Manual 2-color pad printing

Pad printing is a precise and economical marking technique, particularly suited for small objects, complex shapes, and irregular surfaces.

• High precision: ideal for logos, fine texts, and complex details.
• Marking on complex shapes: allows printing on curved, domed, hollow, or irregular surfaces.
• Wide material compatibility: plastic, metal, glass, wood, ceramic, etc.
• Economical for series production: low marking cost for medium and large productions.
• Excellent print quality: sharp rendering with good marking consistency.
• Suitable for small objects: perfect for pens, caps, industrial parts, promotional items, and technical components.

Pad printing is very versatile, but it does have some limitations:

• Limited maximum surface area: suitable for small to medium-sized objects, the marking diameter is limited by the ink cup size.
• Restricted number of colors: limited by the number of ink cups installed (e.g., 2 ink cups = 2 colors). To go beyond this, successive re-printing is possible, provided ultra-precise repositioning of the parts.
• Irregular or textured substrates: overly pronounced reliefs can hinder ink transfer.
• Reduced speed for complex series: objects requiring multiple colors or steps can slow down production.
• Limited finishes: less suitable for gradients or complex photo prints compared to UV or digital printing.

Volume logic (the cliché/plate):

• This process requires the manufacturing of an intaglio plate engraved by insolation.
• Economically, this step directs pad printing towards medium and large series.

Amortization of fixed costs:

• The larger the series, the lower the unit cost.
  • Example: a 15 € plate costs:
    • 1.50 € / piece for a series of 10 objects
    • 0.15 € / piece for a series of 100 objects

Pad printing follows a precise process allowing a visual to be reproduced on many types of objects:

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• Graphic Preparation: creation of the visual using vector drawing software or DTP (Illustrator, InDesign…), with color separation (one color = one plate).

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• Plate Manufacturing:r
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  • Digital Technology: direct and precise engraving of the plate using a fiber or CO₂ laser.

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  • Analog Technology: printing a transparent film, UV exposure of the photopolymer plate through this film, development, drying, and post-exposure for stabilization.

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• Setup and Inking: preparation of ink mixtures, filling of ink cups, and mounting of plates on the machine heads.

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• Inking and Image Pickup: the ink is deposited into the engraved areas of the plate and picked up by the silicone pad.

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• Transfer to Object: the pad deposits the ink onto the surface to be marked, even if it is curved or irregular.

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• Drying: the ink dries naturally or with the aid of an appropriate drying system depending on the application.

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• Production: fine adjustment of positioning and initiation of substrate marking to obtain precise and repeatable results.

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Pad printing production rates by series:

• Manual : ideal for small batches or prototypes, approximately 100 to 500 pieces/hour, depending on the complexity and size of the objects.
• Semi-automatic (Universal) : a compromise between productivity and flexibility, approximately 500 to 1,000 pieces/hour. Part positioning is ensured by the operator and varies according to the size, shape, and number of colors to be marked.
• Automatic : designed for large series and intensive production, up to 5,000 pieces/hour or more. In a fully automatic configuration, the production rate directly depends on the automation system and its design, as well as the number of colors and the complexity of the marking.

The pad-printed product can be handled quickly, but the drying time depends on the substrate and the type of ink used.

• Fast Plastics: Certain materials like ABS allow for very rapid drying. The marking is dry to the touch in 2 to 3 seconds, and the product can be immediately packaged. However, full mechanical and chemical resistance (abrasion, solvents, etc.) is only achieved after a few hours of stabilization.
• Usage Precaution: Avoid rubbing or intensive handling before the ink is completely stabilized to ensure its durability.
• Slower Substrates: Materials like glass or metal generally require a longer drying time, often 48 to 72 hours.
• Drying Acceleration: Using an oven or high-temperature drying can reduce this time.

Choosing a complete Thermoflan solution means benefiting from a coherent set that combines equipment, inks, consumables, and technical support.
Our solutions are designed to allow you to produce quickly, sustainably, and with truly operational support.

• Guaranteed compatibility and performance
  Our equipment and consumables are selected and validated to work together.
  This mastery of the entire chain allows for simpler settings, consistent marking quality, and better control of operating costs.
• Faster and more efficient after-sales service
  Using our inks and consumables allows us to intervene more easily in case of technical difficulties.
  Our teams know precisely how the products used behave and can quickly assist you with settings, printing parameters, or production issues.
• Faster startup and increased productivity
  Thanks to our experience in pad printing, you become operational more quickly.
  We help you get to grips with the equipment and optimize parameters to limit trial and error and save time.
• Proximity and French expertise
  Some of our equipment is designed and manufactured in our company in France.
  This proximity allows us to ensure responsive technical support and long-term follow-up of your installation.

Choosing Thermoflan means choosing a single point of contact capable of supporting you with equipment, consumables, and technical support alike.