Pre-inked stamps

A marking stamp, also known as a seal or rubber stamp, is a manual or automatic instrument used to mark and print a pattern on various types of media.
Its flexibility of use allows it to effectively meet two major areas of application:

Administrative and professional context

• Authentication of official documents (company seal).
• Dating documents (date stamps).
• Repetitive notations in accounting, secretarial, or logistics work.
• Cancellation and document tracking.

Creative and hobby context

• Used in stationery and scrapbooking.
• Decoration of invitations and greeting cards.
• Packaging and label customization.
• Creation of unique and decorative materials.

A traditional stamp consists of three essential elements that ensure its operation:

• The ink pad: a felt pad or cartridge soaked in ink.
• The die (or impression): the engraved relief part containing the text or logo, made of rubber or polymer resin.
• The mount (or handle): an ergonomic support ensuring grip and marking pressure.

Choosing the right ink depends primarily on the material to be marked and the conditions of use:

• Standard inks for paper.
• Fast-drying or alcohol-based inks for non-porous surfaces (plastic, metal, glass).
• Specific inks for textiles, resistant to washing.
• Technical inks for industrial applications or demanding outdoor conditions.

A marking stamp allows ink to be transferred onto a substrate to reproduce text, a logo, a number, or any other visual quickly and repeatably.
Regardless of the system used, the principle remains the same: a pattern is loaded with ink and then applied by pressure onto the surface to be marked.

A stamp marking system generally relies on three essential elements:

• The pattern carrier
  This is the element that contains the visual to be reproduced (text, logo, numbering, symbol, etc.).
• The inking system
  It provides ink to the pattern before each impression. Depending on the technology used, the ink can be integrated directly into the stamp or applied via a separate ink pad.
• The application mechanism
  It ensures contact between the stamp and the substrate to obtain a clean and consistent marking.

Depending on production needs and the substrates to be marked, there are several marker stamp technologies available :

• Rubber
• Photopolymer resin
• Pre-inked version

Operation of the different types of stamps:

Rubber or photopolymer resin stamps

• The stamp is impregnated with the ink contained in the ink pad
• It is then applied to the substrate to be marked to transfer the ink
• A new ink application is required for each impression

Pre-inked stamps

• The ink is integrated directly into the material
• It is stored in a microporous structure composed of ink microcapsules
• Marking is performed without prior external inking

Manufacturing a rubber stamp involves creating a surface capable of reproducing a visual (text, logo, number, or symbol) and then integrating it into an inking system.
The manufacturing process takes place in 4 steps and applies equally to resin stamps, traditional rubber stamps, and pre-inked models.

• Graphic design
  Texts, logos, and layouts are created or adjusted on a computer using DTP software to prepare the final visual.
• Negative exposure
  The visual is printed on a high-density transparent film to create a perfect negative.
  The areas intended for marking remain transparent while the background becomes completely black and opaque.
• Creating the relief (the cliché)
  The negative film is exposed to UV rays in an exposure machine.
  The light passes through the transparent areas and hardens the photosensitive material.
  This results in:
  – either the final stamp directly (in the case of resin stamps);
  – or a relief cliché (hard photopolymer) serving as a master template.
• Final molding (for rubber and pre-inked)
  The relief cliché is hot-pressed into a matrix to create a reusable recessed mold.
  This matrix then allows for:
  – pressing and vulcanizing traditional rubber;
  – or gelling the specific ink used to manufacture pre-inked stamps.

The manufacturing of a pre-inked stamp is one of the most technical processes on the market. It requires high-precision equipment as well as rigorous control of temperatures and cycle times. The process takes place in three main stages.

Creation of the matrix (photopolymer phase)
This first step consists of preparing the design to be reproduced. It uses a process similar to that of traditional rubber stamps.

• Film production: creation of the negative film in daylight
• Photopolymer machine (Thermogravor range): exposure allowing the creation of the hard photopolymer imprint

Molding of the recessed imprint
Once the photopolymer has hardened, it is molded to create the matrix intended to receive the pre-inked gel.

• Use of specific blanks: classic pre-inked blanks or the frame blank innovation
• Impression press: operation performed under pressure using an automatic press or a model such as the PEVP A4

Curing and gelation (critical step)
This final phase consists of curing the pre-inked gel to set the ink into the heart of the stamp.

