How to choose pad printing glue head

When selecting pad printing heads, you need to comprehensively consider factors such as material characteristics, pattern requirements, printing material shape and process conditions. Here are the key steps and precautions:

1. Determine the material of the glue head
   ①, silicone type:
   Ordinary silicone: suitable for most flat or simple curved surfaces, with a lower cost.
   High elastic silicone: used for fine patterns (such as small text and complex lines), good elasticity and long life.
   High temperature resistant silicone: suitable for high temperature inks or environments (such as UV inks).
   ②. Hardness selection: (Shore hardness):
   soft rubber head (10°-20°): suitable for curved surfaces and irregular surfaces (such as toys and bottle caps), with good fit.
   Medium hardness (25°-35°): Universal type, balanced elasticity and support.
   Hard rubber head (above 40°): Suitable for flat printing, high detail reduction, but poor flexibility.
   
   2. Choose a fine pattern according to the pattern and substrate
   : Choose a highly elastic and slightly hard rubber head (such as 25°-30°) to ensure clear lines.
   Large area color blocks: Use a slightly softer rubber head (15°-20°) to avoid ink brushing.
   Curved/concave surface: Soft rubber head (10°-20°) can fit better and avoid incomplete printing.
   Material adaptation:
   Plastic, Metal: General-purpose medium hardness glue head.
   Glass and ceramics: It needs to be wear-resistant silicone to avoid deformation after multiple printing.
   
   3. Shape and size of rubber head
   :
   Pointed head: suitable for small area and high-precision patterns (such as electronic components).
   Flat head: used for flat printing (such as signs, keyboards).
   Arc head: adapted to cylindrical objects (such as pen holder, cup).
   Size: The diameter of the rubber head is usually 20%-50% larger than the pattern, ensuring complete coverage of the ink.
   
   4. Key performance parameters
   resilience: The fast rebound rubber head is suitable for high-speed printing.
   Solvent resistance: If a strong solvent ink (such as acetone) is used, a glue head with high chemical stability is required.
   Temperature resistance: Choose silicone with a temperature resistance of 150°C or above in high temperature environments (such as drying process).
   Lifespan: High elastic silicone can be printed more than 50,000 times, and ordinary rubber heads are about 10,000 to 30,000 times.
   
   5. Test and verification
   test printing:
   1. Check whether the pattern is complete, whether there is any ink or stain.
   2. Observe the fit of the glue head and the substrate and adjust the pressure (usually 10-50N/cm²).
   Adjustment parameters: If wire drawing occurs, replace the soft rubber head; if the details are blurred, replace the hard rubber head.
   

   6. Supplier and cost
   brand recommendations:
   Polytek (US), **Smooth-On** (Professional Pad Printing Silicone).
   Domestic substitution: such as Dongguan and Shenzhen manufacturers' cost-effective models.
   Cost control: Confirm the effect of small batch trial production to avoid large-scale purchases of unsuitable rubber heads.
   
   Frequently Asked Questions to Solve
   Poor Ink Transfer → Replace softer or lower surface energy glue heads.
   Adhesive to glue the ink → Check the silicone for resistance to stickiness, or clean the surface of the glue head.
   Short life → Use a high elastic or solvent resistant model instead.
   
   Through the above steps, you can accurately match your needs and improve printing quality and efficiency.