Pad Printer Ink Cups

Pad Printer Ink Cups

The ink cup is a vital component of the pad printing process.pad printer ink cup In pad printing, the closed ink cup sits over the etched artwork of the plate (also called a cliche) and covers it with fresh ink. This allows the transfer of the image to the product surface by a soft silicone pad. Historically, the printing process used the open inkwell system shown below. Today, however, most printers use the more advanced sealed cup system.

The sealed ink cup can be magnetic or non-magnetic.pad printer ink cup Both yield excellent results for doctoring pad printing plates. The key difference is in how the pressure to the cliche is applied.

Magnetic ink cups have powerful magnets inside the cup body to produce down force.pad printer ink cup This makes them ideal for machines that have a drive pin which can tip the cup. It also allows for faster setup and less waste. A non-magnetic ink cup has no magnets inside, instead the pressure is applied either by an outer flange or a center hole. This style of ink cup is better for high speed applications.

An ink cup has many components: the cup body, ring, and vent plug. These are important for printing a high quality print. The cup body holds the ink and prevents it from drying out by limiting the amount of solvent that evaporates into the environment. The ring performs the doctoring by sliding over the etched image area of the plate to leave fresh ink on it.

During the printing cycle, the ink cup is compressed to cover the etched artwork of the cliche with fresh ink. The transferred image is then wiped away with the ceramic or metal doctor edge of the ink cup. This removes the tacky ink left from the recessed image on the cliche and ensures a clean, sharp image on the product surface.

The vent plug, a round rubber or plastic plug located in the bottom of the cup, is important for preventing air from building up in the ink cup. It is a key element of the seal between the cup and the etch on the cliche, and prevents the ink from bleeding out between cycles.

Inks for pad printing are available in a wide range of viscosities to match the exact performance requirements of your production operation. The right inks can help you get a better print, lower scrape rates, and reduce downtime due to cleaning. Moreover, choosing the right inks will ensure your inks meet all compliance requirements. They must be odorless, non-toxic, and free of Restricted Substance List (RSL) chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. Our team of ink experts at Trans Tech can help you choose the best ink for your application. They have deep understanding of the chemistry and functionality of each ink and can match it to your specific requirements. They also have in-house testing equipment to verify that the inks comply with all necessary regulations. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

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