An illustrated guide to tampo printing

[David Hingtgen]

Oft-discussed here, but the actual process isn't well-known. It is rather like using a rubber stamp pad and ink, but of much higher quality. Instead of ink pads, the ink is held in engraved plates, much like a printing press.

http://www.itwtranstech.com/Pages/how.html

[Dante74]

Thanks for the link David! I've allways been curious about the tampo printing process and how it's actually being done.

[Sumdumgai]

Interesting. Although I admit my brain froze because I'm tired, but I'm going to check that link out again. I've wondered how tampo printing worked.... Thanks for the link, David!

[big F]

Thanks David I had a rough idea of how it works but now I have a much better idea.

[David Hingtgen]

If you look around that site, you'll find tons of photos of the actual machines and process on most every page---they make the machines there.

[recon]

One thing for sure, is that bandai does beautiful tampo printing for its GFF line, there is hardly the need for any stickers/decals. Wish yamato would do the same

[GobotFool]

Thats pretty nifty. I'd love to see a video of the various machines in action.

[Matt Random]

This is shown on How it's Made on Discovery Channel from time to time.

[big F]

This is shown on How it's Made on Discovery Channel from time to time.

someone should Tivo it for us all.

[Hiriyu]

I just purchased an AutoArt 1:18 automotive model (not Macross, but definitely on-topic), which features extensive tampo printing. The AutoArt website has an interesting description of the process here.

Here is a picture of my acquisition, showing the very high level of tampo printing (all markings are tampo printed, not decals):

Edited September 25, 2007 by Hiriyu