Custom Decorating for Parts and Products

Pro-Pak Associates designs and supplies custom decorating for engineers and purchasing teams. Since 1996, we have helped customers put logos, warnings and product information directly on parts and products with pad printing, screen printing, UV printing and laser etching.

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Decorating also works on branded merchandise and promotional items such as pens, drinkware and folders. If you need a label instead of decorating on the part, see our Custom Labels. For gift boxes, shipping boxes and printed sleeves, see Printed Boxes.

Pad Printing

Pad printing uses a soft pad to transfer ink onto a part. It works well for logos, warnings and other information on items that are irregular or three-dimensional, or that have a curved, recessed or textured surface.

Use pad printing when the graphic is relatively small and the print area is not a simple flat panel, for example housings, caps, tools and other molded or formed parts.

Pad printing a logo onto a cylindrical metal part with a silicone pad

Screen Printing

Screen printing, also called silk screening, pushes ink through a mesh screen onto the surface. It is often used for larger, bolder graphics and for decorating flatter or gently curved parts and panels.

Use screen printing when you need a solid color area, a larger logo or a durable ink layer on a part or product that can be printed with a screen.

Screen printing a logo onto a metal control faceplate on an industrial press

UV Printing

UV printing is a full-color, photographic-quality digital process. The graphic is printed directly onto the part and cured instantly by UV light, rather than being transferred through a screen or plate. It works well on flat and slightly curved items, including plastic, acrylic, metal, wood, glass, phone cases, promotional products, panels and nameplates.

Use UV printing when you need a detailed, multi-color or photographic graphic, or for short runs, prototypes and variable data. The cured ink leaves a durable, scratch-resistant finish. Choose pad or screen printing instead when the part is more irregular or the graphic is a simpler solid-color mark.

Full-color UV printing of a photographic floral graphic onto a phone case

Laser Printing and Etching

Laser printing and laser etching use a laser to apply a permanent mark, logo, serial number or text directly on the part. The mark is etched or printed into the surface rather than applied as a layer of ink.

Use laser printing or etching on metal, plastic and coated parts, including drinkware and merchandise, when you need a durable identification or graphic, especially where ink or a label may not hold up to handling or use.

Hot stamping and heat transfer decorating are also options when the job calls for them. We will recommend the method that fits your part, graphic and end use.

Laser etching a logo onto a stainless steel tumbler

How We Work

Our team brings more than 50 years of combined industry experience to every project:

1. Define the decorating need around your part, surface and end use

2. Select pad printing, screen printing, UV printing, laser printing and etching, or another method that fits appearance, durability and budget

3. Specify art, size and colors

4. Deliver decorated parts, ready for your line or package

Because we also design and supply custom labels, printed boxes, thermoformed packaging, foam inserts and poly bags, we can coordinate the graphic and the package through one team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? Email info@propakassociates.com or call (610) 869-0683.

Decorating is often a better fit when the surface is irregular, textured or three-dimensional, or when you want the graphic applied directly to the part. For flat branding, identification or instructions, a custom label may be the simpler choice. We can help you compare both.

UV printing is often a better fit when you need a full-color or photographic graphic, a short run, a prototype, or variable data, and the item is flat or only slightly curved. Screen printing is often the better choice for a larger, solid-color graphic on a part that can be printed with a screen.

Laser printing and etching create a permanent mark, logo, serial number or text on the part itself, often on metal, plastic or a coated surface, including drinkware and merchandise. Use it when you want the graphic or identification on the part, rather than a layer of ink or a label.

A description or sample of the part, the graphic you want to apply, the surface material, and how the part will be used. If you have art, a drawing or a photo, send that along.

Yes. Many projects use decorating on the part and a label or printed package around it. We design and supply custom labels and printed boxes and can coordinate them with your decorating.

Start Your Decorating Project

Tell us about your part and we will recommend the right decorating method and approach. Call (610) 869-0683.

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