We are looking for the printing process used to add ink graphics to 3
dimensional aluminum (the same processed used to print on beer cans,
coke cans and decorative tins).  We want to put our own graphics on
aluminum boxes that are 4"x6"x9.5".  We are looking for the name of
the process, as well as where to purchase the fully automated CNC
manufacturing equipment to do it.  It must be able to print the above
sized object.  Thanks!

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Request for Question Clarification by denco-ga on 09 Dec 2005 12:03 PST

Howdy bigannie-ga,

The process might differ for printing on an aluminum can, which can be
screen printed, and an aluminum box, which is sometimes printed by other
methods, such as the following.

There is a pad transfer process.
http://www.dependablemachine.net/padtrans.html

There is also a hot stamping process.
http://www.dependablemachine.net/hotstamping.html

Regardless, you will want to contact someone who can run through some
questions of your needs, such as printing, drying process, number of
colors, etc.

The Dependable Machine Company, referenced above, is a good place to
start.  Their contact information is as follows:

Tom Skeels
Dependable Machine Co.
45 Fairfield Place
West Caldwell, NJ 07006
Phone: 973-287-8200
Fax: 973-287-8206
Email: info@dependablemachine.net
Web: http://www.dependablemachine.net/

If after you contact the above you would consider this an answer, I could
then post it as such, along with my search criteria, etc.  Thanks!

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

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Clarification of Question by bigannie-ga on 10 Dec 2005 08:49 PST

Hi,
We are looking specifically to print on the boxes with the 4x6x9.5"
dimension.  We will try and contact them on Monday.  Thanks for the
help.
Annie

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Request for Question Clarification by denco-ga on 10 Dec 2005 12:49 PST

Howdy Annie,

I have been in contact with the Dependable Machine Company, and they have
stated that have a solution for your printing situation.  When you call
on Monday they will be able to pin down the specific equipment needed.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

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Clarification of Question by bigannie-ga on 10 Dec 2005 13:31 PST

Thank-you!

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Clarification of Question by bigannie-ga on 13 Dec 2005 10:22 PST

Hey Denco,
Thanks for all of your help.  We have been in contact with the
company, and I think we will be able to work something out with them. 
In any case, I would like to thank-you again....what's the next step
here??

Howdy Annie,

As it appears that the source I provided for you answers your question,
the next step is for me to post the information as this answer.

The process might differ for printing on an aluminum can, which can be
screen printed, and an aluminum box, which is sometimes printed by other
methods, such as the following.

There is a pad transfer process, as presented on the Dependable Machine
Co. website.
http://www.dependablemachine.net/padtrans.html

There is also a hot stamping process, from the same source as above.
http://www.dependablemachine.net/hotstamping.html

Regardless, you will want to contact someone who can run through some
questions of your needs, such as printing, drying process, number of
colors, etc.

The Dependable Machine Company, referenced above, is a good place to
start.  Their contact information is as follows:

Tom Skeels
Dependable Machine Co.
45 Fairfield Place
West Caldwell, NJ 07006
Phone: 973-287-8200
Fax: 973-287-8206
Email: info@dependablemachine.net
Web: http://www.dependablemachine.net/

I have been in contact with the Dependable Machine Company, and they have
stated that have a solution for your printing situation, and it appears
that your contact with them has been a postive one.

If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.


Search strategy:

Google Search on: aluminum cans "printing process" OR "screen printing"
://www.google.com/search?q=aluminum+cans+%22printing+process%22+OR+%22screen+printing%22

The above search provided the following "ThomasNet" listing, which included
the Dependable Machine Co.
http://www.thomasnet.com/products/screen-printing-industrial-95918165-1.html

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

This researcher did a great job and seems like a really nice person.
Very professional.  Thank-you so much.

This description of can making might be of help.

Can Central - Aluminum can manufacture
http://www.cancentral.com/canc/text/manuf.htm

My pleasure Annie, and much thanks for the kind comments and 5 star rating.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher