Ink mixing is critical to achieving a perfect print. Incorrectly mixing printing ink will drastically affect the printing process. This can get difficult and frustrating. This will, in turn, lead to reduced production time and wasted pad printing ink mixing.
To mix ink, you must have the proper equipment. Use a digital scale to mix pad printing inks. We recommend a gram scale that has an accuracy of 0.1 grams. Additional recommended supplies are: unlined mixing cups (no wax), mixing sticks, or a spatula. Unlined cups are important to reduce the chance of the ink getting contaminated. Contaminated mixed inks will cause the ink to have poor adhesion. Lastly, you need personal protective equipment—gloves and goggles. These are highly recommended. Learn how to mix ink.
Click here for the ink mixing instructions video.
After you have gathered all the necessary pad printing supplies and equipment, the next step is to make sure that you have the ink and the appropriate additives. These additives are hardeners (catalysts) and solvents for 2-component inks and solvents for 1-component inks. 1-component inks do not use hardener.
Also note that inks must re-thin every 2-3 hours in the ink cup. This helps to replace evaporated solvents. Our pad printing machines have an ink mixing feature which will help the inks stay wet. Please note that Natron Inks are highly pigmented and may take more solvent than other inks. High pigmentation leads to high opacity prints. Lastly, never add fresh ink into mixed ink. Want to print on silicone, visit our SE silicone inks.
These simple steps will help improve your printing process. If you still require assistance, please contact us (+1 (781)-281-2558 and we will be glad to help you.
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