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Tag On That lets you print on almost any object

By Ben Coxworth
May 28, 2013
Tag On That lets you print on almost any object
Tag on That is a device that prints custom text or images on a variety of surfaces
Tag on That is a device that prints custom text or images on a variety of surfaces
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Examples of Tag on That printing jobs
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Examples of Tag on That printing jobs
Tag on That can print on curved surfaces
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Tag on That can print on curved surfaces
Tag on That can also print on uneven surfaces
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Tag on That can also print on uneven surfaces
Edible FDA-approved inks are available, opening up the possibility of printing on food items
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Edible FDA-approved inks are available, opening up the possibility of printing on food items
Tag on That is a device that prints custom text or images on a variety of surfaces
5/5
Tag on That is a device that prints custom text or images on a variety of surfaces
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Is that label maker of yours just not turning your crank anymore? Well, if you’re willing to do a little more fiddling around, you might be interested in Tag on That. Billed as “the world's first affordable Specialty Printer Machine,” the portable device utilizes the same principles as industrial-scale machines, to print words or images on just about any object that you can fit inside of it.

The user starts with a stencil-like plastic template of their image, that they can either order through the Tag on That website, or make themselves if they’ve also purchased the separate template-making machine.

Next, they fill a supplied capsule with a Tag on That ink of their choice – different ink types are used for printing on different surfaces. That capsule is loaded into the printer, and then mechanically slid back and forth across the template. A layer of ink remains in the template only where the plastic has been removed.

When the user subsequently pulls down on the arm of the machine, it causes a soft rubber stamp head to press down onto the template, causing the ink to be transferred from the one to the other. The arm is raised, the template is slid out and the object-to-be-printed-on is put in its place, then the arm is lowered down again. As the stamp presses onto the surface of the object, the ink is transferred onto it.

Tag on That can also print on uneven surfaces
Tag on That can also print on uneven surfaces

Because the stamp is flexible, it can print on curved or uneven surfaces such as peanuts. You’ve always wanted to monogram your peanuts, right? More practically, though, it could be used to print a company logo on things like golf balls, for promotional purposes. Edible FDA-approved inks are also available, opening up the possibility of printing on food items such as cupcakes.

The designers are currently raising production funds for Tag on That, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$299 will get you a printer with one color of ink and one custom template, while $599 will also get you a template maker, three colors of ink, and 10 blank templates.

There’s more information on how the system works, in the video below.

Source: Kickstarter
3 min TOT FINAL

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6 comments
Ben Coxworth
Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.

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6 comments
Jay Finke
This it would be great if you have kids, it looks just a tad too repetitive for me. but with just a few kids you could start your own sweatshop.
PHP
Isn't it just a regular pad printing machine?
Mike DuBois
Gizmag posting this has just belittled its credibility. Pad printing is so common now that the Alibaba type web sites sell ELECTRIC machines for less money than what is being asked here.
Gary in VA
This is the same pad printer they use to print graphics on skateboard wheels. Cool that you can do it at home now.
RJ Marchant
I bought many pad printers and i can tell you that there is nothing like this little gizzmo out there, those chinese machines are literally a joke, good luck if you can make one of them work!!! i have 3 , the parts are expensive, no warranty, no training, nothing a nightmare! this guys for what they say they provide training, tips, techniques and if you want to turn this into a extra money making deal, they provide you with a website with access to thousands of promotional products, all that for that little price and lifetime warranty!!! that is a great idea and a great solution for home , office or even to make some extra cash with your family! i can tell you there is nothing like that around.
Bob Ginn
I bought this product (TagonThat Pad Printer) and am very disappointed. Before purchasing I explained that I would be printing on a 3/8 x 1.5 inch metal tag and I had little to no tolerance and it had to be printed exactly in the middle. Yes sir I was told no problem. Guess what. OMG, I tried and tried and even made a nice jig. I have worked with a laser engraver for 7 years and this thing is a toy. No way could it do what I wanted. The shaft for the stamp is not even machined. The metal shaft fits into a plastic sleeve which has about 1/8 inch tolerance. You can grab the stamp and move it side to side and back and forth. The same goes for the table that your product goes on. It has 3/8 of an inch slop and you will need to tape it down to keep in from moving. Wait now that's not all. The template table , once you pull it all the way out to ink the template impression, also has 3/8 to 1/2 play in it. So what does this mean? You have 3 areas that have slop, which makes it almost impossible to line up the pad with the product with any precision. If you are doing a golf ball then it does not matter LOL. They would not give me my money back and I only had it a week. They wanted to take out sales commissions, a 20% restocking fee and I had to pay shipping back. I told them to stick it. Please folks, this is a toy not a machine. If you are doing anything that requires any precision you will need to look elsewhere. Also, they will not even show you the "university training videos" until you buy the product. I wonder why? Well, you will be able to see this piece of crap up close. Also you cannot even look in there store to see prices on the consumables until you purchase the product. OMG, I made such a big mistake. I just hope these guys get what is coming to them. I am not your stay at home Dad either. I was an electrical contractor and for the past 7 years worked a laser engraver, so I am not your average joe that knows nothing mechanical. This thing is a toy so please do not waste your time.