Everything You Need to Know about Stamping
Everything You Need to Know about Stamping
Everything You Need To Know About Stamping
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We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about stamping in one place! From basic questions for beginners, to specifics for stamping-pros, we have your question answered.
Use the right hand bar on the side to find your question and go directly to it, or scroll down to read all of the answers and, perhaps, learn something you didn't know!
Have a question that we didn't answer? Ask it at the bottom of this article and we'll do our best to answer!
What's the difference between clear and rubber stamps?
Clear stamps are transparent, so you can see completely through them. There are two types: Photopolymer and Acrylic. They come attached to an acetate sheet, but without any support or backing (no woodblock like the traditional red rubber stamps have). An acrylic block or stamping press is needed in order to use acrylic stamps. To use, the clear stamp is taken off of the acetate sheet, then put onto a block or press to begin stamping. Because they are clear, you can see exactly where your stamp will be positioned on your paper or project. You can stamp or emboss with acrylic stamps.
Shop our Exclusive Photopolymer Designer Stamp Sets here!
Rubber stamps are the red stamps that are typically mounted to a woodblock and ready to use right away, without additional supports like acrylic blocks and presses. Rubber stamps are more durable and typically high-quality, making them more versatile with heavier substances. A downside to wood-mounted rubber stamps is that you cannot see through them to view the exact placement of your image. Red rubber stamps work wonderfully for stamping and embossing.
What is the difference between Photopolymer Stamps and Acrylic Stamps?
Photopolymer stamps and Acrylic stamps are both unmounted clear stamps that can be used with stamping blocks, stamping platforms and presses, and more.
Both are made out of a plastic material, which makes them easy to store, easy to clean, and more affordable than rubber varieties.
Photopolymer stamps are typically a higher quality of stamp, as the material is more flexible, created crisp stamp impressions, and is less likely to warp, crack, and lose quality over time. On the other hand, Acrylic stamps are often less expensive but are more prone to cracks, fissures, and degradation.
Why is my ink beading up on my stamp?
When you press your stamp onto your ink pad and notice that the ink clumps up a bit, it's easy to get frustrated. Sometimes there is still a residue left on the stamp from the factory production process. This ink clumping is very easy to prevent. Before you use any of your new stamps, clean it off lightly with a very, very fine-grade sandpaper to remove any leftover residue. Be sure to clean off your stamp with a stamp cleaner or a stamp chamois to remove any sandpaper particles before use.
What is a stamping press?
A stamping press is a tool used for creating clean, precise, aligned stamps every time. You can think of a stamping press sort of like a die cutting machine - it's a tool that makes mass production easy and consistent. Stamping presses are perfect for repeated stamp positioning, aligning letters, stamping in layers, and more.
They can be used with both acrylic stamps and red rubber stamps.
There are a couple of presses available, like the MISTI. Read the reviews to find the right one for you.
How does a stamping press work?
Every model differs, so make sure you read the directions for your specific press. In a nutshell, stamping presses have hinged lids that act as a stamping block. You open the lid and place your paper on the platform, place your stamp of choice face down on top of your piece of paper, where you would like the image to be stamped. Some stamping presses have magnets or require the use of a tape that can be repositioned to keep your paper in place (read the product specs to learn more about each specific press). Next, you close the lid and apply a slight amount of pressure. Open the lid, and your stamp should be adhered to the lid. Ink your stamp with your ink of choice and close the lid and apply gentle pressure to the stamped image, keeping your paper in the same place. Voila! You have used a stamping press!
If a part of your stamp is fuzzy or missing, you can reink your stamp (without detaching it or moving your paper) and repeat the stamping process to get a clean, precise stamp.
Keep in mind that stamping presses are all a little different and sometimes require the use of a foam pad or magnets (like the MISTI), so make sure you read through the descriptions when purchasing your stamping press to select one that best suits you.
What is a stamping block?
Stamping blocks are a tool used with acrylic stamps and are sold separately from the stamps. They are plastic, transparent blocks that come in a variety of sizes to suit different sized stamps. A clear, acrylic stamp will cling to a stamping block, then you can use the block to press the stamp onto your paper, fabric, or material of choice.
