Pad printing is particularly suitable for printing on components with round, curved or three-dimensional surfaces. At HAMCO, the process is used, for example, to apply markings, logos or other printed designs to soft PVC dip-moulded parts, PVC-coated components and moulded plastic parts.
The distinctive feature of pad printing is the elastic silicone pad. It can adapt to the surface to be printed whilst the ink is being transferred. This means that printed images can also be transferred onto curved or three-dimensional surfaces, provided their geometry is suitable for reliable ink transfer.
Pad printing thus complements the manufacturing processes used at HAMCO. You can find an overview of the various manufacturing processes on our website Manufacturing processes for plastic parts.
In pad printing, the desired print design is first transferred to an engraved printing plate, known as a cliché. The ink is applied to the cliché and the excess ink is removed from the surface of the cliché using a squeegee. The ink remains only in the recessed areas of the print design, from where it is then picked up by the silicone pad. The pad is then pressed onto the surface of the component to be printed, transferring the ink to it.
During the transfer process, the elastic silicone pad deforms. This allows it to conform to the shape of the surface and transfer the print image onto the component.
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More InformationThe silicone tampon can deform in a controlled manner during the printing process. This enables it to transfer ink not only onto flat surfaces, but also onto curved and three-dimensional surfaces.
However, not every type of geometry is suitable for pad printing. It is crucial that the pad can reach the area to be printed sufficiently and adapt to its contours. Sudden changes in height, unfavourable recesses or geometries where the pad cannot be guided evenly across the surface may limit printability.
Whether a particular surface is suitable for pad printing therefore depends, in particular, on its geometry, as well as on the size and position of the print area. Even small logos and fine lines can be reproduced precisely using pad printing.
At HAMCO, pad printing is used for a range of technical plastic components. These include, for example:
Pad printing can be used to apply customised designs to engineering plastic components. These include, for example:
In principle, the print design is tailored to the customer’s requirements. A high-contrast single-colour print in black or white is particularly cost-effective. If different ink colours are required, additional costs will be incurred for the procurement of the relevant ink.
In the case of warning labels or other markings that are subjected to increased mechanical stress, the abrasion resistance of the print can be improved by adding a hardener to the printing ink. This increases the cost of printing.
The possible size and position of the printed image depend on the geometry of the component in question and the technical capabilities of the printing press used.
You can find out more about printing, assembly and other complementary services in series production on our services page Printing, customisation and other special services.
We would be happy to find the right solution for your application.
Large and small quantity requirements Direct processing
Large and small quantity requirements
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