Abstract: A method for carrying out pad transfer printing is disclosed in which process parameters for a desired print cycle are input to a controller. The method includes the steps of independently driving a gravure printing plate between an inking position and an ink transfer position, and independently driving an ink transfer pad between an ink receiving position and an ink transfer position, both in accordance with the input process parameters. The process parameters may include the velocities or lengths of movement of the gravure printing plate and ink transfer pad, and the dwell periods between movements of these components. The process parameters may be adjusted automatically in accordance with differences between the estimated and actual times required to move the printing plate and transfer pad along their paths of movement.