Potential Problems in Printing – Description of Problems and Proposed Solutions

Problem Solution
1. Too thin. 1. Use new ink.
2. Wrong ink system. 2. Use another pad printing ink.
3. Transparent ink. 3. Use opaque ink.
Problem Solution
1. Etching too shallow. 1. Produce new cliche with greater etching depth.
2. Wrong cliche type. 2. Use different cliche type.
3. Wrong screen ruling. 3. Test new cliche with different fineness of halftone screen..
4. Motif not slanted. 4. Slant motif.
5. Different etching depth 5. Produce new cliche with constant etching depth.
Problem Solution
1. Wrong pad shape. 1. Use more tapered pad shape.
2. Too soft. 2. Use harder pad.
3. Surface too rough. 3. Replace pad.
Problem Solution
1. Surface structure too irregular. 1. Use hard, pointed pad shape.
2. Soiled surface. 2. Pre-clean objects, e.g., with alcohol.
Problem Solution
1. Doctor blade sags.. 1. Use stronger doctor blade, or screen areas or slant lines.
2. Only printed once. 2. Double print or preprint opaque ink.

This deficiency is easily observed in prints where peripheral areas are acceptable, but coverage (hiding) worsens progressively toward center. See also “Insufficient Opacity.”