Part Decoration: Techniques, Benefits, and Applications

Common Plastic Part Decoration Techniques

Manufacturing a part often involves the application of accent trim, product labels, logos, end-user directions, warning labels, recycling codes, and other decorations. These can be applied through a single printing pass or a series of secondary manufacturing operations. We've described the most common ways that parts are decorated below.​

Hot Stamping

Hot stamping uses heat and pressure to transfer a pigmented or metallic foil design from a carrier tape onto the plastic part surface. This technique creates a durable, high-quality finish and is ideal for adding metallic logos, wood grain effects, and decorative trim to consumer goods, automotive interiors, and appliances.

Benefits:

• No drying time
• Resistant to fading and wear
• Excellent for metallic and specialty finishes

Best for: ABS, polystyrene, and polypropylene parts

Laser Etching

Laser etching involves using a focused laser beam to melt or vaporize the surface layer of a plastic component, producing permanent markings such as serial numbers, QR codes, or graphical design.

Benefits:

• High precision
• Tamper-proof and wear-resistant
• No consumables (like ink)

Best for: Polycarbonate, PBT, ABS, and other engineering plastics

Pad Printing

Pad printing is a versatile indirect offset printing process where a silicone rubber pad transfers ink from a cliché (etched plate) to a part. It supports multiple colors and is ideal for complex shaped parts.

Benefits:

• Works on curved, irregular surfaces
• Quick color changes
• Low setup costs for short runs

Common uses: Medical devices, toys, automotive parts, electronics

Screen Printing

Silk screening applies ink through a mesh screen to create bold, vibrant prints. Ideal for larger, flat surfaces and simpler graphics, screen printing remains a go-to for branding and instructional labeling.

Benefits:

• High ink thickness for strong opacity
• Cost-effective for large volumes
• Durable results on plastic

Limitations: Registration issues in multi-color applications

Choosing the Right Part Decoration Method

When selecting a decorating method, consider:

• Resin type and finish
• Surface texture
• Part geometry
• Required durability
• Color and registration precision
• Volume and cost constraints

Whether you need a vibrant logo, permanent identification, or clear usage instructions, plastic part decoration techniques play a crucial role in product performance and user experience. By understanding your part’s material and functional needs, you can select the most efficient and cost-effective decorating process—improving both aesthetics and manufacturability.