• High thermal regulation curing press
• Precise temperature control (to the exact degree)
• Homogeneous distribution of heat across all plates

The expertise of Thermoflan presses guarantees this thermal homogeneity. This mastery is essential to ensure optimal curing of the gel and to obtain durable, premium-quality stamps.

Although both systems are automated, they rely on entirely different printing technologies and mechanisms.

The self-inking stamp (The classic system)
The self-inking stamp uses a mechanical system visible with every mark:

• Rotation operation: The die rests against an ink pad initially. When pressed, the mechanism rotates the die to mark the document. The stamp is thus re-inked with every use.
• Maintenance: When the ink runs out or the pad is worn, it is necessary to replace the removable ink cartridge.

The pre-inked stamp (Premium technology)
The pre-inked stamp eliminates any rotation mechanism and integrates the ink directly into its structure:

• Gel-based ink operation: It does not have a conventional cartridge. The text or logo is formed in a gelled ink that releases the marking with simple direct pressure, without noise or mechanical friction.
• Successive impressions: This technology allows you to perform 4 to 5 markings in a row quickly. After a short resting period, the internal reservoir automatically recharges the gel with ink.
• Quality and precision: The process offers superior marking finesse and ideal sharpness for complex logos or small characters.
• Intensity adjustment: The mount is equipped with a pressure adjustment system that allows the print density to be customized (to obtain a lighter or darker rendering depending on the substrate).
• Record durability: A properly manufactured model can ensure up to approximately 50,000 impressions before depletion, which is a significantly longer lifespan than traditional systems.

Patented at the time of its market launch, the frame blank simplified the manufacturing of pre-inked stamps by eliminating several intermediate operations and reducing production times. Its principle is based on the direct integration of functions previously performed with multiple separate components.

Innovations of the frame blank

• Direct frame integration The frame is integrated directly into the blank. This design eliminates the use of aluminum chassis, which reduces handling, simplifies workshop organization, and limits accessory storage.
• Elimination of cleaning operations The absence of chassis to recover eliminates the need for solvent cleaning steps. The process becomes simpler, faster, and more comfortable on a daily basis.
• Shorter curing cycles The frame blank technology allows for faster gel curing. Manufacturing time is reduced and overall productivity is improved.
• Great format flexibility To adapt to various production needs, the frame blank is available in several standard dimensions: A8 • A7 • A6 • A5 • A4

The pre-inked stamp stands out from traditional systems due to its unique technology. Here are its main benefits and manufacturing requirements:

The Advantages

• Exceptional longevity (Up to 50,000 impressions): Thanks to its integrated ink system within the material itself, it allows for approximately 50,000 perfect impressions, without any refills or cassette changes. It is the choice for durability.
• Flawless and adjustable print quality: It offers superior sharpness compared to classic stamps. Furthermore, its mount includes a pressure adjustment system that allows for precise control of ink intensity (lighter or darker) based on user preference.
• A high-end, differentiating product: Being more technical and less common on the market than the standard self-inking stamp, the pre-inked stamp represents a high-value offering. It allows you to stand out from the competition by providing a premium product.

The main disadvantage (Manufacturing side)

• Rigorous production technicality: Its manufacturing does not tolerate improvisation. The process requires an extremely precise curing time and production equipment equipped with perfect thermal regulation to ensure optimal results.

The 4 main areas of application for ink stamps:

Corporate and administrative field

• A daily tool for companies and administrations for authenticating official documents
• Used on commercial documents: quotes, contracts, delivery slips
• Complements dates and signatures on documents
• Also includes daters and numberers

Scrapbooking and creative stationery

• Used for personalizing handmade creations: albums, announcements, invitations
• Allows for the creation of numerous visual and decorative effects
• Compatible with various accessories: metallic inks, multicolor inks, embossing powders for relief effects

Textile marking

• Used for marking clothing and textiles
• Specific inks resistant to repeated washing
• Good durability over time without degradation of the mark

Industrial and technical solutions

• Meets demanding technical specifications
• UV inks for outdoor resistance and environmental constraints
• Acid inks for etching and traceability (e.g., marking on glass, light bulbs, technical parts)