Keep Distortion In Perspective Durring The Pad Printing Process

Using common sense is a good starting point, especially in dealing with distortion issues in pad printing. For example, just look at your artwork and printing surface: the art is on a flat plate when it is picked up, and if the part is also flat then the image should retain its normal form. However, keep in mind that when you pick up from a flat surface to lay down on a curved one, you must compensate for the difference. This is done by selecting a pad with adequate “height”. In this way, the large mass of silicone will absorb the difference of the two contours without distortion, In general, a larger volume of silicone rubber will result in less image distortion. Also, if the maximum printing area of a pad is exceeded by trying to apply an overly large image, the result will be distortion. Be sure to stay within the recommended image area for optimum results. Distortion should not occur when printing on a flat, ridged surface. Our pad printing plate services department at ITW Trans Tech can test and develop specially distorted artwork to compensate for an uneven printing surface.