Cobalt® SteelBack Pad Printing Plate (Cliche)

The Cobalt® SteelBack pad printing cliché plate has the same universal applicability as the whole Cobalt® family of plates, but it is the thickest and most durable of them. It is perfect for extended production runs. As an additional benefit, these plates work great with both magnetic and non-magnetic ink cups as they combine the stability of the Cobalt® Ultra and steel backing.

For fiber laser platemakers like the Cobalt ® Pro+ CO2 Laser Machine

Withstands up to 25,000 impressions

Cobalt® SteelBack builds on the standard Cobalt® Ultra by adding a steel backing layer, which gives it the added thickness and rigidity for the longest production runs in the Cobalt line.

Pad Printing Plate Etching Services

Don’t etch your pad printing plates in-house? Inkcups’ plate etching service handles the process for those of you using Cobalt® SteelBack, the preferred material for high-quality results. Combined with the Cobalt ® Edge pad printing plate maker, it ensures sharp, consistent image reproduction every time.

The process is simple: send in your artwork, and Inkcups’ plate-making technicians prepare and etch it to your specifications. Nothing gets etched or shipped without proof approval first, so you can be confident the plate is etched properly for immediate printing.

Benefits of using the etching service instead of etching in-house:

Takes the guesswork out of curing times, etch depth, and laser settings
Plates arrive etched properly and ready for immediate printing
Fast turnaround, typically 1-2 business days from U.S. and select international locations
Scheduled shipping options to simplify reordering the same plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a Cobalt® SteelBack pad printing plate last?

A: Cobalt® SteelBack withstands up to 25,000 impressions and is engineered for repeat use and long-term print consistency, making it well suited for extended production runs.

Q: What’s the difference between Cobalt® SteelBack and Cobalt® Ultra?

A: Cobalt® SteelBack adds a steel backing layer to the standard Cobalt® Ultra plate, making it the thickest and most durable material in the Cobalt® line and ideal for the longest production runs. Cobalt® Ultra remains a strong choice for large bold images at a lighter weight. Compare all available options in our full pad printing plate material lineup.

Find a printer that fits your needs

Find a printer that fits your needs