Stamp of Approval – the Evotech Pad-Printing Process
Why do we put the Evotech Performance logo on our products?
‘What’s in a name?’ mused Shakespeare’s Juliet, Destiny’s Child wanted us to ‘Say My Name’ in their 1999 hit song, and The Ting Tings were not happy in 2008 reminding us ‘That’s Not My Name’. To us at Evotech Performance, to you and to everyone a name is more than just a sound. Within one or two words, we shape an identity, recognise individuals and associate memories, knowledge and intrinsic qualities, be they good or bad. In short, a name is very important.
If we are on technicalities, the true name for this company is Drury Precision Engineering Limited. Yet since 2003 and the birth of the motorcycle parts and accessories wing of the sheet metal engineering specialists, Evotech Performance has become the trading name that our loyal customer base recognises us by. With connotations of premium quality, precision design and UK manufacturing that you can trust, we are proud of the name we have created.
So proud that, whenever possible, we like to display the Evotech Performance name on our products so you and the riders who know can appreciate the investment and commitment to purchasing quality aftermarket products for your motorcycle.
Conversely, the Evotech trademark printing is one of the easiest tell-tale signs to identify a fake EP part. Poor lettering size, unexpected changes to the trademark, wobbly or wonky positioning and ink ‘bleeding’ can all signal the part you are looking at isn’t a genuine Evotech Performance motorcycle part.
How do we print the Evotech Performance name and logo?
Originally, the Evotech Branding was added to EP parts with stickers. A timely process with potential for errors in application, the sticker process began to slow down production times. In 2010, with our continued commitment to quality manufacturing processes, a search began to find a durable solution for printing the Evotech Performance name and logo onto the powder-coated metal parts. The answer came with precision pad-printing, also called paint transfer, which we still use today.
For the first steps into pad-printing, a Teca-Print TPE100 was introduced on the workshop floor. A ‘user-friendly open inkwell machine’, pad-printing quickly and efficiently improved the workflow, printing the Evotech Performance name in clear white on the black powder-coated parts.
With rapid growth of the Evotech brand and range of motorcycle products available, a larger pad-printing solution became a prudent investment. Since 2017, the current set up with a Kent pad-printing machine in regular use at Evotech HQ, quickly and accurately applies the EP brand to each Evotech Performance part. From the smallest bar end weight to the largest engine guard, the paint shop team can print the EP name onto any motorcycle part in a quick 8 second process. And the Kent machine, evolved from precision toy painting machines in the 1960s, is easily up to the job.
The pad-printing process
As with most machines on the Evotech production floor, the set-up is key for an accurate production. To ensure perfect positioning, the EP part is secured by jigs made in-house whilst a range of dials and levels are set for even, straight and central name stamping. The screen ink is held in a plastic cup with a ceramic scraper ring. Internal magnets within the ink cup attach to a stainless steel plate indented with the Evotech Performance logo. In a quick swipe, the ink cup passes along the template, scraping ink away and leaving it only collected within the recesses of the logo design. From here a silicone rubber pad collects the ink from the stainless steel plate and quickly presses it down onto the EP part.
Why did we choose white ink for the Evotech logos?
Offering a clear contrast to the black of the EP parts, the monochrome appearance from choosing white ink is both discreetly stylish and distinct. The ink itself is as durable as the powder-coating it is printed onto. White screen ink is improved with a mix of thinners to reduce viscosity, and hardener to ensure a strong crisp finish.
Whilst a white printed name onto black powder-coating is a fairly standard process, the eagle eyed of you may have noticed the dual or triple colours on some EP parts, such as brake caliper guards. In 2024, a second, larger Kent machine joined the squad. The PP150-IDS can print up to 4 different colours using an air blasting drying hose to dry between each paint application. Accuracy is the name of the game here, as a white undercoat is printed before the colour is printed over. Even a micron out would display a white outline so additional care is taken to ensure the colour is applied precisely where needed.
Drying quickly, the Evotech Performance name then takes pride of place on the EP motorcycle part, just as it will take pride of place on your machine. Because for us, and our customers, our name matters.