Note: With the use of EZ mount Stamp N Store, you can make your red rubber stamps compatible with stamping blocks. EZ Mount is a cling mount foam backing that adheres to your stamp, in place of the woodblock.
What is the best stamping technique?
Like all crafting methods, it depends on your goal. Some people prefer stamping blocks while others like woodblock stamps or utilizing stamping presses. The technique depends on the tools you're using. The general rule for stamping is to evenly apply ink to your stamp - not to put your stamp into your ink. The ink should be applied in an even manner - not too thin, but also not caked on (this could result in bleeding or smearing). After applying your ink, or inking, press the stamp onto your paper of choice, in the position that you'd like, and press down firmly without rocking the stamp back and forth. Firm, even pressure will usually result in a much better-stamped image than rocking, which can cause smears and uneven printing.
Do you have to use ink with your stamps?
Short answer: no! Though ink is the go-to for stamping, it's totally ok to get creative. Markers are a popular addition to stampers' supplies. You can use other materials as well.
Note: Marker ink dries very quickly, so make sure you work quickly if you choose to color your stamp with markers! If your water-based ink pad seems dry, try using a reinker to freshen it.
Freshening up an inkpad with a reinker
I keep getting lines next to my stamped image when I stamp! What do I do?
What's happening is you're getting ink on the base of your stamp - whether it's the stamping block or the woodblock. In order to prevent this, ensure that you wash your stamps after use. Also, be careful not to press down too forcefully onto your ink pad and not to rock your stamp back and forth when you're stamping your image.
How do you clean your acrylic stamps?
The Stamp Shammy and baby wipes
If you're wondering how to clean stamps, you're not alone. This is a question that stampers of all levels wonder about! There isn't one way to clean your stamps and many stampers do it differently. One way to clean your stamps is to use baby wipes and wipe your stamps clean between each use (something to keep in mind: baby wipes may leave fibers on your stamp). Advantus creates a good crafting wipe called Ink Away, specifically made for crafters. Another option is using a cleaning liquid- that will clean your stamps and keep them looking new. Some stampers swear by warm water and liquid soap, then hand drying your stamps (*don't use soap and water on your rubber stamps*). Another option is the Stamp Shammy - it's a reusable cloth that cleans without harsh chemicals - only water needed.
Here are a few tried and true stamp cleaners that we would recommend:
How do you clean rubber stamps?
On your rubber stamps, do not use soap and water. Alcohol-free wipes work well on rubber stamps, as well as the cleaners listed in the question above, for acrylic stamping!
Where can I buy stamping supplies?
Stamping supplies are usually available at any local crafting or hobby store. Make sure to call ahead of time or look online to check with them beforehand if you're unsure. Scrapbook.com's stamping section is full of stamps of all styles and a variety of top-of-the-line stamping accessories. You can see the whole stamping section of the store here: Scrapbook.com Stamping.
What are stamp and die sets and how do I use them?
Some companies create dies that correlate directly with their stamps, to create images and die cuts that go together and line-up together, seamlessly. For example, you might find a stamp of a bird and a die that is in the exact shape and size of the stamp, so you can stamp your image and run it through your die cutting machine, with the die, to cut it out perfectly. That's a simple way to explain it, but some stamp and dies sets correlate very intricately and with complex designs to create very professional, versatile projects.
Brands like Art Impressions, Lawn Fawn, and Tim Holtz are well known for their correlating stamps and dies, but you'll find that many companies produce these. You'll find stamps and dies that go together no matter your taste or preference.
Note: If you're interested in learning more about die cutting, check out this informative resource: The Ultimate Guide to Die Cutting. If you have a specific question surrounding die cutting, you might find it in these FAQ's.
Which ink is best for stamping?
The answer to this depends on what your stamping goals are. Because there are thousands of types, brands, and colors of stamping inks, the options can seem endless. There are a few main types of inks to choose from: dye inks, pigment inks, chalk inks, solvent inks, specialty inks, and hybrid inks. We've broken down the different types of stamping ink below so you can have a better sense of which ink you should purchase or try!
The most popular ink pads for stamping are:
What are Dye Inks?
Dye inks are considered the "standard ink" for stamping. They're easily the most popular and utilized. These are the ink pads that you see more often than not. Within the general dye ink category, there are a variety of different types of dye inks, like distress inks, waterproof dye inks, and water-based dye inks.
