Pad Printing for Irregular Package Surfaces
7 patents in this list
Updated:
Pad printing on irregular package surfaces presents unique technical challenges, particularly when decorating angular bottles and complex curved geometries. Current systems struggle with ink transfer consistency across surface transitions, with deviation rates exceeding 15% on sharp angles and requiring multiple passes that increase production time by 40-60%. These challenges are amplified when printing intricate designs that must maintain precise registration across irregular contours.
The fundamental challenge lies in achieving consistent ink transfer and adhesion across varying surface geometries while maintaining production efficiency and print quality.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including shape-conforming indentation pads, rotary transfer systems with perforated screens, synchronized multi-axis printing mechanisms, and contoured die technologies. These and other approaches focus on practical implementations that enable reliable, high-quality decoration of complex package surfaces in industrial settings.
1. Printer Set for Multicolor Ink Transfer onto Food Cans Using Molded Rubber Sheets
TOYO SEIKAN CO LTD, Toyo Seikan Co., Ltd., 2023
A printer set for realistically detailed printing on food cans using a unique transfer technique. The printer set consists of a mold with raised sections for each color that transfers ink onto a rubber sheet. Multiple sheets are printed with the mold and ink, then the rubber sheets are adhered to the can body. This allows the ink to transfer onto the can surface during can production. The rubber sheets with the printed design are applied to the can body and the ink is transferred during the can manufacturing process. This provides detailed, realistic prints on the can surface.
2. Thermal Transfer Apparatus with Wrapping, Tensioning, and Ramping Sections for Sublimation Printing on Cylindrical Objects
Advance SCS, ADVANCE SCS CO LTD, 2018
A thermal transfer apparatus for printing on mugs and glass bottles using sublimation transfer. The apparatus has a wrapping section to secure the sublimation transfer paper around the mug or bottle, a tensioning section with a silicone pad to pull the paper and transfer the image, and a ramping section to separate the paper. A roller pulls the paper through tensioners. This allows printing on detachable cups by winding the paper around, tensioning to transfer, then separating.
3. Pad Printing Machine with Shape-Conforming Indentation Pad for Complex Surface Ink Transfer
SGD SA, 2017
Pad printing method and machine for decorating parts with complex shapes like angular bottles that can't be easily printed using conventional pad printing techniques. The method involves using a specially designed pad with a recessed indentation that matches the shape of the part's surface. This allows precise transfer of ink to the recessed areas. The machine has a loading station to fill the pad with ink, a transfer station to bring the part and pad together, and a cleaning station to remove excess ink. This enables efficient, reproducible decoration of complex parts.
4. Method and Installation for Glass Bottle Decoration Using Perforated Screen and Rotary Pad Printing System
SGD SA, 2016
A method and installation for decorating glass bottles with a more reliable and efficient pad printing process that addresses the issues of fragile screens and ink connections in conventional pad printing. The process involves using a perforated screen for screen printing to transfer the ink onto a rotary pad instead of directly onto the bottle. The bottle is then pressed against the rotary pad to transfer the ink. This allows using a moderate pressure and synchronous translation of the pad and bottle to prevent damage to the screen and ink connections. The perforated screen allows ink transfer without contacting the bottle. The rotary pad provides a stable and adjustable printing surface.
5. Pad Printing Apparatus with Hollow Indentation Pads for Angular Surface Decoration
SGD SA, 2013
Pad printing method and machine for decorating angular surfaces like bottles that allows precise and reproducible decoration of parts with complex shapes. The pad printing process involves using a pad with a hollow indentation that matches the shape of the angled surface to be printed. This allows the pad to fully contact and transfer ink onto the entire angled surface without overflow or shifting. The pad can also have an intermediate convex shape to recharge ink between applications. The machine has separate pads for ink recharging and transfer to the part. It brings the part and pad together gradually to contact the bottom of the indentation and transfer ink. This prevents shifting or overflow.
6. Pad Printing System with Contoured Die for Angular Surface Decoration
SGD SA, 2013
Pad printing method and machine for accurately decorating angular surfaces like bottle walls using a unique pad die shape. The method involves preparing ink in the die imprint that matches the part's wall shape. Then the die is moved to contact the wall, transferring ink onto it. This allows decorating complex angular surfaces that regular pads can't reach. The die has an indentation with a complementary shape to the part wall. The ink is developed in the indentation before transferring to flatten the relief.
7. Rotating Transfer Pad and Perforated Screen System for Seamless Circumferential Glass Bottle Decoration
SGD SA, 2013
Decorating glass bottles with intricate designs that can be applied to the entire circumference without ink connections or multiple passes. The decoration process involves using a perforated screen and a rotating transfer pad to print onto the bottle. The bottle is held stationary while the screen and pad rotate synchronously around it. This allows continuous, seamless coverage of the bottle circumference. The perforations in the screen allow ink to transfer to the pad instead of directly onto the bottle, preventing ink connections.