Pad printing
Pad printing lifts the image off an etched plate with a silicone pad that conforms to 3D shapes and lays it onto the object. It's the answer for everything screen printing can't reach: small, curved or recessed surfaces. Our machines are 100% electric with closed-cup ink systems for consistent color and low solvent use.
How it works
- 01Etch the cliché with the logo artwork
- 02Flood ink in the closed cup
- 03The silicone pad lifts the image off the cliché
- 04Press onto the object — up to 5 colors
Good to know
Pad printing solves the problem of surfaces nothing else can print: small, curved or recessed shapes. The soft silicone pad conforms to the object and deposits the image it lifted from an etched plate. It's the standard method for pens, lighters, keychains, USB sticks and all kinds of promotional gadgets.
We run four machines, from 1 up to 5 colors, all 100% electric with closed-cup ink systems: the ink doesn't evaporate between strokes, so color stays consistent across the whole run and solvent use is minimal. Fine detail and small text come out crisp, and registration stays accurate across multiple colors. It generally becomes cost-effective from around 100 pieces.
Advantages
- Reaches curved and recessed shapes
- Fine detail and small text
- Accurate multi-color registration
- Closed-cup — consistent color, clean
FAQ
What objects does it work on?
On small, curved or recessed surfaces — pens, lighters, keychains, USB sticks, toys, electronics.
How many colors can I print?
Up to 5 colors in one pass, with accurate registration between them.
How durable is the print?
With the right ink and hardener it's durable; on metal, engraving gives even greater resistance.