Pad printing is an innovative, versatile, and highly adaptable printing method that utilises a silicone pad to transfer an image from a laser-etched printing plate onto a product. This technique is particularly renowned for its exceptional capability to imprint on uneven or curved surfaces with remarkable precision. Here's everything you need to know about pad printing.
What is Pad Printing?
Pad printing is a unique printing method that employs a silicone pad to capture the image from a laser-etched or inked plate, which is then transferred onto the product surface. Due to its flexibility, it's an excellent choice for branding promotional products, especially those with uneven, curved, or complex surfaces.
Advantages of Pad Printing
- Versatility: Pad printing excels at imprinting on curved, irregular, or rough surfaces, where traditional printing methods may struggle.
- High Detail: This method can reproduce sharp, clean images with details as fine as 0.4mm, with a minimum text size of 5pt.
- PMS Matching: Pad printing allows for close Pantone Matching System (PMS) matches, especially on white or light-coloured products.
- Metallic Inks: For a premium feel, metallic gold and silver inks are available.
- White Underbase: A white underbase can be applied to darker products to enhance the print quality.
- Multi-Colour Printing: Many products can accommodate up to six colours in a single pass, with tight multi-colour registration.
Limitations of Pad Printing
- Halftones: Pad printing cannot consistently reproduce halftones.
- Variable Data: This method is unable to print variable data such as individual naming.
- PMS Matching on Dark Products: Achieving accurate PMS matches is more challenging on darker products and the matches will only be approximate.
- Curing Time: Certain pad print inks require a curing period before the product can be shipped.
- Setup Charges: Each colour necessitates its own setup charge.
- Neon/Fluorescent Colours: Neon and fluorescent colours are not available in pad printing.
Artwork Recommendations for Pad Printing
While we're fully equipped to assist you with preparing your artwork for pad printing, the following recommendations can help expedite the process and ensure optimal results:
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Vector Format: We recommend that all artwork be supplied in a vector editable format (such as EPS, AI, or PDF files). These formats yield the cleanest, sharpest prints. However, if you cannot provide your artwork in this format, our graphics team will be happy to assist you in converting it.
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Fonts: To avoid any potential issues with font conflicts, it's suggested that fonts be converted to outlines or objects prior to submission. If you're unsure of how to do this, don't worry – our team can manage this process for you.
Remember, these are only recommendations. If you're unable to adhere to these, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our experienced team will work closely with you to ensure your artwork is appropriately prepared for the pad printing process.