Pad printing may seem a bit overwhelming to the uninitiated, but don’t worry. Think of us as an extension of your engineering department. Our job is to make your job easier, not harder. Here a few "frequently asked questions" and their respective "frequently given answers".
What is pad printing?
Pad printing is a wet-ink film transfer printing process. It is also known as tampography or tampo printing.
The process was invented for printing finely detailed images directly onto three-dimensional objects, where-
as other printing processes are generally limited to printing only onto flat objects.
What do I need in order to pad print?
In order to pad print you need the following things:
pad printing machine
cliche’ (printing plate) with image engraved into surface
pad printing ink
transfer pad
something to print onto (object)
fixture (to hold the object in location for printing)
How do I get the image onto the cliche?
You start with a properly formatted, digital file of the artwork. That file is then opened or imported into a
graphic program such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw.
The file may be used to directly engrave the cliche using a laser, or it may be output to an indirect carrier (film)
for use in exposing the cliche (using U.V. light) for either photoengraving or chemical etching.
What type of cliche is right for my application?
The choice of cliche type depends on several variables, however the main consideration is based on the
number of imprints you need to obtain from a given cliche. For example, one type of photopolymer cliche
might be expected to yield a maximum of 15,000 impressions, whereas a ceramic cliche could yield several
million impressions.
Cost is normally the secondary consideration in choosing a cliche. If you need to print lots of different
impressions or have low volume production runs (under 100,000 parts) you will most likely find that either a
photopolymer or lower durability laser engraved cliche more cost effective. If you need to print the same
image every day or have high volume production runs (100,000 to several million) you will most likely find
that a ceramic or steel cliche to be the most cost effective.
Ask us. We can point you in the right direction and / or supply you with whatever you need for cliches.
How do I know what type of ink to use?
Use an ink specifically formulated for pad printing. These inks will be either conventional, solvent-based or
U.V. (ultraviolet curable). Water based ink or paints will not work in the pad printing process, and screen-
printing inks or solvent based paints will not yield sufficient coverage.
There are many different types of pad printing ink. The best way to identify the correct ink is to send us
physical samples of your parts for testing. Our full-service applications lab will evaluate your parts and
test print them for free (assuming you don’t mind us simply printing our logo for the sample). We can then
recommend the right ink, additives and pre- and post-treatment processes for your application.
How do I know what type of pad to use?
Pads come in all shapes, sizes, colors and degrees of hardness. There are numerous variables involved
when it comes to choosing the right one. The best way to identify the correct ink is to send us
physical samples of your parts for testing. Our full-service applications lab will evaluate your parts and
test print them for free using an assortment of pads, and considering the model of machine you have, the
geometry and surface characteristics of your part, your artwork, and other factors.
What about fixturing?
Fixturing (also called nesting, nesting fixtures or “jigs”) is very important. If you cannot hold your object firmly
in location, at the correct angle, and with the right amount of support, you cannot successfully print it. We
strongly recommend that if you’re just starting out you allow us to design and manufacture your first several
sets of fixtures. That way you can see what is necessary to do it correctly. After that, you can elect to either
stay with TAMPOPRINT fixtures, make them yourself, or find a machinist locally.
What about training?
Training is extremely important. You can obtain training in our Vero Beach, Florida facility at no charge, or
you can have a technician train your personnel in your facility for $ 720.00 per day, plus travel expenses.
(Weekends and holidays are additional). In certain circumstances the costs for having a technician visit you
are negotiable.
What are your terms?
Our terms for standard pad printing machines are 75% down with a written purchase order, and 25% NET
30 with approved credit. You can obtain a credit application by contacting us at 800-810-8896 or via the
Contact Us link on the website and asking that one be faxed or e-mail to you.
We do not provide financing or payment plans. New customers that cannot obtain credit may use a credit
card until such time as they establish themselves with TAMPOPRINT.
Terms for automation are different, and are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Where are your machines made?
TAMPOPRINT pad printing equipment is MADE in GERMANY. They include a one year warranty on all
mechanical parts, and six month warranty on electrical and pneumatic components. Extended warranties
and service plans are available.
What about TAMPOPRINT?
The founder of TAMPOPRINT, Mr. Wilfried Philipp, invented the modern pad printing process. His first
machine was presented in 1970. TAMPOPRINT first came to the United States in 1974. TAMPOPRINT
International Corporation was founded as a subsidiary of TAMPOPRINT, Germany in 1994.
How many pad printers does TAMPOPRINT have installed worldwide?
TAMPOPRINT has well over 100,000 machines installed worldwide.
Why should I buy from TAMPOPRINT?
Your success or failure with the pad printing process will depend on the level of technical service and
support that you receive from your supplier. Price is secondary. We are not the cheapest. We are the
least expensive. We manufacture the world’s most dependable pad printing equipment, and we back
it up with the world’s most experienced network of pad printing professionals, and the finest in pad printing
accessories and supplies.
