Laser Marking vs Printing vs Stickers vs Embossing

There are multiple ways to add text, logos or markings to rubber products including laser marking, ink pad printing, inkjet printing, using embossings in the mold, and using stickers during the molding process.

When the product is made from a mold the easiest approach is to engrave the text or logo into the mold as their is no additional step and the embossing can also have depth or protrude from the rubber part. This type of marking is also the most durable and works for most applications.

When there is not a mold for the exterior of the part like in hose manufacturing or if an application requires for the marking to be of a different color then either laser marking or ink printing is needed as a secondary process. Rubber Mexico has laser marking machines that are able to mark rubber parts quickly with logos, text and more. The marking can either be superficial or cut into the part slightly to give more contrast to the marking. The color of the marking is typically an off white/grey, but can be black or the natural color of the compound with adjustments to the parameters. It is often not possible to get a crisp white though.

When a crisp white marking is needed using white ink is the best option to apply these markings. Rubber Mexico has ink pad printing and inkjet printing machines. The type of machine used depends on the size and type of product. With this process ink that can be any color is applied to the rubber product and quickly cured right afterwards. The ink is durable, but is a less durable approach them embossing using the mold or laser marking which essentially last the life of the product.

For formed hoses there is also another option of applying stickers to the hose prior to the molding process. This process adds cost to the part, but can leave a more permanent marking than post printing operations since the ink is actually cured into the rubber hose during the molding process.