Printing Problem - Silicone Pad Will Not Release the Complete Image
Pad-related Possibilities
Corrective Action
Pad may be worn or dried out.
Install new silicone pad.
Insufficient print stroke.
Increase downward force of print stroke.
Pad surface may be damaged.
Replace pad if there are any scuffs, worn areas or if the pad has exceeded its life expentancy.
Ink-related Possibilities
Corrective Action
Ink viscosity is too thick, causing the image to dry before printing.
Add thinner. Speed up machine cycle.
Ink viscosity is too thin. Thinner does not flash off or dissipate quickly enough.
Use a faster evaporating thinner. Apply front dwell feature. Blow a light stream of air on the pad.
Cliche-related Possibilities
Corrective Action
Etch depth may be too deep.
Remake cliche with longer screen exposure.
Substrate-related Possibilities
Corrective Action
Surface contamination from mold release, grease, oil or dust.
Preclean metal parts with Printex C-Solv. For plastic, painted or coated materials, use an industrial alcohol (TEST A SMALL AREA FIRST).
Troubleshooting Tip
First determine if the ink viscosity is too thick or too thin. It is easiest to determine if your ink mixture is too thin by using the front dwell feature on Printex machines. This feature stalls the downward movement of the pad in the print position. This allows for excess thinner to flash off before printing. You may also accomplish the same thing by blowing a light stream of air towards the pads. This method will not sacrifice the machine's cycle-time to increase. It is a little more difficult determining if the ink is too thick. Some indications are as follows: rolled or curled edges, flaky appearance and poor adhesion.
The area in which your pad printer is being used has a great effect in the process. Ideal conditions are to have the printer in a controlled area of 67-73 degrees F with 40-60% humidity.
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