Pad printing offers an alternative to screen printing for irregularly shaped containers. Because the color is applied to the container by a pliable silicone pad in straight press movement, the design can be placed on virtually any flat, round, smooth or textured surface. Colors are applied one at a time. When multiple colors are being applied, the container or closure is secured to a fixture on a rotary table and passes through a series of ink stations. The color separated text and or graphics being printed are etched into a metal plate and registered to the part being pad printed via the silicone pad.
Advantages of pad printing:
- Works on plastic, glass and metal substrates
- Accurate placement on irregularly shaped or curved containers
- Multi-color printing
- High opacity