Systematic Analysis of Factors Influence on the Quality of Pad Printing on Decorative Products

1
Lviv Polytechnic National University Institute of Printing Art and Media Technologies
2
Lviv Polytechnic National University Institute of Printing Art and Media Technologies

Ensuring stable imprints quality in pad printing of decorative products from natural materials remains one of the key challenges of modern printing production. Indirect printing technology, despite its widespread adoption due to the ability to apply images to complex geometric surfaces, requires a comprehensive approach to controlling mul­tiple interconnected factors. This issue is particularly relevant for decorative wooden products, where traditional printing methods often prove ineffective due to the complexity of surface geometry and the specific properties of natural materials.
The study employed the Ishikawa diagram to systematise cause­and­effect relationships between technological parameters and quality characteristics of the fini­shed products. The methodology employed a phased approach, comprising factor identification through brainstorming sessions with expert groups, systematisation of the identified factors, and expert evaluation of their significance. The analysis covered the influence of such factor groups: printing plate characteristics, ink properties, pad para­meters, environmental conditions, substrate features, and equipment settings.
For quantitative analysis, the Saaty Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied with the participation of 12 experts having over 5 years of experience. The consistency of expert evaluations was confirmed by Kendall’s concordance coefficient (W = 0.73). It was established that printing speed, ink viscosity, and pad hardness have the greatest impact on imprint quality. A mathematical model in the form of a quality objective function was developed for predicting printing results and optimising technological parameters.
Comprehensive recommendations for technological process optimisation were de­veloped, including critical parameter control systems, production environment mana­gement, wooden substrate preparation, and personnel training. The research results can be used by decorative product manufacturers to improve production process efficiency, reduce defect rates, and ensure product competitiveness in the market.

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