Pad Printing Explained: What It Is & Why It Works
At Customark, we know that not all printing methods are created equal. For printing on tricky shapes, small components, or specialised materials, pad printing is often the perfect solution.
It’s a highly precise technique that transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object using a soft silicone pad. This makes it ideal for industries where product geometry would otherwise make printing a challenge, like medical devices, automotive parts, electronics, and promotional items.
Why Choose Pad Printing?
- Prints on curved, textured or uneven surfaces - The flexibility of the silicone pad allows for accurate application on difficult shapes.
- Excellent fine detail - Logos, serial numbers, and intricate graphics come out sharp and consistent.
- Versatile materials - Suitable for printing on plastics, metals, glass, rubber, and more.
- Durable, long-lasting results - Inks are formulated for resilience in challenging environments, from industrial machinery to everyday consumer products.
How Pad Printing Works
Pad printing may look simple. But there’s a lot of smart engineering behind it. Here's a quick breakdown of the process:
- Clichés (printing plates) are created with the desired artwork etched into them.
- Ink is applied and wiped across the cliché, remaining only in the etched areas.
- A silicone pad presses onto the plate, picking up the inked image.
- The pad then transfers the image directly onto the product with precision.
This method allows for consistent reproduction, even at medium to high production volumes.
Where Pad Printing Delivers Value
Pad printing plays a key role in industries that rely on accuracy and durability, including:
- Medical & Pharma - Printing on devices, packaging, and instruments.
- Automotive - Durable markings on dashboards, buttons, and engine parts.
- Electronics - Branding and labelling for devices and components.
- Promotional Products - Pens, keyrings, and gadgets with complex shapes.
- Industrial - Labels for dials, meters, and technical panels.
Why Work with Customark?
We combine decades of experience with in-house tooling, plate making, and finishing to deliver a full pad printing service. Whether you're developing a new product line or improving an existing component, we provide:
- ISO-certified production quality
- Advice on the best materials and inks
- Support from concept to delivery
- Scalable solutions for both short runs and high-volume projects
Is Pad Printing Right for You?
Use pad printing if:
- Your product has a non-flat surface
- You need long-lasting, precise markings
- You’re working with a specialist substrate
- You want consistent results across many units
Let's Talk Pad Printing
If your products need reliable markings on challenging surfaces, pad printing could be the answer. Get in touch with Customark to discuss your next project, our team is here to guide you from artwork to application.