Ultimate Guide to Pad Printing

Pad printing is a surface finishing method that has applications in many industries. This is attributed to its versatility and affordability. In most cases, it is used in product promotion because of its cost-effectiveness, multiple color options, and compatibility. With this technology, it is possible to carry out printing on uneven surfaces.

What is Pad Printing?

Pad printing or tampo printing is the process of transferring ink to a product from a base plate. You should note that the base plate must be etched. With this process, you can print intricate details and images on a variety of products.

How Pad Printing Works?

Pad Printer

The common types of pad printers are rotary gravure, ink-cup, and inkwell. These machines have their unique setups. Moreover, they print in different styles. The most versatile pad printing machine is the inkwell and it uses a doctor blade and spatula to flood the base plate with the ink.

Base Plate

This is a component designed to hold the image that is to be engraved on the object. The base blade can be made of thin metal or plastic. The right base plate should be flexible and allow easy printing. Some printing companies prefer steel plates because of their durability and toughness. Moreover, it is suitable for large production.

Ink

This is another vital pad printing component. The ink contains thinners, resins, and pigments. The resin provides the mechanical properties required such as scratch, adhesion, and abrasion. On the other hand, the pigment provides the ink with a variety of colors. The thinner provides viscosity.

Printing Pad

This component is designed to transfer the ink from the base plate to the workpiece. It takes up the image, slides over the workpiece, and etches the image to it. Most of the printing pads available are made of silicone. Some of the important properties a printing pad should have include hardness and toughness. Also, pads should be available in a range of sizes and shapes.

Pad Printing Process

First, you need to etch the base plate. This can be done with the help of a laser engraving machine. These are the pad printing steps to follow:

1. The ink cup sitting over the base plate opens and fills the workpiece’s etching with ink.
2. The cup then closes and gets rid of excess ink. The etched part remains with the ink. Since the ink is exposed to air, adhesion improves.
3. The pad takes up the image and slides over the workpiece to apply the image.
4. The ink cup gets back to the default position and the process starts again.

Pad Printing Advantages

The following are some of the advantages of pad printing:

• Excellent compatibility. This process is compatible with a range of surfaces. It does not matter how complex the surface is, this technique can print an image on it. For instance, it is widely used in printing on tiny, curvy, and sharp surfaces.
• Supports multiple materials. This process can be used to print on any given material. It is possible to print on glass, plastic, and metals.
• High-quality printing. This technique delivers a high-quality finish. It does not matter what the workpiece’s material composition or shape is; you can print on it. This explains why it is ideal for printing on small parts such as electrical components.
• Low-cost. Other than the process being easy to operate, it is low-cost. As a result, it is an effective printing option for many businesses looking for affordable identification and traceability.
• Color variety. This finishing technique supports a wide range of colors to suit the desired aesthetic requirements. It is also possible to blend colors to get the best.

Pad Printing Disadvantages

Although pad printing is an innovative printing process, it has its share of disadvantages. These are some of them:

• It is a slower process. When compared with other printing processes such as stamping, it is much slower.
• Suits only small objects. This printing technique has a limitation on the size of the area you can print.
• Room for color problems. It is possible to experience color problems when you print massive blocks of colors. As a result, you might end up wasting raw materials, thereby increasing the total cost of production.

Applications of Pad Printed Parts

Pad printing is quite popular and it is used in many industries. Some of the top industries that use this technique include automotive, product promotion, medical, toys, electronics, apparel, and businesses. For instance, the following items can be pad printed:

• Identification labels on items such as telephones and calculators
• Accessories such as watches, pens, and travel mugs
• Electrical appliances such as computer monitors, TVs, and iron boxes.
• Medical devices including implants and surgical items
• Toys such as car models, dolls, and rattles
• Household appliances including microwaves and dishwashers.

Pad Printing Vs Screen Printing – What is the Difference?

This table provides a quick overview of the key differences between pad printing and silk screen printing

Pad Printing Vs Screen Printing – Which to Choose?

When determining whether to choose pad printing or screen printing, it is not about the technique that is better in general. Rather it is about choosing one that suits your project needs. Therefore, you need to analyze your products and what you want to achieve with them.

For die casting parts with intricate designs, fine details, or irregular surfaces, pad printing is recommended due to its versatility and high resolution.

If you have flat or gently curved components and require larger production volumes, screen printing may be a cost-effective choice.

Ultimately, the method you choose depends on your specific project requirements, budget, and the characteristics of your die-cast components. Any question you can contact Sunrise Metal for further consultation.