Pad Printing
PAD PRINTING
Pad Printing
Pad printing is an extremely versatile and precise indirect printing method that is the undisputed leader in the promotional merchandise industry. The main secret behind this technology is a flexible silicone stamp (known as a pad), which picks up ink from a pre-prepared plate and applies it to the item being marked. Thanks to its flexibility, the pad conforms perfectly to uneven, curved, round, or irregular surfaces.
Our latest pad-printed projects
This is the ideal technology for precisely applying logos to hard materials such as plastics, metal, glass, wood, and ceramics. We use pad printing to brand the following items for you: pens, lighters, USB flash drives, mugs, water bottles, keychains, calculators, and electronic device casings.
Advantages
PAD PRINTING
3D Surface Marking
Pad printing excels where other methods fall short. The flexible pad easily applies a perfect, undistorted print to convex, concave, cylindrical, and embossed objects.
High color saturation and color fastness
We use specialized, quick-drying single- and two-component paints that guarantee excellent coverage, vibrant colors consistent with the Pantone color chart, and high resistance to abrasion, scratches, and everyday wear and tear.
Maximum Wholesale Savings
Like screen printing, pad printing requires preliminary preparation of the printing plate, but the printing process itself is extremely fast. As a result, for medium and large runs of promotional items, it is by far the cheapest and most cost-effective branding method on the market.
Exceptional precision and clarity
This method allows for extremely accurate reproduction of complex shapes, fine graphic details, and very small fonts. Your logo will remain sharp and fully legible even on a narrow pen clip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum print size for pad printing?
Pad printing is primarily intended for marking smaller surfaces. The maximum print size depends on the size of the printing plate and the diameter of the silicone pad, and is typically 6×6 cm. For pens, the print size is further limited by the width of the pen body or clip.
In what format should the files for pad printing be submitted?
In what format should files for pad printing be submitted? Due to the need to produce a precise printing plate (stencil), we accept designs exclusively in vector format (curves). We accept the following file formats: .pdf, .cdr, .ai, or .eps. All text must be converted to curves, and colors must be precisely specified according to the international Pantone color palette.
Does the price of pad printing depend on the number of colors in the logo?
Yes. In pad printing, each color in your design requires a separate printing plate to be exposed, a separate pad to be prepared, and a separate pass through the machine. That is why single-color prints are the most cost-effective, and each additional color affects the final unit price.
Do you accept pad printing orders starting at 1 piece?
Due to the fixed costs associated with production setup (die-making, machine setup), pad printing is a technology primarily suited for bulk production. It is not economically feasible to run the machine for a single piece, which is why the optimal minimum order quantity at our print shop is typically between 50 and 100 pieces of a single design.
Won’t the print on the metal gadgets get scratched?
For marking challenging surfaces (such as metal, glass, or ceramics), we use specialized two-component paints with a hardener, and the finished products undergo a thermal drying process. This ensures maximum adhesion and hardness of the print, making it highly scratch-resistant during everyday use (e.g., keys in a pocket attached to a keychain).
Will I receive a preview of the promotional item with my logo before production begins?
Yes, complete order security is standard with us. Before starting production, our graphic design department prepares a digital design (visualization) in which we precisely specify the placement, proportions, and size of the print on the selected item. We begin work only after we receive your written approval.
Not sure which printing method to choose?
Contact us! We’ll choose the best solution for your project, taking into account the scope, budget, and desired end result.