How Many Hardness Levels Does a Silicone Pad Have, and How Should You Select One to Suit the Workpiece Shape?

When changing from a flat surface workpiece to one with a curved surface, edges, or different height levels, using the same Silicone Pad may cause the printed pattern to be missing in certain areas. Therefore, the solution should not focus only on whether the Pad is hard or soft. The shape, material, and hardness value must be considered together to determine whether the symptom is caused by the contact area or by the properties of the Pad.

Table of Contents

• Incomplete printing may begin with the Pad shape
• Each Silicone Pad material has 4 hardness levels
• Start with the workpiece shape before comparing hardness values
• Differentiate N, LH, and AT materials by the required properties
• Information to prepare before changing the Pad
• What Tokuabe (Thailand) can do
• FAQ
• Key terms for understanding this article

■　Incomplete printing may begin with the Pad shape

When the printed pattern is incomplete, the first point to check is whether the Pad makes contact with the entire pattern area. If the workpiece has a curved surface, edges, or areas with different heights, the Pad shape may not reach certain positions, even when the same pressure is used.

Silicone Pads are available in standard shapes, assembled shapes, and shapes produced to suit the application. Therefore, if the contact area does not provide full coverage, changing only the hardness value may not solve the problem. The shape and pattern position should be checked first, followed by a comparison of the material and Shore E value.

■　Each Silicone Pad material has 4 hardness levels

Silicone Pads are divided into N, LH, and AT materials, with each material available in 4 hardness levels measured in Shore E. The numerical values differ between materials, so both the material type and hardness value should be specified when checking the Pad currently in use.

The terms “hard” or “soft” alone are therefore not sufficient for ordering or comparison. The rubber material type, color, and hardness value should be recorded together so that the results can be checked under the same conditions after changing the Pad.

■　Start with the workpiece shape before comparing Shore E values

Pad selection should begin by checking the pattern position and the characteristics of the workpiece surface, including the type of surface. Then check whether the Pad shape can make contact with the entire printing area.

After eliminating shape-related issues, select a material that corresponds with the application conditions and compare the 4 hardness levels within the same material. Changing one factor at a time helps identify whether the printing result changes because of the shape, material, or hardness value, without changing several factors simultaneously.

■　Differentiate N, LH, and AT materials by the required properties

• N material supports several types of ink and has antistatic and chemical-resistant properties.
• LH material has durability and ink-release properties.
• AT material has properties related to reducing fiber problems and controlling the amount of ink transfer.

Before comparing hardness values, begin with the problem that needs to be checked. If the issue concerns ink, static electricity, durability, ink release, or fibers, select the material group based on these properties first, and then test the hardness values within the same material. This method prevents the effects of changing the material and changing the hardness from becoming mixed together.

■　Information to prepare before changing the Pad

Simply stating that part of the printed pattern is missing may not provide enough information for Pad selection. Prepare images of the workpiece, the size and position of the pattern, the existing Pad shape, material type, color, hardness value, and the ink currently in use, together with the location where the pattern is missing.

If more than one Pad type is available, the results should be recorded separately according to the type and hardness value for comparison under the same printing conditions. This information helps determine whether the Pad shape, material, or hardness level should be reviewed before changing other parts of the process.

■　What Tokuabe (Thailand) can do

Tokuabe (Thailand) offers Silicone Pads in N, LH, and AT materials, with 4 hardness levels available for each material, as well as standard shape options, assembled shapes, and shapes produced to suit the application. The company also provides technical training, assistance with setting printing conditions, and printing services.

When the printed pattern is incomplete, comparing the Pad shape, material, and hardness value using information from the same workpiece helps narrow down the points that need to be checked without beginning by changing the Pad without defined conditions. The information required for consideration includes the workpiece shape, printing area, and details of the Silicone Pad currently in use. If the information is still incomplete, please contact us.

※For more details, please download the attached materials or contact us via the form below.

■　FAQ

Q1：How many hardness levels are available for Silicone Pads?
A1：Silicone Pads made from N, LH, and AT materials are each available in 4 hardness levels measured in Shore E. The numerical values differ between materials, so the rubber No., material, and Shore E value should be checked together.

Q2：For workpieces with different shapes, should the Pad be selected based on hardness first?
A2：The Pad shape and contact area should be checked first. If the Pad does not cover the entire pattern area, changing only the hardness may not solve the problem. The material should then be selected and the Shore E values compared.

Q3：What information is required when selecting a Silicone Pad?
A3：Prepare the workpiece shape and dimensions, pattern position, existing Pad shape, material type, color, hardness value, ink type, and images showing the locations where the printed pattern is incomplete.

■　Key terms for understanding this article

• Silicone Pad : A silicone rubber pad used to pick up ink and transfer it onto the workpiece in Pad Printing
• Shore E : A unit used to indicate the hardness level of each Silicone Pad material
• Oil Bleed : The level of oil release from the Silicone Pad material, which differs depending on the material type
• Contact Area : The area where the Pad contacts the workpiece to transfer the printed pattern

※For more details, please download the attached materials or contact us via the form below.