PADPRINT NOTEBOOK
USEFUL TIPS & INFORMATION
© ITW Trans Tech
An Illinois Tool Works Company
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Pad Blower: Magnetic Adjustable Pad Blower with Flow Control (#141017) Accessories: Various fittings and adapters  "Y" Fitting (#1410182)  Flex Line Flare Nozzle (#1410176)  Pad Blower Flex Line Assembly (#1410178)  Pad Blower Flex Line Segments (#1410175)  Special Line Assembly Pliers (#1410181)  Flex Line Threaded Connector (#1410177)  Multicolor Pad Blower Flow Control Manifold (#1410180)  |
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Pad Blowers Are Smart Accessories
WHEN our print lab technicians meet with customers and engineering staff to discuss any new project, certain accessories are frequently recommended. Pad blowers are so necessary to proper pad printing that we now include them in every quote. They are downright indispensable to successful image transfer.
Shown above is a typical pad printing application using three pad blowers (see circles) individually pointed at each pad of a three-pad assembly. The system applies an image simultaneously to three parts loaded onto special fixtures, mounted on a dial indexer.
Why do I need a pad blower?
The key to pad printing a good image is in getting a full release of ink from the pad to the part. This will only happen when the part is more attractive to the ink than the pad. If the ink is too thick, it will dry on the pad and stick to the pad, not the part. The remedy for "thick" ink is adding some thinner to the mixture.
But if the ink is too "wet", it will have much the same problem, that is, it will not be tacky enough to stick to the part; thus, a bad transfer. The way to control ink tackiness is by controlling the evaporation or "flashing" of the solvent. That's when a pad blower comes in handy by accelerating the evaporation of solvent from the ink that is on the pad.
Magnetic Adjustable Pad Blower with Flow Control (#141017); (at right) Flow Control without Flex Line (#1410174)
A pad blower moves a larger volume of air across the surface of the pad than would normally occur. The unit works by focusing compressed air that is dry and clean through a flexible hose and nozzle that are pointed at the pad.
This is recommended for any operation, but especially one that requires higher speeds. Even with ink that is adjusted to the proper viscosity, the ink's flashing time can be reduced to the minimum by a properly installed pad blower.
Typically, one unit fitted with a comb-shaped nozzle is enough for general use. For situations where an image covers both sides of a larger, roof-shaped pad, two round nozzles, one pointed at either side, are recommended.
The best all-around unit for most applications is the magnetic, adjustable pad blower kit with flow control (#14017). With this item you can bend the flexible plastic hose into any shape and at any distance that works best for your job. The strong magnetic base can be easily mounted or removed from any of our standard machines. The flow control enables you to open or choke off the air flow to any desired amount.
Smart Air Tip: Keep It Clean!
It is extremely important to use compressed air (10 p.s.i. max.) that is clean and dry, preferably supplied by a compressor equipped with a regulator and desiccant filter. Otherwise, you will be adding to your headaches by blowing oil and water onto your pad, ink and parts. Also you may be interested in substituting one of our de-ionizing units as a pad blower. This will give you the added effect of reducing static on your pad to lessen the dust problems found with some plastics or work environments. Ask your Trans Tech consumables representative to recommend the best set-up for your operation.
Need more information? Ask your Consumables representative at 630.752-4000 or e-mail us!
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