What is Pad/Ink Printing?
Pad printing is an ink printing process that transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object. This process is accomplished by using an indirect offset printing process that involves an image being burned into a cliché, and then transferred from the cliché using a silicone pad onto the product.
How Pad & Cylindrical Printing Works
The process of pad printing is the most versatile of all printing processes with its unique ability to print on 3-dimensional objects, cylinders and compound angles. The theory behind the pad printing process was derived from the screen, rubber stamp and photogravure printing processes.
The Pad Printing Process
- An etched cliché covers the image that will be printed on a printing plate.
- The printing plate containing the image slides forward, becomes uncovered and is filled with ink.
- From above, a pad travels downward into the image causing the wet ink to release from the etched area and onto the pad.
- The pad lifts up with the wet ink intact and the printing plate slides back to its original position to become filled with ink again.
- The pad is pressed down onto the object below transferring the ink to its desired destination.
When Is Pad Printing Used?
Pad printing works well for printing on surface areas that are hard to reach and cannot be silk screened, such as cylindrical, concave, and convex. Plastics, metal, wood, and painted surfaces are all ideal for pad printing. Ask our professional staff about our of custom silicone pad printers in Wisconsin and Minnesota for more information.
We’ve worked on our custom pad printing projects for companies across Minnesota and Wisconsin. We’ve printed on a variety of surfaces including irregular, curved, uneven textured & flat. Ink printing is available on plastics, metal, wood, glass, composites, paper, rubber, nylon, leather & foam. Industries include medical, pharmaceutical, electronics & OEMs.
Many of our pad printing projects have been used for commemorative purposes such as customizing objects for certain events and accolades. Our services are also deployed for promotional uses such as the printing of company logos on objects.
Pad printing is also an efficient way to print on medical devices. With pad printing’s versatility, it’s easier to print on unique shapes that other printing devices cannot reach.
For more information and to get a quote to help with your project, reach out to Accumark now! Contact Page.