Pad Printing
Protolabs offers high-quality pad printing (tampo printing) for plastics and metals, ideal for durable logos, markings, and precision components.
What Is Pad Printing (Tampo Printing)?
Pad printing, or tampo printing, is a process that transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object using a silicone pad.
The flexible silicone pad allows ink to be transferred from an etched plate onto almost any surface, whether flat, curved, concave, convex, or textured.
This makes pad printing perfect for detailed markings on injection-moulded components and other parts where traditional printing methods fall short.
Pad Printing Services at Protolabs
Protolabs provides professional pad printing services in the UK, also known as tampo printing or tampography. This industrial printing process is ideal for adding logos, symbols, and graphics to both prototype and production parts — including complex 3D shapes and textured surfaces.
Whether you need clear branding on medical components or fine detail on consumer electronics, our pad printing service ensures high precision and durability.
Key Benefits of Our Pad Printing Services
- Permanent and durable marking for indoor or outdoor use
- Works on plastics, metals, and textured finishes
- Cost-effective alternative to labelling or painting
- Supports single or full-colour printing
- Fast lead times: typically 7 business days
- Suitable for low to high production volumes
Materials Suitable for Pad Printing
| Pad printing can be applied to a wide range of materials, depending on the substrate surface energy, texture, flexibility and the ink type. |
Note: Other plastics and metals (consult our team for compatibility)
How Does Pad Printing Work?
1. The sealed ink cup fills the etched artwork on the printing plate.
2. When lifted, a thin ink layer remains exposed and becomes tacky.
3. The silicone pad presses onto the plate, picking up the inked image.
4. The pad then compresses onto the part, transferring the design with precision.
5. The cycle repeats automatically, ensuring consistent, high-quality prints.
Typical Pad Printing Applications
Pad printing is used across many industries for functional and decorative markings, including:
- Medical and laboratory devices
- Household appliances and tools
- Consumer electronics and housings
- Automotive interiors and buttons
- Computer keyboards and control panels
- Toys, golf balls, and sporting goods
Part Marking using Pad Printing and Laser Engraving
FAQs
What’s Required for Pad Printing?
expand_less expand_more- CAD/part link
- 2D drawing showing graphic location
- Adobe Illustrator (AI) file with artwork size
- Part quantity
- Colour specification (Pantone reference)
- Material type (e.g. ABS, PC, ABS/PC)
If you’re working with other materials, our technical team can advise on the best approach.
What is the difference between pad printing and screen printing?
expand_less expand_morePad printing uses a silicone pad to apply ink onto 3D surfaces, while screen printing applies ink through a mesh stencil on flat surfaces. Pad printing is ideal for curved or textured parts.
What materials can be pad printed?
expand_less expand_moreMost plastics and metals can be pad printed, including ABS, PC, and ABS/PC. Some materials may require testing to confirm adhesion and durability.
Is pad printing durable
expand_less expand_moreYes, when properly applied, pad printing offers long-lasting and wear-resistant markings suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
How many colours can pad printing support?
expand_less expand_morePad printing can apply single to full-colour designs using multiple passes, depending on the complexity of the artwork.
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