What is Pad Printing and How does it Work?

Pad printing is a process that is an alternative to offset printing and other process which print on flat surfaces.

Pad printing is used to print on three dimensional surfaces, such as mugs, pens, and other promotional products or branded products that are used for advertising or to market a business.

Since flat printing or offset printing utilizes a rigid plate these processes cannot accommodate bumpy, round, or otherwise difficult surfaces, and pad printing is used as the alternative to the traditional offset process to print promotional products.

Pad printing uses an indirect offset process. Pad printing can also be used along with functional materials including conductive inks, dyes, and other materials.

The first step in the process of Pad Printing occurs when the image to be transferred is output onto a two-dimensional slate. This image is then transferred through etching onto a printing plate which is made of steel material.

The purpose of the image plate is to hold the artwork that has been etched in its surface in order to transfer this image to the silicon rubber pad that gives Pad Printing its name.

Inks used in Pad Printing are typically solvent based and dry in seconds after the impression.

They can be mixed with additives as well for a variety of uses.

They are also very sensitive to environmental temperature and humidity and the drying time of Pad Printing inks can vary substantially with location.

The next step in Pad Printing occurs when a sealed ink cup meets the printing plate to saturate the artwork with ink.

A silicon rubber pad is used to pick up the image in order to transfer it to the substrate, which is the final printed material that will receive the image.

The final step in Pad Printing occurs when the silicon pad presses on the substrate, leaving behind the image and returning to the ink cup and plate for the next impression cycle.

Pad Printing is used to decorate and produce many items including but not limited to promotional products, medical instruments, toys, and other three dimensional objects which carry images.