{"id":8990,"date":"2026-08-24T13:31:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T05:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/?p=8990"},"modified":"2026-08-22T13:41:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T05:41:57","slug":"pad-printing-pad-hardness-shore-a-vs-shore-00","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-shore-a-vs-shore-00\/","title":{"rendered":"Pad Printing Pad Hardness Explained: Shore A vs Shore 00 and How to Choose"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common inquiry we receive from printing-pad manufacturers is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cWe need hardness 30. Can you supply the same?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before recommending a silicone, Topsil silicone needs to clarify something much more important than the price:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>30 on which hardness scale?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>30 Shore A<\/strong>&nbsp;silicone is not the same as a <strong>30 Shore 00<\/strong>&nbsp;pad. And even after the scale is confirmed, there is another question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is \u201c30\u201d the hardness of the original silicone\u2014or the finished printing pad after silicone oil has been added?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These distinctions matter when selecting a new material or qualifying a second supplier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group snippet-answer-box is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4fc3f8e1 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Quick Answer: Is Shore A the Same as Shore 00?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No. Shore A and Shore 00 are different durometer hardness scales, and the same numerical value should not be treated as the same hardness.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ASTM D2240 covers different durometer types with different indenter geometries and applied forces. Because of these differences, measurements from different durometer types do not have a simple direct relationship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For printing-pad silicone, the safe approach is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Confirm the scale \u2192 confirm what was measured \u2192 understand the printing conditions \u2192 validate the finished pad.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is the basis of the Topsil silicone Hardness Matching Protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.astm.org\/standards\/d2240\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>ASTM D2240 \u2014 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property\u2014Durometer Hardness<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Topsil silicone Hardness Matching Protocol<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TOPSIL-SILICONE-HARDNESS-MATCHING-PROTOCOL-1024x559.webp\" alt=\"TOPSIL SILICONE HARDNESS MATCHING PROTOCOL\" class=\"wp-image-9000 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"http:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TOPSIL-SILICONE-HARDNESS-MATCHING-PROTOCOL-1024x559.webp\" alt=\"TOPSIL SILICONE HARDNESS MATCHING PROTOCOL\" class=\"wp-image-9000 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TOPSIL-SILICONE-HARDNESS-MATCHING-PROTOCOL-1024x559.webp 1024w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TOPSIL-SILICONE-HARDNESS-MATCHING-PROTOCOL-300x164.webp 300w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TOPSIL-SILICONE-HARDNESS-MATCHING-PROTOCOL-768x419.webp 768w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TOPSIL-SILICONE-HARDNESS-MATCHING-PROTOCOL-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TOPSIL-SILICONE-HARDNESS-MATCHING-PROTOCOL-600x328.webp 600w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TOPSIL-SILICONE-HARDNESS-MATCHING-PROTOCOL.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When matching an existing printing-pad silicone, we recommend four checks before selecting a replacement grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Schritt<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What to confirm<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Warum das wichtig ist<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>1. Identify the scale<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td>Shore A, Shore 00, 00 Si or another system<\/td><td>The same numerical value on different scales is not equivalent<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>2. Identify what was measured<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td>Base silicone or finished oil-adjusted pad<\/td><td>Silicone oil may significantly change final hardness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>3. Understand the printing context<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td>Pad geometry, image, machine force, substrate<\/td><td>Hardness does not act independently<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>4. Validate the finished pad<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td>Measure, print and compare pad performance<\/td><td>The actual printing trial qualifies the material<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This avoids a common sourcing mistake:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Matching the hardness number instead of matching the finished printing pad.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the broader silicone-selection process, see:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/produkte\/tampondruck-silikon\/\"><u>Topsil silicone Pad Printing Silicone Rubber \u2192<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Shore A vs Shore 00: What Does the Number Actually Mean?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shore hardness is an indentation measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A durometer presses a specified indenter into the elastomer under defined conditions. In general:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lower reading \u2192 softer material<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Higher reading \u2192 firmer material<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the number is meaningful only when the hardness scale is known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is particularly important in pad printing because different suppliers use different systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inkcups.com\/pad-printing-pads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Inkcups<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;publishes finished silicone printing pads using <strong>Shore 00<\/strong>&nbsp;hardness classifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teca-print.com\/en\/products\/consumables-accessories\/printing-pads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Teca-Print<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;uses a <strong>00 Si<\/strong>&nbsp;designation for its printing pads. This should not automatically be assumed to be identical to every other \u201c00\u201d measurement system; the actual supplier test method should be confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By comparison, Topsil silicone currently specifies its PP-30 and AP-30 pad-printing silicone grades at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>30 \u00b1 2 Shore A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/produkte\/tampondruck-silikon\/\"><u>View PP-30 and AP-30 technical data<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These numbers therefore cannot simply be compared side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is 30 Shore A Equal to 30 Shore 00?