screen printing > Non Textile

Pad Printing Equipment?

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mimosatexas:
We are looking into adding pad printing to our lineup, mainly due to frustrations with outsourcing and some specific needs that cant be outsourced.  I want to stay away from the shitty press a print stuff and actually invent in quality equipment from the get go.  What brands, models, etc should I be looking at?  What are less obvious equipment or capital expenditures we will need to consider?  Are there any workspace considerations outside of the norm (ventilation, space, electrical, etc) we need to consider?  Thanks!

Zelko-4-EVA:
we have two B150 machines from Ink Cups and one of their Cobalt 2000 platemakers.

we have had success with their equipment, no major issues or complaints.  my only experience is with printing neck tags.   we print between 1500-3000 per day with two machines.

hazardous waste disposal for old ink that cant be reused the next day.
ventilation - the smell from solvents can be strong - effective ventilation is necessary, its better to pull the air away and not blow onto the equipment due to the way the ink dries.
the cobalt laser platemaker needs either a vent to outside with external fan or you could use one of their venting boxes.
space - i think our two pad printers and ink making area use about 300 square feet for ink making, printing, and staging shirts.
electrical - the machines use 120v and compressed air

other considerations - sturdy table.  the movement of the ink cup and pad will shake flimsy tables.
ink storage requires a chemical cabinet.  hazardous waste disposal requires a metal can as ink and solvents can eat through paint and plastics. 

ink cups can test the substrate for compatibility with their inks and make a recommendation.  you can also go to them for training - proper ink mixing is key.  you have to get the ink/hardener/solvent ratio correct or the ink will not work correctly.  temperature and humidity affects the ink making  - we are in the northeast so our winter ink and summer ink use different amounts - its not mix and go, its measure ink, measure hardener, stir, add solvent until ink looks correct. 

spare parts for the ink cup - a replacement ceramic ring and o ring will be necessary - or send it to the mfr and they will change it for you.  we have dropped a few cups and damaged some that wont take a new ceramic ring.

inkcups can make a plate for you if you dont want to buy a platemaker.  i havent done this, so i dont know turnaround time.

RICK STEFANICK:
The ink cups equipment is real decent stuff. For neck tags I would recommend a rapid tag though. They are much faster. I dont think you will be able to do it any cheaper than your paying for products with embellishment. as far as wanting to do stuff you cant get done. ask yourself why they dont offer it? I guarantee it is because whatever it is is not cost effective. Why move a non money maker in house just to have more control? Because it will certainly cost you more with labor, overhead etc.

mimosatexas:
Thanks for the info Zelko, great starting point and very much appreciated.

We will not be using it for inside neck labels, at least not primarily.  Our issues with outsourcing aren't about cost or ability to source items, but mainly with turnaround times in adherence with our other service offerings and some business structure constraints I wont really go into (we are largely an on demand fulfillment company).  Can't exactly outsource quicker turnaround times and small run flexibility with products made and printed in the US...

RICK STEFANICK:
That makes perfect sense. I know a guy that does just that.

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