Pad Printing Basics
Pad printing is one of the few printing methods able to print on three-dimensional objects and those with textured surfaces. Golf balls, candy, pills and electronic parts are a few common items that are pad printed.
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Printing Plate
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Pad printing is a gravure printing process, using a metal printing plate with an image engraved into the plate surface. Engraving is accomplished by means of a photographic development process, using photosensitive printing plates, or by machine or hand engraving.
Inking Procedure
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Ink is roller applied to the plate, filling the engraved image area. The plate surface is wiped clean with a blade called the "doctor blade," leaving the engraving filled with ink.
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Process
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A silicone printing pad is pressed against the inked plate, causing the image to transfer onto the pad. The pad is lifted, moved into position and lowered onto the item to be printed, stamping the image onto the product. The soft surface of the pad is designed to conform to the item's shape and surface texture.
Pad Printing Ink
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Pad printing ink is specially designed to allow for clean transfer between the plate, pad and product. Formulations are chosen for proper adhesion to different materials, and edible inks are used in the printing of candy shells and medical pills.
Machine Types
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Manually operated machines are designed for small print runs, while high-speed, fully automated machines are used for high-volume production.
Pad Printed Products
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Golf balls, pens, key chains, electronic parts, watch faces and thousands of other items not suitable for other printing processes are easily pad printed.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit White Dog Press, Padprinting.com, All Products, Direct Industry, PDS Consulting
