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Printing &
marking
Optimum adaptation to the surface
Different procedures for the perfect result
The individual plastics are as different as the projects themselves. In order to achieve the best possible result, we have specialised in various processes that perfectly match the respective surface. Our portfolio ranges from pad printing to screen and digital printing to laser etching.
We also offer you a combination of different procedures. This results in a variety of products - all from a single source.
Our processes at a glance
Different approaches for an optimum result on your plastic part
Pad printing
Pad printing is an indirect gravure printing process in which the ink is taken from the print plate and applied to the surface to be printed using an elastic silicone rubber pad.
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non-backlit symbols
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simple to use
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3D geometry possible
Screen printing
Screen printing is a printing process in which the ink is pressed through a fine mesh fabric onto the material with a rubber squeegee. The places of the fabric which no colour is to reach are made impermeable by a stencil.
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Symbols and labels on flat components
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high resolution
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large areas
Digital printing
With digital printing, the print image is transferred directly from a computer file to the printer. This requires no static printing form.
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many coloured prints
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high variety of possibilities
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flat plastic parts
Laser etching
Laser etching serves to remove paint on coated surfaces, so that the underlying substrate comes to light. As a result, for example, illuminated control elements in day/night design can be generated.
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small to very large quantities
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low set-up costs
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visually high quality highlights
Pad printing
Proven process for smaller surfaces
Pad printing is easy to handle and allows only one colour per printing process. However, automation with multiple printing heads can print multiple colours one after the other.
The process requires only a low investmentand is ideally suited for printing on smaller user interfaces, non-backlit symbols and markings. An appropriate pad form can also be used to print on 3D geometries.
For each symbol and colour a so-called cliché is required, the print template, which is why pad printing is well used for medium to high quantities.
Screen printing
High resolution on flat plastic parts
With screen printing, one colour can be printed on the plastic part per printing process, if multiple colours on the component are desired, this requires several printing operations.
he process is characterised by good reproducibility and high resolution. It allows the printing of large areas..
A limitation is regarding the surface of the component: Since no 3D geometries can be printed, screen printing is suitable for symbols and inscriptions on flat components, especially in large quantities..
Digital printing
Direct printing from digital templates
Digital printing, enables the printing of digital originalsthat are sent from the PC to the printer. The colours are based on UV inks and dry already in the printer.
With this method, flat plastic parts in high resolution can be printed, for example, with logos. In one printing operation multi-coloured prints are possible, also gradients and any pictures and labels can be implemented.
Digital printing impresses with its very low set-up costs and a great variety of possibilities..The method is also suitable for customisation even with a batch size of 1.
Laser etching
High quality backlit symbols on user interfaces
When it comes to the production of illuminated control elements, laser etching represents a process safe way of marking.
The method allows the direct processing of design data as well as a high variety of possibilities.. The symbols on the user interfaces can be freely designed. With the laser, plastic parts can be etched in small to very large numbers. beschriften.
In the process flow, the procedure can look as follows:
- The component is manufactured with an injection moulding machine.
- A paint or PVD coating is applied..
- The plastic part is laser etched (“paint removal process”).
- A protective coating is applied.
The laser etching allows visually high quality graphics and pictograms[on user controls. The graphics can be chosen freely. This makes it possible, for example to have applications such as marking in day/night design..
Comparison of the processes
| Processes | Applications | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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| Pad printing |
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| Screen printing |
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| Digital printing |
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| Laser etching |
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KPA Kunststoff Produkte Aktuell
28. – 29. February 2024
Booth No.: 2-D15
We will be in Ulm as an exhibitor. Visit us.
Link to the free visitor ticket: