Due to the setup cost and preparation time, most print houses have a minimum quantity of 50 caps when it comes to printing on silicone caps. This is due to the fact that setup/cleanup comes at a cost and this process is time consuming, usually longer than printing the actual order.
Customer designs are exposed onto a silkscreen, this process is done through emulsions that are light sensitive. Silicone is a non-reactive substance, and in order for ink to bond, a combination of catalysts and sufficient heat is required. Inks are mixed with catalysts at ratios effective for perfect adhesion. Weather you are printing 1 or 25 caps, ovens need to be run as well as extractor fans operated for the process of curing the ink. Once the caps have been printed, the image needs to be removed from the silkscreen with the aid of a high pressure hose and chemicals, any ink shadow will need additional cleaning with a ghost stain remover and the silkscreen treated with a degreaser ready to be used again.
Podium Swimwear is one of the only printing companies in the UK that will print a small number of silicone caps with no minimum order, they offer this service to support small and start up swim schools in the hope of growth and support in later years.
