What types of ink are used in Pad Printing?

Types of Ink Used in Pad Printing

Pad printing relies on specially formulated inks designed to bond with diverse substrates while delivering exceptional print quality. Choosing the right ink chemistry is critical for long-term durability, resistance, and compliance—especially in regulated industries like medical and food packaging.

1. Single-Component Solvent-Based Inks

These quick-drying inks cure via solvent evaporation and are ideal for standard plastic materials, coated metals, rubber, and certain treated surfaces. They offer excellent ease of use and cost efficiency for general-purpose pad printing.

Applications: Toys, promotional products, buttons, general industrial goods.

2. Two-Component Solvent-Based Inks

Two-component (2K) inks are mixed with a hardener just before use, improving adhesion and resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and sterilization. These are the preferred choice for demanding environments where ink performance is mission critical.

Applications: Medical devices, automotive components, durable consumer electronics.

3. UV-Curable Inks (Hybrid Solvent-UV)

UV inks offer a fast, energy-efficient curing method that reduces VOC emissions. These inks partially dry via solvent, then fully cure under UV exposure. They’re excellent for high-speed production lines and sensitive packaging substrates.

Applications: Cosmetics, medical packaging, food containers, electronic housings.

Printcolor Inks Available from Deco Tech

Deco Tech is the exclusive North American supplier of Swiss-engineered Printcolor pad printing inks. Our product range covers virtually every application requirement:

• Printcolor Series 747 – Class VI certified, UV-curable medical-grade ink for healthcare and pharmaceutical devices.
• Printcolor Series 792 – 2-component ink for flexible substrates with high gloss and chemical resistance.
• Printcolor Series 750 – Popular all-around 2K ink for ABS, PC, and treated polyolefins.
• Printcolor Series 786 – Two-component ink with high coverage, gloss, and strong adhesion to metals and plastics.
• Printcolor Series 784 – Silicone-free pad printing ink ideal for cleanroom and regulatory-sensitive applications.
• Printcolor Series 712 – Specialty ink designed for untreated polypropylene with strong adhesion and flexibility.

Why Class VI Certification Matters

For medical and pharmaceutical products, Class VI certified inks such as Printcolor 747 ensure biocompatibility and compliance with USP testing standards. These inks are rigorously tested for cytotoxicity, sensitization, and systemic toxicity—ensuring safe use on parts that come into contact with patients.

Expert Ink Selection Support

Our team works closely with manufacturers to help determine the best ink chemistry for your product, part material, and regulatory environment. We offer full sampling, color matching, and process consultation to ensure success.

Contact us to request samples, technical data sheets, or to speak with a pad printing ink specialist.