How it actually works
STEP 1
The cliché is etched
Your logo is etched a few microns deep into a steel plate (the cliché), then the whole plate is flooded with ink.
STEP 2
Doctor blade sweep
A blade wipes the surface clean. Ink survives only inside the etched logo: a perfect, thin film waiting to be picked up.
STEP 3
The pad picks it up
A soft silicone pad presses onto the plate and lifts the entire ink image clean off it in one touch.
STEP 4
It wraps the curve
Because the pad is soft, it conforms to round, concave or textured surfaces as it presses, which is why it owns pens and keychains. Cycle time: about 2 seconds.
TRY ITRun one press cycle
Watch the pad carry ink from the flat etched plate onto a round pen barrel.
At a glance
Best on
Pens, keychains, stress relievers, curved goods
Colors
1 or 2 spot colors work best
Finish & feel
Very thin, smooth ink film
Durability
Strong on handled items
Typical setup
$40 to $60 per color
Sweet spot
150+ pieces (pens: 300+)
Jansco pro tip
Pad print areas are small, usually under 2 inches. A simplified mark or wordmark almost always reads better than your full logo lockup.
This method loves:
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