Create your own token with these 3 techniques
At CombiCraft, you can design your own custom token—perfect for festivals, bars, events or any kind of activity. Your design can be applied in three different ways: digital print, foil print, or raised relief. Each method has its own look, feel, and level of durability. In this article, we’ll walk you through the differences, so you can choose the one that fits your needs best.
No time to read the full article?
Check the table below for a quick comparison of all three techniques.
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital printing | Foil printing | Embossed | |
| Design look | Full-color print | Shiny foil layer | Engraved effect with height difference |
| Design color | CMYK colors | Various foil colors | Single color, same as the token |
| Technique | UV printer | Heated stamp presses foil into token | Molded into the token |
| Durability | Fairly durable | Durable | Very durable |
Digital printing
With digital printing, the design is printed onto the token using a UV printer in CMYK colors. The strong, opaque ink can be applied to one or both sides of the token. Both sides can be the same or have different designs. Digital prints can include color combinations or a single color.
For the best results, choose a token color that makes the design stand out. If you don’t have a digital design file, it’s usually best to print on white tokens. In some cases, a layer of white ink must be printed first to make the design visible. This can cause a thin white outline to appear around the image. Important: digitally printed tokens should not go in the dishwasher.
Pros
- Multiple CMYK colors
- Suitable for QR codes and photos
- Available in many colors and shapes
- Sustainable options
Cons
- Less durable than foil print or relief
Foil printing
Foil printing uses a layer of foil that’s stamped into the token using heat—similar to ironing. This technique creates a durable print that you can feel, because the foil is slightly pressed into the surface. Foil printing can be applied to one or both sides, and both sides can be the same or different.
Available foil colors include silver, gold, black, and rainbow. The design is printed in one foil color, although rainbow foil includes several tones. For best visibility, choose a foil color that contrasts with the color of the token.
Note: Due to the special production method, most foil-printed tokens do not have a raised edge. That’s because it’s difficult to apply foil to a rim. However, you can find a few round models our webshop.
Pros
- Wide choice of foil colors
- Many shapes in tokens available
- Durable
- Your design in shiny foil
Cons
- One-time setup cost for the custom stamp
Embossed
Embossed tokens are single-color plastic tokens where the design is created through height differences in the surface. Instead of printing, the design is molded into the token using a custom-made mold. The raised design is part of the token itself and has the same color as the rest of the token. Embossing can be applied to one or both sides, with identical or different designs.
At first glance, they may seem similar to engraved tokens, but there is an important difference: with embossed tokens, the design is raised above the surface, while with engraved tokens, the design is cut into the material. So embossed means raised, engraved means carved in.
We have some standard molds available for common designs. If you want something unique, we can create a custom mold for one or both sides of the token.
Pros
- Extremely durable in plastic form
- Nice effect
- Sustainable options available
- Many colors available
Cons
- One-time setup cost for the mold
