xpaperman 719 Posted September 4, 2015 Not sure where to turn to get on the right track fast but I know someone on here will be able to point me in the right direction ............ I have been approached about doing (about 2000) name plates is what they are calling them. They are like the little plates that go on the front of trophies..... like with event name and date. They are looking for an aprox size of 1/2" tall by 2" wide. Could be thin metal or plastic I guess. She is wanting them "printed". At first I thought maybe die sub if I could find the right size blanks. This is for an event where kids win medals. Like a 3" round medallion style. It is common to have this plate put on the back with their name etc.... on site after their tournament. I have googled and have found places to "make" these for you but I cant find any info on what I need to make them myself.... on site. The customer mentioned to me the other hosts have someone there with a little machine hooked up to their computer that prints them out on the fly.... I cant find any info on this. This will most likely be a one time thing for me but if I have to buy something and can still make a few bucks plus the exposer.... I'll do it! I really just don't know what it is to look for. She said most places charge a buck or two each. BUT not like a peel and stick address label or anything like that. Any help from ya'll is greatly appreciated..... Thanks in advance! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mark-s 1,126 Posted September 4, 2015 Zebra GX420T G –Series Direct Thermal Label Monochrome PrinterMaybe? mark-s Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted September 4, 2015 If they are all the same bet you could pad print them pretty quickly Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted September 4, 2015 I bet this is the kind of thing that engraver Jaybird was hocking is made for. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted September 4, 2015 If they are all the same bet you could pad print them pretty quickly They will all be different. Different peoples names and what ever else they want. It's a chance to "personalize" the generic awards if the winner wants to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted September 4, 2015 Zebra GX420T G –Series Direct Thermal Label Monochrome PrinterMaybe? mark-s Not 100% sure about that mark. I can't tell for sure by the info. I see Office Depot carries them.... I might swing by and put my hands on it and shake down the clerk for what ever he/she may (or may not) know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted September 4, 2015 Could you sandblast it? (Not sure if you even do that or not) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted September 4, 2015 That is what the engraver jay has is used for, I had one for a few weeks. I just can't imagine setting up and ev No raving 2000 of them. Maybe you was on to something with the dye sub... Plaques at the prison started using dye sub plates about 10 years ago. IMHO they did not look as nice as the machine engraved but time and price might make that option very appealing. Heck you could print one sheet and with a jig like Bill uses you would be pressing like 20 at a time! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted September 4, 2015 I do sandblast but this is going to be on site in a school gym. The person says at other meets there is a person that basically has a computer and some sort of printer and just pops them out in seconds. Has to be fairly quick as you will be working on the fly with large groups through out the day. The lady showed me an example, as she has tons of them, and they are not engraved or blasted. It appears to be a paint or ink, as in printed. Can't tell if it's dye sub or not. She says the sell for a buck or so, so they gotta be cheap to make! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted September 4, 2015 I gotta just wish you luck and hope you find the right thing, at about a buck a piece for an individualized item I would lose interest quick. I am sure someone will have an idea .,. . Or maybe the one mark showed will be the ticket. By the time you get the substrate and print anything I have to think that is a razor thin margin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted September 4, 2015 She is hosting the a local event for the first time so she has very little info. Other folks are doing it at other locations so there has got to be a little money in it. If I could make a buck a unit on 2000 units in a day.... you have my attention. I might not figure it out and may have to pass but I will investigate till then. I assume trophy places are doing it as most trophy plates these days are not engraved. Maybe I can get a hold of a trophy place and pick their brain with out them knowing. If I call enough places.... someone some where will slip up and tell me something! Thanks for the help so far guys. Maybe someone will trip across this tomorrow that knows more. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted September 4, 2015 Yeah, I was just going on what you said she said about them going for a buck or so . . .at a buck minus substrate I would hope more for the " or so" price lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted September 4, 2015 yeah dakota.... I have no idea.... she said a buck or so, so I was thinking the or so might be the cost of the item (25 or 50 cents) then add a buck for me. I mean, if your set up and just have to type a name and date then hit print..... how hard is that. Especially if one person needs say 4 or 5 of the same. Then they just peel and stick...... thank you have a good day, next! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted September 4, 2015 Probably a Gerber EDGE unit --- it does the printing on foil. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted September 4, 2015 I'm guessing dye sub. the shop the engraver came from also used dye sub on their trophies. He wanted me to buy his ricoh 3300 that had been sitting for a couple years loaded with inks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mr300s 1,272 Posted September 4, 2015 Maybe see if he can do the size you need or talk her into this size. I would guess sub is the way to go ,,, I have bought from him Arty used him also and we both have had great results, the ones shown that I did are 2" x 3" and metal http://www.ebay.com/itm/100ea-Dye-Sublimation-Aluminum-Name-Plate-blanks-Gold-1-x3-/252061631535?hash=item3ab00b442f 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arty-rc 719 Posted September 5, 2015 Nice work on the badges Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Go-C Graphics 856 Posted September 5, 2015 I haven't gotten around to playing with this type of engraving but if you're interested I have my laser engraver. I have access to tons of award plates and tag that I can engrave and cut out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites