What Is the Silicone Pad Made Of?

Pad printing silicone pads are made from RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing) silicone—an elastic and durable material specifically engineered for transferring ink from the cliché to the product surface. These pads are essential to the pad printing process and are designed to adapt to various shapes and surface contours without compromising image fidelity.

Durometer Range

Silicone pads are available in a variety of hardness levels, commonly ranging from 20 to 65 Shore A (00 scale). The durometer selected affects the pressure and transfer characteristics of the pad. Softer pads are more flexible and suitable for complex or curved surfaces, while harder pads offer more control for flat or rigid applications.

Performance Characteristics

High-performance RTV silicone pads are:

• Resistant to excessive heat and temperature fluctuations
• Abrasion and tear resistant for long service life
• Unaffected by most pad printing chemicals such as thinners, retarders, and hardeners
• Formulated to reduce static energy buildup

Custom Formulations

At Deco Tech, we offer multiple proprietary pad formulations to address specific printing needs. Whether you require ultra-soft transfer, antistatic control, or enhanced durability, we provide customized silicone pads engineered for optimal transfer quality.

Explore Our Full Line: Silicone Pad Printing Pads Catalog