What are Distress Inks?
Distress inks are water-based dye inks, but they are a bit special because they take longer to dry than standard dye inks and create a really fun, aged effect on your paper. One of the most popular distress inks on the market is the Ranger Ink Distress Inks.
What are Waterproof Dye Inks?
Waterproof inks are dye-based and will not run or bleed if contact with water occurs. These are great for watercolor techniques, because you can stamp an image onto your watercolor paper or cardstock, wait a few moments for it to dry, then paint on top with watercolor!
A few popular waterproof dye inks are:
What are Pigment Inks?
Pigment inks are opaque and on the heavier side when it comes to ink and usually has a glycerin base. The ink tends to sit on the surface of your paper vs being absorbed into it which creates a more solid effect when stamping. The result is thicker like paint.
When is it better to use pigment inks?
Pigment inks are great for scrapbooking projects since they don't tend to fade quickly. They're also great for embossing due to their thick consistency.
Pigment Ink Pros: Pigment inks are solid in color and opacity.
Pigment Ink Cons: The pads themselves tend to dry out more quickly than dye ink pads, so reinking might be more frequent. Also, because they are thicker, they take longer to dry and sometimes need assistance in drying, like using a heat gun or tool. Such as Heidi Swapp's Heat Tool or Hero Arts'.
We carry a beautiful, exclusive pigment ink in white that's also perfect for creating faux chalkboard effects.
Custom Metal Stamping | A Comprehensive Guide
Custom metal stamping is, by definition, designed exclusively for a specific part and its functions. Unlike mass-produced stampings, custom metal stamping is chosen when precision and complex dimensions are required to produce a unique part. This process requires the upfront development of a custom metal stamping tool that cuts and forms the part as the metal goes through the stamping press. Custom metal stampings can range from large components for automobiles and custom assemblies to micro-miniature parts for medical devices or electronics.
Techniques for Shaping Custom Metal Stampings
Stamping includes a variety of sheet metal forming processes consisting of either a single station operation where every stroke of the press produces the desired form of the metal part or could occur through a series of stages. The following techniques are used to achieve the desired shape in the press.
Bending
Bending creates a formed feature by angular displacement of a sheet metal workpiece. In some processes, one edge of the workpiece is clamped in a stationary position while the other edge is clamped by a metal tool and bent over a form to create a precise bend or shape. Alternatively, the metal piece may be pushed into or against a form.
Blanking
The blanking process removes a metal piece from the primary metal strip or sheet when it is punched through the strip/sheet. The material that is removed becomes the new metal workpiece or blank.
Coining
Coining is a forming process that uses an extreme amount of pressure to push the workpiece into a die. The die then forms the metal into a precise shape and creates permanent forms in the workpiece. Coining also smooths the edges of metal parts by striking them with a high degree of force. This removes existing burrs and hardens the metal. Coining may reduce the need for deburring, grinding, and other secondary processes at the end of the project, which saves both time and money.
Crash/Crush Forming
This process deforms the metal using only a punch and cavity. These dies do not control metal flow and cannot prevent the metal from wrinkling or buckling. They are used to form simple parts, such as brackets and braces, made from thick, stiff metals that are more wrinkle-resistant than thinner metals.
Cutting
One of the most common stamping operations, cutting trims the metal into a part by the use of extremely high force in the stamping press. Cutting operations include trimming, notching, piercing, blanking, lancing, and shearing.
Drawing
A complex drawing die is used to create large metal parts, such as automotive components. The process involves controlling the flow of metal into a cavity via a pressure-loaded draw pad to prevent wrinkling as the material flows over a forming punch.
Embossing
Embossing is a cold-forming process used for creating specific formations or designs on metal pieces. Male and female embossing components press a workpiece between them with sufficient force to form the three-dimensional feature.
Extruding
Extrusion forms the metal inside the diameter of a pierced hole, which may be used for applications such as holding fasteners during part assemblies.
Flanging
The flanging operation bends metal along a curved axis, which may be used to form a projection or the rim of a part as it relates to part assembly and stiffness requirements.