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00-572x1024.webp\" alt=\"30 Shore A =\u0338 30 Shore 00\" class=\"wp-image-8996 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"572\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00-572x1024.webp\" alt=\"30 Shore A =\u0338 30 Shore 00\" class=\"wp-image-8996 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00-572x1024.webp 572w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00-167x300.webp 167w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00-768x1376.webp 768w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00-857x1536.webp 857w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00-1143x2048.webp 1143w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00-7x12.webp 7w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00-600x1075.webp 600w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/30-Shore-A-\u2260-30-Shore-00.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c30\u201d is only half of the specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A proper hardness specification should be written as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>30 \u00b1 2 Shore A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">rather than simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hardness: 30<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scale is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can You Convert Shore A to Shore 00?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Not reliably with a simple formula for supplier qualification.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Approximate hardness-comparison charts are widely available and can be useful for visualizing relative softness. But ASTM D2240 explains that different durometer types use different indenters and applied forces, so their measurements do not have a simple direct relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That means an online conversion chart may be useful for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rough orientation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understanding different hardness ranges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early technical discussion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it should <strong>nicht<\/strong> be used as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A purchase-order specification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A QC acceptance criterion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof that two silicone grades are equivalent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A final supplier-replacement decision<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>If Two Suppliers Use Different Scales<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Situation<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Risky approach<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Better approach<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Supplier A uses Shore A, Supplier B uses Shore 00<\/td><td>Convert online and order<\/td><td>Request comparable measurement or trial<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Customer says \u201chardness 30\u201d<\/td><td>Assume the scale<\/td><td>Ask which scale<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Existing pad says \u201c50 Shore\u201d<\/td><td>Match the number<\/td><td>Confirm test system and finished-pad condition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Supplier uses a proprietary scale<\/td><td>Assume it equals ASTM Shore 00<\/td><td>Ask for test method or comparative data<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Direct comparison is unavailable<\/td><td>Guess an equivalent<\/td><td>Make and measure a trial pad<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A hardness number without its scale is an incomplete specification.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are You Comparing Base Silicone Hardness or Finished-Pad Hardness?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the scale is confirmed, the next question is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What exactly was measured?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This matters because many printing-pad manufacturers adjust hardness by adding silicone oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, a liquid silicone may start at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>30 Shore A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After Parts A and B are mixed, silicone oil may be added to produce a much softer finished pad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if a buyer says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOur current pad is 13 Shore A.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">that could mean either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The original silicone grade itself is approximately 13 Shore A, or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A harder base silicone was softened to approximately 13 Shore A after oil addition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those are not the same formulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When replacing an existing supplier, the most useful information is therefore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Base silicone grade + original hardness + silicone-oil dosage + final cured-pad hardness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This tells the supplier how the pad was actually formulated\u2014not just how it feels after curing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Determines How Firm a Printing Pad Can Be?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hardness-selection-1024x559.webp\" alt=\"Hardness selection\" class=\"wp-image-8997 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"http:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hardness-selection-1024x559.webp\" alt=\"Hardness selection\" class=\"wp-image-8997 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hardness-selection-1024x559.webp 1024w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hardness-selection-300x164.webp 300w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hardness-selection-768x419.webp 768w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hardness-selection-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hardness-selection-600x328.webp 600w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hardness-selection.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The question is not simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSoft pad or hard pad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eine bessere Frage w\u00e4re:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How firm can this pad practically be without creating another problem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Four factors normally define the starting direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pad and Part Geometry<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Curved, recessed and irregular surfaces may require greater conformability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But making the silicone softer is not always the first solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pad shape, angle, size and volume can be equally important. A poor pad geometry does not automatically become suitable simply because softer silicone is used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Image Requirements<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where the geometry permits, a firmer pad may resist deformation more effectively and help maintain image stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can become important for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fine lettering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Registration-sensitive graphics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Larger