One of the most common challenges we help customers solve is pad deformation—when the pad doesn’t compress and rebound correctly, leading to:
- Blurred prints
- Misalignment
- Inconsistent ink transfer.
At C‑Stamp, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you understand what’s going wrong and how to fix it.
What Is Pad Deformation?
Pad deformation happens when the pad compresses in a way that distorts the image during transfer. This issue becomes especially noticeable on:
- Curved surfaces like medical tubes or golf balls
- Textured surfaces like molded plastics or metal castings
- Raised or recessed features that change pad contact angles
Instead of a clean transfer, you may end up with stretching, ghosting, smearing, or light spots in the print.
Common Causes and Solutions
Here’s what might be wrong, and what you can do about it:
1. Pad Is Too Soft or Too Firm
Problem:
Pad printing deformation can be due to using the wrong durometer or hardness. For example, a soft pad may wrap too much around a curve, distorting the image. A hard pad might not conform at all, missing detail.
Solution:
Select the right durometer for the application.
- Start with a medium durometer (around 50–60 Shore A) for general curved surfaces
- For deep or irregular textures, test softer pads (40–50)
- For detailed raised prints, try a harder pad (70–80) for better top-contact
2. Pad Shape Doesn’t Match the Surface Geometry
Problem:
If the pad shape doesn’t match the object’s surface, it can over-compress in some areas and under-deliver in others.
Solution:
Choose a pad specifically shaped for the object contour.
C-Stamp helps customers match pad geometry to their product, whether it’s a cylindrical handle, concave recess, or domed surface.
3. Uneven Ink or Pickup Release
Problem:
Pad deformation can affect how evenly ink is picked up from the cliché and deposited onto the part.
- Solution:
Make sure the pad picks up ink evenly across the image - Use doctor blades and proper cliché depth to ensure consistency
- Consider a test print on a flat surface to isolate whether the issue is in pick-up or release
4. Environmental Factors
Problem:
Heat and humidity can cause your silicone pad to behave differently over time, especially with repeated use.
Solution:
- Store pads in a stable environment
- Replace pads that have hardened or become brittle
- Rotate pads in production to extend usable life
5. Worn or Overused Pad
Problem:
Even the best pads wear down. A deformed pad won’t deliver consistent prints, especially on textured or non-flat surfaces.
Solution:
If you’re seeing consistent failures, especially at the same angle or position, it’s time to swap in a new pad.
We keep all our custom molds on hand for fast reorders, so you’re never stuck waiting.
Having Trouble with Pad Printing Deformation?
Give us a call and we’ll walk through your setup to make sure your pad is working as hard as you are.
