Pad printing Closed InkCup System
How IT works
Through the detailed diagrams below, we provide a step-by-step explanation of how a closed inkcup system functions in pad printing. This guide is designed to help you better understand the full pad printing cycle, from ink transfer to final image placement, and how this system differs from traditional open inkwell setups.
The closed inkcup system is a modern advancement in pad printing technology that offers several key advantages for both small and high-volume production environments. Unlike open inkwell systems that require frequent supervision, the closed inkcup system significantly reduces the need for constant monitoring. The inkcup seals directly against the printing plate (cliché), which helps to prevent contamination, minimize ink evaporation, and reduce exposure to solvent-based ink fumes—resulting in a cleaner and safer working environment.
Another major benefit of the closed inkcup design is its impact on production efficiency. By maintaining consistent ink viscosity and requiring less downtime for ink adjustments, the system allows for faster cycle times and increased print throughput. This makes it ideal for manufacturers seeking reliable, high-quality prints with minimal operator intervention.
Explore the diagrams below to see how this efficient, enclosed pad printing process works in detail, and learn why the closed inkcup system has become the preferred choice for many in the industrial, medical, and promotional product printing sectors.
How a Pad printing CLOSED INK CUP SYSTEM Works
The starting point. In this position, the printing plate is covered with ink from the closed inkcup system. The image in the printing plate is filled with ink after the inkcup moves forward, depositing ink inside the inkcup dimensions. Typically, these are circular but other inkcup shapes can be sold to increase the print size. The depth of the image on the printing plate is carefully engraved to approximately 25 microns.
Next the pad and the closed inkcup system move back. The ceramic or steel ring on the inkcup scrapes all the excess ink backwards. From the moment ink is left in the recessed image area of the printing plate, the outside air begins to evaporate making the top layer of the ink tacky. This tacky ink is important; it is what is relied upon by the pad to pull the ink from the recessed image.
In step 3 the pad and the closed inkcup system move down. The inkcup ring scrapes all the excess ink backwards. Using the controls on the machine the pad must be adjusted with the lowest amount of pressure possible to pick up the image entirely without deforming or distorting it.
Next the pad moves up and pulls the ink off the printing plate. From that moment on the bottom of the ink layer is now exposed to the air becoming tacky. Now, as in step 2, the thinner begins to evaporate from that side of the image.
At the same time the pad is moving forward to get into the position to deposit the image onto the part, the closed inkcup system moves forward, once again filling the printing plate and the recessed image with the ink to print on the next part. The pad is now above the product to be printed.
The pad moves downwards again and presses onto the product. The ink is transferred from the pad to the product. The force with which the printing is done is not important for the transfer of the ink. The mere touch of the pad ensures transfer. At this step the lowest possible pressure is necessary to prevent deformation.
The pad moves back up to the starting position. The pad printing machine is now ready for the next cycle. This entire process from steps 1-7, is measured in mere seconds.