images where distortion becomes noticeable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Machine Compression Capability<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A firmer or larger pad generally requires sufficient machine force to compress correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the machine cannot deform the pad sufficiently, increasing hardness can reduce effective contact rather than improve printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Substrate Pressure Tolerance<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thin, fragile or pressure-sensitive parts may limit the usable pad force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The practical selection logic therefore becomes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pad Geometry + Image Requirement + Machine Force + Substrate Tolerance \u2192 Starting Hardness \u2192 Printing Trial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both Inkcups and Teca-Print emphasize that hardness needs to be considered together with variables such as pad geometry, machine capability, image dimensions and substrate conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inkcups.com\/pad-printing-pads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Inkcups \u2014 Pad Printing Pads<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teca-print.com\/en\/products\/consumables-accessories\/printing-pads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Teca-Print \u2014 Printing Pads<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Practical Rule<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where pad geometry, available machine force and substrate tolerance permit, a firmer pad <strong>may<\/strong>&nbsp;help reduce deformation and improve image stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But this is a direction for testing\u2014not a universal rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Silicone Oil Changes Finished-Pad Hardness<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Silicone oil is commonly used with compatible pad-printing silicone systems to reduce cured hardness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elkem.com\/markets\/advanced-manufacturing-industrial\/molding-printing\/pad-printing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Elkem<\/u><\/a>&nbsp;also describes printing-pad RTV silicone systems whose hardness can be adjusted using different amounts of silicone oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Topsil silicone has conducted internal hardness-adjustment testing using <strong>A100 silicone oil<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Topsil-silicone-A100-Silicone-Oil-Hardness-Test-1024x559.webp\" alt=\"Topsil silicone A100 Silicone Oil Hardness Test\" class=\"wp-image-8999 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"http:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Topsil-silicone-A100-Silicone-Oil-Hardness-Test-1024x559.webp\" alt=\"Topsil silicone A100 Silicone Oil Hardness Test\" class=\"wp-image-8999 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Topsil-silicone-A100-Silicone-Oil-Hardness-Test-1024x559.webp 1024w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Topsil-silicone-A100-Silicone-Oil-Hardness-Test-300x164.webp 300w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Topsil-silicone-A100-Silicone-Oil-Hardness-Test-768x419.webp 768w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Topsil-silicone-A100-Silicone-Oil-Hardness-Test-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Topsil-silicone-A100-Silicone-Oil-Hardness-Test-600x328.webp 600w, https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Topsil-silicone-A100-Silicone-Oil-Hardness-Test.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Topsil silicone A100 Hardness-Adjustment Reference<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>A100 silicone oil addition*<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Approx. cured hardness<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>10%<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~25 Shore A<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>20%<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~19 Shore A<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>30%<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~13 Shore A<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>40%<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~9 Shore A<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>50%<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~6\u20137 Shore A<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>60%<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~4 Shore A<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>70%<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>~2 Shore A<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">*A100 dosage is calculated based on the <strong>total mixed weight of Part A + Part B silicone before silicone oil is added<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dosage Example<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Part A + Part B = <strong>10 kg<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">and the target A100 addition is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>20%<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A100 silicone oil added = <strong>2 kg<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">and the final batch weight becomes approximately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>12 kg<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Does the Topsil silicone Test Tell Us?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It provides two useful observations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Silicone oil can significantly reduce cured hardness<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this tested system, increasing A100 progressively reduced Shore A hardness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The relationship is not linear<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each additional 10% of A100 did <strong>nicht<\/strong>&nbsp;reduce hardness by the same number of Shore points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zum Beispiel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">10% \u2192 ~25 Shore A 30% \u2192 ~13 Shore A 50% \u2192 ~6\u20137 Shore A<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, avoid rules such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEvery 10% silicone oil reduces hardness by X Shore A.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Actual formulation data is more useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a manufacturer is targeting approximately <strong>13 Shore A<\/strong>, for example, about <strong>30% A100<\/strong>&nbsp;was a useful reference point in this tested Topsil silicone system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should be treated as a <strong>starting reference<\/strong>, not a universal formulation guarantee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Topsil silicone Internal Test Scope<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For transparency, this dataset should be understood within its tested scope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Test item<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Available information<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Silicone oil<\/td><td>A100<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Dosage basis<\/td><td>Total mixed Part A + Part B silicone weight<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hardness measurement<\/td><td>Ufer A<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Purpose<\/td><td>Internal hardness-adjustment reference<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tensile strength after each oil dosage<\/td><td><strong>Not tested<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tear strength after each oil dosage<\/td><td><strong>Not tested<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Elongation after each oil dosage<\/td><td><strong>Not tested<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, Topsil silicone does <strong>nicht<\/strong>&nbsp;claim that the original mechanical properties of the base silicone remain unchanged after large amounts of silicone oil are added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Hardness data proves hardness change. It does not prove unchanged mechanical performance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For production qualification, the oil-adjusted pad should be evaluated as a complete formulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should Pad Hardness Be Measured Before or After Adding Silicone Oil?