Trotec Laser Inc.
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E-Mail: usa@troteclaser.com
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Tips and tricks for stamp engraving
You can quickly and easily laser engrave stamp text plates. Below is a guide for engraving the perfect stamp in 3 steps, including tips on what to consider when laser processing rubber stamps.
3 steps to engraving the perfect stamp Tips for laser processing
3 steps to making the perfect stamp
Step 1: Draw the stamp layout in the graphics program
Create the layout the way it should be printed later on the paper. To create a stamp, no mirroring or inverting of the graphic in the graphics program is necessary. If the “Stamp” process type is selected in the printer driver, the graphic is automatically mirrored or inverted for laser processing. Even the cutting line can be selected in the printer driver for automatic cutting and does not have to be specially drawn.
Step 2: Printer settings
Select the following settings in the printer driver:
Size: Enter the size of the stamp, or if a Trodat stamp is used, simply select it from the list
Materials: Rubber - here, we fall back on the tested laser parameters from our material database.
Process type: Stamp - the layout for the engraving is automatically mirrored and inverted
Resolution: 600 dpi or more
Cutting line: optimized - the cutting line is adapted to the layout and thus prevents an impression of the layout background
Raster algorithm: Black-white
Shoulders: Standard: medium
Step 3: Laser process
Start the laser process. When finished, clean the rubber stamp in the ultrasonic bath or with water and a brush. Then stick the lasered rubber in the stamp.
Things to consider when processing rubber stamps with a laser engraver
How deep does the engraving need to be to produce a clean impression?
The parameters for Trodat Aero rubber stamps are stored in the JobControl® material database. In this parameter, the engraving depth is set automatically. If you use another rubber stamp, make sure that the engraving depths of stamps are about 1.1 mm for a good impression.
What are shoulders?
To obtain a clean, detailed impression on paper, it is important to create "shoulders." Shoulders are used to give the letters and characters of a stamp text plate more stability at the base. Depending on the fineness of the stamp, the following shoulder settings can be selected in the JobControl® software:
- Steep: suitable for large areas
- Medium: well suited for standard text stamps
- Flat: ideal for fine fonts
Why you should use an extraction system
Processing rubber stamps releases dust and odor. It is therefore important to provide an efficient extraction system for good removal of the dust particles. The extraction system should be equipped with a sufficient proportion of activated carbon to filter the odors. We also recommend engraving the stamp plate from the top down, so the engraving quality is not affected by dust particles.
Which lens to use for making the text plate
For texts and images with delicate details, we recommend using the 1.5” lens.
How to maximize stamp engraving efficiency
The laser engraving rubber requires relatively high power output to achieve a certain level of productivity. The more power the laser machine has, the faster the job is completed. In addition, there is the “link” function in the JobControl® software. If this is activated, small connecting bridges are automatically set between the laser-engraved and cut text plates. This allows you to engrave and clean an entire DIN A4 stamp plate in one process. Then you can simply break the individual text plates out. This process significantly increase your output compared to the process of creating individual stamp motifs.
More about laser engraving stamps
Using lasers for rubber stamp production offers unbeatable advantages in comparison with other technologies. You can engrave textplates for stamps, seal presses, signs, business cards and many more items.