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Pad printing vs screen printing, which is better for my product?
Pad printing is better for 3D curved surfaces, fine detailing, and multi-colour registration, whereas screen printing is superior for large, flat, or simple cylindrical items requiring heavy ink opacity.
- Choose Pad Printing: When printing recessed areas, complex contoured shapes, compound curves, or micro-text.
- Choose Screen Printing: When printing solid, bold graphics on flat panels, large banners, or 360-degree cylindrical bottles.
How much does a pad printing machine cost in the UK?
Depending on the setup, prices can range from £6,000 to £100,000+. Costs vary based on overall size, number of printing heads (colours), and attachments such as light beam safety curtains, multi-conveyors, robotic loading/unloading, or built-in pre- and post-treatment stations.
Can pad printing machines print on curved surfaces?
Yes. Pad printing machines are ideal for three-dimensional shapes because the flexible silicone rubber pad acts as an adaptable transfer medium for two-dimensional images.
What is the difference between open ink well and closed cup pad printing?
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Open Ink Well: The ink is constantly exposed, requiring higher solvent usage during production to maintain proper ink viscosity.
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Closed Cup: Provides greater control over evaporation rates and viscosity, requiring less operator intervention during production to maintain print quality. Kent’s patented ink cup liner technology enables rapid ink changeovers with minimal cleaning compared to conventional ink wells and standard closed cups.
How do I choose the right ink cup size for my pad printer?
Ink cups are available in 60mm, 90mm, 130mm, and 160mm sizes across the range. The size required is determined by your artwork image dimensions and the physical limits of the machine model.