To see our vast array of profiles click on one of the three shapes.

In addition to the shape, the durometer (hardness) of the print pad plays an equally important role.

Remember, as a rule of thumb; " The higher the angle, the harder the durometer, the better the print." However, substrate structure, tooling layout, and a myriad of other factors may not allow the use of a hard pointed pad. To deal with these obstacles, lower angle pads are available. (See Profiles click above). Also, durometer is adjustable. DDS has the ability to manufacture pads in the range of 20-80 Shore OO or anywhere in between with a plus or minus 3 range consistently should that be your request. Under normal circumstances the durometer of a pad is indicated by the color

By customer request, any durometer can be any color, and if differing from the norm, the durometer will marked on the bottom or side of the base of the pad. By special request, DDS will design and produce a "dual durometer" print pad which as its name indicates has two different durometers in one pad or even a hollow pad for those extremely difficult applications. Ask about it in "Contact Us" section.

Please indicate which type mounting base you require. If unsure, let our customer service representative know the manufacturer of your pad printer and we will cross reference.

In order to achieve optimum results from our printing pads, we recommend that you practice the following guidelines within your pad printing department.

Pad Storage

Upon receipt of the print pads remove the protective PVC Wax coating from the pad surface. This cover is used to protect the pad surface during transit but if it is not removed it may inhibit the "total cure" process and leave an oily residue on the pad crown which may impair the release characteristics of the pad. in the event that the coating is left on the pad and an oily file is noticeable, we suggest that this film be removed by wiping the pad surface with MEK, Acetone or conventional alcohol prior to using the pads in production. All pads should be stored in a low moisture cool environment. A vented cabinet is recommended. Never store pads on top one another or so that the bases will come in contact with the pad crown as this will create deformities on the pad surface which will not allow that pad to be used on line. Finally, never store pads in plastic bags as this will have the same adverse effect as leaving the cover on. In brief, store the pads with the crown or printing surface facing upright away from adjacent pads and without their protective cover.

Pad Break-In Procedure

All new pad surfaces must be wiped with solvent prior to being used on line. Some silicone resins break in well with conventional alcohol whereas others may work better with Acetone, or MEK. Our pads may be cleaned with any of the above solvents, yet we recommend Acetone as it has a tendency to quickly remove the excess oils inherent in the molding process. Never utilize ink solvents as cleaning agents as they will leave a grease residue on the pad surface which will yield a greater degree of rejected prints.

Please note: This website contains a fraction of the several hundred pad shapes that we presently stock at our facility. For more information please contact Steve Shell: steve.diversified@verizon.net