Pad printing pads are essential components in the pad printing process. They are made of silicone or rubber materials and have a specific shape and hardness. The pads are designed to pick up ink from an etched plate or cliché and transfer it onto the desired object.
When the pad comes into contact with the etched plate, it compresses and conforms to the shape of the image. This allows the pad to pick up the ink from the etched areas while leaving the non-etched areas clean. The pad then lifts off the plate, carrying the ink with it.
Next, the pad moves to the target object, such as a product or substrate, and presses onto its surface. The pad's flexibility allows it to conform to the object's shape, ensuring accurate and consistent ink transfer.
The ink adheres to the object, creating a crisp and detailed print.
The size, shape, and hardness of the pad are crucial in achieving high-quality prints. These factors are determined based on the specific requirements of the printing job, such as the size of the artwork and the texture of the object's surface.
 
Overall, pad printing pads play a vital role in the pad printing process by facilitating the transfer of ink from the etched plate to the object, resulting in precise and durable prints.