Pad Printing on Promotional Items

What is it - Pad Printing?
Pad printing is a branding process that allows you to brand your image or logo or text onto any surface which is solid, flat and smooth.  A good example of this is your keyboard in front of you.  Pad printing is the most popular way to decorate promotional items as it is low in cost and allows for branding of colour.  It gives a result which is quite crisp and attractive too.

How is Pad Printing Applied
To pad print an image is required.  For best results we only accept Adobe Eps or Pdf file formats saved with vector curved outlines.  We then take this artwork and create a positive film.  (think along the lines of traditional film cameras where the image is reversed)

A printing plate is then created and this is sometimes called a cliche.  This printing plate is commonly silicone, plastic but can also be steel.  Your artwork image is then transfered onto this surface.

This plate is then used to pick up ink which is then literally stamped onto the product that needs to be branded.  All throughout the process a technician will physically ink and stamp the promotional item to create the branding.  

Advantages of Pad Printing
-  Pad Printing has the advantage of being able to brand on any surface that is flat and smooth.
-  It can print smaller details resonably Ok
-  It is low in cost and quite economical
-  With a Pad Printing machine all set up it is easy to train new staff to use
-  Ink Drying is relatively quick allowing you to receive your branded promotional item quicker
-  Modern machines allows for branding on curved surfaces

 
Disadvantages of Pad Printing
-  Does not allow for full colour printing
-  Does not allow for gradient colours.  Only spot Pantone colours are possible
-  Although Ink dries quickly the process is still manual and requires time to print
-  Printing will chip off over time all with scratches

What Promotional Items Commonly Use Pad Printing
-  Promotional Pens / Promotional Rulers / Personalised flashdrives / Promotional toys / Customised Tape Measures / Compact Mirror / Frisbees / Branded Yo Yos / Money Banks / Business Card Box / Keyrings / Printed Golf balls / Flashlights / Stressballs / Tools / Custom Pedometers/ Corporate compendiums / Personalized Thermal Mugs