Pad Printing
Pad printing is a versatile printing process that transfers high-quality images onto plastic, metal, glass, wood, and other hard-to-print materials. Using a soft silicone pad, it accurately prints on flat, curved, textured, and irregularly shaped products that other printing methods cannot decorate. It is an excellent choice for logos, product branding, safety markings, control panels, promotional products, and industrial components requiring sharp, consistent detail.
With more than 35 years of experience, Foilprint delivers durable, professional pad printing solutions for both short production runs and high-volume manufacturing. We help you select the right inks, materials, and printing process to ensure your products look great and perform reliably in their intended environment.
What it works on?
What it works on?
Curved, textured, and recessed surfaces including pens, promotional items, electronics, tools, and industrial parts.
Artwork we need
Artwork we need
Vector file in eps, ai or pdf format with fonts saved in outlines.
Minimums and setup
Minimums and setup
Each pad printing order includes a machine setup charge to prepare the press for production. In addition, there is a one-time charge for films, printing plates, and any required fixtures for new artwork or products; these charges are not repeated for exact reorder jobs using the same artwork and part.
Built for the surfaces other methods cannot reach
Pad printing is the ideal solution for marking curved, textured, recessed, and irregularly shaped parts that other printing methods can't easily handle. Using a soft silicone pad to transfer ink from an engraved printing plate, we produce precise, durable prints on plastic, metal, coated, and painted components used in manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, automotive, industrial equipment, and consumer products.
With more than 35 years of experience, we specialize in solving challenging printing applications where consistency, accuracy, and repeatability matter.
Questions about your project?
Tell us what you are printing and we will recommend the best approach.
What is pad printing?
What is pad printing?
Pad printing is a precision printing process that transfers ink from an etched printing plate to a product using a soft silicone pad. The flexible pad conforms to curved, textured, recessed, and irregular surfaces that cannot be printed using conventional flat printing methods.
Pad printing is ideal for decorating plastic, metal, glass, wood, and many other hard goods with sharp, durable graphics.
What types of products can you pad print?
What types of products can you pad print?
We print on a wide variety of customer-supplied and sourced products, including:
- Plastic components
- Metal parts
- Electronic housings
- Promotional products
- Hard hats
- Pens
- Drinkware
- Medical devices
- Automotive components
- Industrial equipment
- Consumer products
If you’re unsure whether your product is suitable for pad printing, send us a photo along with the dimensions and material, and we’ll be happy to evaluate it.
What materials can you print on?
What materials can you print on?
Pad printing is compatible with many materials, including:
- ABS
- Polycarbonate
- Acrylic
- PVC
- Polypropylene
- Nylon
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Painted and powder-coated surfaces
- Glass
- Wood
The material determines which ink system is required. If necessary, we can perform adhesion testing to help ensure the print meets your durability requirements.
Is pad printing durable?
Is pad printing durable?
Yes. We use industrial-grade inks selected specifically for your product and application.
Depending on the material and ink system, pad printed graphics can resist abrasion, chemicals, UV exposure, cleaning products, and repeated handling.
If your product has demanding performance requirements, we can recommend the most suitable ink system and, where appropriate, perform adhesion testing before production.
How many colours can you print?
How many colours can you print?
We can print single-colour logos as well as multi-colour graphics using precise registration between each colour.
We’ll recommend the most efficient printing method based on your artwork, product, and production quantity.
What information do I need to request a quote?
What information do I need to request a quote?
To prepare an accurate quotation, please provide:
- Product description or photographs
- Material (plastic, metal, glass, etc.)
- Quantity required
- Print size
- Print location
- Number of print colours
- Artwork (if available)
- Required delivery date
- How the products will arrive for printing (bulk packed, individually boxed, bagged, etc.)
- Any special unpacking, repacking, labeling, kitting, or packaging requirements
The more information you provide, the faster and more accurately we can prepare your quotation.
Are there setup charges?
Are there setup charges?
Yes. In addition to the machine setup and production run setup charges, there is a one-time charge for the films, printing plates, and, where required, custom fixtures needed to produce your order.
These items are retained for future production, so exact repeat orders using the same artwork and product will not incur a second charge for the films, plates, or fixtures, provided no changes are required.
Why choose Foilprint Inc. for your pad printing project?
Why choose Foilprint Inc. for your pad printing project?
Since 1988, Foilprint Inc. has provided high-quality pad printing services for manufacturers, promotional product distributors, and businesses throughout Canada and the United States.
Our experienced team works closely with every customer to recommend the right ink system, develop custom fixtures when required, and deliver consistent, high-quality printing on everything from prototype parts to large production runs. Whether you need a small quantity or ongoing production, we’re committed to providing reliable service, competitive pricing, and exceptional print quality.