|
The pad printing process is derived from that of
screen, rubber stamp and photogravure printing processes. The actual process can divided into five
steps. First a metal plate containing an etching of the image to
printed is flooded with ink Also during this step the ink is
wiped off the plate except for the ink associated with image.
The second step involves transferring the image from the plate to
a rubber pad and is referred to as the pick-up step. The third
step involves lifting the pad away from plate followed by a
short delay which allows the ink to adhere to the pad. The
actual depositing of the image onto the substrate is
accomplished in the fourth step. The release of the printing pad
from the substrate is the fifth and final step. These five steps are then
repeated for the next object to be printed. Pad printing does have its limitations.
Generally this method is good for printing only up to two colors
and limited to relatively small images. Since the actual
thickness of the ink deposited is so thin, pad printed images a
more vulnerable to being worn and scratched off.
|
