Hot stamping
- Dry process with no curing step
- Sharp edges on raised marks and trim
- Best on small, defined areas
Secondary operation
Hot Stamping on Plastic Parts: Foil Marking for Molded Components
Hot stamping presses a heated die through a foil onto the part, leaving a dry, crisp metallic or solid color mark with no wet ink or curing step.
How it works
Heat, pressure, and foil in one stroke
Hot stamping is common for bright metallic accents, brand marks, and trim lines.
A heated die, or a silicone roll for larger areas, presses a carrier foil against the part. Heat releases the foil layer, which bonds to the plastic where the die makes contact. The result is dry immediately.
NetProto offers hot stamping as a secondary operation on injection molded parts, quoted alongside the tool and the molded parts.
Fit check
When hot stamping is the right finish
Qualitative guidance. Resin and geometry decide the final method.
| Situation | Hot stamping tends to fit | Consider instead |
|---|---|---|
| Bright metallic accent | Foil gives a mirror or brushed metal look | Chrome plating for a full bright finish |
| Raised logo or trim line | Die contacts only the raised face | Pad printing on recessed faces |
| Full part color | Not practical | Painting or molded-in color |
| Multi color artwork | Usually one foil per pass | Pad printing for detailed color art |
Design notes
Give the die a surface it can reach
Hot stamping works best when the mark sits proud of the surrounding surface.
Raise the stamping area slightly so the die touches only the mark
Keep the stamping face flat or gently curved
Confirm the resin accepts foil; some grades need a compatible foil or testing
Keep the area clear of gate vestiges, ejector marks, and knit lines
Side by side
Hot stamping versus painting a metallic finish
Both add a metallic look. Area and durability usually decide.
Painting
- Covers large areas and full parts
- Wide color range, masking for partial coverage
- Adds a coating and curing step
Continue exploring
Related guides
Sibling processes and supporting references.
Processes hub
All specialty processes and secondary operations.
Processes hubPad printing
Ink transferred by a silicone pad onto curved and recessed surfaces.
Pad printingUltrasonic welding
Vibration welded joints between molded plastic parts.
Ultrasonic weldingSecondary operations
Every post mold operation quoted with the part.
Secondary operationsChrome plating on plastics
A full bright metal finish on molded parts.
Chrome plating on plasticsPainting molded parts
Full coverage color and metallic coatings.
Painting molded partsFAQ
Common questions
Is hot stamping the same as chrome plating?
No. Hot stamping bonds a thin foil only where the die touches. Chrome plating deposits metal over the whole plated surface and needs a plating grade resin.
What should I send to quote hot stamping?
Send the CAD with the stamping face marked, the artwork, and the foil color or finish. List hot stamping as a secondary operation in the quote request.
Next step
Quote the molded part and the foil mark together
Upload CAD and list the operation in your quote request. NetProto manufacturing is ISO 9001 certified.