What is Pad Printing?
With its ability to print on a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, and ceramics, pad printing is an excellent solution for both small and medium-sized production runs. The process provides vibrant, durable prints that stand up to wear and handling, offering a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to add detailed custom designs to their products.
Pad Printing: 6-Step Process Explained
Step 1: Ink Plate Moves Beneath Pad
The ink plate (also called the cliché) containing the etched image slides into position directly under the silicone pad.
Step 2: Pad Picks Up Ink
The silicone pad presses down onto the ink-filled etched area, picking up a thin layer of ink in the shape of the design.
Step 3: Pad Lifts Off
The pad lifts straight up, carrying the inked image on its surface.
Step 4: Ink Plate Retracts
The ink plate moves out of the way to make room for the object being printed.
Step 5: Pad Transfers Image to Object
The pad presses down onto the object’s surface, transferring the ink from the pad to the product precisely.
Step 6: Pad Lifts – Print Complete
The pad lifts away, leaving a clean, detailed image on the product. The print cycle is complete and ready for the next repetition.
Advantages of Choosing Us to Pad Print Your Product
Excellent Surface Versatility
It can print on complex surfaces, textures, and materials—from plastic and metal to curved or uneven finishes.
Flexible Production Volumes
Whether you need quick prototypes or high-volume batches, pad printing easily scales to meet demand.
Long-Lasting Results
Pad printing produces permanent markings that resist wear, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Cost-Effective Customization
No need for additional labeling or adhesives—pad printing directly applies graphics, reducing production costs.
Wide Color Range
From single-color logos to full-color graphics, pad printing supports a broad spectrum of color applications.
What Do You Need to Prepare for Pad Printing?
To successfully pad print your part, please provide the following information:
*Note:
We’re continually expanding our pad printing capabilities. If you have questions or unique requirements, please reach out to your account representative for assistance.
Comparison Between Different Types of Surface Treatment
| Surface Treatment | Description | Key Benefits | Typical Applications | Price Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anodizing | Electrochemical process that thickens the oxide layer on metal. | Corrosion and wear resistance, aesthetic finish. | Aerospace, automotive, electronics | Medium |
| Hot Stamping | Applying metallic foil with heat and pressure. | Vibrant, metallic finishes. | Packaging, automotive, promotional items | Medium |
| Laser Engraving | Using lasers to etch designs on surfaces. | Precise, permanent markings. | Branding, industrial parts, electronics | Medium |
| Pad Printing | Transferring ink using a silicone pad. | High-quality prints on irregular shapes. | Medical devices, consumer products, electronics | Low |
| Sand Blasting | Blasting abrasive materials to clean or texture surfaces. | Matte or textured finishes. | Metal, glass, stone, automotive parts | Low |
| Electroplating | Depositing metal onto surfaces using electricity. | Corrosion resistance, improved conductivity. | Jewelry, automotive, electrical components | Medium |
| Spraying | Applying coatings via spray. | Fast application of protective coatings. | Automotive, machinery, construction | Low |
| PVD | Vacuum deposition of metal films. | Durable, aesthetic metal finishes. | Electronics, jewelry, automotive | High |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Accurate fixture design is critical for consistent pad printing—especially for multicolor applications or irregularly shaped parts. KingStar Mold designs and manufactures custom fixtures in-house, ensuring precise alignment and repeatability. We account for part geometry, ink transfer angles, and automation compatibility to support both manual and automated production workflows.
Lead times vary depending on part complexity, number of colors, and quantity. For standard single-color jobs on approved materials, lead time can be as short as 3–5 business days after artwork approval. Multicolor or custom automation setups may take 1–2 weeks. At KingStar Mold, we aim to minimize turnaround through efficient in-house tooling, fixture design, and print testing.
Absolutely. All of our pad printing processes are conducted under our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system, ensuring consistent, high-quality results for every project.
