The different techniques and printing methods of Zippos

Since its beginnings, the Zippo brand has continuously demonstrated innovation. With a highly developed design center and an expert team in the field, they manage each year to release new collections that are all equally high-quality and original. This innovation is particularly due to the various printing techniques and methods developed by the company. Discover with us all these methods and techniques through this article. We will review the most important or most commonly used ones.

Classic Impressions

Zippo offers a large number of so-called "classic" impressions :

• Auto Engrave or Automatic Engraving: this is a rotary engraving, a relief effect can be obtained.
• Laser Engrave or Laser Engraving: the brand uses a computer to generate an identical replica of the desired design on the lighter.
• Color Image: this technique allows the printing of a pattern in one or more colors.

Premium Zippo Printing Methods

Printing methods considered "Premium" require special handling for each Zippo lighter.

In total, there are more than 9 different premium printing styles:

• Lustre: engraving a lighter results in great longevity but is also permanent. This technique also allows the creation of a contrast effect.
• Double Lustre: the lighter's design is engraved twice, resulting in a nice relief. Note that part of the engraving will be chrome-plated upon impact.
• Fusion: the brand creates a mix of colors and chrome breaks to achieve an iridescent and metallic lighter.
• Auto Two-Tone: the engraving is done at 2 different depth levels.
• Laser Two-Tone: this is a laser engraving done at 2 different depth levels.
• Photo Image: using specific computers for image creation, the engraving is then done with a laser to obtain a sharp resolution.
• Stamping: here, the stamp marks the design of the lighter inside its casing to create a 3D effect.
• Emblem: for this technique, the design is applied on several surfaces such as brass, aluminum, or tin.
• Laser 360°: a 360° laser engraving, so the four sides of the lighter have the lighter's design (on a shiny chrome lighter only).

Luxury prints for major events

The brand reserves the pleasure of keeping certain printing methods for the creation of large-scale collections. This is the case with luxury prints:

• Brite Cut: usable only on "Armor" cases. Many reliefs can be observed, giving the impression of a beautiful emblem applied on the lighter.
• Deep Carve: advanced 3D software is used. The engraving is carried out by a milling machine with deep contours in the case, while using different tool sizes. A special polishing is then performed.
• Laser/Auto Engrave: it is the combination of Laser and Auto Engrave for a high-quality finish.
• Texture Print: this technique brings the design to life with bright colors and a 3D design.
• MultiCut: usable only on "Armor" cases. Thanks to milling machines, several deep cuts as well as contours are made at 360° (all around the lighter) for a high-quality result.
• Laser Fancy Fill: laser engraving enhanced by a 3D effect.
• Precious Metals: the lighter is handled for the engraving of precious metals.
• Stone Attachment: several experts are consulted for the inlay of stones and materials on Zippo brand lighters.
• Epoxy Inlay: marbled, solid, or clear epoxies are applied in the deep cavities of the lighter.

The printing methods called "Art Styles"

Here are the different Art Styles prints that the Zippo brand masters:

• Chromed out: a part of the lighter is not engraved, no design is present, revealing the lighter's original color and material.
• Distressed: a unique filter is used on the design before its application to modify it and thus give the lighter a vintage look or a worn effect.

Extraordinary prints created by Zippo

The Zippo brand has developed 2 surprising printing methods that stand out from all previous ones.

Here are these 2 methods:

• 540 color printing: this technique allows for color printing of a design on the entire surface of the lighter without exception, except for certain essential parts (hinges, etc.)
• Glow in the Dark: this printing allows lighters to have the ability to glow in the dark with a luminescent green.

That's all for this article, you have been able to discover all the different printing techniques and methods that the Zippo brand uses to diversify its products.