Pad Printing is a process used for decorating plastic parts and is especially well-suited for use when the parts have an irregular surface.  Three major components are required for pad printing: pad, ink and cliché. The cliché is made of hard polymer or steel and includes the design etched into it to act as a reservoir for the ink. The pad is typically silicone rubber and is used to pick up the design from the cliché and transfer to the plastic part. The properties of silicone allow the ink to stick temporarily to the pad yet be fully released when it comes in contact with the part.  ECP has experience in pad printing for many customers including automotive, industrial, and power tool industries.