Pad printing is a high-volume branding process suitable for printing onto small plastic products such as pens, keyrings, USBs, novelty items, etc.

Using positives and a light exposure unit, a “logo-etched” plate is made. This plate is placed into the ink-well of the printing machine and a silicone pad transfers the ink from the plate onto the product. Ink is bonded (cured) with the item by sending the printed product through a heating tunnel or oven.

Pad printing allows for a maximum of 4 print colours (depending on the product being printed) which are printed one at a time so accurate registration is essential.

Detail in the print can be excellent, although very fine detail and text smaller than 1mm high should be avoided as these details can “close up” during the printing process due to the ink bleeding.