving: Offers high precision and durability, suitable for detailed designs.
• Mechanical Engraving: Involves physically etching the surface, providing depth and longevity.

However, as there is no contrast, this can make letters difficult to see. Manufacturers can offer some color choice by using ink or paint stick to fill grooves, but often this process is time-consuming and can ultimately be more costly. We do not recommend this method for complex logos or other associated shapes.

Selecting between printing and engraving depends on factors such as:

• Material Compatibility: Ensure the chosen method adheres well to the manifold material.
• Durability Requirements: Consider the environmental conditions and handling the product will undergo.
• Aesthetic Preferences: Determine the desired appearance and color options.

Consulting with experts can help in making an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.