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ideally, record both.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Die <strong>base silicone hardness<\/strong>&nbsp;helps identify the original raw material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Die <strong>finished-pad hardness after silicone-oil adjustment<\/strong>&nbsp;tells you what is actually running on the printing machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For supplier matching, the second value is often especially important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A useful technical record therefore includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Base grade \u2192 Base hardness \u2192 Oil dosage \u2192 Finished hardness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This makes future supplier replacement much easier than keeping only one hardness number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Should You Qualify a Replacement Pad Silicone?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Matching the Shore number is only the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After identifying a candidate material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use the same pad mold where possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep silicone-oil dosage controlled.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use comparable cure conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measure finished-pad hardness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run the same ink, clich\u00e9 and substrate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep machine settings as consistent as practical.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Compare print quality and failure mode.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Record useful pad life.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is particularly important when changing suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the new silicone, oil level, pad geometry, ink and machine pressure are all changed at the same time, it becomes very difficult to know why performance improved\u2014or deteriorated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scale identifies the number. Formulation explains the number. Controlled printing qualifies the replacement.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the complete pad-silicone selection process, read:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/produkte\/tampondruck-silikon\/\"><u>Pad Printing Silicone Rubber: Complete Selection Guide \u2192<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Should You Request a Pad Silicone Match?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compare these two inquiries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Incomplete Request<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNeed hardness 30 silicone. Please quote.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is not enough information to make a reliable recommendation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Useful Technical Request<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Current silicone:<\/strong>&nbsp;Brand \/ grade <strong>Current hardness:<\/strong>&nbsp;50 Shore 00 <strong>Measured on:<\/strong>&nbsp;Finished printing pad <strong>Silicone oil dosage:<\/strong>&nbsp;15% <strong>Pad design:<\/strong>&nbsp;Conical <strong>Printed substrate:<\/strong>&nbsp;Curved ABS housing <strong>Bild:<\/strong>&nbsp;35 \u00d7 20 mm <strong>Current problem:<\/strong>&nbsp;Image distortion <strong>Goal:<\/strong>&nbsp;Improve stability while maintaining proper contact<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This gives a silicone supplier enough context to identify a meaningful starting grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hardness Matching Checklist<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asking Topsil silicone to review an existing pad formulation, send:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Current silicone supplier and grade<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Current TDS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hardness value<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hardness scale<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whether hardness is base or finished-pad value<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Silicone-oil dosage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finished-pad hardness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pad photo, dimensions or drawing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Printed substrate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Main performance problem<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/produkte\/tampondruck-silikon\/\"><u>View Topsil silicone PP-30 &amp; AP-30 Pad Printing Silicone \u2192<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/technische-unterstutzung\/\"><u>Ask Topsil silicone Technical Support \u2192<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>H\u00e4ufig gestellte Fragen<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-c9af9b46 uagb-faq-icon-row-reverse uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-false uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     faq-clean\" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https:\\\/\\\/topsilsilicone.com\\\/de\\\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-shore-a-vs-shore-00\\\/\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"<strong>Can I use a Shore A-to-Shore 00 conversion chart to select a replacement silicone?<\\\/strong>\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Not as the final qualification method.<br>Approximate charts can provide general orientation, but different durometer types should not be treated as exactly interchangeable. For supplier replacement, comparable measurements and a controlled finished-pad trial are more reliable.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"<strong>Why can two pads with the same Shore hardness print differently?<\\\/strong>\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Because hardness measures only resistance to indentation.<br>The two formulations may still differ in mechanical properties, silicone-oil content, cure behavior and other formulation characteristics. Pad shape, machine compression and substrate conditions can further change how they perform.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"<strong>Should I tell a supplier my base silicone hardness or final pad hardness?<\\\/strong>\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Ideally, provide both.<br>If silicone oil is used, also provide the oil dosage. This allows the supplier to understand how the base material becomes the final printing pad.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"<strong>What information is most important when replacing my current pad silicone?