Pad Printing
In the Pad Printing process an inked image is transferred from a photo-etched plate to a thick, soft silicone pad. The pad is then pressed against the object. The pad can wrap itself as much as 180° around a small object, and ink coverage is excellent. One colour is done at a time, but registration between colours is so accurate it allows four-colour process printing. Post-curing is aided by the use of heating tunnels.
Pad Printing is widely employed for printing plastic pens, memory sticks, water bottles and mugs, as well as many other plastic promotional items.
PA - Inexpensive, high volume item (pens), small print, simple or no packing, no treatment
PB - Small, medium and larger items, relatively inexpensive, labour intensive / demanding packing
PC - Expensive items, priming & extra curing required, easily damaged, labour intensive
PW - Wrap-print on selected pens