A METHOD OF APPLYING INK TO A PRINTING BLOCK, A PAD PRINTING MACHINE FOR PERFORMING THE METHOD, AND AN INK VESSEL FOR USE IN THE PAD PRINTING MACHINE

摘要

A pad printing machine transfers a print pattern from a printing block (11) to an object (60) and comprises an ink reservoir (5) from which ink is applied to the printing block (1), as well as a wiper means (11) for wiping excess ink from the printing block (1) before the print pattern is transferred to the object (60) with a flexible pad (15). A flexible ink pad (7) through which the ink is transferred from the ink reservoir (5) has a plane side which is caused to contact the printing block (1) in the application of ink. The ink pad (7) is compressible and is made of a material permeable to the ink. An ink vessel for use in the pad printing machine comprises a container with ink which is transferred through one or more openings (54) to apply part of the ink to a printing block (1). A plate-shaped ink pad of a spongy material is provided in connection with said openings (54), which absorbs and transfers the ink to the printing block (1) by contact with it.