Pad printing enables the transfer of a two dimensional image onto a 3D object. The unique properties of a silicone printing pad enables it to collect the image from a flat plane (printing plate) and transfer it to a variety of surfaces whether they're flat, cylindrical, spherical, textured, concave or convex.
 

Pad printing should be the first method considered when there's a requirement to reproduce a large number of small but detailed prints.
The main drawback with pad printing is that although reasonably high resolution can be achieved, the actual print area is very small (between 3 - 10 cm sq.). The small size of the print is no disadvantage if you require printing on pens, mugs, coasters etc. The genuine benefit of pad printing is that it copes extremely well with irregularly shaped surfaces and colour matching is accurate.