Comparison of techniques and materials for making shoe trimmings

BRITIGRAF is a company with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing labels and decorations for footwear, leather goods, and apparel. We use various techniques and a wide range of materials to create unique and personalized decorations.

Some of our most commonly used techniques include microinjection, injection, high frequency, screen printing, transfer, etc. Each of these techniques offers different possibilities and challenges, allowing BRITIGRAF to create a wide variety of decorations for footwear and accessories.

Microinjection

Microinjection is an advanced technique used in the manufacturing of decorations for footwear. By injecting liquid plastic into molds, we create pieces with great precision and detail.

Its main advantages include:

• Precision and Detail: Allows the creation of components with a rubbery, flexible finish and precise, small, and complex details.
• High Design Versatility and Colors:

• Production Efficiency: Enables rapid production.
• Resistance and Durability: Guarantees a long useful life of the footwear.

This technique is highly valued in the footwear industry for its ability to produce detailed and durable decorations efficiently, but it is not suitable for materials that cannot withstand high temperatures.

Injection

Injection is another widely used technique in the manufacture of decorations for footwear. Liquid plastic materials, such as TPU, PVC, nylon, etc., are introduced into the mold using an injection machine. Once solidified, it is removed from the mold.

Advantages:

• Perfect for creating technical parts such as eyelets, heel counters, and rings.
• High precision and durability.
• Allows for consistent mass production.

A disadvantage is that it requires specific molds.

High Frequency

In the manufacture of decorations for footwear, high frequency allows for creating detailed embossings and decorations on synthetic materials. High-frequency waves heat the materials, allowing them to fuse and take the shape of the mold. When the material takes the desired shape, it cools and solidifies.

Advantages:

• Material Versatility: Can be used with a wide range of materials such as leather and synthetics: PVC, polyurethane, neoprene, among others.
• Combination of Techniques: Can be combined with other techniques like screen printing or digital printing to achieve unique visual effects.
• Diverse Applications: Sports footwear, safety footwear, workwear, and leather goods accessories.

Note that it may not be suitable for extremely detailed designs.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a popular technique in the manufacture of decorations for footwear, known for its ability to create detailed and durable designs applied directly onto the material.

Advantages:

• Design Versatility: Allows for the creation of a wide variety of designs, from simple to very complex.
• Durability: Decorations made using screen printing are resistant to wear and fading.
• Application on Various Materials: Can be used with a variety of colors on different materials, including leather, fabric, and synthetic materials.
• Production Efficiency: In mass production, making it ideal for the footwear industry.

On the other hand, screen printing is a slower process compared to other printing techniques, so it may be less cost-effective for small runs.

Transfer

The transfer technique is especially valued for manufacturing decorations for footwear due to its ability to create detailed and colorful designs. The desired design is printed on a special transfer paper using specific inks. It is placed on the footwear material and heat and pressure are applied using a thermal press. The heat activates the inks, transferring the design from the paper to the footwear material. Once cooled, the design is well-fixed.

Its main advantages include:

• Ideal for applying complex images and patterns.
• High quality of printing and detail.
• Relatively fast process.

Transfer is limited to certain types of materials, such as textiles and synthetics.

At BRITIGRAF, you'll find a wide variety of decorations for footwear

Footwear decorations are essential elements for personalizing shoes. In addition to these techniques and materials, at BRITIGRAF we use many other options to bring your project to life. Take a look at our catalog to get an idea of all our products.

Our professional team will be happy to provide you with more information about any of the techniques and materials we use. They will listen carefully and provide personalized service to offer you the footwear decorations you want.

• EMAIL: info@britigraf.com
• Phone: +34 965 683 882
• Facilities: Calle Alberto Sols, 18 – ELCHE PARQUE EMPRESARIAL - 03203 Elche (Alicante) Spain.