Frequently asked questions or issues:

Frequently asked questions or issues related to the pad printing process and or pad printing inks:

POOR ADHESION OF PAD PRINT INK TO PRODUCT:

Cause: This problem occurs often because the substrate is not known.
Solution: Try to first identify the substrate, then select the correct pad printing ink.

PAD PRINT INK ISSUES:

Cause: Ink is wrong type.
Solution: Perform ink tests and try various different types of inks.
Cause: Wrong hardener or no hardener used with a two component ink.
Solution: Mix ink with correct hardener.
Cause: Incorrect hardener-to-ink ratio.
Solution: Use correct ratio by weight.

SUBSTRATE ISSUES:

Cause: Surface of part is contaminated.
Solution: Clean part prior to printing.
Cause: Surface tension of part is too low.
Solution: Pre-treat parts to increase surface tension to at least 44 dyne.
Test with dyne solution Trans Tech # T500XX (XX=Level of dyne). Pretreatment
options: Anti-static devices (Trans Tech type HE Nozzle); Corona electrical surface
pre-treatment (Trans Tech Versa Dyne); Flame exposure of substrate.

CURING ISSUES:

Cause: Not enough heat applied to part.
Solution: Use higher temperature or heat for longer
Cause: Not enough curing time used.
Solution: Part must sit for one to five days before fully cured.
Cause: Too much heat was used: (Plastisol or flame retardant is bleeding through)
Solution: Use a lower temperature and heat for longer time.