ITW Trans Tech: Troubleshooting Guide: edges of print look fuzzy or hairy

Transfer Pad Printing
Troubleshooting Guide
PROBLEM:
Edges of print look fuzzy or hairy.

	Cause	Solution
Ink	Ink is too thick.	Add thinner.
	Buildup of ink appears on pad.	See "pad is not releasing ink onto part" in Q&A guide.
	Ink type has high static characteristics.	Use anti-static gel (TTA#120503) or change to an alternate ink.
Pad	Pad is wrong shape (too flat).	Use a pad with a sharper angle of descent.
Pad	Red silicone pad carries too much static.	Use a white or black silicone pad. See pad catalog.
Cliché (plate)	Etch is too deep.	Check etch depth and make a new cliché if necessary.
Material (substrate)	Part carries too much static.	Attach a deionizing unit to pad printing machine.
Other	Room humidity is too low, causing static.	Increase humidity; ideal level is 40 to 60%.
Other	Dull doctor blade is pulling hairs out of the back edge of the image.	Sharpen or replace the doctor blade.

NOTE: If the problem can be seen on the pad before contacting the part, it is most likely an ink, pad or room condition. If you cannot see the problem until after printing on the material, try another material or clean the part to verify that there is no contamination on the surface. Static appears as fuzz in all directions of the image. Doctoring problems appear as hair or fuzz in one direction only.

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