We recently received in a batch of tiny model Formula One cars (1:64 scale) that had all of us gathered around to gawk at them. Barely two inches long, each car had rubber tires, well defined parts and an amazing array of ornamentation. This last was particularly remarkable, considering that some of the sponsors’ logos covering such cars were the size of pin heads and yet completely recognizable. Surely those can’t be applied by hand. It turns out that there is something called tampo printing that allows for that kind of detail, and here’s how it works.
In my model-building days (back when the earth was still cooling), we used two sorts of decals to dress up our cars and planes, and it was a fairly straightforward process. The decals were either of the crack-and-peel variety where the back side was already sticky and simply required careful application (since once applied they couldn’t be removed), or they could be soaked in water until separated from their backing and then slid into place. As I recall, both processes were prone to irremediable disaster and left a very slightly raised perimeter that gave away the game. Both techniques are still standard for amateur model makers of today.
In contrast, high-volume makers such as Hot Wheels and others use tampo or pad printing to apply their imagery. A flat metal plate is created with all the customized images for a given model and then covered with ink in a manner similar to silk screening. A computer manages the application of all the colors. From there, a soft silicone rubber pad is applied to the plate that somehow picks up the designated hues, and then the pad is wrapped around the item to be imprinted. It’s sort of like a malleable rubber stamp, but the transference of detail is vastly greater, and the imprint can be applied to almost any shape or material. The result is remarkably durable and lacks the telltale edges of decal applications.
Not surprisingly, this process is highly automatic and different sorts of jigs and fixtures are used to make sure that repeated applications are all identical. The premium items you pick up at a show or the golf balls in your bag with the manufacturer’s stamp are likely imprinted in this manner. As for the model cars mentioned above, even a magnified inspection can’t pick up any imperfections in the process.
Interestingly, the origins of tampographic printing dates back to the midcentury era when a British firm came up with an automated means of ornamenting ceramic tableware. Before then, all highly detailed designs on plates and dishes were artisan-applied by hand, an obviously laborious process.
Returning to model cars, the worldwide market for those is large and growing. The USA is home to about one-third of global demand with the 1:18 scale being the most popular size. New ones can easily run well into the three figures, and some like those from Classic Model Cars will include several hundred individual parts. At that level, it’s not a category for kids but car buffs who may not want to empty their wallets buying the real thing can still put together a fleet without breaking the bank. And if you ever wondered how they add all those itty-bitty details … now you know.
Mike Rivkin and his wife, Linda, are long-time residents of Rancho Mirage. For many years, he was an award-winning catalogue publisher and has authored seven books, along with countless articles. Now, he’s the owner of Antique Galleries of Palm Springs. His antiques column appears Sundays in The Desert Sun. Want to send Mike a question about antiques? Drop him a line at silverfishpress@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: You’ve seen it, but what exactly is tampo printing?
Reporting by Mike Rivkin, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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