Pad printing and silk screening are two high-quality metal finishing solutions offered by All Powder Coat & Screen.
Though we often perform these services after our team powder coats parts in our shop, we also complete stand-alone pad printing and silk screening orders.
Keep reading to learn what these services entail, why we choose one method over the other, and how our shop excels at pad printing and silk screening services.
Pad printing involves transferring a 2D image from an etched metal plate onto a part using a silicone rubber pad. Specialized ink is applied to the metal plate, and the silicone pad is pressed onto it, picking up the ink. The pad is then pressed onto the part, transferring the image with precision and flexibility to conform to the part. The ink is given time to dry or cure, resulting in a durable and detailed print.
At All Powder Coat & Screen, we pad print parts whenever possible. This modern solution is ideal for high-volume, repeat orders. Once the setup is complete, we can easily repeat the process for multiple parts. Pad printing services are also great for dual-color printing and allow for excellent consistency, capturing smaller-scale designs or features well.
Though pad printing is faster than silk screening, the process is less flexible with complex parts. There’s also a higher initial setup cost because the metal plate can range from $80 to $300, depending on complexity, so it’s not the best option for low-volume orders.
Silk screening transfers ink through a fine mesh screen onto a part. A stencil or template is created on the screen to define the design, and areas where ink should be applied are left open while the rest is blocked. Ink is then applied to the screen, and a squeegee is used to push it through the open areas of the screen onto the part, creating the desired image or pattern. This process can be repeated for multiple colors, producing vibrant and durable prints.
Though machines can automate silk screening, All Powder Coat & Screen uses a manual approach to get the best results. As one of the oldest printing methods, silk screening is best for small quantities of parts, complex parts that require flexibility, and parts that are large in size.
Because manual silk screening is labor-intensive and requires significant skill, the process is slower than pad printing. It’s also less consistent in ink distribution because a human is applying pressure to the squeegee rather than a machine.
Pad printing and silk screening work best on aluminum or powder coated parts. At All Powder Coat & Screen, we consider several factors when choosing the appropriate method.
Silk screening is best for parts with intricate shapes, while pad printing requires a reasonably flat surface for optimal results.
Pad printing is usually our top choice over silk screening for high-volume or repeat orders since the process is faster and more consistent.
Pad printing plates can be costly, but we can reuse them for repeat orders, saving money. There’s a lower initial setup cost with silk screening, but the process may require more labor.
Our pad printing machines can generally print within a 6” x 6” area, although we can print multiple sections for larger parts. With silk screening, we can handle parts up to 24” x 24” or even larger with printing in limited areas.
All Powder Coat & Screen is highly experienced in silk screening and pad printing services. This expertise is essential when parts have complicated features, such as silk screening up against a flange.
We’re also skilled in using a two-part epoxy ink, which some shops avoid because it can be challenging to work with. However, it’s harder and more durable than other inks, giving our customers better results.
Our team takes pride in our work. A secondary source inspects every pad printing and silk screening order before it goes out the shop door. If you’d like to learn more about our metal finishing solutions, contact us today or request a quote.
Click the button below, fill out the form, include a STEP file & PDF print and click Submit, or call us now at (972) 747-1231. Please note, a minimum order of $500 is required.
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