Firing is a printing technique aimed at transferring images or text onto ceramic surfaces. The process involves applying a label similar to transfer printing onto the product, followed by high-temperature firing in the oven. This paper is often thin and flexible, making it easy to adapt to the curves and complex surfaces of ceramics. Ceramic printing utilizes special inks suitable for glass, ceramic, and porcelain, allowing for the creation of complex and detailed logos. Once printed, the stencil is carefully placed on the prepared ceramic. The ceramic with the applied stencil is then subjected to a high-temperature firing process. This firing fuses the image directly onto the surface, creating a permanent bond. After firing, the product is gradually cooled. This technique allows for printing a limited number of colors.
Large-scale prints can be executed using Pantone colors. The printing process is incredibly precise, allowing for the reproduction of details even in smaller formats while ensuring high durability over time. Additionally, firing can be experimented with articles of different shapes and supports. Customization is extremely accurate, allowing printing on complex objects with detailed images. However, it is crucial to note that the firing and drying process takes time, which could limit and delay production on a large scale.
This printing process allows for the application of multiple colors using a transfer technology ideal for decorating white ceramic objects. It harnesses the color range resulting from the combination of CMYK shades and is applicable to various materials including ceramics, porcelain, and glass.
The stencil is generated through digital printing, thus offering great variability and flexibility in color application. To ensure good image quality and manageability, it is advisable to limit the use of colors. Because the more inks used, the higher the cost of customization.
The required inks are readily available, but this printing technique is complex and requires specialized ovens for firing ceramics and glass. All this translates into a very expensive initial investment for activating the printing facility.
Production costs in ceramic printing through the firing process can show considerable variation depending on various factors. Among the most relevant are: object dimensions, print complexity, and materials used. In general, ceramic printing tends to be rather expensive due to the activation of the facility.
Ceramic printing is mainly used to decorate products such as: mugs, plates, glasses, and pots. All ceramic, glass, and porcelain gadgets.
This printing technique requires longer production times compared to digital or traditional solutions. It is necessary to consider the stencil preparation phase and the cooling process that lengthens production times. The high costs associated with the "firing" phase are mainly due to the activation of the printing facility. It is important to note that this printing technique does not support full color and is limited to the use of colors.
