The AmCon Expo in Orlando is a cost-effective way to find suppliers of contract manufacturing and job shop services.  We invite you to visit Hallmark’s booth (#321) to compare your current suppliers’ pricing, quality, and lead time; and to get expert advice on difficult design & production problems.

There are also free seminars on a variety of manufacturing topics and both admission and parking are free.  It’s easy to REGISTER online, so we look forward to seeing you there.

Hallmark Nameplate (Booth 321)
Orange County Convention Center, Hall WF
9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

Tuesday, March 13, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 14, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This mathematical construction is what makes vector graphics so powerful. To understand their benefit, we need to contrast against raster graphics. Although you may not know it, almost all the graphics you view are raster, which means they are comprised of small rectangular cells called pixels. Figure 1 below illustrates the differences between how vector graphics are created versus raster.

Figure 1	Figure 2

The smaller and closer the cells are together, the better the quality (resolution) of the image, but the bigger the file needed to store the data. Because of this, resolution is typically only as high as it needs to be for that specific application. If you choose to enlarge or manipulate the image, you have to enlarge or manipulate the pixels themselves. The result is that the graphic will lose the smoothness of lines and curves. Because devices like monitors and printers only display raster graphics, vector graphics are converted to raster based upon the mathematical instructions contained in the vector file. This means that as a vector graphic is enlarged, it just brings in more pixels to construct the raster graphic. The result is a smooth, crisp image no matter how large as Figure 2 illustrates.

This means that a vector graphic of a company logo for example could be used on a business card or enlarged to the size of a billboard and look exactly the same. The actual file size of the vector graphic would be no different between the two applications. Again, it is just a set of mathematical instructions telling the device how to render with pixels (raster). The other major advantage of vector graphics is that the parameters of objects, such as color, shape, thickness and fill are stored and can be later modified. This means that moving, scaling, rotating, filling etc. doesn’t degrade the quality of a drawing.

We always ask customers to provide a vector graphic if possible because it provides the highest quality of text, logos, and graphics no matter what the use. Hallmark utilizes Adobe Illustrator to edit existing vector graphics or create new ones.  We often convert raster graphics we receive from our clients into vector so we can use them on the wide variety of products we produce like nameplates, membrane switches, graphic overlays and marketing collateral like signs and banners. We’ll be posting another article soon with more details about how we convert raster graphics to vector.

The implications for manufacturing are tremendous. Once this technology hits commercial scale, it could be used for electronic advertisements, interior decorations glowing curtains or even wallpaper that replaces the need for lights. However, even before those types of advanced applications, we’ll probably start to see this technology on smaller devices where glass will be replaced with plastic in order to reduce weight and, most importantly, reduce cost. In the video below, one of the researchers on the project explains how OLED technology works, how close they are to making this commercially viable, and how it will be used by the industry.

Creating the Digital Displays of Tomorrow from U of T Engineering on Vimeo.

While Hallmark Nameplate hasn’t printed OLEDs as of yet, we do have experience printing other forms of electroluminescent. Most commonly this has come in the form of backlighting graphics which are used for superthin signage that is easily seen both during the day and when lit up in low lighting. We’re currently working on capacitive switches that take advantage of the electric currents within our own bodies and will be posting on those projects in near future.

If you have project that you feel could benefit from electroluminescent technology, request a fast, free bid/quote or ask us a question.

DeskPack turns Adobe® Illustrator® and Photoshop® into full-fledged packaging applications via modules designed for specific pre-production tasks. These modules help us boost productivity and reduce errors; ultimately allowing us to produce better products at lower costs for our customers.

Plato provides a set of automatic and interactive tools to complex step-and-repeat arrangements. This includes Adobe’s PostScript and PDF libraries to import jobs from any source, an on-board trapping module, and export to PostScript and PDF for flawless use with any output device in the market.

These programs will be used on nearly all our printed products, including identification nameplates, membrane switches, graphic overlays, control panels and more.

Esko Software Screencap for Trapping to be used in Prepress or Pre-Production Work

The Mimaki UJF-706 will allow our customers to take advantage of quick prototyping, great process printing, and better digital color matching abilities across wide variety of substrates up to 150 mm (5.9″) thick.  With a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi and variable dot technology, this Mimaki Inkjet Press can reproduce even the finest image details and tiny characters in exceptional quality.  Staggered print heads accommodate full color and white in two lines thus doubling print speed and enabling over- and under-printing in one run.  As shown in the images below, white under-printing is especially useful for transparent substrates or colored substrates.

Pallid, sallow image due to colored/transparent substrate.

Original vivid image colors are displayed due to white ink layer underneath the image.

The combination of the automatic roll unit and ability to handle both hard and flexible UV inks enables printing on roll-to-roll substrates and thin flexible packaging films.

We’re excited about our new Mimaki UJF-706 Flatbed UV Inkjet Press and look forward to putting it to work for your company’s needs.  Please contact us today to request a quote for your project.

  The rapid adoption in the US presents companies with new opportunities to engage with consumers and leave their mark, literally.  The most common channel being used is in print magazines and newspapers, but that is followed closely by product packaging.  At Hallmark, we often print QR codes on identification nameplates which allows consumers to quickly find out additional information about the product you’ve labeled, or find out more about your company.  Another common use is in point-of-purchase displays, where an individual can scan the QR code and receive an instant coupon; thus incentivizing a purchase and capturing data for direct marketing efforts.

Hallmark provides PCB assembly services including rapid prototyping, rework services, and modification of existing builds.

-Impact resistant
-No fingerprinting
-Can incorporate secret till lit features
-Second surface printing of text that is clearly viewable through the hardcoat surface
-Embossable with a long flex life
-Chemical and household cleaner resistance even at the edges
-Clear window facility
-Excellent scratch resistance

These advantages make this type of substrate an excellent choice for those who want the stainless steel look on membrane switch overlays, nameplates and labels.