by Laurie Barcaskey If you're exploring part marking options and hot stamping has come up, but you're not quite sure how it works—you're in the right place. Hot stamping isn't just for large-scale metal forming. In fact, it’s a powerful, controlled way to permanently apply logos, labels, serial numbers, and decorative finishes onto all kinds of parts—especially those made from plastic, wood, or leather. Let’s break down how it works and why it might make sense for your marking applications. What is Hot StampingAt its core, hot stamping is a heat-and-pressure-based marking process. A heated die (or branding iron) is pressed against a foil or directly against the part’s surface. That combination of temperature, time, and pressure transfers a crisp image—whether it’s text, a graphic, or a logo—onto the part. Depending on your setup, you can either:
How It Works: The BasicsHere’s a simple breakdown of the hot stamping process:
Types of Materials You Can MarkHot stamping works best on materials that can respond well to heat—without burning, melting, or distorting.
Key Variables to ControlHot stamping is all about repeatability. Once you find the right settings for your material and application, you’ll get consistent results. The three big factors you’ll adjust are:
Tooling Options: Dies and EquipmentYour results depend a lot on the type of die you use. Here’s what you’ll typically see:
What Makes Hot Stamping So Useful?There are a lot of part marking methods out there—inkjet, laser, dot peen—but hot stamping holds its own. Here’s why:
Common ApplicationsYou’ll find hot stamping in shops that need clean, consistent marking without investing in high-end automation. Typical use cases include:
Is It Right for Your Shop? If you’re marking plastic parts, wood packaging, leather components, or any high-volume job that requires a sharp, durable mark—hot stamping is worth a serious look. It's simple, scalable, and easy to integrate into most shop environments. And with a bit of testing, it’s easy to fine-tune for different materials and product lines. Have questions about how hot stamping could fit into your marking process? Reach out to us at Leading Marks. Laurie Barcaskey and our team can walk you through machine options, dies, foil choices, and help you get dialed in with confidence. Applying identification on to substrates such as plastic, leather and wood for decorative purposes or where other marking methods are not most feasible. Marking methods represented include: Branding Irons, Presses and Marking Dies & Foils.
This article is part of the Fundamentals Series, a collection of in-depth guides covering essential marking technologies and processes. Explore the full series here to gain deeper insights into industrial marking solutions. About the Author Laurie Barcaskey of Leading Marks is an authorized manufacturer’s representative with 30 years of experience and shop floor knowledge of solutions for industrial identification, part traceability and pipe testing. Laurie is the third generation of one of the marking industry’s most innovative and enduring family legacies, tracing back to 1889.
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