What are the common printing methods in CNC hardware precision parts customization?

In the customization of CNC hardware precision parts, there are several common printing methods:

Screen printing

Principle: Screen printing is to transfer the ink through the mesh of the graphic part to the surface of the part through the extrusion of the scraper. The screen plays the role of supporting the ink and leaking the ink. The scraper moves on the screen plate and squeezes the ink from the mesh to the hardware parts to form a pattern or text.

Advantages: It can adapt to hardware parts of various shapes and sizes, can achieve large-area printing, and has bright colors and strong covering power. Screen printing is a good choice for some parts that require high-saturation colors or need to be printed on rough surfaces. For example, printing brand logos or decorative patterns on some metal shells, screen printing can make the pattern clear and eye-catching.

Disadvantages: The resolution of screen printing is relatively low, and it may not achieve the ideal printing effect for some fine patterns or texts. In addition, the screen needs to be cleaned after each printing. When changing the pattern or color, the plate making process is relatively complicated, which is not suitable for small batches and fast printing of multiple patterns.

Laser marking

Principle: Use a high-energy-density laser beam to illuminate the surface of hardware parts, causing the material to melt, vaporize or change color instantly, leaving a permanent mark. Laser marking can control the path and energy of the laser beam through a computer to achieve accurate marking of complex patterns and text.

Advantages: High marking accuracy, capable of printing very fine patterns and extremely small fonts. It is a non-contact printing method that does not cause mechanical pressure and damage to hardware parts, and the marking is permanent, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, suitable for occasions with high requirements for marking quality and durability. For example, laser marking can ensure clear and durable markings when printing model, specifications and other information on some high-precision hardware tools.

Disadvantages: The equipment cost is high, and for some large or irregularly shaped parts, complex fixtures may be required to fix them to ensure that the laser can mark accurately. Moreover, laser marking can usually only be performed in monochrome, and the color is relatively single.

Pad printing

Principle: First, etch the pattern on the steel plate to form a gravure, then fill the ink into the gravure, and then transfer the ink from the gravure to the surface of the hardware parts through a silicone head. The softness of the silicone head can adapt to parts of different shapes, so as to achieve printing on curved or irregular surfaces.

Advantages: It can be printed on hardware parts of various complex shapes, including curved surfaces, concave and convex surfaces, etc. It can print very fine patterns and texts, and the printing effect is clear and has a strong sense of hierarchy. For example, pad printing can well meet the needs of fine pattern printing on some metal accessories with complex shapes.

Disadvantages: The speed of pad printing is relatively slow, and the efficiency may not be high for large-scale printing tasks. In addition, the silicone head needs to be replaced regularly to ensure the printing quality. At the same time, the selection and deployment of ink also requires a certain amount of experience, otherwise there may be problems such as loose printing and uneven color.