<\\\/strong>\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Start with:<br><strong>Current TDS + hardness scale + base hardness + silicone-oil dosage + finished-pad hardness + pad geometry + printed part + current problem<\\\/strong><br>That gives the supplier a much stronger basis for selecting a candidate than hardness alone.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-e415ceab\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\"><strong>Can I use a Shore A-to-Shore 00 conversion chart to select a replacement silicone?<\/strong><\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Not as the final qualification method.<br>Approximate charts can provide general orientation, but different durometer types should not be treated as exactly interchangeable. For supplier replacement, comparable measurements and a controlled finished-pad trial are more reliable.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-8b974d1b\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\"><strong>Why can two pads with the same Shore hardness print differently?<\/strong><\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Because hardness measures only resistance to indentation.<br>The two formulations may still differ in mechanical properties, silicone-oil content, cure behavior and other formulation characteristics. Pad shape, machine compression and substrate conditions can further change how they perform.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-d8950e4b\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\"><strong>Should I tell a supplier my base silicone hardness or final pad hardness?<\/strong><\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Ideally, provide both.<br>If silicone oil is used, also provide the oil dosage. This allows the supplier to understand how the base material becomes the final printing pad.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-c72757d0\" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"uagb-question\"><strong>What information is most important when replacing my current pad silicone?<\/strong><\/h4><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Start with:<br><strong>Current TDS + hardness scale + base hardness + silicone-oil dosage + finished-pad hardness + pad geometry + printed part + current problem<\/strong><br>That gives the supplier a much stronger basis for selecting a candidate than hardness alone.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Match Your Current Pad Silicone With Less Guesswork<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are qualifying a second source or replacing an existing printing-pad silicone, Topsil silicone can review your current formulation and application before recommending a starting grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Send us:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Current silicone grade + TDS + hardness scale + base\/final hardness + silicone-oil dosage + pad details + printed part + current performance issue.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/kontaktieren-sie-uns\/\"><u>Match My Current Pad Silicone \u2192<\/u><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/produkte\/tampondruck-silikon\/\"><u>View PP-30 &amp; AP-30 Pad Printing Silicone \u2192<\/u><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/technische-unterstutzung\/\"><u>Ask Topsil silicone Technical Support \u2192<\/u><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/was-ist-tampondruck\/\"><u>Learn How Pad Printing Works \u2192<\/u><\/a><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Technical References<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>ASTM International \u2014 ASTM D2240<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Standard reference for rubber durometer hardness and the limitations of comparing readings obtained using different durometer types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.astm.org\/standards\/d2240\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>ASTM D2240<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Inkcups \u2014 Pad Printing Pads<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industry reference showing the use of Shore 00 for finished printing pads and explaining how pad hardness interacts with machine compression, pad geometry and the printed substrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.inkcups.com\/pad-printing-pads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Inkcups Pad Printing Pads<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Teca-Print \u2014 Printing Pads<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industry reference showing the use of a 00 Si hardness designation and the importance of considering part geometry, image size and machine force when selecting printing-pad hardness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teca-print.com\/en\/products\/consumables-accessories\/printing-pads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Teca-Print Printing Pads<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Elkem \u2014 Silicones for Pad Printing<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industry reference confirming that printing-pad RTV silicone hardness can be adjusted through silicone-oil dilution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.elkem.com\/markets\/advanced-manufacturing-industrial\/molding-printing\/pad-printing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Elkem Silicones for Pad Printing<\/u><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A common inquiry we receive from printing-pad manufacturers is: \u201cWe need hardness 30. Can you supply the same?\u201d Before recommending a silicone, Topsil silicone needs to clarify something much more important than the price: 30 on which hardness scale? A 30 Shore A&nbsp;silicone is not the same as a 30 Shore 00&nbsp;pad. And even after [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8998,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8990","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technical-faqs"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide.webp",1200,655,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide-300x164.webp",300,164,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide-768x419.webp",768,419,true],"large":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide-1024x559.webp",800,437,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide.webp",1200,655,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide.webp",1200,655,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide-18x10.webp",18,10,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide-600x328.webp",600,328,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pad-printing-pad-hardness-guide-100x100.webp",100,100,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Michael","author_link":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/author\/michael\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"A common inquiry we receive from printing-pad manufacturers is: \u201cWe need hardness 30. Can you supply the same?\u201d Before recommending a silicone, Topsil silicone needs to clarify something much more important than the price: 30 on which hardness scale? A 30 Shore A&nbsp;silicone is not the same as a 30 Shore 00&nbsp;pad. And even after&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8990","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8990"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8990\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9002,"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8990\/revisions\/9002"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8998"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/topsilsilicone.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}