Anyone know about silk screen printing?
 

I have a lot of pens and I need to figure out how to print things on them. So far I've been unable to find someone who can do this locally. A Google search has revealed that machines that will print on pens can cost upwards of $30,000, so creativity is required.

There must be some way I can use the silk screen technique to print on pens. Anyone have any ideas? It's for a good cause, BTW, not my personal enrichment, although that's also a good cause, IMO.

We are talking about average-sized white plastic pens and slightly larger than average-sized white plastic pens.

Screen printing can be done very easily on flat objects. If the lettering you wish to put on a cylindrical object is small enough, you can probably get it to work, but it won't be easy. The expensive machines are capable of doing it well and doing a lot of items in a short period of time. Best thing to do is make a screen and try it.

It's been years since I did any screeing, so don't ask me any questions about current technology. Maybe someone else here will chime in.......

Consider in the time and effort that you may have to put into silkscreening pens on your own, you may want to search the net for companies that sell those things in large, cheap quantities.

These guys sell all kinds of pens, including recordable pens: http://www.coolpromoproducts.com/index.php3

These guys have pens with your print for as cheap as 15 cents a piece: http://corporatelogos.logomall.com/default.aspx


Just to a search for "trade show giveaway"

(my two cents)

SGIA is where you want to be. Call and pick their brains. I worked with a guy that was involved with them.

Good Luck,

Pete

Most of that sort of imprinting is actually done with a pad press.

http://www.bestpadprinter.com/

http://www.itwtranstech.com/

http://www.ableprint.com/

Thanks for the resources, guys. I can't believe that after googling things for as long as I did I never came across pad printers or SGIA.

I work at a vocational site for people with developmental disabilities. One of the jobs they used to do there is pen making; I'm trying to get it started again. I've got some pens and if I can figure out how to print on them we will be in good shape. Much more marketable than boring, plain pens.

One of those pad printers was only $900...possibly do-able but maybe I can figure out how to make one with some research.

My company does pad printing, and 3d screen printing among other things. Pad printing is the way to go. I can answer all your questions. Here are my companies http://flow-eze.com and http://kentcreek.com

Shaun

Shaun, I will be sending you a private message before the day is through.

Thanks!