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Services
Custom Color Matching & Ink Mixing
We guarantee:
- Highest precision computer-based match
- Consistent color for any size order
- Fast completion
Color Matching Service
ICN specializes in quality color matching to any color. Our experienced ink specialists take pride in consistently delivering perfect matches. Matching is usually completed within 1 business day after you give us color number (if known) or after we receive your imprinted product. Then we can either send you mixed ink or, if you prefer, instruct you on how to mix this color in house.
For printing onto white or light-colored surfaces, we can custom mix High Density inks.
Because metallic colors look differently depending on the underlying surface, instead of color matching we offer two solutions:
- Metallic paste (gold or silver) to be mixed with transparent Sapphire ink for creating the desired tone
- Ready to use metallic ink
Color Mixing Service
If you prefer not to mix ink yourself, we provide same-day color mixing services. You can either give us color number (from any of the popular numerical scales) or send an imprinted product to be color matched. Mixing fee is paid just once; with subsequent purchases of same color ink, you pay only for the ink itself.
In-House Mixing Made Easy
With the Sapphire Harmony mixing system, color mixing is easy! Using the  Harmony color card and  color-calculating spreadsheet, you just choose the desired color, enter the quantity of ink you need – and the spreadsheet will show which of the 12 main Sapphire mixing colors are needed and in which quantities. No more excessive ink inventory, ink leftovers or annoying overnight shipping charges when you run out of one specific color! Thanks to Harmony mixing system, you can formulate any color defined by popular numerical scales as well as any Sapphire color in whatever small quantities you need at the moment.
Ink Testing Services
We have all reasons to believe that Sapphire is a superior ink product line. Send us your difficult-to-imprint items - and we will prove it to you completely free of charge! We strive to do the tests very quickly – within 2 to 3 business days.
As a part of free testing you will receive:
- Imprinted sample
- Elemental analysis of the substrate you provided (based on burn test)
- Ink recommendation based on your abrasion and adhesion standards
- And of course - something you can always expect from ICN - continuous attention to your ink needs, concerns and questions!
To request a free ink adhesion test call 978-646-8980.
Leasing Services
Inkcups Now provides leasing services through J3 Global Finance, a company closely held by a group of Inkcups Now employees. You can lease any ICN equipment: pad printing machines, screen printing machines, inkjet machines, laser systems.
Financing equipment purchases is a convenient option for those customers who would like to
add capacity, improve technology or get started with their first machines at a minimal monthly cost, preserving their working capital. In most cases, lease payments are a tax deductible business expense.
With J3, you will enjoy competitive rates, quick approvals and considerable flexibility in lease conditions. Should you choose to upgrade your equipment or purchase an additional item, we make it easy to modify the lease. . . Learn More
To apply for a lease, please fill out and submit this application:
Lease Application
Plate Making Services
For those customers who do not want to make plates in house ICN offers plate making services. All plates are etched using one of our direct-to-plate Cobalt laser systems so the quality is excellent, turnaround is quick and there are no film positive charges. Both small and large orders are completed very quickly – within 1-2 business days from submission of all necessary files and information.
We make 4 types of plates:
- YAG laser plates* for short runs (10,000 to 20,000 impressions)
- CO2 laser plates* for short runs (10,000 to 20,000 impressions)
- Thin steel plates for medium runs (200,000 impressions)
- Thick steel plates for long runs (over 1,000,000 impressions)
* Laser plates are a modern alternative to traditional chemically etched photopolymer plates. Laser plates are first generation (computer to plate laser etching does not require the use of positives) so they are higher quality than photopolymer ones. Read more about the benefits of laser plate making.
* All types of laser plate material is available for sale so you can make plates in house – using a Cobalt laser or any CO2 or YAG laser system with advanced software, small spot size and quality power control.
For placing an order, please contact ICN Headquarters or your local ICN salesperson.
Artwork for Plates
After you submit graphics for a plate making order, we prepare the image for transferring onto plates. The process consists of separating colors (for multicolor images), setting etch depth and positioning the image on the plate. When the image is not very high quality, it adds 2 other steps:
- enhancing the image using Silhouette tool (a plug-in for Adobe Illustrator)
- sending the image back to the customer for approval
Please note that even with the enhancement, the quality of etching cannot significantly exceed the quality of the image you provide. So give us the best you have!
For placing an order, please contact ICN Headquarters or your local ICN salesperson.
You can submit the artwork to the ICN representative you are dealing with or directly to our Artwork and Engraving specialist Derek LaChance. If your graphic file is less than 10 MB, you can email it to DerekL@inkcupsnow.com. If the file is bigger, ask Derek about submitting through:
- remote computer-to-computer connection
- ftp server
- alternatively, you can mail a CD or hand it in.
Please submit the following:
- The image
- should be very high quality: with clean edges, preferably 1000 or more dpi. (The quality of the graphics that you provide translates into the quality of the etched image).
- should preferably be in Adobe Illustrator format (.ai) or, for 4 color graphics, Adobe Photoshop format (.psd).
- Additional information
- actual size of the image
- depth of etching (Can be anywhere between .008” and .012”. If you are not sure about the needed depth and don’t specify it, we’ll set it to 0.01”. If after you test the plate, it proves too deep or shallow, we will make adjustments).
- plate size
- set back from the edge of the plate to the center of the artwork
- whether the plate needs to be punched and for what printing machine
Engraving Services
ICN fulfills small to medium-size engraving orders (up to 10,000 items). With our CO2 and YAG Cobalt lasers, we are able to speedy and precisely engrave a most wide range of substrates and products.
Examples of products:
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Examples of substrates:
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- pens
- golf clubs
- cutlery
- carabiners
- key tags
- awards
- tools
- wooden boxes
- packaging
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- metal (stainless steel, silver, aluminum etc.)
- leather, artificial leather
- glass
- textile (acrylic, jean)
- paper
- rubber
- wood
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The list can be virtually endless! Some of our latest jobs were the engraving of 2,500 iPod shuffles and 150 Panasonic photo frames. The quote will depend on the size of the image and the type of the material to be engraved.
Artwork for Engraving
Preparing multicolor images for engraving, we separate colors, convert them into light and dark etch sectors and position the image on the product according to your instructions. Then we engrave samples and send them to you to show how the light and dark etch looks on the specific material/coating. The etch can be adjusted upon request.
Please note that, even after enhancement, the quality of etching cannot significantly exceed the quality of the image you provide. So give us the best graphics you have!
For placing an order, please contact ICN Headquarters or your local ICN salesperson.
You can submit the artwork to the salesperson or directly to our Artwork and Engraving specialist Derek LaChance. If your graphic file is less than 10 MB, you can email it to DerekL@inkcupsnow.com. If the file is bigger, ask Derek about submitting through:
- remote computer-to-computer connection
- ftp server
- alternatively, you can mail a CD or hand it in.
Please submit the following:
- The image
- should be very high quality: with clean edges, preferably 1000 or more dpi.
- should preferably be in Adobe Illustrator format (.ai) or, for 4 color graphics, Adobe Photoshop format (.psd).
- Additional information
- actual size of the image
- positioning of the image on the product (please provide measurements, engraved product or a file showing the image superimposed on the product).
Training and Advising
At Inkcups, we not only teach customers how to operate a particular machine - we make sure the customer understands the entire printing or etching process, both fundamentals and fine details. We will walk you through everything from artwork preparation and plate making to pad selection, ink mixing, using equipment and fixtures - so you feel confident and can get the best from our products.
Trainers make a special emphasis on:
- Machine setup, operation, adjustment and troubleshooting
- Proper ink transfer and its relationships with plate etch depth, ink/thinner mix and pad material
- Choice of the right design of pads depending on machine, artwork and object
- Use of laser settings for best etching results
All training is done by laser etching, pad and screen printing industry experts, each of them having more than10 years of hands-on printing, engraving and instructional experience. These include the engineers and technicians at ICN headquarters and the sales people in the regions. Training, technical support and advising is one of the fields where ICN’s exceptional team excels!
Options:
- Free of charge training at Inkcups Now facilities (Danvers, MA) – for customers who purchased a pad printer, screen printer, laser engraver, inkjet system or any other piece of equipment.
- Training at customer’s facilities: equipment buyers get deep discounts.
- Expert audit and optimization of printing processes at customer’s site. We have helped many customers improve production quality and profitability!
1. Training at Inkcups Now When you buy a machine from us, we strongly recommend that you come in to our facilities for free training. In our experience, it results in most effective learning. Firstly, because here we always have every piece of equipment, supply, auxiliary, variety of graphic files and samples needed for training. Secondly, you will not be distracted by everyday business. And the last but not the least, we are always able to show you the latest technology available for 3d product decoration, should a further upgrade of production be of interest to you.
Training usually takes one full day. It encompasses all the steps involved in printing/engraving as well as practical training using the equipment you purchased. You are welcome to stay longer; some customers use another day or two to practice imprinting a variety of products and materials that they plan on decorating - or to observe new equipment testing, ink and plate handling etc. - We don't want customers to leave until they have strong understanding and skills, says one of ICN's lead engineers and sales director Mike Bissel.
2. Training at Customer's FacilityIf you prefer, an ICN specialist will travel to your facility. This option may be cost effective if a large number of people require training. When you buy equipment from us, we provide significant discounts on our rates.
We will customize training sessions according to your preferences. Training can last for one or several days, can be broken into segments, delivered to different shifts, management etc (to train the management is often a good idea because this gives managers better insight into production challenges). Again, we like to cover all bases demonstrating machines in the context of the entire printing process.
3. Onsite Audit of Printing ProcessesSeveral medium and large size companies have asked for audit service. In this case, we send a specialist to review the tools and procedures currently used in production and identify options for improvement. Being on the edge of technological developments and armed with years of experience in the printing industry, ICN specialists have helped the clients increase productivity and cut costs.
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Apparel Tag Printing!
Turnkey solution for tagless t-shirt printing: complete line of Equipment & Supplies, plus free unlimited tech support!
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About Us
