Robotic Automation for Pad Printing Operations

Micah Swett

On Thursday, October 24^th at 2:00pm in Room C142 Micah Swett, sales manager for Diversified Printing Technologies, will present “Pad Print Automation.” The pad printing method allows the transfer of a two-dimensional image onto a 3-dimensional object. This process is used for printing on products that are difficult to print on — such as rigid and concaved surfaces.

“With labor shortages, a decline in experience levels, and rising wages, it’s critical that facilities automate the pad printing process to ensure the work is accomplished even when qualified workers are in short supply,” says Swett.

“Pad printing machines have evolved into complex pieces of equipment, many with precision movements controlled by guide rails and servo motors,” he explains. “However, historically over 95 percent of pad printing machines are manually loaded by an operator.”

The availability of robotics is changing the pad printing process. “Using robots for pad printing automation reduces labor requirements. It allows operators to be available for other tasks or to become trained for higher skill level jobs. Also, using less labor during the production process reduces overall labor costs for pad printing.

The consistent production cycle that robot automation provides delivers additional benefits for the pad printing process. The inks behave consistently when they are used in a more repeatable manner, delivering more quality prints in less amount of time.

“By adding robotic automation to pad printing, companies can reduce labor, increase repeatability and remove unnecessary touches from the process,” Swett emphasizes.

Swett’s session will cover the array of improvements in pad printing that allow for automation. This includes the machine functions that assist in automation, such as robotics, as well as the options that increase productivity. The three different types of robotics available will be discussed. Swett will also the topic of additional technology that increases the effectiveness of automation in pad printing.

This session is a must for all printers looking to leverage the advantages of pad printing.