Pad Printing: Helping Our Clients Looking For That ‘Something Extra’
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Pad Printing Services

At Nordell, we are proud to be a leading plastic injection moulding company.

 

As part of our value-added services, we offer comprehensive solutions to our clients that extend beyond mere moulding, such as Pad Printing.

 

Please note that we do not offer pad printing as a standalone service.

 

But if you have moulded a part with Nordell, we would be happy to help add the finishing touch.

 

Discover how our pad printing services can enhance your products, embodying our commitment to excellence and innovation.

 

Contact our team today.

 

What is Pad Printing?

 

Pad printing, a revolutionary technique birthed in Switzerland, initially served the watchmaking industry by enabling printing on the intricate surfaces of watch faces.

 

This method has evolved significantly, leveraging advanced technology to print on a myriad of three-dimensional objects.

 

What distinguishes pad printing from other printing forms is its unparalleled versatility, allowing the transfer of two-dimensional images onto three-dimensional objects with precision.

 

Tampo Printing

 

Known alternatively as ‘tampo printing’, pad printing necessitates specialised equipment, including a pad printing machine, plate/cliché maker, ink cup, and silicone pads, to transfer images from a plate to the substrate.

 

This unique process underscores the adaptability of pad printing in applying detailed graphics onto various surfaces.

 

What is Pad Printing Used for?

 

Pad printing is a versatile printing technique used for applying designs, logos, and information onto three-dimensional objects and uneven surfaces where other printing methods may not be suitable.

 

Its applications span across various industries, demonstrating its flexibility and utility.

 

Here are some of the key uses of pad printing:

  • Consumer Goods: For branding and decorating items like appliances, toys, and electronics.
  • Automotive Components: Applying labels and controls on parts such as dashboard elements.
  • Medical Devices: Marking equipment with precise, durable, and sterilisable prints.
  • Sports Equipment: Printing logos and designs on gear like golf balls and helmets.
  • Promotional Items: Branding giveaways like pens, keychains, and USB sticks.
  • Apparel and Accessories: Detailing on shoes, hats, and watches.
  • Electronic Devices: Marking cases, gadgets, and keyboards.
  • Packaging: Decorating cosmetic containers, bottle caps, and pharmaceutical bottles.
  • Industrial Applications: Marking tools, machinery parts, and equipment with identification numbers and instructions.

 

Its ability to print on a wide range of materials and complex shapes makes pad printing invaluable for detailed and durable applications.

Do You Need Nordell’s Pad Printing Services?

Whether pad printing is the right choice for you largely depends on your specific project requirements, the materials you're working with, and the objectives you aim to achieve.

 

If we have moulded parts for your project, here are some factors to consider that can help determine if pad printing will work for you:

 

  • Product Material: Pad printing is exceptionally versatile and can be applied to a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, glass, ceramics, and more. If your product is made of a material compatible with pad printing inks, this technique is likely a good fit.
  • Surface Complexity: If you need to print on three-dimensional objects, curved, uneven, or textured surfaces, pad printing is an excellent choice. Its ability to conform to various shapes makes it ideal for items that cannot be effectively printed on using other methods.
  • Print Detail and Quality: Pad printing excels in applying detailed, high-resolution images and text. If your project requires precision printing with clear, sharp results, pad printing can meet these demands.
  • Production Volume: This method is adaptable to both small and large production runs. Whether you're looking to prototype a few items or engage in full-scale production, pad printing can be cost-effective, especially when considering setup costs relative to the volume of items being printed.
  • Regulatory and Safety Requirements: For industries with stringent regulations, such as medical devices, automotive, and food packaging, pad printing can comply with safety and quality standards. Specialised inks are available for specific requirements, such as non-toxic or biocompatible inks for medical applications.
  • Customisation Needs: If your project involves customising products with unique designs, logos, or information, pad printing offers the flexibility to personalise items efficiently and effectively.
  • Turnaround Time: Pad printing processes are generally quick, with fast drying times for inks, allowing for shorter production cycles and quicker turnaround times compared to some other printing methods.

Partner with Nordell for Your Pad Printing Needs

 

Our value-added services can really help add the finishing touch to our client’s moulded products.

 

Choosing Nordell's pad printing services means selecting a partner committed to your project's success.

 

Our on-site technology and expertise ensure that your products receive the highest quality print finishes, enhancing their market appeal and functionality.

 

Whether you're in the design stage or ready for production, speak to your account manager or contact us directly to explore how our additional pad printing solutions can benefit your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Pad Printing Work?

Pad printing operates through either an Open System or a Closed System, catering to different project needs. The open system features an open ink well, ideal for long images and frequent colour changes, while the closed system uses a sealed ink cup to minimise ink exposure and maintain viscosity, ensuring consistent quality. Nordell's expertise allows for the utilisation of both systems, providing tailored advice for optimal project outcomes.

What Are The Benefits Of Pad Printing?

Pad printing comes with a multitude of benefits that make it a preferred choice for various applications across industries. One of its primary advantages is the ability to print on complex three-dimensional objects and uneven surfaces, offering unparalleled versatility compared to other printing methods. This technique allows for the application of detailed, high-resolution images onto a wide array of materials, including plastics, metals, glass, and ceramics, ensuring durability and clarity of print even on small or intricately shaped items. The precision of pad printing is especially beneficial for industries requiring exacting standards, such as medical devices, automotive components, and electronics, where clear and durable markings are critical. Additionally, pad printing is adaptable to both small and large production runs, making it cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. Its efficiency and quick setup times facilitate rapid production, helping to meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality. Furthermore, pad printing's capability to use various types of inks, including those specialised for food safety or medical compliance, expands its application to sectors where adherence to strict regulations is necessary.
Interested in working together?
No matter what stage you are at in your thought process, make contact with our team today to discuss your project.
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