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Pad Printing of the Past While the primitive pad printing techniques of the 1800’s far from resemble the pad printing machines available in 2022, the primary function remains the same. Pad printers are made up of the same three primary components: the pad, the plate, and the ink. (Technological advances and innovation over the years

The pad printing process transfers a 2D design onto a 3D product by running a loaded ink cup over an etched plate which transfers the image to a pad then to the product. One of the first steps in the process is etching the plate. Plates can be etched by either fiber laser or CO2

DuraLaze is a pad printing cliché material that is perfect for a variety of pad printing applications.

Pad printing is a traditional printing method which transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object. This process has become popularized to decorate products that are otherwise difficult to print on. This includes oddly shaped items with concave and rigid surfaces. The pad printing process has remained relatively the same over the years, yet the

Photopolymer plates work hard to hold ink for pad printing machines. However before the plates get to that point, they need a little rest and relaxation. How do photopolymer printing plates relax? They go tanning. Photopolymer plates like to get a nice tan. They enjoy spending time in their UV tanning beds (exposure units) until

While garment tag printing, most users prefer making their own plates. Typically the most inexpensive way to etch your own plates is by using photopolymer plates with an exposure unit. Etching an image into photopolymer plates requires more attention than laser etching the plates, exposure times will vary depending upon the image size, even if

“Can I Etch Laser Plates with my CO2 Laser?” – This is a very common question we get from pad printing companies. Indeed, if a company already has a robust laser engraver, it may be able to enjoy the benefits of fully digitized pad printing plate-making – simply by purchasing the laser plate material and getting some instruction. The

Over the years we here at Inkcups now have gotten many phone calls and emails pertaining to polymer plate making, also known as photopolymer plates. Customers often don’t understand the technical aspect of creating a film positive or they get stuck at a step in the process. We have decided the pain and anguish has