Pad printing is a versatile printing method for placing logos, designs, and text details on products. It transfers high-quality and colorful images onto textured or smooth metal, glass, and plastic surfaces. At Teca-Print USA, we provide comprehensive pad printing services with different inks, serving all major industries. Here’s everything you need to know about pad printing ink before you place your order.

Properties of Pad Printing Ink

One of the most important factors that will impact the long-lasting quality of a pad-printed image is the type of ink. Different inks each offer different characteristics, properties, and benefits. Some of the most important properties of ink to consider are:

  • Adhesion: Inks with good adhesion properties can stick to a surface for a long time without peeling, flaking, or rubbing away.
  • Colorfastness: High-quality inks are colorful and retain their vivid hues without fading over time.
  • Durability: Product bottles and other surfaces are exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions, including sunlight, moisture, and wear and tear. Opt for pad printing inks that withstand these factors for long-lasting aesthetic value.
  • Viscosity: Different pads and materials need inks with varying viscosity levels to deliver a clean, crisp image. Select inks with the right viscosity for your equipment and design.

Types of Pad Printing Ink

There are three main types of pad printing inks to choose between:

Solvent-Based Ink

These inks are primarily composed of solvents, resins, and pigments. The solvent content speeds up their drying time without complex curing processes. Solvent-based inks also work with a wide variety of substrate materials.

UV-Curable Ink

These inks cure rapidly when exposed to UV light. UV-curable inks can be used on heat-sensitive materials and high-speed printing processes.

Two-Component Ink

These inks are initially stored as two separate materials. Once a printer mixes them together for use, the ink becomes very durable and offers high-quality adhesion. Two-component inks are typically used on silicone rubber and other materials that are difficult to print on.

Applications for Pad Printing Ink

Pad printing processes are used across most major industries to convey long-lasting branding and informational content. Some of the most common applications for pad printing ink include:

Electronic Components

Printers can place small designs and characters directly onto electronic and electrical components like circuit boards, keypads, and more.

Medical Devices

Syringes, surgical tools, and laboratory equipment all need precise designs printed directly onto the surface. This can include volumetric measurements, logos, and detailed product information.

Promotional Products

Companies can make their products stand out by pad printing branded merchandise. Options include keychains, mugs, and pens, which can be customized with logos and messages.

Automotive

The automotive industry also benefits from being able to pad print details directly onto panels and controls in cars. Not only can manufacturers use pad printing for logos and specs, but they can also print instrumentation, informational symbols, and control settings.

Pad Printing Ink From Teca-Print

Pad printing is a versatile printing option for adding logos, branded messages, product details, and more directly onto product surfaces. As a leading pad printing ink manufacturer, Teca-Print supplies our customers with innovative, high-quality pad printing equipment and in-house printing services. Our customers trust us to provide premium printing tools, ink supplies, parts, and direct service solutions from pre-inspection to curing to post-inspection.

Reach out today to learn more about how our options can fit your needs.