PAD printing is a type of printing which uses an intaglio plate, and is called PAD printing because it uses silicone rubber pads. This is a method in which the ink on an intaglio plate is transferred to an elastic silicone rubber pad, and then transferred onto a flat or uneven surface. Silicone pads are soft and can fit into even slightly uneven surfaces, and is used to print on curved areas. This method is also known as ‘Tampo printing’. 

 A feature of PAD printing is that it prints using elastic silicone rubber, so even if the shape is slightly rounded or dented, it’s possible to print.  Moreover, the pattern’s edges can be printed neatly.  Ink also comes in glossy, matte, transparent, opaque, glitter, pearl effect and more, so you can create a variety of looks.

This is how PAD printing works.

The red part is ink. A PAD printer is used. Since the silicone is a soft material, it can print on surfaces that are slightly uneven.

Also, when performing multicolor printing, the ink and plate need to be changed on the machine each time.