Pad printing is a printing process that can move a 2-D image onto a 3-D object. This is accomplished using an indirect offset printing procedure that involves an image being transferred from the printing plate via a silicone pad onto a substrate. Pad printing is used for printing on otherwise impossible products in many industries including medical, automotive, promotional, clothes, electronics, appliances, sports tools and toys. It may also be used to deposit functional materials such as conductive inks, adhesives, dyes and lubricants.Physical changes within the ink film both on the cliché and on the pad allow it leave the etched image area in favor of adhering to the pad, and to consequently release from the pad in favor of adhering to the substrate.
The unique properties of the silicone pad enable it to select the image up from a flat plane and transfer it to a variety of surface.
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See: www.padprintmachinery.com for articles, videos and more about pad printing
I found some additional interesting information on the basics of pad printing at one of the equipment manufacturers websites: Pad Printing 101 - ITW TransTech I never knew there was so much to it.
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