Forming
Metal stamping involves a variety of forming operations. The stamping press forms the metal material by applying tension, compression, or both. The specific type of forming operation selected depends on the material’s properties and the part’s critical dimensions, balancing formability and strength.
Ironing
Similar to the coining process, ironing employs compression to form the part by squeezing the metal along a vertical wall to achieve exact thickness and length dimensions.
Lancing
In order to free up metal without separating it from the metal strip, lancing slices or slits the metal, which may be used in progressive dies as a part carrier.
Piercing
This metal cutting operation, also called perforating, produces a hole in a formed part or sheet metal, which may be round, square or a custom shape. The slug is then discarded.
Pinch Trimming
Pinch trimming is a special method in which the vertical walls of a drawn or stretched vessel are cut by pinching the metal.
Punching
This forming process uses a punch press to force a tool, called a punch, through the workpiece/material to create a hole and produces a scrap slug that is deposited into the die below the sheet metal.
Restriking/Sizing
Used primarily after major forming operations are complete, restriking employs an additional station in the die to finish precision details such as small embossing and sharp radii.
Shaving
An operation used to eliminate or minimize die-break, while maximizing the amount of sheared edge. The general concept with shaving is to pre-punch the hole slightly smaller, then post-punch the hole to size, using a very tight die clearance. This can also be done on a straight or outside edge.
Shearing
Cutting force is applied perpendicular to the material, causing the material to yield and break.
Trimming
The trimming process achieves the specified profile of a stamped part by forming its perimeter or cutting away excess metal, with precision trimming designed to minimize scrap.
Custom Metal Stamping Production Methods
The method chosen for metal stamping production takes into account the complexity of the part and how metal stamping can best form that part. For precision parts with tight tolerances, the method may include the use of in-die sensors to continually monitor part quality, along with other inspection methods. The method also takes into account secondary operations, such as plating, heat treating, welding, and cleaning or sterilization.
Progressive Die Stamping
Progressive metal stamping is a stamping process that advances a metal strip from station to station performing different operations on the same part in the die until the part is complete. Conical-shaped pilots are inserted into pre-pierced holes in the strip to ensure the precision of the alignment as the part advances to guarantee the accuracy of the finished product. Since the part is attached to a metal strip throughout its formation, the entire process and parts will be out of tolerance if the strip is off by even a tiny fraction of an inch.
Progressive die stamping offers some advantages such as being a highly repeatable process and since the material is continuously fed into the stamping press, long production runs can be completed, producing more finished parts in less time resulting in lower cost per part.
Progressive Stamping Delivers High Speed Production and Lower Costs.
Transfer die stamping
Transfer die stamping uses one press to operate multiple tools. The part is removed from its metal strip so that it can be freely transferred. A part, which can be turned or rotated, is shaped by each station until it is complete. Automation of the transfer process streamlines the operation into a single press.
Transfer dies can handle many part features in one press pass, such as holes, cut-outs or threading, which can eliminate costly secondary operations.
Transfer die stamping is typically used for large parts like frames, tube applications, draws, shells, and structural components.
Is Progressive Die Stamping or Transfer Die Stamping Best for Your Next Precision Metal Stamping Project?
Deep Drawing
Beneficial for applications requiring recessed cavities, where the depth of the drawn part exceeds its diameter, deep drawing uses blanking, swaging or sizing to deform the base material and apply recessed features.
Fine Blanking
Fine blanking is optimal for parts that require very smooth, precise edges or exceptional flatness. Fine blanking is particularly suitable for moving parts such as gears. Fine blanking is a combination of metal stamping and cold-metal extrusion techniques, requiring special presses.
Progressive Stamping vs. Fine Blanking: Three questions OEMs Should Ask
Multi-slide / Four-slide Stamping
Multi-slide / Four-slide stamping is best suited for fabricating complex components that have numerous bends or twists and for forming wire. The difference between multi-slide and four-slide is that four-slide metal stamping machines have four moving slides while multi-slide machines have more than four slides. The slides or rams in the machines strike the material to produce the finished parts.
Multi-slide / Four-slide equipment can manufacture complicated parts with multiple, complex, or over 90° bends and twists including clips, brackets, flat springs, terminals, retainers, and wire formed parts. Both flat and round materials can be formed.
For more metal stamping press for saleinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
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